Huawei nova 12 SE review
The Huawei Huawei nova 12 SE ranks as the #550 phones globally, achieving a LibraScore of 52. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #436-ranked battery among 800 phones. Consider the Honor X30 or Honor Magic4 Lite, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Build Quality and Design
The Huawei Nova 12 SE features a solid plastic build with a slim 7.4mm profile and 2.5D curved glass for a modern, ergonomic feel. Weighing 186g, it balances portability with a sturdy frame, though its 87% usable surface suggests a compact, edge-to-edge design. The hole-punch notch and 20:9 aspect ratio enhance the 6.7" OLED display’s immersive appeal. Available in black, white, and green, its vibrant color options add style. However, the absence of an IP rating leaves it vulnerable to water/dust, and the non-removable battery limits flexibility. While the plastic construction keeps costs down, it lacks the premium feel of glass or metal alternatives, making it a practical but not luxurious choice for budget-conscious users. You may find Huawei nova 13 Pro a better fit, thanks to its superior design.
Battery Life
The Huawei Nova 12 SE boasts a 4500mAh Li-Polymer battery with 66W fast charging, ensuring all-day endurance and rapid recharging. Its efficient power management supports extended use for streaming, browsing, and app multitasking without frequent recharging. The non-removable design aligns with modern smartphone trends, prioritizing sleekness over user-replaceable cells. While the 66W charging speed is impressive, the lack of wireless charging or ultra-fast 100W+ options may disappoint power users. Battery performance remains reliable for daily tasks, though heavy gaming or 4K video recording (unsupported) could drain it faster. Overall, it balances capacity and speed for mid-range usability. If you’re after a better battery, Huawei Pura 70 could be the ideal option.
Display
The Huawei Nova 12 SE features a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and 395 PPI resolution, delivering sharp, vibrant visuals ideal for media consumption and gaming. Its 20:9 aspect ratio and 2.5D curved glass enhance immersion, while the hole-punch notch ensures minimal screen obstruction. The panel supports DCI-P3 color gamut for accurate hues and a 270Hz touch sampling rate for responsive interactions. Though the FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels) is standard for mid-range devices, the OLED technology ensures deep blacks and vivid contrasts. The display’s high brightness and frameless design contribute to a modern aesthetic, but the lack of 120Hz or higher refresh rates may feel limiting for users accustomed to flagship-grade smoothness. Overall, it balances quality and practicality for everyday use. HTC Desire 22 Pro might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded display.
Camera
The Huawei Nova 12 SE’s 108MP main camera (Samsung HM6 sensor) excels in low-light scenarios and detailed close-ups, paired with 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro lenses for versatile framing. Features like HDR, digital stabilization, and phase detection autofocus enhance photo quality, though portrait mode struggles with natural bokeh and sharpness. The 16MP front camera offers 112° ultra-wide selfies but lacks depth in low light. While night mode and color accuracy are strong, video performance falters with soft details, overexposure, and no 4K support. The absence of optical stabilization and advanced editing tools limits its appeal for enthusiasts. For casual users, it delivers decent results, but it falls short of rival mid-range devices in dynamic range and low-light consistency. For an improved camera, Honor Magic V2 is worth considering.
Price and Value
Priced at €350, the Huawei Nova 12 SE feels overpriced for its outdated specs (no 5G, 6nm processor) and missing premium features like 4K video or a microSD slot. While its long battery life, vibrant display, and Google service access via Gbox appeal to casual users, competitors like the Galaxy A35 or Redmi Note 13 offer better value at €200–300 with modern hardware. Ideal for basic tasks, but not for power users or creators seeking advanced performance.
Performance
The Huawei Nova 12 SE delivers smooth performance for daily tasks like browsing, streaming, and app usage, thanks to its Snapdragon 680 processor and 8GB RAM. While its 6nm architecture ensures efficiency, it lags behind modern 4nm/5nm chips in raw power and future-proofing. The Antutu score of 255k (better than 60% of devices) reflects adequate multitasking capability, though heavy gaming or intensive workflows may strain the system. 66W fast charging ensures quick recovery, but the absence of 5G and higher refresh rates limits its competitiveness in 2025. For casual users, it remains reliable, but power users may seek more advanced hardware. Take a look at Honor X9 - its improved performance sets a new standard.
Pros
1. Vibrant OLED display with 90Hz refresh rate and 2.5D curved glass for immersive visuals.
2. 4500mAh battery with 66W fast charging for all-day endurance and rapid recharging.
3. 108MP main camera with low-light optimization and HDR support for detailed photos.
4. Smooth daily performance with 8GB RAM and Snapdragon 680 processor for multitasking.
5. Access to Google services via Gbox, appealing to users needing app ecosystem integration.
6. Sleek, slim (7.4mm) design with modern aesthetics in multiple color options.
Cons
1. Lacks 5G connectivity and advanced features like wireless charging or 4K video recording.
2. Plastic build and absence of IP rating reduce durability and premium feel.
3. Camera struggles with low-light sharpness and lacks optical stabilization for video.
4. Overpriced for its outdated specs compared to newer mid-range competitors.
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