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Huawei nova 9 smartphone review: Without 5G but with some special camera features

Greetings from Honor. With the nova 9, Huawei again tries to impress with some cleverly designed technology and particularly the camera software. At the same time, it lacks Google Services as well as support for the 5G mobile communication standard. Our review finds out what the Android smartphone can do.
Huawei nova 9

Those who read our test of the Honor 50 should be familiar with a lot of things about the nova 9. Despite the separation of the two companies, Huawei delivers an almost identical smartphone. However, it only makes do without 5G and Google Services, since those are still impacted by the trade limitations against the Chinese vendor.

For about 500 Euros (~$566), the Huawei smartphone is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G, a Qualcomm Adreno-642L graphics unit, 8GB of RAM, and 128 GB internal storage. Equipped with this hardware, it has to compete against the comparison devices listed below.

Huawei Nova 9 (Nova Series)
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G 8 x 1.8 - 2.4 GHz, Kryo 670 (Cortex-A78/A55)
Graphics adapter
Memory
8 GB 
Display
6.57 inch 19.5:9, 2340 x 1080 pixel 392 PPI, capacitive, OLED, glossy: yes, 120 Hz
Storage
128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash, 128 GB 
, 118 GB free
Connections
1 USB 2.0, USB-C Power Delivery (PD), Audio Connections: USB Type-C, 1 Fingerprint Reader, NFC, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: gravity sensor, gyroscope, e-compass, proximity sensor
Networking
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/ax = Wi-Fi 6/), Bluetooth 5.2, 2G GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), 3G WCDMA (1/2/4/5/6/8/19), 4G LTE TDD/FDD (1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/17/18/19/20/26/28/34/38/39/40/41/66), Dual SIM, LTE, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 7.77 x 160 x 73.7 ( = 0.31 x 6.3 x 2.9 in)
Battery
4300 mAh Lithium-Polymer
Charging
fast charging / Quickcharge
Operating System
Android 11
Camera
Primary Camera: 50 MPix (f/1.9) + 8 MP (ultra-wide, f/2.2) + 2 MP (depth, f/2.4) + 2 MP (macro, f/2.4)
Secondary Camera: 32 MPix (f/2.0)
Additional features
Speakers: dual, Keyboard: onscreen, Keyboard Light: yes, charger, Usb-C cable, SIM tool, silicone case, EMUI 12, 24 Months Warranty, SAR value (head): 0.8 W/kg, SAR value (body): 1.2 W/kg, GPS (L1 + L5 dual band), AGPS, GLONASS, BeiDou (B1I + B1C + B2a Tri-band), GALILEO (E1 + E5a dual band), QZSS (L1 + L5 dual band), NavIC, fanless
Weight
175 g ( = 6.17 oz / 0.39 pounds), Power Supply: 135 g ( = 4.76 oz / 0.3 pounds)
Price
499 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Possible Competitors for Comparison

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Drive
Size
Resolution
Best Price
85.3 %
12/2021
Huawei Nova 9
SD 778G 5G, Adreno 642L
175 g128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash6.57"2340x1080
85.5 %
12/2021
Honor 50
SD 778G 5G, Adreno 642L
175 g256 GB UFS 2.1 Flash6.57"2340x1080
84.2 %
11/2021
Motorola Edge 20
SD 778G 5G, Adreno 642L
163 g128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash6.70"2400x1080
85.1 %
09/2021
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
SD 778G 5G, Adreno 642L
189 g128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash6.50"2400x1080
86.6 %
10/2021
Xiaomi 11T
Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9
203 g128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash6.67"2400x1080

Case - A high-quality Huawei smartphone

The Huawei nova 9 case is made with a metal frame and glass back. The latter is dominated by the camera system designed with a frame that forms a double circle, which can also be found in the Honor 50. The workmanship shows a very high quality, and all the keys sit in their frames tightly. The manufacturer forgoes an IP certification. Compared to other smartphones of its class, the nova 9 is relatively light at 175 g (~6.2 oz) and very compact due to its small frame.

Huawei nova 9
Huawei nova 9
Huawei nova 9
Huawei nova 9
Huawei nova 9
Huawei nova 9
Huawei nova 9

Size Comparison

164.1 mm / 6.46 inch 76.9 mm / 3.03 inch 8.8 mm / 0.3465 inch 203 g0.4475 lbs163 mm / 6.42 inch 76 mm / 2.99 inch 7 mm / 0.2756 inch 163 g0.3594 lbs159.9 mm / 6.3 inch 75.1 mm / 2.96 inch 8.4 mm / 0.3307 inch 189 g0.4167 lbs160 mm / 6.3 inch 73.7 mm / 2.9 inch 7.77 mm / 0.3059 inch 175 g0.3858 lbs159.96 mm / 6.3 inch 73.76 mm / 2.9 inch 7.78 mm / 0.3063 inch 175 g0.3858 lbs148 mm / 5.83 inch 105 mm / 4.13 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 1.5 g0.00331 lbs

Equipment - The nova 9 does not offer an audio port

In addition to the hardware already mentioned, the Huawei nova 9 offers space for two NanoSIM cards that each support VoLTE and VoWLAN. There is no microSD card slot, and it also lacks a 3.5-mm audio port. However, external headphones can be connected to the smartphone via the USB-C 2.0 connection. DRM Widevine L1 is not supported, and the Camera2 API is available at "Full" level.

Left side: no connections
Left side: no connections
Top: microphone
Top: microphone
Right side: volume rocker, power button
Right side: volume rocker, power button
Bottom: NanoSIM slot, microphone, USB-C, speaker
Bottom: NanoSIM slot, microphone, USB-C, speaker

Software - No Google Services in a Huawei phone

The nova 9 contains EMUI version 12.0.1, which is based on Android 11 and appears visually identical to HarmonyOS, with the security patches on the level of November 1, 2021. Since Huawei has to make do without Google Services, it offers some useful alternatives with the Huawei AppGallery, Petal Maps, and other apps. The home screen of the smartphone also shows download links to numerous third-party apps such as Check24, Stepstone, Snapchat, and others.

The system operation is almost identical to that of other Android systems, and you only need to invest some time to get used to the alternative apps.

Software Huawei nova 9
Software Huawei nova 9
Software Huawei nova 9
Software Huawei nova 9
Software Huawei nova 9
Software Huawei nova 9

Communication and GNSS - No 5G in the Huawei nova 9

The nova 9 is able to create mobile connections via GSM, 3G, and LTE. With LTE Cat. 11/12, download rates up to 600 Mbit/s and upload rates of up to 100 Mbit/s are possible.

For close range communication, the Huawei smartphone can use NFC, Bluetooth 5.2, and WiFi 6. In combination with our reference router, we measure speeds of 692 Mbit/s on average when transferring and 727 Mbit/s on average when receiving data, placing the nova 9 second to last in our test field.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Xiaomi 11T
Mali-G77 MP9, Dimensity 1200, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
884 (817min - 939max) MBit/s +28%
Honor 50
Adreno 642L, SD 778G 5G, 256 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
852 (384min - 906max) MBit/s +23%
Motorola Edge 20
Adreno 642L, SD 778G 5G, 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
697 (664min - 716max) MBit/s +1%
Huawei Nova 9
Adreno 642L, SD 778G 5G, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
692 (347min - 713max) MBit/s
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Adreno 642L, SD 778G 5G, 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
461 (433min - 470max) MBit/s -33%
iperf3 receive AX12
Xiaomi 11T
Mali-G77 MP9, Dimensity 1200, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
836 (737min - 887max) MBit/s +15%
Motorola Edge 20
Adreno 642L, SD 778G 5G, 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
809 (717min - 844max) MBit/s +11%
Honor 50
Adreno 642L, SD 778G 5G, 256 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
769 (725min - 813max) MBit/s +6%
Huawei Nova 9
Adreno 642L, SD 778G 5G, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
727 (616min - 781max) MBit/s
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Adreno 642L, SD 778G 5G, 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
425 (413min - 432max) MBit/s -42%
Average of class Smartphone
  (last 2 years)
376 MBit/s -48%
050100150200250300350400450500550600650700750800850900Tooltip
Huawei Nova 9 Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Qualcomm Adreno 642L; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø727 (616-781)
Honor 50 Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Qualcomm Adreno 642L; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø768 (725-813)
Huawei Nova 9 Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Qualcomm Adreno 642L; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø680 (347-713)
Honor 50 Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Qualcomm Adreno 642L; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø852 (384-906)
GPS Test indoors
GPS Test indoors
GPS Test outdoors
GPS Test outdoors

The Huawei nova 9 is able to determine its location using GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, and QZSS. With this, we measure a locating accuracy of up to 4 m (~13 ft) outdoors with the "GPS Test" app.

In our mandatory bike tour, the nova 9 records some slightly more sweeping curve lines compared to our Garmin Edge 500 reference device.

GNSS - around the lake
GNSS - around the lake
GNSS - turning point
GNSS - turning point
GNSS - overview
GNSS - overview

Telephone Functions and Voice Quality - Good connections with the Huawei

When making phone calls, the nova 9 produces a high volume and offers good noise suppression. Both conversation partners are easy to understand, and their voices are transferred clearly.

The phone app offers quick access to recent calls and a number keyboard, and you can also access favorites and stored contacts from here.

Cameras - Extensive Vlog functions

Picture taken with the front camera
Picture taken with the front camera
Vlog functions
Vlog functions

The front camera of the Huawei nova 9 is able to record selfies with a resolution of 32 MP. Details are well-delineated and colors reproduced relatively naturally. Various filters and color modes allow you to adjust the resulting images. However, the professional mode is only available for the main camera.

A 50-MP sensor in the back of the nova 9 ensures that closeup shots are very rich in detail. Colors appear very vibrant and our test object is reproduced sharply and with rich details. Our panorama picture also shows vibrant colors, but the objects appear slightly blurry on overcast days. Pictures taken with the 8-MP ultra-wide angle lens also show the bright colors already mentioned, but the object edges and details also don't appear very well-delineated here.

Objects enlarged with the digital zoom show the same blurriness that can also be seen on the panorama shot. Under bad light conditions, the nova 9 is able to record details sharply in the center of the image. However, the colors appear too dark and the edges of the image turn out black. In addition to the sensors already mentioned, the Huawei smartphone also includes a 2-MP sensor for depth information and a 2-MP sensor for macro recordings. The pro mode of the camera software allows you to manually adjust the focus area, ISO value, exposure, illumination, and white balance.

Video recordings show the same quality as our test pictures. You can select a resolution of 4K at 30 fps or 1080p and 720p at either 30 or 60 fps. A special VLOG mode allows you to create recordings that seamlessly change between the front and back camera. Picture within picture and simultaneous display of the front and back camera objects is also possible seamlessly.

Image Comparison

Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.

NahaufnahmePanoramabildUltraweitwinkelZoom (5-Fach)LowLight
click to load images

The image of the ColorChecker Passport shows that the nova 9 records colors slightly brighter than they should be. The test chart shows many details and vibrant colors. In the lower corners, we see a slight weakness in the contrasts.

ColorChecker
9.4 ∆E
7 ∆E
6.5 ∆E
12.6 ∆E
6 ∆E
4 ∆E
6.6 ∆E
4.6 ∆E
7.6 ∆E
7.4 ∆E
6.9 ∆E
8.3 ∆E
10.1 ∆E
13.1 ∆E
8.8 ∆E
6.1 ∆E
3.9 ∆E
8.8 ∆E
5.8 ∆E
3 ∆E
5.6 ∆E
2.9 ∆E
3.2 ∆E
8 ∆E
ColorChecker Huawei Nova 9: 6.93 ∆E min: 2.95 - max: 13.15 ∆E
ColorChecker
22.7 ∆E
34.8 ∆E
29.8 ∆E
24.7 ∆E
33.2 ∆E
42.5 ∆E
31.3 ∆E
26 ∆E
22.3 ∆E
22.3 ∆E
31.4 ∆E
38.4 ∆E
25.2 ∆E
27.6 ∆E
14.8 ∆E
23.2 ∆E
27.1 ∆E
32.4 ∆E
27.5 ∆E
29.3 ∆E
32.4 ∆E
29 ∆E
22.3 ∆E
13.4 ∆E
ColorChecker Huawei Nova 9: 27.64 ∆E min: 13.42 - max: 42.47 ∆E

Accessories and Warranty - Protective cover included

In addition to the quick charger with the corresponding USB-C cable, the box of the nova 9 also includes a SIM tool and a protective cover made of silicone. You can also purchase additional accessories directly from the manufacturer.

Huawei offers a 24-month warranty for the nova 9.

Input Devices and Operation - SwiftKey as GBoard replacement

The nova 9 uses SwiftKey as the standard keyboard for text input. This can be adjusted individually and is suitable for longer text input. The touchscreen responds very directly to touch inputs and is also suited for frequent swipe movements.

To unlock the smartphone, you can either use the in-screen fingerprint sensor, which responds reliably, or face recognition, which is also suitable for everyday use.

Huawei nova 9 - input devices
Huawei nova 9 - input devices
Huawei nova 9 - input devices
Huawei nova 9 - input devices

Display - An OLED panel with 120 Hz

Subpixel grid
Subpixel grid

The display of the nova 9 consists of a 6.57-inch OLED panel that offers a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. With the activated brightness sensor, we measure an average brightness of up to 632 cd/m², and without the brightness sensor, the maximum value is 449 cd/m². In the APL50 test, the Huawei smartphone achieves a very good 834 cd/m², and the lowest brightness level you can adjust it to is 1.59 cd/m². At 96%, the brightness distribution is at the level of our test field.

Below brightness levels of 42%, the brightness control uses PWM at a frequency between 163.4 and 500 Hz. Above that, we measure a constant level of 120 Hz. While you can activate a flicker reduction in the settings menu, this shows no measurable effect.

625
cd/m²
627
cd/m²
644
cd/m²
625
cd/m²
621
cd/m²
646
cd/m²
624
cd/m²
629
cd/m²
648
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 3
Maximum: 648 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 632.1 cd/m² Minimum: 1.59 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 96 %
Center on Battery: 621 cd/m²
Contrast: ∞:1 (Black: 0 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 1.7 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 2.2 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
100% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.17
Huawei Nova 9
OLED, 2340x1080, 6.57
Honor 50
OLED, 2340x1080, 6.57
Motorola Edge 20
OLED, 2400x1080, 6.70
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
AMOLED, 2400x1080, 6.50
Xiaomi 11T
AMOLED, 2400x1080, 6.67
Screen
-41%
-32%
-15%
4%
Brightness middle
621
731
18%
479
-23%
736
19%
781
26%
Brightness
632
722
14%
480
-24%
751
19%
782
24%
Brightness Distribution
96
97
1%
94
-2%
96
0%
94
-2%
Black Level *
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
1.7
3.1
-82%
2.06
-21%
2.18
-28%
2
-18%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
2.8
5.8
-107%
4.54
-62%
5.69
-103%
2.9
-4%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
2.2
4.2
-91%
3.5
-59%
2.1
5%
2.3
-5%
Gamma
2.17 101%
2.19 100%
2.205 100%
2.27 97%
2.28 96%
CCT
6806 96%
6818 95%
6794 96%
6563 99%
6852 95%

* ... smaller is better

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM detected 500 Hz ≤ 100 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 500 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 100 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting.

The frequency of 500 Hz is relatively high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering. However, there are reports that some users are still sensitive to PWM at 500 Hz and above, so be aware.

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 17900 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

As typical for OLED displays, the nova 9 display delivers an excellent contrast ratio and a very good black value. In the "Normal" color mode preset and "Standard" color temperature, colors are reproduced very balanced. Alternatively, the "Vivid," "Warm," and "Cold" color modes are also available. In addition, a freely adjustable color scale allows you to manually adjust the display.

CalMAN - Color Accuracy (Standard, Normal, sRGB)
CalMAN - Color Accuracy (Standard, Normal, sRGB)
CalMAN - Color Space (Standard, Normal, sRGB)
CalMAN - Color Space (Standard, Normal, sRGB)
CalMAN - Grayscale (Standard, Normal, sRGB)
CalMAN - Grayscale (Standard, Normal, sRGB)
CalMAN - Saturation (Standard, Normal, sRGB)
CalMAN - Saturation (Standard, Normal, sRGB)

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
2.8 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 1.6 ms rise
↘ 1.2 ms fall
The screen shows very fast response rates in our tests and should be very well suited for fast-paced gaming.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 8 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (21.5 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
2.8 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 1.6 ms rise
↘ 1.2 ms fall
The screen shows very fast response rates in our tests and should be very well suited for fast-paced gaming.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 7 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (33.7 ms).

Outdoors, the Huawei nova 9 can also be easily used in very bright light surroundings. The contents are easily readable, and there are only few reflections.

Huawei nova 9 outdoor usage
Huawei nova 9 outdoor usage
Huawei nova 9 outdoor usage
Huawei nova 9 outdoor usage

The OLED panel of the nova 9 offers very stable viewing angles and only shows a slight green tint from very steep viewing angles.

Huawei nova 9 - viewing angle stability
Huawei nova 9 - viewing angle stability
Huawei nova 9 - viewing angle stability
Huawei nova 9 - viewing angle stability

Performance - A good everyday performance

Huawei uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G and 8 GB of RAM to ensure smooth system operation in the nova 9. In the benchmarks, the Android smartphone delivers an average good result, only faring slightly worse in the graphics-heavy tests than the rest of the smartphones in our test field. The performance is identical to that of the 5G version of the Snapdragon 778.

In everyday operation, even more demanding apps start quickly and the system can always be operated smoothly. Due to the lack of Play Store support, we were unable to run some of our standard tests, such as Geekbench 5.4 or the current versions of 3D and PCMark.

Geekbench 4.4
64 Bit Single-Core Score (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
3500 Points
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
4294 Points +23%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (3452 - 3505, n=3)
3486 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (934 - 9574, n=91, last 2 years)
5228 Points +49%
64 Bit Multi-Core Score (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
11003 Points
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
13528 Points +23%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (10974 - 11708, n=3)
11228 Points +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2630 - 26990, n=91, last 2 years)
14045 Points +28%
Compute RenderScript Score (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
5597 Points
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
9547 Points +71%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (5597 - 8796, n=3)
7719 Points +38%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2053 - 18432, n=72, last 2 years)
10872 Points +94%
PCMark for Android - Work 2.0 performance score (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
8501 Points
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
11645 Points +37%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
8845 Points +4%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (8501 - 11645, n=2)
10073 Points +18%
Average of class Smartphone
  (9101 - 12871, n=4, last 2 years)
10872 Points +28%
3DMark
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
6358 Points
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
6340 Points 0%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
6352 Points 0%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
Points -100%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (6326 - 6409, n=7)
6367 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (712 - 7285, n=50, last 2 years)
3766 Points -41%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Graphics (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
7276 Points
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
7224 Points -1%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
7241 Points 0%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
Points -100%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (7138 - 7276, n=7)
7221 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (618 - 9451, n=50, last 2 years)
4186 Points -42%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Physics (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
4410 Points
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
4439 Points +1%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
4442 Points +1%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
Points -100%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (4410 - 4605, n=7)
4498 Points +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1093 - 4525, n=50, last 2 years)
3082 Points -30%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
6639 Points
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
6638 Points 0%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
6559 Points -1%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
8041 Points +21%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (6398 - 6703, n=7)
6584 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (704 - 23024, n=114, last 2 years)
9351 Points +41%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
7618 Points
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
7536 Points -1%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
7496 Points -2%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
11770 Points +55%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (7199 - 7618, n=7)
7489 Points -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (607 - 45492, n=113, last 2 years)
16352 Points +115%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
4580 Points
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
4684 Points +2%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
4563 Points 0%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
3813 Points -17%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (4224 - 6394, n=7)
4892 Points +7%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1075 - 8749, n=113, last 2 years)
4426 Points -3%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
5018 Points
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
5027 Points 0%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
4967 Points -1%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
Points -100%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (4967 - 5096, n=9)
5032 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (286 - 7890, n=105, last 2 years)
2755 Points -45%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Graphics (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
5218 Points
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
5178 Points -1%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
5140 Points -1%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
Points -100%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (5134 - 5218, n=9)
5186 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (240 - 9814, n=105, last 2 years)
2751 Points -47%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Physics (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
4423 Points
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
4561 Points +3%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
4444 Points 0%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
Points -100%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (4423 - 4723, n=9)
4539 Points +3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (858 - 4679, n=105, last 2 years)
3163 Points -28%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
5435 Points
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
5375 Points -1%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
5355 Points -1%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
7256 Points +34%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (5032 - 5469, n=9)
5337 Points -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (317 - 20131, n=182, last 2 years)
6737 Points +24%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
5637 Points
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
5614 Points 0%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
5591 Points -1%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
8353 Points +48%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (5103 - 5651, n=9)
5550 Points -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (267 - 33376, n=181, last 2 years)
9723 Points +72%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
4831 Points
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
4677 Points -3%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
4664 Points -3%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
4971 Points +3%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (4166 - 4942, n=9)
4710 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (938 - 8480, n=181, last 2 years)
4224 Points -13%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
4810 Points
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
4300 Points -11%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
4250 Points -12%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
Points -100%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (4002 - 4810, n=9)
4278 Points -11%
Average of class Smartphone
  (365 - 6439, n=99, last 2 years)
2671 Points -44%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
5370 Points
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
5302 Points -1%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
5263 Points -2%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
Points -100%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (5263 - 5370, n=9)
5315 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (298 - 8601, n=99, last 2 years)
2850 Points -47%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
3523 Points
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
2588 Points -27%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
2539 Points -28%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
Points -100%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (2137 - 3523, n=9)
2578 Points -27%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1667 - 3525, n=99, last 2 years)
2675 Points -24%
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7
T-Rex Onscreen (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
60 fps
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
99 fps +65%
Motorola Edge 20
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
116 fps +93%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
108 fps +80%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
116 fps +93%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (60 - 116, n=11)
93 fps +55%
Average of class Smartphone
  (22 - 165, n=183, last 2 years)
84.6 fps +41%
1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
133 fps
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
133 fps 0%
Motorola Edge 20
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
133 fps 0%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
132 fps -1%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
185 fps +39%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (132 - 134, n=11)
132.7 fps 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (19 - 791, n=183, last 2 years)
247 fps +86%
GFXBench 3.0
on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
59 fps
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
68 fps +15%
Motorola Edge 20
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
69 fps +17%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
69 fps +17%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
106 fps +80%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (59 - 69, n=11)
65.9 fps +12%
Average of class Smartphone
  (6.8 - 165, n=185, last 2 years)
72.2 fps +22%
1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
79 fps
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
77 fps -3%
Motorola Edge 20
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
78 fps -1%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
77 fps -3%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
122 fps +54%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (77 - 79, n=11)
77.8 fps -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (9.2 - 363, n=185, last 2 years)
140.6 fps +78%
GFXBench 3.1
on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
53 fps
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
48 fps -9%
Motorola Edge 20
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
49 fps -8%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
49 fps -8%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
75 fps +42%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (48 - 53, n=11)
49.5 fps -7%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.7 - 158, n=185, last 2 years)
60.9 fps +15%
1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
57 fps
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
56 fps -2%
Motorola Edge 20
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
56 fps -2%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
56 fps -2%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
79 fps +39%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (56 - 58, n=11)
56.5 fps -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (6.2 - 279, n=185, last 2 years)
99 fps +74%
GFXBench
on screen Car Chase Onscreen (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
31 fps
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
28 fps -10%
Motorola Edge 20
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
29 fps -6%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
28 fps -10%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
44 fps +42%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (28 - 31, n=11)
28.8 fps -7%
Average of class Smartphone
  (5 - 117, n=185, last 2 years)
43.4 fps +40%
1920x1080 Car Chase Offscreen (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
33 fps
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
33 fps 0%
Motorola Edge 20
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
33 fps 0%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
33 fps 0%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
46 fps +39%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (33 - 34, n=11)
33.1 fps 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.9 - 166, n=185, last 2 years)
59.9 fps +82%
on screen Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
35 fps
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
32 fps -9%
Motorola Edge 20
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
30 fps -14%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
30 fps -14%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
49 fps +40%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (30 - 35, n=11)
31.5 fps -10%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.6 - 123, n=226, last 2 years)
44 fps +26%
1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
38 fps
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
38 fps 0%
Motorola Edge 20
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
34 fps -11%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
34 fps -11%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
53 fps +39%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (34 - 39, n=11)
35.8 fps -6%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.3 - 229, n=226, last 2 years)
64.3 fps +69%
on screen Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
22 fps
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
20 fps -9%
Motorola Edge 20
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
19 fps -14%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
19 fps -14%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
33 fps +50%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (19 - 22, n=11)
19.7 fps -10%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.8 - 119, n=226, last 2 years)
32.8 fps +49%
2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
14 fps
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
14 fps 0%
Motorola Edge 20
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
13 fps -7%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
13 fps -7%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
21 fps +50%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (13 - 14, n=11)
13.4 fps -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (0.85 - 94, n=226, last 2 years)
25.6 fps +83%
Antutu v9 - Total Score (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
467593 Points
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
519177 Points +11%
Motorola Edge 20
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
520706 Points +11%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
438254 Points -6%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
570375 Points +22%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (438254 - 540593, n=11)
501252 Points +7%
Average of class Smartphone
  (102602 - 1650926, n=153, last 2 years)
738503 Points +58%
AnTuTu v8 - Total Score (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
437387 Points
Motorola Edge 20
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
433068 Points -1%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
422597 Points -3%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
540464 Points +24%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (422597 - 452805, n=5)
436226 Points 0%
BaseMark OS II
Overall (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
4950 Points
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
5002 Points +1%
Motorola Edge 20
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
4615 Points -7%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
4349 Points -12%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
5319 Points +7%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (4079 - 5002, n=11)
4549 Points -8%
Average of class Smartphone
  (411 - 11438, n=166, last 2 years)
5759 Points +16%
System (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
10816 Points
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
9880 Points -9%
Motorola Edge 20
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
8751 Points -19%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
9089 Points -16%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
9292 Points -14%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (8751 - 10816, n=11)
9736 Points -10%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2376 - 16475, n=166, last 2 years)
9672 Points -11%
Memory (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
6372 Points
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
6307 Points -1%
Motorola Edge 20
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
5234 Points -18%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
4269 Points -33%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
7144 Points +12%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (3956 - 6372, n=11)
4968 Points -22%
Average of class Smartphone
  (670 - 12716, n=166, last 2 years)
6267 Points -2%
Graphics (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
6726 Points
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
6659 Points -1%
Motorola Edge 20
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
6763 Points +1%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
6783 Points +1%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
7516 Points +12%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (6594 - 6783, n=11)
6686 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (697 - 58651, n=166, last 2 years)
14220 Points +111%
Web (sort by value)
Huawei Nova 9
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
1295 Points
Honor 50
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
1509 Points +17%
Motorola Edge 20
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 8192
1465 Points +13%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G, Adreno 642L, 6144
1359 Points +5%
Xiaomi 11T
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 8192
1604 Points +24%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
  (1155 - 1534, n=11)
1336 Points +3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (10 - 2145, n=166, last 2 years)
1495 Points +15%

In the browser benchmarks, the Huawei nova 9 only places at the lower end of our test field. However, in everyday operation, websites are still rendered quickly and media content also loads fast. In addition, smooth scrolling is also possible without any problems.

Jetstream 2 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (13.8 - 351, n=173, last 2 years)
106.1 Points +80%
Motorola Edge 20 (Chrome 95)
86.8 Points +48%
Honor 50 (Chrome 96)
76.1 Points +29%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (58.8 - 86.8, n=11)
75.1 Points +28%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G (Chrome 93)
71.8 Points +22%
Huawei Nova 9 (Huawei Browser 12.0.0.303)
58.8 Points
Xiaomi 11T (Chrome 94.0.4606.85)
51.8 Points -12%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Motorola Edge 20 (Chrome 95)
148.8 Points +45%
Honor 50 (Chrome 96)
147.5 Points +44%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (102.6 - 155.3, n=7)
132.5 Points +29%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G (Chrome 93)
118.1 Points +15%
Xiaomi 11T (Chrome 94.0.4606.85)
117.6 Points +15%
Average of class Smartphone (last 2 years)
104.3 Points +2%
Huawei Nova 9 (Huawei Browser 12.0.0.303)
102.6 Points
WebXPRT 3 - Overall
Average of class Smartphone (39 - 304, n=122, last 2 years)
133.1 Points +39%
Motorola Edge 20 (Chrome 95)
131 Points +36%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G (Chrome 93)
107 Points +11%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (93 - 131, n=10)
107 Points +11%
Honor 50 (Chrome 96)
102 Points +6%
Huawei Nova 9 (Huawei Browser 12.0.0.303)
96 Points
Xiaomi 11T (Chrome 94.0.4606.85)
70 Points -27%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (4633 - 89112, n=213, last 2 years)
33503 Points +40%
Motorola Edge 20 (Chrome 95)
31783 Points +33%
Honor 50 (Chrome 96)
31134 Points +30%
Xiaomi 11T (Chrome 94.0.4606.85)
29912 Points +25%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (23915 - 31915, n=11)
27285 Points +14%
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G (Chrome 93)
25119 Points +5%
Huawei Nova 9 (Huawei Browser 12.0.0.303)
23915 Points
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Huawei Nova 9 (Huawei Browser 12.0.0.303)
1893 ms *
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G (Chrome 93)
1802 ms * +5%
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (1323 - 1893, n=11)
1620 ms * +14%
Average of class Smartphone (388 - 9999, n=173, last 2 years)
1595 ms * +16%
Xiaomi 11T (Chrome 94.0.4606.85)
1444 ms * +24%
Honor 50 (Chrome 96)
1427 ms * +25%
Motorola Edge 20 (Chrome 95)
1344 ms * +29%

* ... smaller is better

The 128-GB storage of the nova 9 shows fast access rates at the level of the competitors in our test. It is not possible to expand the storage via microSD card.

Huawei Nova 9Honor 50Motorola Edge 20Samsung Galaxy A52s 5GXiaomi 11TAverage 128 GB UFS 3.1 FlashAverage of class Smartphone
AndroBench 3-5
0%
-17%
-23%
4%
16%
29%
Sequential Read 256KB
1030
984
-4%
1011
-2%
951
-8%
1790
74%
Sequential Write 256KB
759
609
-20%
471.4
-38%
486.5
-36%
942
24%
Random Read 4KB
229.6
245.7
7%
190.2
-17%
168.2
-27%
139.3
-39%
Random Write 4KB
239.2
280.2
17%
210.6
-12%
192.5
-20%
133.3
-44%

Games - The Huawei nova 9 is suitable for gaming

The internal Qualcomm Adreno 642L graphics unit of the Huawei nova 9 is able to run even more demanding games at high graphics settings smoothly. The games we tested did not show any micro stutters or anything like that, and the control always worked easily and smoothly.

Armajet
Armajet
PUBG Mobile
PUBG Mobile

Emissions - The speaker is suitable for voices

Temperatures

Under load, the surfaces of the Huawei nova 9 warm up to a maximum of 34.1 °C (93.4 °F). With this, the smartphone feels merely warm and never gets too hot to hold it in the hand, for example.

Max. Load
 33.5 °C
92 F
32.7 °C
91 F
31.6 °C
89 F
 
 34.1 °C
93 F
30.9 °C
88 F
31.3 °C
88 F
 
 33.5 °C
92 F
32.1 °C
90 F
29.7 °C
85 F
 
Maximum: 34.1 °C = 93 F
Average: 32.2 °C = 90 F
29.4 °C
85 F
30.8 °C
87 F
31.7 °C
89 F
28.2 °C
83 F
29.9 °C
86 F
31.9 °C
89 F
28.1 °C
83 F
28.4 °C
83 F
31.9 °C
89 F
Maximum: 31.9 °C = 89 F
Average: 30 °C = 86 F
Power Supply (max.)  27.4 °C = 81 F | Room Temperature 21.5 °C = 71 F | Fluke t3000FC (calibrated) & Voltcraft IR-260
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 32.2 °C / 90 F, compared to the average of 32.7 °C / 91 F for the devices in the class Smartphone.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 34.1 °C / 93 F, compared to the average of 35 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 56 °C for the class Smartphone.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 31.9 °C / 89 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 29.4 °C / 85 F, compared to the device average of 32.7 °C / 91 F.
Heat map - top
Heat map - top
Heat map - bottom
Heat map - bottom

Speaker

The nova 9 produces a relatively loud volume and a sound spectrum that emphasizes the high frequencies. This allows it to reproduce voice content relatively well, but for more complex media content external speakers or headphones are recommended. The Huawei smartphone has an earpiece and a speaker for sound output.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2031.832.2252431.73116.127.94027.633.75032.340.26323.436.1802236.81002235.71252137.716017.945.120013.348.925015.258.731513.258.940011.560.550012.26463012.369.180013.370.3100014.572.2125012.274.2160011.276.6200011.779250012.176.2315012.776.1400013.680.6500013.184.6630013.681.2800013.178.21000013.679.61250013.677.31600013.565.4SPL2590.5N0.681.2median 13.3median 74.2Delta1.310373825.628.229.12523.425.336.839.428.431.924.836.322.436.719.242.916.955.615.650.813.854.713.461.913.361.213.865.81268.512.774.612.276.11378.213.779.813.276.513.474.81376.213.377.213.674.613.379.813.878.113.774.61463.913.55825.588.60.777.4median 13.5median 74.60.79.2hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseHuawei Nova 9Xiaomi 11T
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Huawei Nova 9 audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (90.5 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 26.7% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (6.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | reduced mids - on average 5.3% lower than median
(+) | mids are linear (4.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 5.3% higher than median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (18% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 11% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 82% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 32% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 60% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Xiaomi 11T audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (88.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 24.1% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (9.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | reduced mids - on average 5.1% lower than median
(+) | mids are linear (4.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 1.9% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (15.9% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 3% of all tested devices in this class were better, 4% similar, 94% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 20% of all tested devices were better, 5% similar, 75% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Battery Life - It doesn't last as long as the competitors

Power Consumption

Our measurements attest the nova 9 with a power consumption that is similar to the rest of the smartphones in our test field. It only uses slightly more power in our idle-max scenario.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.04 / 0.29 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 0.96 / 2.47 / 2.55 Watt
Load midlight 3.85 / 7.43 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Huawei Nova 9
4300 mAh
Honor 50
4300 mAh
Motorola Edge 20
4000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
4500 mAh
Xiaomi 11T
5000 mAh
Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G
 
Average of class Smartphone
 
Battery Runtime
WiFi v1.3
652
907
39%
716
10%
721
11%
813
25%
Power Consumption
-8%
16%
13%
10%
-1%
6%
Idle Minimum *
0.96
1.02
-6%
1
-4%
1.2
-25%
0.78
19%
1.106 ?(0.78 - 2.5, n=10)
-15%
Idle Average *
2.47
2.98
-21%
1.3
47%
1.4
43%
1.86
25%
2.07 ?(1.13 - 5, n=10)
16%
Idle Maximum *
2.55
3.11
-22%
1.6
37%
1.7
33%
1.88
26%
Load Average *
3.85
3.59
7%
3.9
-1%
3.6
6%
3.98
-3%
Load Maximum *
7.43
7.12
4%
7.2
3%
6.9
7%
8.78
-18%
7.81 ?(6.29 - 14, n=10)
-5%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
16% / 0%
13% / 15%
12% / 13%
18% / 12%
8% / 2%
23% / 11%

* ... smaller is better

Power Consumption: Geekbench (150 cd/m²)

0123456789Tooltip
Huawei Nova 9 Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G: Ø4.07 (1.209-9.03)
Xiaomi 11T MediaTek Dimensity 1200: Ø4.27 (1.04-9.35)

Power Consumption: GFXBench (150 cd/m²)

012345678Tooltip
Xiaomi 11T MediaTek Dimensity 1200; 1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Offscreen: Ø6.92 (4.23-8.2)
Huawei Nova 9 Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G; 1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Offscreen: Ø3.05 (2.89-3.9)
Huawei Nova 9 Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G; Idle 150cd/m2: Ø1.501 (1.401-1.923)
Xiaomi 11T MediaTek Dimensity 1200; Idle 150cd/m2: Ø1.202 (1.149-1.311)

Battery Life

In our realistic WLAN test, the Huawei nova 9 achieves a runtime of almost 11 hours. With this, it doesn't make quite as good use of its 4300-mAh battery as the similarly equipped Honor 50, for example.

Using the included 66-Watt quick charger, the battery can be completely recharged within about 1 hour.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
10h 52min
Huawei Nova 9
4300 mAh
Honor 50
4300 mAh
Motorola Edge 20
4000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
4500 mAh
Xiaomi 11T
5000 mAh
Battery Runtime
WiFi v1.3
652
907
39%
716
10%
721
11%
813
25%

Pros

+ camera software includes extensive video functions
+ good camera quality
+ solid system performance

Cons

- no Google services
- only 4G
- mediocre battery life

Verdict - No Google but with a price advantage

Testing the Huawei nova 9. Test unit provided by Huawei Germany.
Testing the Huawei nova 9. Test unit provided by Huawei Germany.

With the nova 9, Huawei introduces a smartphone that is visually identical to the Honor 50. The specifications also read the same, with the exception that you have to make do without 5G and Google Services. While you hardly have to make any compromises in terms of the performance, there are some deficits mainly in the battery life and software.

The Huawei nova 9 is similarly well-equipped and more affordable than the Honor 50 but shows some weaknesses in the battery life.

The nova 9 is still a smartphone with good technology and it is suitable for all those who don't want to use Google Services and 5G anyways. In addition, the price is about 100 Euros (~$113) lower than that of the Honor 50, while still offering the same camera equipment. This should also have an effect on the purchase decision. However, those who can live with less RAM can already get the Honor 50 with 6 GB of RAM for less money than the nova 9.

On the other hand, with the Motorola Edge 20 and Xiaomi 11T, similar and in parts more powerful smartphones are also available from the competitors.

Price and Availability

The Huawei nova 9 is available for example from the Huawei Global Shop in various countries or Amazon for ~$515.

Huawei Nova 9 - 08/30/2022 v7
Mike Wobker

Chassis
86%
Keyboard
66 / 75 → 88%
Pointing Device
95%
Connectivity
52 / 70 → 74%
Weight
90%
Battery
89%
Display
91%
Games Performance
51 / 64 → 80%
Application Performance
77 / 86 → 90%
Temperature
93%
Noise
100%
Audio
79 / 90 → 87%
Camera
64%
Average
79%
85%
Smartphone - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Huawei nova 9 smartphone review: Without 5G but with some special camera features
Mike Wobker, 2021-12-30 (Update: 2021-12-30)