Huawei Nova 12 Pro

The Huawei Nova 12 Pro, a cutting-edge smartphone, is now available in Qatar. The 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant is priced at QAR 2,100, while the 8GB RAM + 512GB storage model costs QAR 2,500.

Huawei Nova 12 Pro Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.76-inch LTPO OLED, 1B colors, HDR, 120Hz refresh rate
Resolution	1224 x 2776 pixels (~449 ppi density)
Processor	Kirin 9000S (7 nm)
RAM	8GB
Storage	256GB / 512GB
Rear Camera	50 MP main, 8 MP ultrawide
Front Camera	60 MP main, 8 MP portrait
Battery	4600 mAh, 100W fast charging
Operating System	HarmonyOS 4.0

 

Release Date and Availability

The Huawei Nova 12 Pro was officially released on December 26, 2023.

Design and Build

The Nova 12 Pro boasts a sleek and modern design. It measures 163.1 x 75 x 7.7 mm and weighs 201 grams. The phone features a glass front and a silicone polymer back with an eco-leather finish, giving it a premium look and feel. It comes in four color options: Black, Blue, White, and Pink, catering to different style preferences.

Display Technology

One of the standout features of the Nova 12 Pro is its display. The 6.76-inch LTPO OLED screen offers vibrant colors and deep blacks. With a resolution of 1224 x 2776 pixels and a pixel density of about 449 ppi, the display delivers sharp and clear visuals.

The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions. The display also supports HDR content, enhancing the viewing experience for compatible videos and games.

Camera Capabilities

The Nova 12 Pro packs an impressive camera setup. The rear camera system features a 50 MP main sensor with a variable aperture (f/1.4-f/4.0), using an RYYB super-sensitive color array for improved low-light performance. It’s paired with an 8 MP ultrawide lens that doubles as a macro camera.

The front camera setup is equally impressive, with a 60 MP main selfie camera and an 8 MP portrait lens, offering features like 2x and 5x optical zoom for versatile self-portraits.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Nova 12 Pro is powered by the Kirin 9000S chipset, built on a 7nm process. This octa-core processor features a unique configuration with one high-performance core clocked at 2.62 GHz, three mid-tier cores at 2.15 GHz, and four efficiency cores at 1.53 GHz.

The GPU is the Maleoon 910 MP4, which should handle most graphical tasks with ease. With 8GB of RAM, the phone offers smooth multitasking and app switching.

Storage Options

The Nova 12 Pro comes in two storage variants: 256GB and 512GB. Both options use fast UFS storage for quick app loading and file transfers. It’s worth noting that the phone doesn’t support expandable storage via microSD cards, so users should choose their storage option carefully based on their needs.

Battery Life and Charging

A 4600 mAh battery powers the Nova 12 Pro, which should provide all-day battery life for most users. The standout feature in this department is the 100W super-fast charging support. Huawei claims this can charge the phone from 3% to 60% in just 10 minutes, which is impressive for a phone in this price range. The device also supports 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to charge other devices in a pinch.

Software and User Interface

The Nova 12 Pro runs on HarmonyOS 4.0, Huawei’s proprietary operating system. This software offers a range of features designed to enhance user experience, including improved privacy controls, seamless device integration within the Huawei ecosystem, and a user-friendly interface. However, it’s important to note that due to ongoing restrictions, the phone doesn’t come with Google Mobile Services, which may affect app availability for some users.

Connectivity Features

In terms of connectivity, the Nova 12 Pro is well-equipped. It supports 5G networks, ensuring fast mobile data speeds where available. The phone also features Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, Bluetooth 5.2 for reliable wireless connections, and NFC for contactless payments. The device uses a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer.

Audio and Multimedia

While the Nova 12 Pro doesn’t feature a 3.5mm headphone jack, it does come with stereo speakers for improved audio output. The phone supports various audio codecs, including SBC, AAC, LDAC, and L2HC, ensuring high-quality sound whether you’re using wireless earbuds or the built-in speakers.

Security Features

For security, the Nova 12 Pro includes an under-display optical fingerprint sensor. This allows for quick and secure unlocking of the device. The phone also supports face unlock using the front camera system, providing users with multiple options for device security.

Special Features

The Nova 12 Pro includes several special features that set it apart from other smartphones in its class. These include:

1. Variable aperture main camera: The ability to adjust the aperture from f/1.4 to f/4.0 allows for greater control over depth of field and low-light performance.
2. Dual front cameras: The combination of a high-resolution 60 MP main selfie camera with an 8 MP portrait lens offers versatile options for self-portraits.
3. 100W fast charging: This feature significantly reduces charging times, adding convenience for users who need quick power boosts.
4. LTPO OLED display: This technology allows for more efficient power management of the display, potentially improving battery life.
5. HarmonyOS 4.0: Huawei’s operating system offers unique features and integrations within the Huawei ecosystem.

Comparison with Other Models

When compared to its predecessor, the Huawei Nova 11 Pro, the Nova 12 Pro offers several upgrades. The most notable improvements are the new Kirin 9000S processor, which should provide better performance, and the upgraded main camera with its variable aperture. The design has also been refined, with a slightly larger display and a new camera module layout.

In comparison to the Huawei Nova 12i, the Pro model offers a more premium experience with its higher resolution display, more powerful processor, and superior camera setup. However, the Nova 12i does have a larger 5000 mAh battery, which might appeal to users prioritizing battery life.

Looking at competitors in the same price range, the Nova 12 Pro holds its own against devices from brands like Samsung, OnePlus, and Oppo. Its camera capabilities, fast charging, and unique features like the variable aperture main camera set it apart. However, phones from these brands often come with Google services, which might be a deciding factor for some users.

When compared to mid-range offerings from brands like Realme, Infinix, and Tecno, the Nova 12 Pro generally offers superior build quality and more advanced features, justifying its higher price point. However, these brands often provide competitive specifications at lower price points, which might appeal to budget-conscious consumers.

In the context of other flagship devices, such as those from Apple or the latest Samsung S series, the Nova 12 Pro offers a more affordable option while still providing high-end features. However, it may lag behind in some areas like raw processing power or ecosystem integration.

Nova 12 SE Price

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Impressive camera setup with variable aperture main lens
2. Fast 100W charging
3. High-quality LTPO OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
4. Sleek design with premium build quality
5. 5G support for future-proof connectivity

Cons:

1. Lack of Google Mobile Services may be a drawback for some users
2. No expandable storage option
3. Battery capacity is smaller compared to some competitors
4. Limited availability in some markets
5. HarmonyOS may have a learning curve for users new to the ecosystem

Who Should Buy the Huawei Nova 12 Pro?

The Huawei Nova 12 Pro is an excellent choice for:

1. Photography enthusiasts who will appreciate the versatile camera system
2. Users who prioritize fast charging and a high-quality display
3. Consumers looking for a premium mid-range device with 5G capabilities
4. Those already invested in the Huawei ecosystem
5. Users who don’t rely heavily on Google services