In the very crowded and competitive midrange smartphone segment, there’s a number of brands and models that offer different things with their respective products. However, for a number of these smartphones, they may be great in a certain and primary aspect but lackluster in others, especially devices deriving from that specific price range.
Staying true to the roots of its nova series launch in 2016, HUAWEI aims to deliver with the latest nova 9 an innovative experience in a number of ways—ID design, software technology, photography, and fast-charging technology, among many others.
When it comes to HUAWEI and their latest introduction of the nova 9, not only are you able to enjoy the specialization of a singular facet, but you appreciate its other impressive features as well.
Previously only featured in HUAWEI’s P series, the nova 9 now boasts flagship photography hardware from its 50MP main camera that utilizes the innovative RYYB sensor, as well as flagship photography algorithm with the XD Fusion Image Engine seen on the P50 Pro. It’s safe to say HUAWEI didn’t hold back when it comes to loading the nova 9’s features.
Design
At first glance, the nova 9 has both a vast screen and sleek body, contributing to its stylish and dashing appearance. Protecting its back is a double coating with partial etching and glittering sand that adds to its flavor and which definitely doesn’t give off that “cheap” impression for its design and material. Moreover, anti-slip and anti-fingerprint technology is also present, much to my own delight as a clumsy phone user.
With its elegant and premium-looking Starry Blue colorway, the HUAWEI nova 9 is the cherry on top for any outfit– whether hanging out with friends, going on a road trip or even just lounging at home.
Display
As previously mentioned, the HUAWEI nova 9’s screen is both vast and sleek, mainly attributed to its 7.77mm Ultra Thin display with very minimal bezels. Add to this the pleasure of a 120Hz 3D Curved Display for higher refresh rates and 1.07 Billion Original-Colour Display, surfing the web, streaming on Netflix or gaming has been made that much more of a treat.
Camera
The nova 9 has an array of cameras with different purposes and capabilities, conducive to letting your creative, adventurous, and expressive self out.
Equipped with the Super Sensing Main Camera of 50MP RYYB (f/1.9), a 120° Ultra-Wide Angle Camera of 8MP (f/2.2), a Depth Camera with Bokeh effect (f/2.2), a Macro Camera with a 4cm shooting distance (f/2.4) and a 32MP 4K UltraHD Front Camera, not only is the nova 9’s camera capable, but multifaceted as well. With qualities such as these, it’s no wonder the results resemble that of the Mate and P series.
Unlike the traditional RGGB (red, green, green, blue) sensor in almost all other smartphones, the nova 9 makes use of a best-in-class RYYB (red, yellow, yellow, blue) sensor that facilitates stronger vision and vivid details in photos. Furthermore, an innovative XD Fusion Image Engine is also present.
This type of photography and technology was previously only used by HUAWEI in their flagship Mate and P series, hence seeing it being featured in the nova 9 HUAWEI enables the normal consumer to have an all-time, all-scenario photography experience.
The nova 9’s 32MP front camera is likewise impressive with qualities of its own, from Night Portrait, 4K video capture, refined skin, eye de-reflection and AIS Video Selfie Stabilization thanks to its Smart EIS algorithm. One of the most exciting features for me is its Dual View Video which lets you simultaneously record with both front and rear cameras.
With the seemingly endless features the nova 9’s camera possesses, there’ll hardly be an instance where you won’t be able to enjoy its wonders– from taking photos in the dark with the Night Mode, enjoying breathtaking landscapes with the Ultra Wide Angle, or making use of the Slow Mo and Dual View Video for content creation.
The many facets that this camera has not only leads to more opportunities to capture different kinds of moments, but to capture beautiful snapshots as well.
Performance
The HUAWEI nova 9’s excellent camera is complemented with impressive all-around performance as well, powered by the Snapdragon 778G with 6nm craft technology. It runs on the latest EMUI 12 as well, giving you access to all the latest features and improvements over previous iterations.
Its 300hz touch sampling rate is absolutely jaw-dropping, making gaming more immersive due to the Ultra-low Latency and Touch Turbo Super Player, and even simply scrolling through your phone is made so much more pleasing due to how smooth and seamless it is.
Moreover, connectivity is made more convenient and file management is made less hassle with the Super Device and WiFi 6 ultra conducive to larger file sharing; using the nova 9, controlling multiple devices simultaneously is as easy as controlling just a single device. Now, you can easily set up and control multi-device collaboration with other devices such as the HUAWEI Vision, FreeBuds, MateBook and MatePad.
A smartphone with such capabilities is sure to be in use frequently and will hence consume a fairly decent amount of energy. Fortunately, the 66W HUAWEI SuperCharge regenerates 60% battery in only 18 minutes, while a full 100% charge would take an astonishingly brief 35 minutes.
This will make it significantly easier for you to enjoy the nova 9 more freely without having to fret too much about low battery percentages.
App Gallery & Petal Search Widget:
HUAWEI has blessed us with the App Gallery and the Petal Search Widget which serves as our constant go-to. Here we can find all the apps, tools, info, etc., all easily accessible at the home screen search bar.
HUAWEI has made a plethora of quality apps readily available at just the tips of our fingers. The AppGallery is also compatible with cross-platform apps, allowing you to truly maximize the HUAWEI experience. From top social media apps like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, e-commerce sites such as Lazada and Shopee, essential services like FoodPanda, GCash, PayPal, KonsultaMD (KMD) and Lalamove, to games such as Call of Duty and Clash of Clans, you are sure to find all the apps you need for the all-scenario experience exclusive to HUAWEI users.
Verdict
The HUAWEI nova 9 exemplifies a midrange smartphone with flagship-level qualities, which is something that not a lot (or any) of its competitors can boast. Starting from its camera, which is its most impressive aspect due to both its capabilities and quality, to its flagship performance and very friendly price tag, the nova 9 is sure to disrupt the midrange smartphone segment with its very much-anticipated release on November 19.
