Huawei Nova 7 SE

The 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant is priced at QAR 999.  Prices may vary slightly across different retailers and over time.

Detailed Specifications Table

Feature	Specification
Display	6.5-inch LTPS IPS LCD, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio
Processor	HiSilicon Kirin 820 5G
RAM	8GB
Storage	128GB, expandable up to 256GB (NM card)
Rear Camera	64MP (wide) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro) + 2MP (depth)
Front Camera	16MP (wide)
Battery	4000mAh, 40W fast charging
Operating System	Android 10, EMUI 10.1 (no Google Play Services)
5G Support	Yes
Dimensions	162.3 x 75 x 8.6 mm
Weight	189 grams

 

Release Date and Availability

Huawei released the Nova 7 SE on April 23, 2020. The phone is available in Qatar through various retailers and online platforms. It comes in four color options: Black, Purple, Green, and Silver.

Design and Build

The Huawei Nova 7 SE has a sleek design with a glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame. Its dimensions are 162.3 x 75 x 8.6 mm, and it weighs 189 grams. The phone has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and easy unlocking.

Display

The Nova 7 SE features a 6.5-inch LTPS IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio. This results in a pixel density of about 405 ppi, providing sharp and clear visuals. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 84.8%, offering an immersive viewing experience.

Performance and Hardware

At the heart of the Nova 7 SE is the HiSilicon Kirin 820 5G chipset, built on a 7nm process. This octa-core processor consists of:

1. One Cortex-A76 core clocked at 2.36 GHz
2. Three Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.22 GHz
3. Four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.84 GHz

The phone comes with 8GB of RAM, which allows for smooth multitasking and app performance. The Mali-G57 GPU handles graphics processing, making the device suitable for gaming and other graphically intensive tasks.

Storage

The Nova 7 SE offers 128GB of internal storage. For users who need more space, the phone supports expandable storage up to 256GB using Huawei’s proprietary NM (Nano Memory) card.

Camera System

The Huawei Nova 7 SE boasts a versatile quad-camera setup on the rear:

1. 64MP main camera (f/1.8 aperture)
2. 8MP ultra-wide camera (f/2.4 aperture)
3. 2MP macro camera (f/2.4 aperture)
4. 2MP depth sensor (f/2.4 aperture)

This setup allows for a range of photography options, from wide-angle shots to detailed close-ups. The main 64MP sensor uses pixel binning technology to produce 16MP images with improved light sensitivity and reduced noise.

On the front, there’s a 16MP selfie camera with an f/2.0 aperture, capable of capturing detailed self-portraits and handling video calls.

Battery and Charging

The device is powered by a 4000mAh non-removable Li-Po battery. Huawei has equipped the Nova 7 SE with 40W fast charging technology, which can charge the battery to 75% in just 30 minutes. This feature is particularly useful for users who need quick power boosts throughout the day.

Software and User Interface

The Huawei Nova 7 SE runs on Android 10 with Huawei’s EMUI 10.1 skin on top. However, due to ongoing issues with the U.S. government, the phone does not come with Google Play Services pre-installed. Instead, it uses Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) and the AppGallery for app downloads and updates.

Connectivity

As a 5G-capable device, the Nova 7 SE supports the latest cellular network technology, offering faster download and upload speeds where 5G is available. The phone also supports dual SIM functionality, allowing users to use two phone numbers simultaneously.

Other connectivity options include:

• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
• Bluetooth 5.1
• GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
• NFC
• USB Type-C 2.0

Audio and Multimedia

The Nova 7 SE comes with a single bottom-firing speaker for audio output. It retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to connect wired headphones without the need for an adapter.

Security Features

For biometric security, the Nova 7 SE features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button. This placement allows for quick and natural unlocking of the device. The phone also supports face unlock using the front-facing camera.

Special Features

Some notable features of the Huawei Nova 7 SE include:

1. 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
2. 40W fast charging for quick battery top-ups
3. Quad-camera setup for versatile photography
4. Side-mounted fingerprint sensor for easy unlocking
5. Expandable storage via NM card

Comparison with Other Models

When compared to other Huawei models, the Nova 7 SE offers a balance of features and performance. The Nova 7i, for instance, has a similar design but lacks 5G capabilities and has a lower-resolution main camera. The standard Nova 7 offers a more powerful Kirin 985 chipset and a higher-resolution 64MP main camera but comes at a higher price point. The Nova 5T, an older model, features the Kirin 980 chipset and lacks 5G support but may be available at a lower price.

In comparison to other brands, the Nova 7 SE competes with devices like the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, which offers similar specifications but includes Google services.

The OnePlus Nord provides a comparable 5G experience with a cleaner OxygenOS interface. Nokia’s 8.3 5G offers a stock Android experience with guaranteed updates but may lag in terms of raw performance.

Mid-range offerings from brands like Oppo, Realme, and Xiaomi often provide similar specifications at competitive prices. For example, the Realme X50 5G and Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite 5G offer comparable 5G capabilities and performance in the same price range. However, the Nova 7 SE stands out with its Huawei-specific features and camera capabilities.

The Google Pixel 4a 5G provides a pure Android experience with excellent camera performance but may be more expensive. Tecno and Infinix models in this price range often offer larger batteries and more storage but may lag in terms of build quality and camera performance.

In the mid-range 5G smartphone market, the Huawei Nova 7 SE holds its own with a balance of performance, camera capabilities, and fast charging. Its main drawbacks are the lack of Google services and potential limited app availability through the AppGallery. However, for users invested in the Huawei ecosystem or those looking for a capable 5G device with strong camera performance, the Nova 7 SE remains a compelling option in the Qatari market.