Huawei nova 12 SE review
The Huawei Nova 12 SE is a mid-range smartphone that offers a solid performance for media consumption but falls short in content creation. The device features a bright screen, excellent close-up camera capabilities, and a reliable battery life. However, the camera's limitations become apparent in low-light conditions and when capturing high-quality footage. One of the standout features of the Nova 12 SE is its Micro G service, which allows users to access Google services and apps on the device. This includes Google Play Store, YouTube, Gmail, and more. The phone also boasts a solid build quality, with a good fingerprint scanner and decent display. However, the CPU is slightly outdated, and the phone lacks IP certification, microSD expansion, and 5G connectivity. While the ultra-wide camera capture is commendable, the selfie camera's performance is average at best. Video recording capabilities are also underwhelming, with limited color accuracy in low-light conditions. The Nova 12 SE's price point of €350 puts it in direct competition with the Samsung Galaxy A35 and A55. However, considering its specs, it should be priced closer to €200, making it a more affordable option for media consumption. For content creators, there are better camera options available at similar prices. Ultimately, the Huawei Nova 12 SE is a reliable phone for casual users who prioritize battery life, decent performance, and access to Google services. However, those requiring a high-quality camera or advanced features may want to consider other options.
Build Quality and Design
The Huawei Nova 12 SE boasts an impressive build quality that's hard to ignore. The solid B construction provides a reassuring feel in the hand, and the device's weight is well-distributed, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. However, the design aspect of the phone is where it falters. While the Nova 12 SE's exterior looks sleek and modern, it's not particularly distinctive or memorable. The phone's dimensions are average, and it doesn't have any notable features that would set it apart from other mid-range devices on the market. In terms of aesthetics, the Huawei Nova 12 SE is unobtrusive, but not particularly stylish either. The phone's design feels more functional than fashionable, which might be a turn-off for some users who prioritize looks over substance. That being said, the build quality itself is top-notch. The solid B construction ensures that the phone will withstand everyday wear and tear, and it's unlikely to suffer from any major structural issues anytime soon. Overall, while the Huawei Nova 12 SE's design may not be the most exciting or innovative, its solid build quality makes up for it in many ways. If you're looking for a reliable device with a durable construction, the Nova 12 SE is definitely worth considering. Just don't expect it to make any fashion statements. 3.5/5 For those who prioritize build quality and reliability over design innovation, the Huawei Nova 12 SE is a solid choice. However, for users who value style and aesthetics above all else, there may be better options available in the mid-range market.
Battery Life
One of the most significant aspects of any smartphone is its battery life, and the Huawei Nova 12 SE does not disappoint in this regard. The device boasts a decent-sized battery that provides a good amount of juice to keep you going throughout the day. In my experience, the Nova 12 SE's battery life was satisfactory, but not exceptional. I was able to squeeze out around 6-7 hours of moderate usage, which is par for the course in today's smartphone market. However, if you're someone who uses your phone extensively, you may find yourself needing to top up the battery more frequently. One thing that does stand out about the Nova 12 SE's battery life is its ability to power through intense use sessions without too much fatigue. Whether it's watching videos, gaming, or chatting with friends, the device managed to keep up remarkably well, never once feeling like it was running on fumes. That being said, I did notice that the battery life took a bit of a hit when using demanding apps or playing resource-intensive games for extended periods. This is not unusual, but it's worth noting nonetheless. Overall, while the Nova 12 SE's battery life is respectable, it's not exceptional. If you're someone who values long battery life above all else, there may be better options available in this price bracket. However, if you're looking for a reliable device that can get the job done without too much fuss, then the Nova 12 SE should suffice.
Display
The display is one aspect where the Huawei Nova 12 SE shines, but also falls short in some areas. The screen is very bright, which makes it perfect for outdoor use or in well-lit environments. I was pleasantly surprised by the color accuracy of the display, especially when capturing images with the ultra-wide camera. However, the screen's quality is marred by a slightly old CPU that struggles to keep up with demanding tasks. The lack of IP certification and microSD support also takes away from the overall experience. In terms of video playback, the Nova 12 SE performs well, but the colors can appear somewhat muted, especially at night. The display itself has a good resolution, but it's not what you'd expect at this price point. For context, the Galaxy A35 and A55 offer similar features for less money. If I'm being honest, the screen could be better. The ultra-wide camera capture is one of its strong points, but the selfie and Bokeh captures are merely average. The Nova 12 SE's display is decent, but not outstanding. It's more geared towards media consumption rather than content creation. If you're a content consumer who wants a reliable phone with long battery life, this might be the device for you. However, if you're a content creator or even a minor one, you might want to look elsewhere. The display is just one part of the Nova 12 SE's mixed bag experience. While it has its strengths, it also has some notable weaknesses that keep it from being a top contender in its price range.
Camera
The camera system on the Huawei Nova 12 SE is a mixed bag. On one hand, the phone excels in certain areas, such as ultra-wide close-up captures and night mode shots. The camera's ability to handle low-light conditions is impressive, producing well-lit and detailed images. However, other aspects of the camera fall short. The selfie capture, while decent, lacks the sharpness and clarity that some users may expect from a phone in this price range. The Bokeh effect, which simulates a shallow depth of field, often appears unnatural or overdone. Video recording is another area where the Nova 12 SE's camera struggles. Footage taken during the day is acceptable, but nighttime videos suffer from poor color accuracy and excessive noise. The lack of 4K resolution is also noticeable, especially for content creators who rely on high-quality video. In contrast, the ultra-wide camera captures are a highlight of the phone's camera system. They offer an excellent close-up experience, making them ideal for capturing details in macro photography. The overall camera performance of the Huawei Nova 12 SE is average at best. While it has some strong points, such as its night mode capabilities and ultra-wide close-ups, other areas fall short. The lack of solid B-grade cameras and 4K capture may be a concern for users who rely on their phone's camera for content creation. * Excellent ultra-wide close-up captures * Good night mode performance * Decent selfie capture * Lackluster Bokeh effect * Poor video recording quality, especially in low-light conditions * No 4K resolution * Solid B-grade cameras lacking
Price and Value
The Huawei Nova 12 SE is a mid-range smartphone that promises to deliver excellent value for its price. However, after using the device for some time, I'm afraid it falls short in one crucial aspect - the price tag. Priced at €350, the Nova 12 SE puts itself in direct competition with high-end smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy A35 and A55. To be frank, it should be priced closer to €200, which is what its true value lies. The device's performance, while decent, can't hold a candle to its more expensive counterparts. The Nova 12 SE's camera system, although capable of taking some excellent close-up shots and night mode captures, simply doesn't justify the price. In comparison, other mid-range smartphones in this price bracket offer superior cameras that can deliver true 4K video capture and better low-light performance. Furthermore, the absence of IP certification and micro SD card support is another glaring omission at this price point. And let's not forget about the outdated CPU, which makes it harder for content creators to rely on this device as a primary tool. While the Nova 12 SE does excel in media consumption, with a long battery life and decent display, its value proposition starts to fade away when you consider its limitations. As a content creator or power user, I wouldn't recommend the Nova 12 SE due to its lack of solid B-grade camera capabilities and 4K video capture. However, if you're just a casual consumer who wants a reliable phone with a large battery life and don't mind the compromises on camera performance, then the Nova 12 SE might still be worth considering. Nonetheless, I believe Huawei can do better in terms of pricing to make this device truly competitive in its market segment.
Performance
The Huawei Nova 12 SE is a solid mid-range smartphone that excels in certain areas, but falls short in others. In terms of performance, the phone's CPU, although not outdated, feels like it belongs to an older generation. While it handled everyday tasks and general usage with ease, demanding applications and multitasking proved to be a challenge. The phone's processor, while adequate for casual use, failed to deliver when push came to shove. It stuttered and struggled with more intense tasks, such as video editing or gaming. This was particularly noticeable during our testing, where the Nova 12 SE struggled to maintain smooth performance in demanding scenarios. Another area where the Nova 12 SE disappoints is its lack of IP certification, microSD expansion support, and 5G connectivity – features that have become essential for many users. While these omissions might not be a deal-breaker for some, they do detract from the phone's overall appeal. In terms of gaming performance, the Nova 12 SE was decent but not outstanding. It managed to run popular titles smoothly, albeit with occasional stutters and frame drops. However, demanding games that require intense processing power were often plagued by lag and stuttering. Overall, while the Huawei Nova 12 SE's performance is satisfactory for casual users, it falls short of expectations for those who demand more from their smartphones. For content creators or power users, this phone may not be the best choice due to its limitations in processing power and features. If you're a content consumer looking for a reliable phone with long battery life and decent performance, the Nova 12 SE might be worth considering. However, if you require more demanding performance, it's worth exploring other options.