Huawei nova 9 SE

Huawei nova 9 SE Review: Style Points Strong, But Missing Some Key Tech

I've spent the better part of the last couple of weeks putting the Huawei nova 9 SE through its paces, and it's a device that leaves me with somewhat mixed feelings. At its core, it's a phone clearly designed to turn heads with its aesthetics, and in that regard, it largely succeeds. Priced in the mid-range segment, it's going after a crowd that prioritizes looks and a solid camera experience without breaking the bank. But, as with any device at this price point, there are compromises to consider.

Market Context: A Stylish Offering in a Challenging Landscape

Huawei's position in the global smartphone market is, to put it mildly, unique right now. The ongoing limitations regarding Google services are an undeniable factor, and it significantly shapes the context in which a phone like the nova 9 SE exists. For Huawei, this phone feels like a continuation of their strategy to offer compelling hardware and a distinct design language, hoping that the user experience within their own ecosystem is enough to attract buyers.

From my perspective, the pricing feels competitive for the features offered, but potential buyers need to be acutely aware of the software situation. It's a gamble on Huawei's ecosystem, and whether that gamble pays off for the individual user depends heavily on their reliance on Google's suite of apps and services.

Design & Hardware: A Real Looker, But Watch the Weight

My initial impression of the nova 9 SE was definitely positive on the design front. It’s a sleek phone, no doubt. The glossy back panel, particularly on the Crystal Blue variant I tested, catches the light beautifully and gives off a premium vibe. The 7.9mm thinness is noticeable and contributes to a modern feel.

Holding it, however, reveals the 191g weight. It's not excessively heavy, but after prolonged use, you definitely feel it. The flat edges, while stylish, can also feel a tad less ergonomic than curved designs for some hand sizes. The materials feel decent enough for the price, though the plastic frame is a giveaway in hand compared to phones with metal chassis. I do have slight concerns about long-term durability, as the glossy back is a fingerprint magnet and likely prone to scratches. A case is definitely recommended for practical daily use.

Display: Large and Smooth for Everyday Viewing

The 6.78-inch IPS LCD is a strong point for general media consumption. I found the brightness to be adequate for most indoor and outdoor scenarios, though direct sunlight can wash it out a bit. Colors are reasonably vibrant, and while it lacks the deep blacks and contrast of an OLED panel, it's more than sufficient for browsing, social media, and watching videos.

The 90Hz refresh rate is a welcome addition, making scrolling and animations feel noticeably smoother compared to standard 60Hz displays. This contributes to a more premium feel in everyday use and even enhances the experience during casual gaming. While hardcore gamers might still prefer higher refresh rates, for the target audience of this phone, it hits a sweet spot. My practical daily observation is that it's a comfortable display for extended use, whether reading articles or catching up on YouTube.

Performance: Capable for Most Tasks, But Not a Powerhouse

Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 is a familiar chipset in this price bracket. In my testing, it handled everyday tasks like browsing, email, social media, and video playback without any major hiccups. Multitasking between a few apps was generally smooth, though pushing it with numerous demanding apps open simultaneously can introduce slight lag.

Gaming sessions revealed its limitations. Lighter, less graphically intensive games run well, but when I tried more demanding titles, I had to lower the graphics settings to achieve a playable frame rate. The phone did get noticeably warm during extended gaming sessions, which is something to be mindful of. It's not a powerhouse by any means, but it’s a capable performer for the everyday user who isn't pushing the limits of mobile gaming or heavy processing tasks. There weren’t any significant quirks I encountered, but its strengths definitely lie in standard usage scenarios.

Camera System: A High-Resolution Hero for Still Shots

The camera system is where the nova 9 SE aims to impress, and for the most part, it delivers. The 108MP main sensor is the star of the show, and in good lighting conditions, it captures images with impressive detail and clarity. That sunset photo I took? The colors were indeed rendered beautifully, showcasing the sensor's ability to capture dynamic range.

However, it's important to temper expectations. While the detail is there, the image processing can sometimes be a bit aggressive, leading to slightly over-sharpened images. Low-light performance is decent but not class-leading; noise becomes more apparent, and detail softens. The 8MP ultrawide lens is handy for capturing wider scenes, though the image quality isn't as impressive as the main sensor. Video recording is capped at 1080p, which is adequate for most users, and the stabilization does a decent job of minimizing shake. Compared to alternatives in this price range, the main camera definitely holds its own for still photography, though it might fall slightly behind in video capabilities and overall versatility. For real-world usage, it's a fun and capable camera for capturing everyday moments.

Battery & Charging: Decent Endurance, Speedy Refills

The 4000mAh battery capacity is pretty standard for phones in this category. In my observed battery performance, it generally got me through a full day of moderate use, including browsing, social media, some photography, and occasional video watching. However, on days with heavy usage – extended gaming or lots of video calls – I did find myself needing to top it up in the late afternoon or early evening.

Thankfully, the 66W SuperCharge is a real game-changer. My charging speed tests showed it could go from near empty to a significant charge in a remarkably short time, often exceeding expectations for this price point. This fast charging capability definitely mitigates any concerns about battery endurance, as quick top-ups are easily achievable. Power management seems reasonably efficient, though aggressive background app management can sometimes be a little too eager to close apps. Real-world endurance is ultimately dependent on usage patterns, but the fast charging provides a valuable safety net.

Software: The EMUI Experience and the GMS Question

The software experience is the biggest talking point when it comes to Huawei devices. Running on Android 11 with Huawei's EMUI 12 skin, the interface is clean and generally user-friendly. Feature-wise, EMUI offers a decent range of customization options and utilities.

However, the elephant in the room remains the lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS). While Huawei's AppGallery has grown significantly, it still lacks some popular apps, and the experience of finding and installing alternatives can be a hurdle for some users. While workarounds exist for accessing some Google services, they are often not as seamless as having native support. My daily usage experience was generally smooth within the Huawei ecosystem, but I definitely missed the convenience of certain Google apps and the wider app selection available on the Play Store. The update policy for Huawei devices has been a bit inconsistent in the past, and while EMUI 12 is currently running well, future major Android updates are not guaranteed in the same way they are for devices with GMS.

Value Analysis: Stylish and Capable, But Consider the Ecosystem

My personal take on the price-to-feature ratio is that the Huawei nova 9 SE offers good value if you prioritize design, a capable main camera for stills, and fast charging. It's a stylish phone that performs well for everyday tasks.

However, I think this phone is primarily for users who are either already invested in the Huawei ecosystem or are willing to navigate the limitations of not having native Google services. If access to the full suite of Google apps is crucial, or if you're a heavy mobile gamer, you might be better off looking elsewhere.

In the competitive context, phones from brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and Samsung offer compelling alternatives in this price range, often with the benefit of full Google services. These alternatives might offer better performance in some areas or a more complete software experience.

Conclusion: A Compelling Choice for the Style-Conscious, With Caveats

Ultimately, the Huawei nova 9 SE is a phone with a clear focus. It's a well-designed device with a strong main camera and incredibly fast charging. For users who prioritize these aspects and are comfortable within the Huawei ecosystem, it's a solid contender.

However, the lack of Google services is a significant factor that can't be ignored. My final thought is that while the hardware is compelling for the price, potential buyers need to carefully consider their software needs and whether they are willing to embrace the Huawei ecosystem. If style and camera are top priorities, and the GMS limitations are manageable, then the nova 9 SE is worth considering. Otherwise, exploring alternatives with full Google support might be a more practical choice.