The Huawei Nova 12 SE, released in April 2024, is an affordable mid-range smartphone that brings some premium features, including a 108MP camera, 6.67-inch OLED display, and 66W fast charging. Powered by the Snapdragon 680 4G chipset, the Nova 12 SE is a good option for users seeking a reliable phone with excellent photography capabilities and long-lasting battery life. In this review, we will explore the Nova 12 SE’s design, performance, camera, and battery life to help you determine if it’s the right choice for you.
Key Features at a Glance
- Release Date: April 6, 2024
- Display: 6.67-inch OLED, 90Hz
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB (no card slot)
- Battery: 4500mAh with 66W fast charging
- Main Camera: 108MP triple camera with PDAF
- Selfie Camera: 32MP wide
- Price: Approximately €357.99 / £425.21
1. Design and Build Quality
The Huawei Nova 12 SE comes in a sleek and slim design with a 7.4mm thickness and weighing 186g, making it easy to handle and comfortable to use. Its premium build is enhanced by a glass front and plastic back, providing a modern look with a smooth finish. Despite being a mid-range phone, the Nova 12 SE offers a premium feel that is on par with higher-end devices.
The side-mounted fingerprint sensor ensures quick and secure access to the phone, and the device is available in two stylish colors:
- Green
- Black
2. Display: Vivid OLED with 90Hz Refresh Rate
The 6.67-inch OLED display on the Nova 12 SE delivers sharp and vibrant visuals. With a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 395 ppi pixel density, the display produces crisp images with excellent color accuracy. The 90Hz refresh rate ensures smoother scrolling and animations, making the phone feel responsive and fluid.
The OLED panel supports 1 billion colors, making it ideal for media consumption, gaming, and general browsing. The large screen and high screen-to-body ratio of 87.6% ensure an immersive experience for users.
3. Performance: Snapdragon 680 4G for Everyday Tasks
The Huawei Nova 12 SE is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G chipset, built on a 6nm process. The octa-core CPU configuration includes:
- 4x Cortex-A73 cores at 2.4 GHz for high-performance tasks
- 4x Cortex-A53 cores at 1.9 GHz for energy-efficient operations
Paired with 8GB of RAM, the Nova 12 SE offers reliable performance for everyday tasks such as browsing, streaming, and light gaming. Although it’s not designed for intensive applications or high-end gaming, the Adreno 610 GPU ensures decent graphics performance for casual gaming.
With 256GB of internal storage, the phone provides ample space for apps, photos, and videos. However, the lack of a microSD card slot for additional storage may be a drawback for some users.
4. Camera: Versatile Triple Camera System
The 108MP triple camera setup on the Huawei Nova 12 SE makes it stand out in the mid-range segment. The camera system includes:
- 108MP wide-angle main sensor with f/1.9 aperture and PDAF for fast autofocus. The large sensor size and pixel count ensure detailed photos, especially in well-lit conditions.
- 8MP ultrawide lens with a 112˚ field of view, perfect for capturing landscapes or large groups.
- 2MP macro camera for close-up shots of small subjects, adding versatility to the camera system.
The main camera supports 1080p video recording at 30fps and includes features like gyro-EIS, LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode for enhanced photography and videography.
Selfie Camera:
The 32MP front camera with an f/2.5 aperture captures sharp selfies and supports 1080p video recording. With a wide-angle lens, the front camera is great for group selfies or vlogs.
5. Battery Life: All-Day Power with Fast Charging
The 4500mAh battery in the Huawei Nova 12 SE provides all-day usage, making it ideal for users who are constantly on the go. Whether you’re browsing, watching videos, or using social media, the battery will last through a full day without the need for frequent recharges.
The phone supports 66W wired charging, which can charge the battery from 3% to 100% in just 32 minutes (advertised). This fast charging capability ensures that you can quickly top up your battery when needed. The phone also supports 5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge smaller devices such as headphones or wearables.
6. Software: EMUI 14 Without Google Play Services
The Huawei Nova 12 SE runs on EMUI 14, which is based on Android but lacks Google Play Services. Instead, users will rely on Huawei’s AppGallery for downloading and installing apps. While this may be a limitation for users accustomed to Google apps, Huawei’s ecosystem continues to grow and offers a wide range of popular apps.
The EMUI 14 software provides a smooth and customizable user experience, with features like gesture navigation, multi-window support, and a clean, intuitive interface.
7. Connectivity: 4G, NFC, and Wi-Fi
The Nova 12 SE supports 4G LTE for reliable and fast internet connections. While it lacks 5G support, the Snapdragon 680 chipset ensures stable performance on 4G networks.
Other connectivity features include:
- Wi-Fi 6 for fast and stable internet connections.
- Bluetooth 5.0 for connecting wireless devices such as headphones and smartwatches.
- NFC for mobile payments and data transfers.
- USB Type-C 2.0 for charging and data transfer.
Price and Availability
The Huawei Nova 12 SE is priced at approximately €357.99 (EUR) and £425.21 (GBP), offering a great balance of features and affordability. For users looking for a mid-range device with a powerful camera and fast charging, the Nova 12 SE is a solid option.
Conclusion: Is the Huawei Nova 12 SE Worth It?
The Huawei Nova 12 SE is an excellent choice for users who want a stylish and capable mid-range smartphone with standout features like a 108MP camera, vibrant OLED display, and 66W fast charging. While the absence of Google Play Services may be a drawback for some, Huawei’s AppGallery offers a growing ecosystem of apps to meet most users’ needs.
For those looking for a well-rounded phone that delivers reliable performance, great battery life, and impressive photography at an affordable price, the Nova 12 SE is worth considering.
Full Specifications Table:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.67-inch OLED, 90Hz, 1080 x 2400 pixels (~395 ppi) |
| Operating System | EMUI 14 (no Google Play Services) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm), Octa-core |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB (no card slot) |
| Main Camera | 108MP wide, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP wide |
| Battery | 4500mAh with 66W fast charging, 5W reverse wired |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC |
| Dimensions | 162.4 x 75.5 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 186g |
| Colors | Green, Black |
| Price | €357.99 / £425.21 |
Disclaimer: We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
