The Huawei Nova 3i made a huge impact in the premium mid-range smartphone segment thanks to competitive hardware and pricing. But it looks like it’s facing a challenger from its own ranks, specifically the Y9 (2019) which carries the same chip and lower price. So which smartphone has the upper hand based on specs? Find out below
Here are their detailed specs:
| Specification | Huawei Y9 (2019) | Huawei Nova 3i |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.5-inch 19.5:9 Full HD+ IPS display @2340 x 1080px, 396ppi | 6.3-inch 19.5:9 IPS LCD display @ 2340 x 1080 pixels, 409ppi |
| Glass type | 3D Curved Glass | 2.5D Curved Glass |
| CPU | HiSilicon Kirin 710 4x cortex a73 2.2ghz + 4x cortex a53 1.7ghz Octa-core Processor | HiSilicon Kirin 710 4x cortex a73 2.2ghz + 4x cortex a53 1.7ghz Octa-core Processor |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G51 MP4 w/ GPU Turbo Tech |
| RAM | 3GB + 4GB RAM | 4GB RAM |
| Storage | 64GB internal storage | 128GB internal storage |
| SIM | Dual-SIM (nano, nano) | Dual-SIM (nano, hybrid) |
| MicroSD | Expandable via microSD (dedicated) | Expandable via microSD (SIM 2) |
| Rear Camera | 16MP f/2.0 + 2MP f/2.4 AI dual rear cameras | 16MP f/2.2 + 2MP AI dual rear cameras |
| Front Camera | 13MP f/1.8 + 2MP f/2.4 dual front cameras | 24MP f/2.0 + 2MP AI dual front cameras |
| LTE | Dual 4G LTE | Dual 4G LTE |
| WiFi | WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4GHz | WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4GHz |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Port | Micro USB 2.0 | Micro USB 2.0 |
| 3.5mm audio port | Yes | Yes |
| Biometrics | - Fingerprint scanner - Face Unlock | - Fingerprint scanner - Face Unlock |
| OS | EMUI 8.2 (Android 8.1 Oreo) | EMUI 8.2 (Android 8.1 Oreo) |
| Battery | 4,000mAh battery | 3,340mAh battery |
Here are the advantages of each smartphone:
- Larger screen size
- 3D Curved Glass
- Dedicated microSD card slot
- Wider main rear camera aperture
- Larger battery capacity
- Higher pixel density
- Larger internal storage
- Higher front camera resolution
The Y9 (2019) has a larger screen size with a 3D curved glass. The Nova 3i, on the other hand, has a slightly higher pixel density, but not by a mile. Both have IPS panels so we can expect good viewing angles and nice colors from both devices.
Both phones have the Kirin 710 chipset which has been proven capable of running basic to heavy tasks including gaming. One big advantage of the Nova 3i though is the 128GB storage which is good for users who need to take lots of photos and videos and have plenty of apps to install.
When it comes to cameras, the Y9 (2019) has a wider main rear camera aperture which allows it to perform better in low-light. The Nova 3i, on the other hand, has a higher front camera resolution for sharper selfies. We’ve yet to test the former’s capabilities but you can check our sample photos for the Huawei Nova 3i here.
The Y9 (2019) carries a larger battery capacity so we could expect it to outlast the Nova 3i, but we’ll confirm once we’re done with our review.
The Huawei Y9 (2019) is priced at PHP 12,990 while the Nova 3i is priced at PHP 15,990. Based on the advantages and value for money, the Y9 (2019) looks like a more attractive option if they don’t mind the smaller storage and front camera resolution.
What do you guys think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
I have both the 3i and the Y9. Overall I like the Y9, bigger screen, larger battery. Performance-wise, they`re the same. Plays PUBG, NBA2k19, Life After, Honkai Impact, without any lags, but I prefer the Y9 prime since there’s no notch and the screen is larger. Nanga is also better on the Y9. But for photos, clearly the 3i wins this one. Though they both have 16mp at the back, turning on the ai for the Y9 lowers down the quality of the shots since it uses the 8mp camera instead of the 16. I recommend turning ai off.
Comparing the two phone Nova 3i is still preferable if you like taking pictures. I bought Nova 3i because of its camera and its internal storage. If the battery is at 4000mAh it could operate longer but it might increase the price.
Thanks a lot for giving information.
Have you try Y9 gps apps,like waze?Ive heard there is a problem using waze,delay ditections
I bought Y9 on Nov 16 and so far it’s good on performance and no bad issues going on during my usage of it. It has a tiny led indicator when charging at the top right area though it doesn’t light up for notifications. I like the way it sits around my hand and one-hand typing is possible despite the size of the phone. It comes with pre-installed screen protector and jelly case plus a speaker freebie. This is my first Huawei phone and I’m glad I made a switch.
How come it doesn’t light up for notifications?
Y9 is a good shot. Hmm wait till i have the money hahaha