Huawei nova 12 Series Unleashed: A Comprehensive Guide To nova 12, nova 12 Lite, nova 12 Pro, And nova 12 Ultra

Body

Here are the relevant specs:

Coming back to the physicality of the devices, the design of a smartphone is more than just aesthetics; it's about how it feels in your hands during those endless scrolling sessions and the convenience it adds to your on-the-go lifestyle. The nova 12 and the nova 12 Lite, with their slim profiles and lightweight builds, ensure a comfortable grip for prolonged use. Moving up the series, the nova 12 Pro and Ultra, though slightly heavier, maintain an ergonomic design, making them pleasant to hold during extended usage. These dimensions strike a balance between screen real estate and hand-friendly form factor, making them pocket and bag-friendly.

Now, about Huawei's choice of Kunlun Glass for display protection in the nova 12 Ultra. In the realm of smartphone displays, the battle for durability and clarity rages on, and Huawei steps into the arena with its proprietary Kunlun Glass, promising a new era of toughness and elegance. Kunlun Glass boasts impressive durability, providing enhanced protection against scratches and accidental drops. Its robust nature makes it a front-runner for users who prioritize the longevity of their devices.

Kunlun Glass offers excellent clarity, ensuring a vibrant and immersive display experience. The optical properties of Kunlun Glass contribute to vivid colors and sharp visuals, enhancing the overall user experience. And the surface of Kunlun Glass is designed to be smooth to the touch, providing a seamless and enjoyable interaction with the smartphone screen. This feature adds a touch of luxury to the user experience.

The nova 12 Ultra takes a departure from traditional materials with its eco-leather back, crafted from silicone polymer. The eco-leather back adds a touch of luxury, providing a unique and sophisticated feel. It's a departure from the norm, appealing to users seeking a premium aesthetic. Silicone polymer offers a better grip compared to slippery backs, reducing the likelihood of accidental drops. This is a boon for users constantly on the move.

Huawei nova 12 Ultra. Image credit: Huawei

Also, the use of eco-leather aligns with environmentally conscious choices, catering to users who prioritize sustainability in their tech accessories. And unlike other materials, the eco-leather back is less prone to fingerprint smudges, maintaining a cleaner and more polished appearance.

However, while luxurious, the eco-leather back may not be as durable as, say, metal or glass, making it susceptible to wear and tear over time.

Now, let's talk colors. The color of your smartphone is a personal statement, reflecting your style and personality. Let's explore what each color in the nova 12 series conveys.

Timeless and sophisticated, Black suits users who prefer a classic and understated look. It exudes professionalism and versatility, fitting seamlessly into any setting.

A vibrant and energetic choice, Blue appeals to those who enjoy a dynamic and lively aesthetic. It signifies depth and trust, making it a great option for both work and play.

Radiating warmth and charm, Pink is for the bold and expressive. It's a color that symbolizes creativity and individuality, perfect for users who want their phone to stand out.

Clean and minimalistic, White conveys purity and simplicity. It suits users who prefer a sleek and modern appearance, creating a timeless and elegant vibe.

In short, the Huawei nova 12 series meticulously balances form and function. The dimensions and weight prioritize comfort, while the eco-leather back on the nova 12 Ultra introduces a luxurious touch. Whether you opt for the classic black, vibrant blue, bold pink, or pristine white, the nova 12 series ensures your smartphone experience is not just functional but a reflection of your unique style.

If we compare the nova 12 series phones to their respective nova 11 series predecessors, the changes in the dimensions are a mixed bag, but all three newer phones that had a predecessor are a bit heavier. The nova 11 was 161.3×75×6.9 mm and 168 g; and both the nova 11 Pro and Ultra models were 164.3×74.4×7.9 mm and 188 g. All three nova 11 phones sported Kunlun Glass for display protection. The nova 11 Pro came in two variants: with an eco-leather back and with a glass back.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

All four nova 12 series phones lack official IP ratings.

General Tip: It is a good idea to use a protective case and a screen protector to give your phone that extra layer of security.

Display Delights

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

All four models sport a breathtaking 120 Hz OLED display, offering vibrant visuals and smooth interactions. The nova 12 Pro and Ultra take the lead with a slightly larger screen and higher resolution, perfect for immersive experiences.

Huawei nova 12 Lite display. Image credit: Huawei

Here are the relevant specs:

Immerse yourself in the visual wonders of the Huawei nova 12 series displays. From the captivating OLED of the vanilla nova 12 and the Lite models to the groundbreaking LTPO OLED of the Pro and Ultra models, Huawei takes it to the next level.

The nova 12 and the nova 12 Lite's OLED display technology is celebrated for its ability to deliver rich, vibrant colors and deep blacks. Each pixel emits its light, contributing to stunning contrast and vivid visuals. The nova 12 Pro and Ultra models elevate the experience with LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) OLED displays. LTPO technology allows for dynamic refresh rate adjustments, optimizing efficiency and battery life.

Experience silky-smooth interactions with the 120 Hz refresh rate. The higher refresh rate ensures that every swipe, scroll, and animation is fluid and responsive, enhancing the overall user experience. With the Pro and Ultra models, you enjoy the same smooth interactions while benefiting from LTPO's power-saving capabilities.

The nova 12 and the nova 12 Lite feature a resolution of 1080×2412 pixels. This sharp display ensures that every detail is crisp and clear, whether you're browsing, gaming, or watching your favorite content. The Pro and Ultra models sport an even more impressive resolution of 1224×2776 pixels. This higher resolution ensures an even sharper and more detailed display, perfect for users who demand the utmost clarity.

With support for 1 billion colors, each phone's display brings your content to life with unparalleled color accuracy. From the subtlest hues to the boldest shades, every color is rendered with precision, ensuring that the visual experience remains true to life.

And HDR (High Dynamic Range) support takes the viewing experience to new heights. Enjoy a wider range of brightness and contrast, revealing more details in both the brightest and darkest parts of the image.

In essence, the displays of the Huawei nova 12 series are not just screens; they are portals to a world of vivid colors, stunning details, and seamless interactions. The OLED and LTPO OLED technologies ensure that your content looks its best, whether you're gaming, streaming, or simply navigating through your device. The combination of a 120 Hz refresh rate, high resolutions, support for 1 billion colors, and HDR creates a visual symphony that transforms your smartphone into a true multimedia powerhouse.

For comparison, while the vanilla nova 12's display is very similar to the predecessor nova 11's, the nova 12 Pro and Ultra models see a substantial upgrade over their predecessors. The nova 11 featured a 6.7-inch, 1084×2412 px OLED display; while the nova 11 Pro and Ultra models featured identical 6.78-inch, 1200×2652 px OLED displays. All three phones had a 120 Hz refresh rate, and they supported 1 billion colors and HDR10.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

Networking is the invisible thread that connects us all in the digital realm! The Huawei nova 12, nova 12 Pro, and nova 12 Ultra phones, with their support for the GSM, CDMA, HSPA, CDMA2000, LTE, and 5G technologies, are like well-connected socialites in the world of networks. The Huawei nova 12 Lite, on the other hands, supports the GSM, CDMA, HSPA, CDMA2000, and LTE technologies (i.e., no 5G support).

Besides, the nova 12 Pro and the nova 12 Ultra support BDS Satellite Calling and Message, catering to those who need communication beyond traditional networks. BDS, or BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, is China's answer to global navigation satellite systems like GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO. The nova 12 Pro and Ultra models take a leap forward by integrating BDS not just for navigation but also for communication through the Satellite Calling and Message feature.

This feature leverages the constellation of BeiDou satellites orbiting the Earth. Instead of relying on traditional networks, this technology allows users to make calls and send messages even in remote areas where conventional communication infrastructure might be scarce.

When you engage the Satellite Calling feature, your phone connects to BeiDou satellites, transforming it into a communication hub independent of terrestrial networks. This is particularly beneficial in situations where standard cellular connectivity is unreliable or unavailable.

Whether you're an adventurer scaling remote mountains or exploring vast deserts, the Satellite Calling and Message feature ensures you stay connected even in the most secluded locations. In emergencies where regular communication networks might be down, your phone becomes a lifeline. Users can reach out for help or coordinate rescue efforts using satellite communication. Boaters and sailors navigating open waters can benefit from this feature, ensuring communication continuity beyond coastal coverage areas. And during natural disasters that disrupt traditional communication infrastructure, a phone equipped with BDS Satellite Calling can facilitate crucial communication for both individuals and emergency responders.

In short, the BDS Satellite Calling and Message feature is a game-changer in connectivity. It opens doors to communication in uncharted territories, making the nova 12 Pro and Ultra models not just technological marvels but reliable companions in situations where staying connected is paramount.

SIM

All four Huawei nova 12 series phones support either a single Nano-SIM, or dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by). This latter option adds a layer of convenience for those juggling work and personal life on a single device.

Chipset

A smartphone's true potential lies in the synergy between its processing units. The Huawei nova 12 series takes no shortcuts, featuring cutting-edge CPUs and GPUs that promise a seamless and powerful performance. Here are the relevant specs:

All models in the nova 12 series boast an octa-core CPU setup, ensuring a balance between power efficiency and performance. In case of the nova 12 Lite, there are two distinct types of cores, whereas in case of the nova 12 Pro and Ultra models, there are three types of cores.

The single Taishan Big core in the Pro and Ultra models takes the lead in handling high-performance tasks. This powerful core is designed to tackle resource-intensive applications, ensuring swift multitasking and responsive performance for demanding user scenarios.

The three Taishan Mid cores contribute to a balance between performance and efficiency. These cores handle mid-level tasks, optimizing power consumption while maintaining responsiveness. It's the sweet spot for everyday use, offering a seamless experience in various applications.

The remaining four Cortex-A510 cores are dedicated to power efficiency. Designed to handle lighter tasks and background processes, these cores contribute to an energy-efficient performance, extending battery life without compromising on responsiveness.

In a similar manner, the four high-performance Kyro 670 (2.4 GHz) cores and the four energy-efficient Kyro 670 (1.8 GHz) cores in the nova 12 Lite work seamlessly to provide a balance between performance and energy efficiency.

The GPUs Adreno 642L (in the Lite model) and Maleoon 910 MP4 (in the Pro and Ultra models) are known for their prowess in handling graphics-intensive tasks, from gaming to video playback. They ensure smooth graphics rendering and an immersive visual experience across the nova 12 series.

In conclusion, the Huawei nova 12 series showcases a harmonious blend of powerful CPUs and GPUs, delivering a performance that transcends expectations. The nova 12 Pro and Ultra's unique CPU core configuration, with their Taishan Big, Taishan Mid, and Cortex-A510 cores, exemplifies the dedication to providing a tailored and efficient user experience. Whether you're engaging in heavy-duty tasks or enjoying multimedia content, the nova 12 series' processing prowess ensures a smartphone experience that's as brilliant as it is powerful.

For comparison, all three nova 11 predecessors sported the same chipset, CPU, and GPU configuration as the nova 12 Lite model.

Memory and Storage

The absence of a card slot might disappoint some, but the generous internal storage options compensate for it. Here are the relevant specs:

For comparison, the predecessor nova 11 came in three variants with 8 GB RAM for each and 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB of internal storage; the nova 11 Pro came in two variants with 8 GB RAM for each and 256 GB and 512 GB of internal storage; and the nova 11 Ultra came in a single variant with 512 GB of internal storage. None of the three models sported a memory card slot.

Camera Showdown

The camera systems across the series are impressive, featuring a 50 MP main lens and an 8 MP ultrawide lens. The nova 12 Pro and Ultra, however, steal the spotlight with their dual selfie cameras, providing unparalleled versatility for capturing your best moments.

Rear Camera

The Huawei nova 12 series isn't just a smartphone; it's a visual storyteller equipped with cutting-edge main camera systems. Let's delve into the roles of wide and ultrawide lenses and explore the intricate features.

Huawei nova 12 and nova 12 Lite. Image credit: Huawei

Here are the relevant specs:

Specification	nova 12	nova 12 Lite	nova 12 Pro and nova 12 Ultra
Number of Cameras	2 (Dual)	2 (Dual)	2 (Dual)
Resolution (Megapixels)	50 MP (wide), 8 MP (ultrawide)	50 MP (wide), 8 MP (ultrawide)	50 MP (wide), 8 MP (ultrawide)
Focal Length	N/A, N/A	N/A, N/A	27 mm, N/A
Aperture	f/1.9, f/2.2	f/1.9, f/2.2	f/1.4 - f/4.0 (physically variable), f/2.2
Autofocus	PDAF and Laser AF; AF	PDAF and Laser AF; AF	PDAF and Laser AF; AF
Field of View	N/A, 112°	N/A, 112°	N/A, 112°
Video Recording	4K, 1080p	4K, 1080p, 720p at 960 fps	4K, 1080p, gyro-EIS
Other Features	LED flash, panorama, HDR	LED flash, panorama, HDR	LED flash, panorama, HDR

Each model in the nova 12 series features a dual main camera setup, combining the strengths of wide and ultrawide lenses for a versatile photography experience. The cameras boast impressive megapixel counts, ensuring detailed and sharp images.

The 50 MP wide lens serves as the primary lens for capturing standard shots. It excels in various lighting conditions and is the go-to choice for everyday photography.

The 8 MP ultrawide lens expands the field of view, allowing users to capture more in a single frame. Ideal for landscapes, group shots, and scenarios where a broader perspective is desired.

The Huawei nova 12 Pro and Ultra models go beyond conventional main lenses, introducing a groundbreaking feature - a physically variable aperture. This is a marvel of engineering, combining mechanical and optical elements. It has many uses; for example, in low-light situations, a wide aperture (e.g., f/1.4) allows more light to enter the lens. This is crucial for capturing well-exposed and detailed images in conditions with limited ambient light, such as nighttime or indoor settings.

A narrow aperture (e.g., f/4.0) increases the depth of field, keeping more of the scene in focus. This is advantageous for landscape shots or scenarios where you want both foreground and background elements to be sharp and clear. On the other hand, a wide aperture creates a shallow depth of field, resulting in a pleasing background blur known as the bokeh effect. This is popular for portrait photography, isolating the subject and enhancing visual appeal.

The ability to adjust the aperture in real-time allows the nova 12 Pro and Ultra to adapt to varying lighting conditions seamlessly. Whether you're transitioning from a well-lit environment to a dimly lit one, the variable aperture ensures optimal exposure and image quality.

Fast and precise PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) ensures that your subjects are sharp and clear, whether you're capturing stills or recording videos. And Laser Autofocus further enhances the focusing speed, especially in low-light conditions, ensuring your shots are always on point.

The built-in LED flash provides additional lighting in low-light situations, helping to illuminate subjects and maintain image quality.

Capture sweeping landscapes with the panorama mode, stitching together multiple shots to create a stunning wide-angle image.

HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology ensures balanced exposure in scenes with varying lighting conditions, preserving details in both bright and dark areas.

The nova 12 Lite model allows you to capture 720p videos at very high frame rates like 960 fps. The ability to record at such high frame rates opens up creative possibilities for users. Recording at 960 frames per second allows for mesmerizing super-slow-motion videos. This frame rate captures incredibly detailed and smooth slow-motion footage, adding a cinematic touch to your videos. It's perfect for capturing fast-paced action, water droplets, and for emphasizing the nuances of any moment you want to savor in exquisite detail.

The Gyro-EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) technology plays a crucial role in video recording for the nova 12 Pro and nova 12 Ultra models. It stabilizes video footage by reducing the impact of shakes and vibrations, resulting in smoother and more professional-looking videos.

In conclusion, the main camera systems of the Huawei nova 12 series are more than just lenses and sensors; they are gateways to creative expression. Whether you're capturing the grandeur of a landscape or the nuances of a close-up, the wide and ultrawide lenses, coupled with advanced features, ensure that your visual storytelling is rich, detailed, and immersive. The addition of gyro-EIS in the Pro and Ultra models further elevates the video recording experience, allowing you to document moments with cinematic steadiness.

For comparison, all three nova 11 predecessors featured dual camera systems. The nova 11 featured a 50 MP (f/1.9) wide lens supporting PDAF, and an 8 MP (f/2.2) ultrawide lens. The nova 11 Pro featured a 50 MP (f/1.9) wide lens supporting PDAF and Laser AF, and an 8 MP (f/2.2) ultrawide lens supporting AF. The nova 11 Ultra featured a 50 MP (25 mm, f/1.4 - f/4.0) wide lens supporting PDAF and Laser AF, and an 8 MP (f/2.2) ultawide lens supporting AF. All three nova 11 series phones had video recording capabilities of 4K; 1080p; and 720p at 960 fps; all with gyro-EIS support. And their feature set included LED flash, panorama, and HDR.

Front Camera

The selfie camera in the nova 12 and the nova 12 Lite models sits inside a centered punch-hole cut-out on the top of the display; whereas in the Pro and Ultra models, the dual selfie cameras are housed inside a centered oval, pill-shaped cut-out on the top of the display.

Huawei nova 12 Ultra. Image credit: Huawei

Here are the relevant specs:

Specification	nova 12 and nova 12 Lite	nova 12 Pro and nova 12 Ultra
Number of Cameras	1 (Single)	2 (Dual)
Resolution	60 MP (ultrawide)	60 MP (ultrawide), 8 MP (portrait)
Focal Length	17 mm	17 mm, 52 mm
Aperture	f/2.4	f/2.4, f/2.2
Autofocus	N/A	AF, AF
Field of View	100°	100°, N/A
Optical Zoom	N/A	N/A, 2x
Video Recording	4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 30 fps	4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 30 fps, gyro-EIS
Other Features	Panorama, HDR	Panorama, HDR

The selfie game is taken to a whole new level with the nova 12 Pro and Ultra models, featuring a dedicated 8 MP portrait lens in the front camera setup. This lens is designed to emphasize details, ensuring that your selfies are not just snapshots but portraits with a level of intricacy and clarity that stands out. This is particularly valuable for users who want to showcase facial features, expressions, and subtle nuances in their self-portraits.

The portrait lens contributes to achieving a pleasing bokeh effect in selfies. By creating a soft and blurred background, the focus is naturally directed to the subject - you. This adds a touch of professionalism to your self-portraits, creating a visually appealing separation between you and the background.

With dedicated hardware optimized for portrait photography, the nova 12 Pro and Ultra can capture selfies with a compelling depth of field, producing images that rival those taken by rear-facing cameras.

And beyond standard selfies, the portrait lens allows you to experiment with artistic self-portraits. Whether you're capturing a thoughtful expression or playing with creative angles, the lens provides a tool for self-expression, empowering you to turn your selfies into personalized works of art.

In essence, the 8 MP portrait lens in the selfie camera setup of the nova 12 Pro and Ultra is not just a technical addition; it's a statement of commitment to front-facing photography excellence. By emphasizing details, creating captivating bokeh effects, and enhancing portrait modes, this lens transforms your selfies into personalized masterpieces.

For comparison, the older three nova 11 models featured similar selfie camera systems and video recording capabilities as their nova 12 series counterparts, though the pill-shaped cut-out in the nova 11 Pro and Ultra models was left-aligned. The vanilla nova 11 also supported gyro-EIS during video recording. All three models supported HDR.

With a reasonable price tag, the nova 12 and the nova 12 Lite deliver impressive features, making them a solid choice for the mid-tier market. The absence of a 3.5 mm jack might be a bummer for audiophiles, but the overall package compensates for it.

For the power users willing to invest, the nova 12 Pro justifies its price. The advanced camera system, powerful chipset, and the mesmerizing display make it a worthy flagship contender. The lack of a headphone jack might be a drawback for some, but with Bluetooth audio options on the rise, it's a minor trade-off.

And the nova 12 Ultra is the epitome of luxury and performance. If you crave the absolute best and are willing to splurge, this device offers an unmatched experience. However, budget-conscious users might find the price tag a bit steep.

In conclusion, the Huawei nova 12 series is a testament to Huawei's commitment to innovation and quality. Each model caters to a specific audience, ensuring there's a nova 12 for everyone. Whether you opt for the affordability of the nova 12 or the nova 12 Lite, the power-packed nova 12 Pro, or the luxurious nova 12 Ultra, you're in for a treat. It's time to elevate your smartphone experience with Huawei's latest offerings!

Feature (top) image credit: Huawei.