Huawei Nova 16 SE vs Redmi K90 Max
The Huawei Nova 16 SE (2026) runs on the HiSilicon Kirin 8020, while the Redmi K90 Max (2026) runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 9500; launch prices were $345 and $504. By overall MobileRank rating, the Redmi K90 Max leads — 75/100 vs 60/100 (a 15-point difference). Key differences: the Redmi K90 Max has the bigger battery (8550 mAh vs 8500); the Redmi K90 Max is faster in AnTuTu (3,760,662 vs 1,146,138).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Huawei Nova 16 SE
Redmi K90 Max
What makes Huawei Nova 16 SE better?
- Cheaper at launch: $345 vs $504
- Better portability (42/100 vs 41/100)
What makes Redmi K90 Max better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3760662 vs 1146138
- Better Geekbench Single: 3293 vs 1389
- Better Geekbench Multi: 10243 vs 4125
- Bigger battery: 8550 vs 8500 mAh
- Faster charging: 100W vs 66W
- Higher refresh rate: 165Hz vs 120Hz
- Lighter: 227g vs 229g
- Higher performance (96/100 vs 65/100)
- Longer battery life (78/100 vs 70/100)
- Better display (94/100 vs 84/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Huawei Nova 16 SE vs the Redmi K90 Max, the Redmi K90 Max scores 15 points higher (75/100 vs 60/100). In the "performance" category, the Redmi K90 Max leads (96/100 vs 65/100). Value score: Huawei Nova 16 SE — 54/100, Redmi K90 Max — 72/100; it shows how far a model sits above or below the usual level for its price, and is not part of the overall rating. In the "performance" category, the Redmi K90 Max significantly outperforms the Huawei Nova 16 SE (96/100 vs 65/100). In the "display" category, the Redmi K90 Max is a bit better (94/100 vs 84/100). In the "camera" category, both devices are on the same level — 37/100. In the "battery" category, the Redmi K90 Max is a bit better (78/100 vs 70/100). In the "portability" category, the Huawei Nova 16 SE and the Redmi K90 Max are nearly equal (42/100 vs 41/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Huawei Nova 16 SE | Redmi K90 Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | HiSilicon Kirin 8020 | MediaTek Dimensity 9500 | |
| AnTuTu | 1146138 | 3760662 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1389 | 3293 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 4125 | 10243 | |
| Display | 6.8" OLED | 6.8" AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 2756x1272 | 2772x1280 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 165 Hz | |
| Battery | 8500 mAh | 8550 mAh | |
| Charging | 66W | 100W | |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 0 MP | 8 MP | |
| Front camera | 32 MP | 20 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | HarmonyOS 6.1 | Android 16 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 8000 nits | 3500 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP65 | IP66 | |
| Dimensions | 163.3×78.0×8.0 mm | 162.9×77.9×8.1 mm | |
| Weight | 229 g | 227 g | |
| Launch price | $345 | $504 |
Camera comparison
Huawei Nova 16 SE
- Main: 50MP f/1.9
- Front: 32MP
Redmi K90 Max
- Main: 50MP f/1.68
- Ultrawide: 8MP
- Front: 20MP
Display comparison
Huawei Nova 16 SE
- 6.8" OLED
- Resolution: 2756x1272
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Redmi K90 Max
- 6.8" AMOLED
- Resolution: 2772x1280
- Refresh rate: 165 Hz
Battery and charging
Huawei Nova 16 SE
- 8500 mAh
- Wired: 66W
- No wireless charging
Redmi K90 Max
- 8550 mAh
- Wired: 100W
- No wireless charging
Overall performance score
We compared Huawei Nova 16 SE and Redmi K90 Max, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Redmi K90 Max leads Huawei Nova 16 SE by 69.5% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $159. Huawei Nova 16 SE was $159 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Redmi K90 Max significantly outperforms the Huawei Nova 16 SE (96/100 vs 65/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Redmi K90 Max is a bit better (94/100 vs 84/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, both devices are on the same level — 37/100.
battery
In the "battery" category, the Redmi K90 Max is a bit better (78/100 vs 70/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Huawei Nova 16 SE and the Redmi K90 Max are nearly equal (42/100 vs 41/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Huawei Nova 16 SE or the Redmi K90 Max?
The Redmi K90 Max is noticeably better than the Huawei Nova 16 SE — the overall rating gap is 15 points.
What is the rating of the Huawei Nova 16 SE and the Redmi K90 Max?
The Huawei Nova 16 SE has a MobileRank rating of 60/100, the Redmi K90 Max — 75/100.
Which is more powerful: the Huawei Nova 16 SE or the Redmi K90 Max?
The Redmi K90 Max leads on performance (96/100 vs 65/100).
Should you choose the Huawei Nova 16 SE over the Redmi K90 Max?
The Huawei Nova 16 SE is a better fit for active users. The Redmi K90 Max is a better fit for gamers and power users, those who care about battery life.