Here’s a thought that might ruffle some feathers: Buying a mid-range phone like the Huawei Nova 9 in 2025 could actually be smarter than splurging on the latest flagship. Crazy, right? Most people assume you need to drop a grand to get a great phone, but in today’s world—where specs have plateaued and AI is in everything—that’s just not always true.

Let’s break down why the Nova 9, a phone that launched years ago, might still deserve a spot in your pocket. Whether you’re on a budget or just don’t care about brand names, keep reading. This review may just change how you look at “old tech.”

Overview of the Huawei Nova 9

Key Specifications at a Glance

• Display: 6.57” OLED, 120Hz

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G (4G)

• RAM: 8GB

• Storage: 128GB / 256GB

• Camera: 50MP Ultra Vision main sensor

• Battery: 4300mAh with 66W SuperCharge

• Software: EMUI / HarmonyOS

• Release Year: 2021 (Still holding its ground in 2025)

Target Market and Positioning

The Nova 9 was originally pitched to creators, vloggers, and style-conscious users who wanted flagship aesthetics without the flagship price. In 2025, it’s become a budget-friendly option for savvy users who want performance without the gimmicks.

Design and Build Quality

Aesthetic Appeal in 2025 Standards

This phone still turns heads. With its slim body, curved glass, and eye-catching finishes, the Nova 9 looks like it belongs in 2025. It doesn’t scream “old phone,” which is more than we can say for some newer budget models.

Durability and Material Choices

Gorilla Glass front, plastic back—standard stuff. No IP rating, though, so be careful around water. With a decent case, though, it holds up just fine.

Display Performance

Screen Quality: OLED and Refresh Rate

The 6.57-inch OLED screen is a treat—vivid colors, deep blacks, and a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Most phones under $300 in 2025 still don’t offer that combo.

Brightness, Color Accuracy, and Viewing Angles

Sunlight legibility is decent, and color accuracy is sharp enough for casual photo editing or Netflix binging. The curved edges add a premium touch.

Camera Capabilities

Rear Camera Setup and Quality

The 50MP main sensor still holds up surprisingly well in daylight. Images are crisp with solid dynamic range. The ultra-wide and macro are passable, but nothing groundbreaking.

Front Camera and Vlogging Features

32MP selfie cam with wide-angle support makes it ideal for TikTok, Reels, and Zoom calls. Great for solo creators or vloggers on a budget.

Camera Performance in Low Light

Night shots aren’t flagship level, but they’re good enough. Night mode helps, and stabilization has improved with software tweaks.

Software and Operating System in 2025

EMUI vs HarmonyOS – What’s Running in 2025?

Depending on your region, you’ll either see EMUI 14 or HarmonyOS 4. Both are fluid, clean, and customizable. HarmonyOS especially feels more intuitive than Android skins from lesser brands.

App Availability Without Google Services

Yes, there’s no Google Play Store. But AppGallery + Petal Search = workarounds for nearly everything. For many users, it’s a non-issue. Still a deal-breaker for some, though.

Performance and Hardware Specs

Processor and RAM Benchmark

Snapdragon 778G is aging, but gracefully. It breezes through everyday tasks and multitasking with 8GB RAM. Heavy gamers might notice occasional throttling, but casual use? Smooth.

Gaming and Multitasking Experience

Games like PUBG, Asphalt 9, and Genshin Impact run well on medium settings. Multitasking is a breeze thanks to the lightweight OS and decent RAM optimization.

Battery Life and Charging Speed

Real-World Battery Usage Stats

The 4300mAh cell offers a full day’s use easily—even for power users. Screen-on time averages 6–7 hours.

Huawei’s 66W Fast Charging in 2025

This thing flies from 0 to 100 in under 40 minutes. While others still ship 25W chargers, Huawei flexes.

Connectivity and Network Compatibility

5G Support – Yes or No?

Sadly, no 5G. It’s 4G only—thanks to U.S. sanctions. If you’re in an area where 5G isn’t widespread, it won’t matter. But it’s a limitation.

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS Accuracy

Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and rock-solid GPS make it future-friendly for everything else.

Pricing in 2025

Current Market Price and Resale Value

On sites like AliExpress or eBay, you can grab a new Nova 9 for under $250. That’s killer value for the features it offers.

Comparison with Similar Budget Phones

Against phones like the Redmi Note 13 or Galaxy A24, the Nova 9 still wins in design, charging speed, and camera.

Pros and Cons of the Huawei Nova 9

When considering whether to purchase the Huawei Nova 9 in 2025, it’s essential to weigh both the positives and the drawbacks. Let’s dive deeper into why you might still want to pick this phone up, as well as the limitations you should be aware of.

Why You Should Still Consider It

1. Premium Design Under $300

   The Huawei Nova 9 is one of those rare budget-friendly phones that doesn’t feel cheap. Despite its affordable price, it offers a sleek, high-quality design that rivals many flagship devices. The slim profile, coupled with the glass back and smooth curves, ensures that the phone looks and feels much more expensive than it really is. Whether you’re using it casually or showing it off to friends, the Nova 9 exudes a premium vibe, which is hard to find in this price range.

2. 120Hz OLED Screen

   One of the standout features of the Huawei Nova 9 is its display. The phone features a 6.57-inch OLED panel with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This means the screen looks vibrant, with rich colors and deep blacks that offer an immersive viewing experience. Whether you’re scrolling through social media or watching your favorite movies, the high refresh rate ensures that everything feels buttery smooth. It’s a huge win for anyone who loves watching videos or playing games on their phone, as it improves the overall fluidity of the phone.

3. Great Selfie Camera

   The 32MP front-facing camera on the Huawei Nova 9 is perfect for selfie lovers, vloggers, and anyone who’s constantly posting on social media. The high resolution ensures that your selfies are crisp, detailed, and vibrant. It even offers a wide-angle mode, which is a nice bonus for group shots or vlogging. In addition, Huawei’s software-enhanced beauty modes and AI-based features help make your selfies look flattering without overdoing it. For anyone looking to create content or keep in touch with friends and family through video calls, the Nova 9’s front camera is a solid asset.

4. Fast Charging

   The Huawei Nova 9 packs an impressive 66W SuperCharge, which can charge the phone from 0% to 100% in under 40 minutes. Fast charging is a must-have feature in today’s world where time is precious. It’s one of the best charging speeds you’ll find at this price point. If you’re constantly on the go, you won’t need to wait around for hours to get your device juiced up. A quick 15-minute charge can give you a few hours of usage—ideal for those busy days when you’re rushing out the door.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

While the Huawei Nova 9 brings several impressive features to the table, there are a few compromises that you should be aware of before making a purchase.

1. No 5G

   The lack of 5G connectivity is perhaps one of the most significant drawbacks of the Huawei Nova 9, especially as 5G networks become more widespread in 2025. While 4G LTE is still fast enough for most everyday activities (browsing, social media, and video streaming), it does mean that you won’t be able to take full advantage of the faster download and upload speeds that 5G offers. If you live in an area where 5G coverage is already widespread, this could be a dealbreaker, as 5G future-proofs your phone for the next several years.

2. No Google Services

   Due to ongoing restrictions placed on Huawei, the Nova 9 doesn’t come with Google services like Gmail, YouTube, or Google Maps pre-installed. While Huawei has worked hard to offer alternatives, such as its own AppGallery and Petal Search, it’s not the same as having full access to the Google ecosystem. For many users, this isn’t a huge issue, as there are ways to sideload apps and access alternatives. However, if you’re deeply ingrained in the Google ecosystem and rely on apps like Gmail, YouTube, or Google Drive, this could be a significant inconvenience. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s definitely something to consider.

3. Aging Chipset

   The Snapdragon 778G chipset in the Nova 9, while still solid, is starting to show its age. Released in 2021, it’s not as powerful as some newer processors, especially those found in more recent budget and mid-range devices. In terms of day-to-day usage, it performs fine—browsing, social media, and even light gaming are handled well. However, for intensive multitasking or high-end gaming, it might struggle compared to newer phones with more powerful chips. If you’re someone who demands the latest and greatest processing power, the Nova 9’s chipset might leave you wanting more in the long term.

Who Should Buy the Huawei Nova 9 in 2025?

• Casual users who value design and display

• Content creators on a tight budget

• Students needing a reliable everyday device

User Reviews and Community Sentiment

When it comes to purchasing a smartphone, the real-world feedback from users can often provide a clearer picture of a device’s true value. For the Huawei Nova 9, user reviews and community sentiment across various platforms, especially tech-focused forums like XDA and Reddit, paint a picture of a phone that may not have received as much mainstream attention but still holds its ground as one of the best budget smartphones on the market in 2025.

• Praise for Reliability and Performance

Many users on forums like XDA and Reddit have continued to sing the praises of the Huawei Nova 9, often referring to it as a phone that punches well above its weight. It’s often described as one of the most reliable budget options available in its class. One of the key points mentioned repeatedly is its smooth performance, even after years of use. Despite being powered by the Snapdragon 778G, which was considered mid-tier when the phone was launched, users still report fluid operation in day-to-day tasks such as web browsing, social media, and even moderate gaming.

This reliability is especially noteworthy when compared to newer budget phones that often suffer from lag or stutter after a few months of usage. The Nova 9’s consistent performance is a major factor in why many users continue to recommend it years after its release.

In one popular Reddit thread, a user mentioned, “I bought the Nova 9 as a temporary phone, but it’s still my daily driver in 2025. It has never let me down, and it’s still fast enough for everything I need.” The sentiment is echoed by many who view the phone as a solid, long-lasting device that defies its initial budget price tag.

• Impressive Battery Life and Fast Charging

Another standout feature frequently mentioned by users is its battery life. Despite the phone not being equipped with the largest battery in its class, many have praised how well the 4300mAh battery holds up throughout the day. Users report consistent usage times of 6-7 hours of screen-on time with moderate usage, which is more than enough for most people. Combine this with the 66W fast charging, and the phone becomes an even more appealing choice for users on the go.

One reviewer on XDA commented, “I can go through an entire workday on a single charge and still have juice left. And when I do need to charge, it takes less than 40 minutes to go from 0 to 100%. It’s a game changer for anyone who’s always on the move.”

• The Best Budget Buy No One’s Talking About

A common refrain across many tech communities is that the Huawei Nova 9 is “the best budget phone no one’s talking about.” While it’s not as widely discussed in mainstream tech circles as other phones like the latest iPhone or Galaxy models, it’s the unsung hero in the budget category for many users. It offers flagship-like features—such as a 120Hz OLED display and a 50MP main camera—at a fraction of the price of its competitors.

Reddit users often express their disbelief that the Nova 9 doesn’t receive more attention, given the quality and features it offers. In one Reddit discussion about budget phones, a user remarked, “I can’t believe how good the camera is on the Nova 9. For the price, it rivals phones that cost twice as much!” These kinds of positive comments are frequently found across different threads discussing budget smartphones, and they show just how much people appreciate the quality Huawei has packed into the Nova 9.

Even some tech reviewers who specialize in budget smartphones have noted that the Nova 9 remains a standout in the crowded market of affordable smartphones, often getting overshadowed by newer releases or more hyped-up models.

• Criticism and Areas for Improvement

That said, not every review is glowing. The biggest area of concern for many users is the lack of Google services. While some people have figured out workarounds through sideloading or using Huawei’s own alternatives (like AppGallery), others find the absence of the Google Play Store to be a dealbreaker.

On Reddit, some users have commented, “I love the phone, but not having access to Google apps is frustrating. I had to install them through a third-party app, which isn’t ideal.” This frustration is echoed by several users who have come to expect the convenience of the Google ecosystem.

Additionally, some users have mentioned that the camera’s low-light performance could use some improvement. While the 50MP main sensor captures sharp images in good lighting, its performance drops in dim environments compared to more recent devices. That being said, night mode and AI enhancements still offer decent results for most users, especially those who don’t expect flagship-level camera performance.

What Users Like Most About the Nova 9

• Design and Build Quality: Many users highlight how premium the phone feels in hand. Its slim profile, curved edges, and high-quality finish make it look and feel like a device that should cost much more. A user on XDA shared, “It’s probably the best-looking budget phone out there. Feels like a flagship.”

• Value for Money: The phone’s overall value for money is another recurring theme. Users feel that they’re getting a lot for the price, especially in terms of performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.

• Smooth Display and Performance: The 120Hz OLED screen is highly regarded for its vibrant colors and smooth scrolling experience. The smoothness of the display is often pointed out as a big plus for users who enjoy watching content or playing mobile games.

In conclusion, the Huawei Nova 9’s community sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, especially considering its age. It continues to receive praise for its premium design, smooth performance, and excellent display, even as newer models hit the market. The phone’s reliable battery life and fast charging make it a top contender in the budget segment, with many users swearing by its longevity and performance.

While it does have its limitations, such as the lack of 5G and Google services, it’s clear that for many users, these issues are manageable in exchange for the device’s value. The Huawei Nova 9 may not be a phone that grabs the headlines, but in user communities like XDA and Reddit, it’s regarded as an unheralded gem in the affordable smartphone market.

Is It Future-Proof? What About 2026 and Beyond?

With EMUI/HarmonyOS updates still rolling out and hardware that keeps up with current demands, it should last through 2026. Beyond that? Might be time to upgrade.

Final Verdict: Yay or Nay in 2025?

Verdict: Yay—for the right user.
If you can live without Google and 5G, the Nova 9 offers premium style, solid performance, and amazing value in 2025. It’s not perfect, but at its current price, it doesn’t have to be.

Read Also: ROG Phone 7 Full Specs, Features, and Hands-On Performance Test

FAQs

Is the Huawei Nova 9 compatible with Google apps in 2025?

Not natively, but workarounds exist. You can sideload most apps or use alternatives via AppGallery.

How does the Huawei Nova 9 compare to the Nova 11?

The Nova 11 has 5G and a newer chip but costs more. Nova 9 still wins on value and camera for the price.

Will the Nova 9 get software updates beyond 2025?

Huawei has promised updates into 2026, especially for HarmonyOS users in Asia and the EU.

Is the camera on the Nova 9 still competitive in 2025?

Yes, especially the selfie cam. Rear camera holds its own for a mid-range device.

Where can I buy the Huawei Nova 9 at the best price in 2025?

Try global marketplaces like AliExpress, Amazon, or local resellers.