TP-Link just launched the new Neffos X9 smartphone, which is being targeted squarely at the Huawei nova 2 lite. Let’s compare them both and see which is the better deal!
Neffos X9 vs Huawei nova 2 lite
The Neffos X9 (Price Check) and Huawei nova 2 lite (Price Check) are both mid-range smartphones with 5.99-inch displays, and a dual-lens main camera. But are they really that similar? Let’s take a closer look…
Display : Neffos X9
Both the Neffos X9 (Price Check) and the Huawei nova 2 lite (Price Check) come with a 5.99-inch FullView IPS display, with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels, and a pixel density of 259 pixels per inch.
But the Neffos X9’s display has two additional advantages :
- it can dim to just 2 nits, allowing you to read and watch movies with minimal glare in the dark.
- it has an Eye Protection Mode that reduces blue light emission by up to 89%, reducing eyestrain in low light conditions.
Performance : Tie
The Neffos X9 (Price Check) runs on the MediaTek MT6750, while the Huawei nova 2 lite (Price Check) uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 430.
They both have octa-core ARM Cortex-A53 processors of roughly the same performance.
Memory + Storage : Tie
Both the Neffos X9 (Price Check) and the Huawei nova 2 lite (Price Check) come with 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage. They also have the option of adding a microSD card for extra storage.
Front Camera : Tie
Both devices have an 8 MP front camera with flash support.
The Neffos X9 (Price Check) features a soft light flash, which prevents harsh lights and creates more natural-looking selfies.
The Huawei nova 2 lite (Price Check), on the other hand, has a flash that automatically adjusts the brightness level according to the ambient light.
Main Camera : Neffos X9
Both Neffos X9 and Huawei nova 2 lite feature a high-resolution camera with a depth sensor that allows for more accurate bokeh effects. But the Neffos X9’s main camera is superior in many aspects :
- Its faster f/2.0 lens allows for better low-light performance
- Its higher resolution 5 MP depth sensor is better at depth-sensing
- Its dual-tone LED flash delivers more natural skin tones
Wireless Connectivity : Neffos X9
Both Neffos X9 (Price Check) and Huawei nova 2 lite (Price Check) support the WiFi-N standard. However, the Neffos X9 has a key advantage – it supports dual band connectivity on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. This is important for two reasons :
- the 2.4 GHz has a longer range and better penetrates walls, but is prone to interference from nearby devices, like microwave machines, cordless phones and baby monitors.
- The 5 GHz band has a shorter range, but offers much better transfer speeds.
Wireless performance is also greatly improved when data can be transferred over both bands, instead of just one band. So there is no doubt that the X9 is the clear winner in this aspect.
Price : Neffos X9
With its superior set of features, you may expect the Neffos X9 to be more expensive. Surprisingly, it is actually CHEAPER than the Huawei nova 2i lite.
The Neffos X9 (Price Check) is only priced at RM 599 / ~US$ 149, while the nova 2i lite costs RM 659 / ~US$ 165.
Neffos X9 vs Huawei nova 2 lite Summarised
| Specifications | Neffos X9 | HUAWEI nova 2 lite |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.99-inch FullView IPS display - 720 x 1440 pixels (269 ppi)` | 5.99-inch FullView IPS display - 720 x 1440 pixels (269 ppi)` |
| Operating System | Android 8.1 Oreo | Android 8.0 Oreo |
| System Platform | MediaTek MT6750 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 (MSM8937) |
| Processor | 4 x ARM Cortex-A53 cores (1.5 GHz) 4 x ARM Cortex-A53 cores (1.0 GHz) | 8 x ARM Cortex-A53 cores (up to 1.4 GHz) |
| Graphics Processor | ARM Mali-T860MP2 (520 MHz) | Qualcomm Adreno 505 |
| Memory | 3 GB RAM | 3 GB RAM |
| Storage | 32 GB internal storage microSD card slot (up to 128 GB) | 32 GB internal storage microSD card slot (up to 256 GB) |
| Front Camera | 8 MP with soft light flash | 8 MP camera with toning flash |
| Rear Camera | Dual Lens Camera with f/2.0 lens - 13 MP main camera - 5 MP depth sensor - dual-tone LED flash | Dual Lens Camera with f/2.2 lens - 13 MP main camera - 2 MP depth sensor - single LED flash |
| Network | 4G : LTE Cat4 (150 Mbps / 50 Mbps) | 4G : LTE Cat6 (150 Mbps / 75 Mbps) |
| SIM Capabilty | Dual SIM, Dual Standby SIM1 and SIM2 : 2G / 3G / 4G | Dual SIM, Dual Standby SIM1 and SIM2 : 2G / 3G / 4G |
| Connectivity | WiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) Bluetooth : BT 4.1 | WiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n (2.4 GHz only) Bluetooth : BT 4.1 |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes, Rear-Mounted | Yes, Rear-Mounted |
| Other Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Ambient Light, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Ambient Light, Proximity |
| Battery | 3,060 mAh lithium-ion | 3,000 mAh lithium-ion |
| Dimensions | 76.3 mm wide 159.4 mm tall 7.85 mm thick | 76.7 mm wide 158.3 mm tall 7.8 mm thick |
| Weight | 168 g | 155 g |
| Availble Colours | Space Black / Moonlight Silver | Black / Blue / Gold |
| Price | RM 599 / ~US$ 149 | RM 659 / ~US$ 165 |
Our Verdict : Neffos X9 Is The Obvious Choice
Both the Neffos X9 and the Huawei nova 2 lite are very compelling devices. They are highly-affordable, and yet, offer a ton of features with performance levels unheard of only a few years ago.
Yet, if you have to choose between the two, the Neffos X9 (Price Check) would be the obvious choice. Not only does it offer a superior set of features, it is actually cheaper. Hard to beat such a combination!
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Disclosure
This comparison was sponsored by TP-Link.
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