Huawei Nova 12i

The Huawei Nova 12i is available in Qatar, offering a blend of performance and affordability. The 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant is priced at QAR 769.

Huawei Nova 12i Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.7″ IPS LCD, 90Hz, 1080 x 2388 pixels
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6 nm)
RAM	8 GB
Storage	256 GB
Main Camera	108 MP (wide) + 2 MP (depth)
Selfie Camera	8 MP
Battery	5000 mAh, 40W fast charging
Operating System	EMUI 14 (no Google Play Services)

 

Design and Display

The Huawei Nova 12i boasts a sleek design with dimensions of 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm and weighs 199 grams. It comes in two color options: Green and Black.

The phone features a 6.7-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1080 x 2388 pixels, resulting in a sharp ~391 ppi density. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 89.1%, providing an immersive viewing experience.

Performance and Storage

Under the hood, the Nova 12i is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset, built on a 6nm process. This octa-core processor consists of 4×2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4×1.9 GHz Cortex-A53 cores, paired with an Adreno 610 GPU.

The device comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for apps, photos, and videos.

Camera Capabilities

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Nova 12i’s camera setup. The rear dual-camera system features a 108 MP main sensor with an f/1.9 aperture and a 26mm wide-angle lens, complemented by a 2 MP depth sensor. This combination allows for detailed photos and effective depth perception for portrait shots.

The front-facing camera is an 8 MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, suitable for selfies and video calls. Both front and rear cameras can record 1080p video at 30fps.

Battery Life and Charging

The Huawei Nova 12i is equipped with a large 5000 mAh Li-Po battery, which should provide excellent battery life for most users. The device supports 40W fast charging, which can charge the battery to 62% in just 30 minutes, ensuring you spend less time tethered to a power outlet.

Software and Connectivity

The Nova 12i runs on EMUI 14, Huawei’s custom Android-based operating system. It’s important to note that the device does not come with Google Play Services, which may limit access to some popular apps. However, Huawei’s AppGallery offers a growing selection of applications.

For connectivity, the phone supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual-band), Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS. It also features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking.

Release Date and Availability

The Huawei Nova 12i was released in Qatar in late 2023, with widespread availability in early 2024. It can be purchased from various retailers and mobile carriers across the country, as well as through online platforms.

Comparison with Other Models

When compared to its predecessor, the Huawei Nova 11i, the Nova 12i offers several improvements. The most notable upgrade is in the camera department, with the Nova 12i featuring a 108 MP main camera compared to the 48 MP sensor on the Nova 11i. The Nova 12i also has a slightly smaller 6.7-inch display compared to the 6.8-inch screen on the 11i, which may appeal to users who prefer a more compact device.

In comparison to other Huawei models like the Nova 11 and Nova 11 Pro, the Nova 12i positions itself as a more budget-friendly option while still offering competitive features. The Nova 11 and 11 Pro typically come with higher-end processors and more advanced camera systems, but at a higher price point.

When looking at competitors in the same price range, the Nova 12i holds its own against models from brands like Nokia, OnePlus, Samsung, and others. For instance, it offers a higher resolution main camera than many similarly priced devices from these brands. However, some competitors may offer advantages like 5G connectivity or stock Android experiences with Google Play Services, which the Nova 12i lacks.

Compared to models from brands like Tecno, Infinix, Realme, and Oppo, the Nova 12i often provides a more premium build quality and a more refined user interface. However, these brands sometimes offer more aggressive pricing or unique features that may appeal to certain users.

The Huawei Nova 12i’s strengths lie in its large, high-resolution display, capable camera system, and long-lasting battery with fast charging support. Its main drawbacks include the lack of 5G connectivity and the absence of Google Play Services, which may be deal-breakers for some users.

Camera Performance

The 108 MP main camera of the Huawei Nova 12i is a standout feature, especially in its price range. This high-resolution sensor allows for incredibly detailed photos, particularly in well-lit conditions. The camera uses pixel binning technology, combining multiple pixels into one larger pixel to improve low-light performance. This results in 12 MP images with enhanced clarity and reduced noise in dimmer environments.

The 2 MP depth sensor works in tandem with the main camera to create a bokeh effect in portrait mode, blurring the background to make the subject stand out. While not as advanced as systems with dedicated telephoto or ultra-wide lenses, it still provides users with creative options for their photography.

The camera app on the Nova 12i comes with various modes and features to enhance the photography experience. These include Night mode for better low-light shots, Pro mode for manual control over camera settings, and AI scene recognition that automatically adjusts camera settings based on what you’re photographing.

Video capabilities, while not class-leading, are sufficient for casual use. The ability to record 1080p video at 30fps from both front and rear cameras ensures decent quality for vlogs, social media content, and personal memories.

Display Quality and User Experience

The 6.7-inch IPS LCD display of the Nova 12i offers vibrant colors and good viewing angles typical of IPS technology. The FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2388 pixels) ensures sharp text and clear images, making it suitable for reading, browsing, and media consumption.

One of the highlights of the display is its 90Hz refresh rate. This higher-than-standard refresh rate provides a smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations compared to traditional 60Hz displays. Users will notice this improvement particularly when navigating through the user interface, scrolling web pages, or playing games that support higher frame rates.

The display also features a hole-punch cutout for the front-facing camera, maximizing screen real estate and giving the phone a modern look. The thin bezels contribute to the immersive viewing experience, making the Nova 12i feel more premium than its price might suggest.

Performance in Daily Use

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor, the Huawei Nova 12i delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks. This mid-range chipset is built on a 6nm process, which helps with power efficiency. For most users, the phone will handle daily activities like web browsing, social media, messaging, and light gaming without issues.

The 8GB of RAM contributes to smooth multitasking, allowing users to switch between apps quickly. However, for more demanding tasks or heavy gaming, users might notice some limitations compared to flagship devices.

The 256GB of internal storage is generous at this price point, providing ample space for apps, photos, videos, and other files. This is particularly important since the Nova 12i doesn’t support expandable storage via microSD card.

EMUI 14 and App Ecosystem

The Huawei Nova 12i runs on EMUI 14, Huawei’s custom Android-based operating system. EMUI offers a range of features and customization options, allowing users to tailor their experience. The interface is generally intuitive, with smooth animations thanks to the 90Hz display.

However, the lack of Google Play Services is a significant consideration. This means popular Google apps like Gmail, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store are not pre-installed and cannot be easily added. Instead, users rely on Huawei’s AppGallery and third-party app stores for downloading applications.

Huawei has been working to expand its app ecosystem, and many popular apps are available through the AppGallery or can be side-loaded. However, users accustomed to the Google ecosystem may need to find alternatives or workarounds for certain applications.

Battery Life and Charging

The 5000 mAh battery in the Huawei Nova 12i is one of its strongest features. This large capacity, combined with the power-efficient Snapdragon 680 processor and 1080p display, results in excellent battery life. Most users can expect the phone to last through a full day of moderate to heavy use, with some users potentially stretching it to two days with lighter usage.

The 40W fast charging support is another highlight. This technology allows the phone to charge rapidly, with Huawei claiming it can reach 62% battery in just 30 minutes. This quick charging capability is particularly useful for users who need to top up their phone quickly during short breaks in their day.

Connectivity and Additional Features

While the Nova 12i doesn’t support 5G networks, it offers solid 4G LTE connectivity suitable for most current mobile data needs. The phone also supports dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and various satellite navigation systems for accurate location services.

The side-mounted fingerprint sensor doubles as the power button, offering quick and reliable device unlocking. This placement can be more convenient for some users compared to in-display or rear-mounted sensors.NFC support is included, enabling contactless payments and quick pairing with compatible devices. However, the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack might disappoint some users who prefer wired audio connections.

Value Proposition

The Huawei Nova 12i presents an interesting value proposition in the Qatari smartphone market. Its strengths lie in its capable camera system, long-lasting battery with fast charging, and smooth display. The generous 256GB storage and 8GB RAM configuration also add to its appeal, providing ample space and multitasking capabilities.

However, potential buyers need to weigh these advantages against the absence of Google services and 5G connectivity. For users deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem or those looking for future-proof 5G capabilities, this might be a significant drawback.