The Huawei Nova 12 Ultra, released in January 2024, is a high-end smartphone that combines premium design with powerful hardware. With its 6.76-inch OLED display, 50MP camera, and Kirin 9000S chipset, this device offers a compelling package for users looking for a flagship experience. In this review, we will explore the Nova 12 Ultra in detail, focusing on its design, performance, battery life, and more.
Key Features at a Glance
- Release Date: January 12, 2024
- Display: 6.76-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz
- Processor: Kirin 9000S (7nm)
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 512GB/1TB
- Battery: 4600mAh with 100W fast charging
- Main Camera: 50MP dual camera with telephoto and ultrawide lenses
- Selfie Camera: Dual 60MP + 8MP with 2x optical zoom
- Price: Approximately €600
1. Design and Build Quality
The Huawei Nova 12 Ultra exudes a premium feel with its 7.7mm thickness and lightweight 198g build. The phone’s eco-friendly silicone polymer back (eco leather) adds a touch of sophistication and comfort to the grip, while the Kunlun Glass protection on the front ensures durability.
The Nova 12 Ultra is available in three elegant colors:
- Black
- Blue
- White
Its sleek design is complemented by an under-display fingerprint sensor, ensuring both security and convenience. The phone is also equipped with dual SIM support, allowing seamless switching between two network providers.
2. Display: Stunning OLED with 120Hz Refresh Rate
The 6.76-inch LTPO OLED display on the Nova 12 Ultra offers a crisp resolution of 1224 x 2776 pixels, resulting in a sharp 449 ppi pixel density. The display supports HDR and offers deep blacks and vibrant colors, making it perfect for media consumption, gaming, and browsing.
With a 120Hz refresh rate, users will enjoy smooth scrolling and fluid animations, whether switching between apps or playing games. The 89% screen-to-body ratio ensures an immersive experience, with minimal bezels providing an edge-to-edge display.
3. Performance: Kirin 9000S for Flagship-Level Power
The Huawei Nova 12 Ultra is powered by the Kirin 9000S chipset built on a 7nm process. The octa-core processor consists of:
- 1x Taishan Big core clocked at 2.62 GHz
- 3x Taishan Mid cores at 2.15 GHz
- 4x Cortex-A510 cores at 1.53 GHz for efficiency
The Maleoon 910 MP4 GPU ensures smooth graphics performance, whether you’re gaming or watching high-definition videos. Paired with 12GB of RAM, the Nova 12 Ultra handles multitasking and demanding apps effortlessly.
Storage options include:
- 512GB with 12GB RAM
- 1TB with 12GB RAM
While there’s no option for expandable storage, the available space should be more than enough for most users.
4. Camera: Versatile Dual-Camera Setup
The Huawei Nova 12 Ultra features an impressive 50MP dual-camera system designed for capturing high-quality photos and videos. The main camera includes:
- 50MP wide-angle sensor with an f/1.4-4.0 variable aperture for enhanced low-light performance and stunning bokeh effects.
- 8MP ultrawide lens with a 112° field of view for capturing broader scenes, perfect for landscape photography and group shots.
The camera system also includes advanced features such as Laser AF, HDR, and panorama mode. It supports 4K video recording with gyro-EIS for smooth and stable footage.
Selfie Camera:
The dual-front camera system consists of a 60MP ultrawide sensor and an 8MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. This unique setup allows users to capture high-resolution selfies and zoomed-in shots without compromising quality. The front cameras support 4K video recording, making it a great option for vloggers and content creators.
5. Battery Life: Fast Charging with 100W Power
The 4600mAh battery in the Nova 12 Ultra provides all-day battery life for most users. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or working, the battery can handle a full day of use on a single charge.
One of the standout features is the 100W wired fast charging, which can charge the phone from 3% to 60% in just 10 minutes (as advertised). This rapid charging capability ensures you won’t be tethered to a charger for long.
Additionally, the device supports 5W reverse wired charging, allowing users to charge smaller devices like wireless earbuds directly from their phone.
6. Software: HarmonyOS 4.0
The Huawei Nova 12 Ultra runs on HarmonyOS 4.0, Huawei’s proprietary operating system. HarmonyOS offers a fluid user experience with plenty of customization options and features like gesture navigation, multi-window support, and dark mode.
The OS is designed to integrate seamlessly with other Huawei devices, making it a perfect choice for users already invested in the Huawei ecosystem. However, as with other Huawei phones, the Nova 12 Ultra lacks Google Play Services, which may be a limitation for some users.
7. Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and More
The Huawei Nova 12 Ultra comes with an array of connectivity options, including:
- 5G SA/NSA for ultra-fast network speeds
- Wi-Fi 6 for fast and stable internet connections
- Bluetooth 5.2 with support for HD audio
- NFC for contactless payments and data transfers
- USB Type-C 2.0 for charging and data transfers
The phone also supports BDS Satellite Calling and Message, a unique feature that ensures connectivity even in remote areas.
Price and Availability
The Huawei Nova 12 Ultra is priced at approximately €600 (EUR), making it a competitive offering in the high-end smartphone market. For users seeking flagship performance and features at a relatively affordable price, the Nova 12 Ultra delivers excellent value.
Conclusion: Is the Huawei Nova 12 Ultra Worth It?
The Huawei Nova 12 Ultra is a premium smartphone that excels in various areas, from its sleek design and stunning display to its powerful performance and versatile camera system. The 100W fast charging and 50MP camera make it an attractive option for those who prioritize performance, photography, and fast charging capabilities.
While the lack of Google Play Services may be a drawback for some, the device’s overall performance and feature set make it a worthy contender in the high-end smartphone market.
Full Specifications Table:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.76-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz, 1224 x 2776 pixels (~449 ppi) |
| Operating System | HarmonyOS 4.0 |
| Processor | Kirin 9000S (7nm), Octa-core |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 512GB / 1TB (no card slot) |
| Main Camera | 50MP wide, 8MP ultrawide |
| Selfie Camera | 60MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto (2x optical zoom) |
| Battery | 4600mAh with 100W wired fast charging |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, USB Type-C 2.0 |
| Dimensions | 163.1 x 75 x 7.7 mm |
| Weight | 198g |
| Colors | Black, Blue, White |
| Price | €600 |
Disclaimer: We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
