Hey there tech enthusiasts! Buckle up because we're about to dive deep into the intriguing world of Huawei's latest creation - the nova 11 SE. This mid-tier smartphone is poised to make waves in the market with its compelling features and specs. Let's break down what makes this phone tick and who it's perfect for!
The nova 11 SE firmly establishes itself in the mid-tier segment, catering to users who crave cutting-edge features without burning a hole in their pockets. If you're an individual looking for a reliable and feature-packed smartphone without splurging on a flagship, this might just be your ideal pick. However, if you're a hardcore tech aficionado demanding the absolute top-tier specs, you might want to set your sights on something more high-end.
Body
The nova 11 SE boasts a slim profile, measuring 162.4×75.5×7.4 mm and weighing in at 186 g. Its available colors - Black, Green, and White - add a touch of personality to your tech style. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Huawei nova 11 SE |
|---|---|
| General |
|
| Dimensions | H: 162.4 mm (6.39″), W: 75.5 mm (2.97″), D: 7.4 mm (0.29″) |
| Mass | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Colors | Black, Green, White |
Coming back to the physical aspects of the nova 11 SE, Huawei has struck a great balance with the Nova 11 SE's design. This phone sits comfortably in your hand. The slim profile and lightweight build make it ergonomic, ensuring a pleasant grip even during prolonged usage. Whether you're binge-watching your favorite series or engaged in lengthy video calls, the nova 11 SE won't strain your hand, allowing for extended, fatigue-free usage.
It is also a portability champ; its sleek design and relatively lightweight build make it easy to slip into your pocket or bag without weighing you down. Carrying it around won't be a hassle, making it an excellent companion for your daily adventures.
Talking about those captivating colors - Black, Green, and White, each hue caters to different personalities and style preferences. Sleek, elegant, and timeless, the black variant exudes a sense of professionalism and sophistication. It's perfect for individuals who prefer a classic, understated look, whether you're a business professional or someone who appreciates minimalist aesthetics.
The green variant adds a touch of vibrancy and nature-inspired charm. If you're someone who loves the outdoors, values eco-friendliness, or simply enjoys refreshing, lively colors, the green nova 11 SE aligns perfectly with your personality.
And the white variant - the color being clean, pure, and versatile - appeals to those who appreciate simplicity and purity. It's an ideal choice for individuals who prefer a fresh, modern look and want their device to reflect a sense of cleanliness and elegance.
If we compare the nova 11 SE with the predecessor nova 10 SE, it has retained the same dimensions and is 2 g heavier. (The nova 10 SE was 184 g.)
IP Rating
(Related: IP ratings explained.)
The Huawei nova 11 SE, like the predecessor nova 10 SE, does not have an IP rating.
While the absence of an official water and dust resistance rating might raise an eyebrow or two, it doesn't necessarily mean you should run for the hills. There are practical ways to safeguard your precious nova 11 SE from the environmental elements and ensure it stays in top-notch condition:
- Protective Case: Investing in a high-quality protective case is a fantastic idea. A rugged, shock-absorbent case can provide a sturdy shield against accidental drops and bumps. Look for cases specifically designed for the nova 11 SE's form factor, ensuring precise cutouts for buttons, ports, and the camera. A case not only adds an extra layer of protection but also gives your phone a personalized touch, making it uniquely yours.
- Screen Protector: Pairing your protective case with a reliable screen protector is a match made in smartphone heaven. A tempered glass or high-quality plastic screen protector safeguards your display from scratches, smudges, and minor impacts. It maintains the touch sensitivity and clarity of your screen while acting as a sacrificial layer, absorbing damage that might otherwise affect your phone's display.
- Environmental Awareness: As your nova 11 SE does not have an official IP rating, it's essential to be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid exposing your phone to excessive moisture, whether it's rain, splashes, or accidental spills. Be cautious around sandy or dusty environments, as fine particles can find their way into your phone's openings. If you're heading to the beach or a dusty outdoor event, consider keeping your phone in a sealed plastic bag or a waterproof pouch for added protection.
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect your phone for any signs of wear and tear, especially around the ports and openings. Dust, lint, or debris can accumulate over time, potentially causing issues. A gentle blast of compressed air can help clear out these particles.
By combining a protective case, a reliable screen protector, environmental awareness, and regular maintenance, you can effectively safeguard your nova 11 SE from the elements. These proactive measures not only enhance the longevity of your device but also provide you with peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your smartphone without constant worries.
Display
(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)
The star of the show is undoubtedly the nova 11 SE's 6.67-inch OLED display, offering vibrant visuals and smooth interactions, thanks to its 90 Hz refresh rate. With a high resolution, you're in for a treat whether you're streaming your favorite shows or immersing yourself in the latest mobile games.
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Huawei nova 11 SE |
|---|---|
| Size | 6.67″ (169 mm) diagonal |
| Type | OLED, 90 Hz |
| Resolution (px) | 1080×2400, about 395 PPI |
| Features | 1 billion colors |
At the heart of the nova 11 SE lies its stunning OLED display. OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology is renowned for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional contrast. The individual pixels emit their own light, allowing for true black tones by simply turning off specific pixels. This results in a visually striking experience, especially when you're watching movies, viewing photos, or playing games with dark scenes. The colors on an OLED display appear incredibly vivid and lifelike, making every image pop with unparalleled brilliance.
What sets the nova 11 SE apart from the crowd is its impressive 90 Hz refresh rate. This feature refers to how many times per second the display refreshes the image. In simpler terms, the higher the refresh rate, the smoother and more fluid the on-screen motion appears. With a 90 Hz refresh rate, interactions on the nova 11 SE feel incredibly responsive and silky-smooth. Whether you're scrolling through social media, gaming, or navigating your device, you'll notice the difference immediately. This higher refresh rate enhances the overall user experience, making every touch and swipe feel incredibly snappy and intuitive.
The nova 11 SE doesn't just stop at smooth motion; it also offers exceptional clarity thanks to its high resolution of 1080×2400 pixels. This resolution ensures sharp and detailed visuals, allowing you to see every fine nuance in your photos, videos, and apps. Whether you're editing photos, watching high-definition videos, or simply browsing the web, the high resolution guarantees a visually immersive experience that's easy on the eyes.
Finally, prepare to be amazed because the nova 11 SE supports a staggering 1 billion colors! This extensive color palette provides a level of color accuracy and depth that's nothing short of awe-inspiring. Whether you're admiring nature photography, enjoying cinematic content, or exploring colorful mobile games, the phone's ability to reproduce such a vast range of colors ensures a visual feast that's true to life. It's like having a mini cinema in your pocket, offering an incredibly vivid and realistic display of the world.
The nova 11 SE's OLED display, combined with its 90 Hz refresh rate, high resolution, and support for 1 billion colors, delivers an unparalleled visual experience. From vibrant colors to smooth animations, every aspect of this display is geared towards providing you with a viewing experience that's nothing short of spectacular.
For comparison, the predecessor nova 10 SE sported an always-on display with similar specs and features (6.67″, OLED, 90 Hz, 1080×2400 px, and 1 billion colors).
Networks
Networking is the invisible thread that connects us all in the digital realm! The Huawei nova 11 SE, with its support for GSM, CDMA, HSPA, CDMA2000, and LTE technologies, is like a well-connected socialite in the world of networks.
SIM
The Huawei nova 11 SE supports dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by).
Chipset: Performance and Power
Under the hood, the nova 11 SE is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G chipset and an octa-core CPU, ensuring swift multitasking and responsive app launches. The Adreno 610 GPU enhances your gaming adventures, making sure your graphics-intensive games run smoothly.
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Huawei nova 11 SE |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 + 4×1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 |
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G chipset is the brain behind the phone's seamless performance, ensuring that you can tackle various tasks with ease and efficiency. Each of the eight cores of the octa-core CPU has a specific role to play in optimizing your smartphone experience. These cores are divided into two types.
Four of the nova 11 SE's cores belong to the Cortex-A73 family and are designed for high-performance tasks. These cores are like the sprinters of the CPU world. When you're running demanding apps, playing graphics-intensive games, or multitasking like a pro, these cores kick into action. They handle tasks that require substantial processing power, ensuring that your phone runs smoothly even when you're pushing its limits. From editing photos to running complex applications, these performance cores ensure snappy responsiveness.
The remaining four cores are Cortex-A53 cores, which are focused on energy efficiency. Think of these cores as the marathon runners. They handle everyday tasks and background processes that don't require the same level of raw power. When you're checking emails, browsing social media, or simply texting, these efficiency cores take over, ensuring your phone conserves energy and prolongs battery life.
By intelligently balancing tasks between the performance and efficiency cores, the nova 11 SE provides a seamless user experience without draining your battery unnecessarily.
For comparison, the predecessor nova 10 SE featured the same chipset, CPU, and GPU.
Memory and Storage
When it comes to storage, the nova 11 SE doesn't disappoint, offering options of 256 GB and 512 GB internal storage variants. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Huawei nova 11 SE |
|---|---|
| Memory Card Slot | No |
| Internal Storage Variants | 256 GB and 512 GB |
While there's no expandable storage via a card slot, the generous internal storage should be more than sufficient for your apps, photos, and videos.
For comparison, the predecessor nova 10 SE came in three variants of RAM / internal storage, namely, 6 GB / 128 GB, 8 GB / 128 GB, and 8 GB / 256 GB.
Camera Capabilities
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the nova 11 SE's triple camera setup. The main 108 MP wide lens captures stunning detail, while the 8 MP ultrawide lens lets you snap breathtaking landscapes. Additionally, the 2 MP macro lens brings tiny subjects to life. The phone's photography prowess extends to selfies with its 32 MP front camera, perfect for capturing your best angles.
Rear Camera
The main camera trio is a multifaceted photography experience. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Huawei nova 11 SE |
|---|---|
| Number of Cameras | 3 (Triple) |
| Resolution (Megapixels) | 108 MP (wide), 8 MP (ultrawide), 2 MP (macro) |
| Aperture | f/1.9, f/2.2, f/2.4 |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.67″, N/A, N/A |
| Pixel Size | 0.64 μm, N/A, N/A |
| Autofocus | PDAF, N/A, N/A |
| Field of View | N/A, 112°, N/A |
| Video Recording | 1080p at 30 fps |
| Other Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
The star of the show, the 108 MP wide lens, is like your trusty all-rounder. With a wide aperture of f/1.9, it captures an incredible amount of light, ensuring your photos are bright and clear, even in challenging lighting conditions. This high-resolution lens captures intricate details and vibrant colors, making it ideal for everything from sweeping landscapes to detailed close-ups.
The 8 MP ultrawide lens is your go-to for capturing expansive scenes. Thanks to its 112° field of view, it lets you fit more into the frame, making it perfect for group shots, architectural marvels, or breathtaking landscapes. This lens adds a creative dimension to your photography, allowing you to experiment with unique perspectives and compositions.
The 2 MP macro lens is all about capturing the tiniest details. With a focus on close-up shots, this lens lets you explore the miniature world around you. Whether you're fascinated by intricate textures or the delicate patterns of nature, the macro lens brings these tiny wonders to life, allowing you to see the world from a whole new perspective.
The nova 11 SE's camera is packed with additional features that are a must in a photographer's toolbox and that elevate your photography game. The PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) technology ensures that your photos are sharp and in focus, even when capturing fast-moving subjects. This feature is especially handy for snapping pictures of dynamic scenes or moving objects, allowing you to capture the moment with precision and clarity.
The LED flash comes to the rescue in low-light situations. Whether you're taking photos indoors or in dimly lit environments, the flash provides additional illumination, ensuring your subjects are well-lit and your photos are vibrant, even when the natural light is scarce.
Panorama mode lets you capture sweeping, wide-angle photos of expansive landscapes or cityscapes. With a simple sweep of your phone, you can create breathtaking panoramic images that capture the grandeur of your surroundings.
The HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology enhances the contrast and color range in your photos, especially in high-contrast lighting conditions. By capturing multiple exposures and combining them, HDR mode ensures that both the highlights and shadows in your photos are well-balanced. This results in stunning, true-to-life images that retain detail in both bright and dark areas.
In summary, the nova 11 SE's main camera setup is a powerhouse of creativity. Coupled with features like PDAF, LED flash, panorama, and HDR, your smartphone becomes a versatile tool that empowers you to capture the beauty of the world, one frame at a time.
The older nova 10 SE featured a similar triple-camera setup with similar set of capabilities and features, though it sported dual-LED dual-tone flash.
Front Camera
The selfie camera sits inside a centered punch-hole cut-out on the top of the display. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Huawei nova 11 SE |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 32 MP (wide) |
| Aperture | f/2.5 |
| Video Recording | 1080p at 30 fps |
The selfie camera of the nova 11 SE is an upgrade over that of the older nova 10 SE, which featured a 16 MP (f/2.2) wide lens capable of recording 1080p videos at 30 fps.
Battery and Charging
(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)
The nova 11 SE houses a non-removable Li-Po 4500 mAh battery, ensuring you have enough juice to power through your day. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Huawei nova 11 SE |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | Li-Po (non-removable) |
| Capacity | 4500 mAh |
| Wired Charging | Fast Charge: 66 W, 100% in 32 minutes |
| Others | 5 W reverse wired |
What's truly impressive is the nova 11 SE's 66 W wired charging capability, promising a full charge in just 32 minutes. Need to juice up other devices? The 5 W reverse wired charging feature has got you covered.
The older nova 10 SE featured a similar battery with matching specs.
Sound
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Huawei nova 11 SE |
|---|---|
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| Headphone (3.5 mm) Jack | No |
The absence of a 3.5 mm jack might be a downside for audiophiles, but with the advancements in wireless audio, it's a minor inconvenience.
The predecessor nova 10 SE had a similar audio setup.
Connectivity
This smartphone doesn't skimp on connectivity options. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, it ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.
The nova 11 SE boasts Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.
Lost? Not with the positioning capabilities of the nova 11 SE! It supports multiple global navigation satellite systems, including GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, and QZSS. This means your phone always knows where you are, no matter where you travel in the world. Whether you're navigating through bustling cities or remote wilderness, your phone's positioning technology ensures you're always on the right path.
The nova 11 SE features NFC, the digital magician! This technology allows you to make contactless payments, share files, and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your phone interactions effortless.
Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your phone, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your phone's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology.
Sensors
The Huawei nova 11 SE comes equipped with the following sensors:
- Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the nova 11 SE.
- Gyro: The gyroscope can detect when your device is being twisted or turned in any direction. It enhances the accuracy of apps and games that rely on precise motion, like augmented reality (AR) apps and racing games.
- Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
- Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.
So, is the Huawei nova 11 SE worth your hard-earned cash? Absolutely. Its impressive display, powerful camera setup, and rapid charging capabilities make it a standout choice in the mid-tier category. The HarmonyOS 4.0 adds a layer of sophistication to your user experience, ensuring smooth navigation and effortless multitasking.
However, if you're someone who can't compromise on the absolute bleeding-edge specs or you're on a tight budget, you might want to explore other options. If you're deep into the Android ecosystem, that may also be a factor in this consideration. But for everyone else seeking a delightful balance between performance, features, and price, the nova 11 SE is a compelling choice that won't disappoint.
Feature (top) image credit: Huawei.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Huawei nova 11 SE release date?
The Huawei nova 11 SE was announced on the 31st October, 2023. It is expected to release on the 3rd November, 2023.
What is Huawei nova 11 SE price?
The Huawei nova 11 SE will be available for the starting price of CNY 1999 (about USD 273) for the 256 GB variant. The other (512 GB) variant will cost CNY 2199 (about USD 301).