The Huawei Nova 12s is a mid-range phone that, despite its unreasonably high price, boasts some impressive features. The device's slim body profile and beautiful 6.7-inch full HD+ display make it a stylish option, especially for those who don't care about specs. The phone's dual stereo speakers are also a standout feature, often found on more expensive devices. However, the Nova 12s' age shows in its hardware, with a three-year-old chipset (the Snapdragon 778G) and no official Google Mobile Services support. Despite these limitations, the device still performs well in everyday use, with apps launching quickly and games running smoothly at medium graphics settings. The camera setup is also impressive, with a 50-megapixel main camera capable of producing respectable image quality. The front camera takes up to 60-megapixel selfies, which deliver superb quality photos. Both the rear and front cameras can record 4K video at 30fps. Battery life is another strong point, with the phone lasting a single day on heavy use despite its large 4,600mAh battery. Fast charging support also makes it easy to top up when needed. Overall, the Huawei Nova 12s is a good product that's let down by its unreasonably high price of $2,000. If it were priced lower, perhaps around $1,000, it would be a more appealing option for those who don't care about Google support and 5G connectivity. As it stands, the Nova 12s is a hard sell, especially when compared to other mid-range phones that offer similar features at a fraction of the price. 7/10 Consider the Huawei Nova 12s if you're not fussed about Google support and 5G connectivity, but be prepared for an unreasonably high price.
The Huawei Nova 12s boasts a slim 6.88mm body profile, identical to its predecessor, the Nova 11. While some might find this design choice unexciting, it's undeniable that the phone looks stylish and modern. The device has a beautiful 6.7-inch full HD+ display with super-slim bezels, rivaling even the Samsung Galaxy A55 in terms of aesthetics. The Nova 12s also features dual stereo loudspeakers, a rarity in mid-range phones. These speakers deliver crisp and clear audio, making them a pleasant surprise in an era where budget-friendly devices often compromise on sound quality. Another notable aspect is the phone's camera array, which boasts a unique design that sets it apart from its competitors. While some might find this feature gimmicky, it undoubtedly adds to the device's visual appeal. The Nova 12s' build quality is also noteworthy, with a solid feel and premium materials used in its construction. The device's weight and size make it comfortable to hold and use, even for extended periods. Overall, the phone's design is a strong point, making it an attractive option for those seeking a stylish mid-range device. While the Nova 12s' specs might be considered outdated by some, its build quality and design are certainly not. The phone's sleek profile, beautiful display, and premium materials make it a compelling choice for anyone looking for a well-designed mid-range device. However, as with any Huawei device, the lack of official Google Mobile Services is a significant drawback, which might deter potential buyers.
The Huawei Nova 12s is a device that has been met with skepticism due to its dated specifications and lack of support for modern technologies like 5G and Google Mobile Services. However, one area where the phone shines is in its battery life. Despite being equipped with a 4-year-old chipset, the Nova 12s manages to deliver an impressive performance when it comes to power consumption. The device features a large 4,600mAh battery that can easily last a day of heavy use, even with demanding tasks and gaming. In our testing, we found that the phone's battery life was one of its most redeeming qualities. We were able to squeeze out more than a day of usage, even with consistent heavy use, including gaming and video streaming. This is a testament to Huawei's efficient software and hardware design, which ensures that the Nova 12s can run for extended periods without needing a recharge. While the Nova 12s may not be the most powerful device on the market, its battery life is certainly one of its strengths. If you're looking for a phone with long-lasting power, the Nova 12s is definitely worth considering - as long as you don't mind its outdated specifications and limited feature set.
The Huawei Nova 12s is a phone that's easy to dismiss at first glance, mainly due to its outdated chipset and lack of official Google Mobile Services. However, despite these limitations, the device still manages to impress in some areas, particularly when it comes to its display. The Nova 12s boasts a beautiful 6.7-inch full HD+ OLED screen that refreshes at 90Hz, making it one of the best displays on a mid-range phone. Its slim and symmetrical body profile is also impressive, rivaling even high-end devices like the Galaxy A55. The phone's design language is modern and sleek, making it a fashionable device that some people will surely love. While the Nova 12s may not have the latest chipset or 5G connectivity, its display more than makes up for these shortcomings. It's a stunning screen that's perfect for watching videos, browsing the web, or playing games. The phone's dual stereo speakers are also a welcome addition, offering a more immersive audio experience. One of the standout features of the Nova 12s is its unique camera array design, which adds to the device's overall style and charm. While we'll be discussing the cameras in more detail later, it's worth noting that both the rear and front cameras can take impressive 4K video at 30 FPS. In terms of display quality, the Nova 12s is a clear winner, offering vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and sharp text rendering. It's a phone that doesn't look dated even by modern mid-range standards, which is no mean feat considering its price point. While we'll be exploring more aspects of the Nova 12s in our full review, it's clear that this device has some impressive strengths, particularly when it comes to its display.
The camera system on the Huawei Nova 12s is a highlight of the device. Despite its outdated chipset, the phone's cameras perform admirably well. The main 50-megapixel camera lacks optical image stabilization, but it still manages to deliver respectable image quality that surpasses many mid-range phones. The rear camera setup also includes an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, which takes acceptable shots. However, it's the front camera that truly impresses with its 60-megapixel resolution. The selfies produced by this camera are of superb quality and possibly one of the best I've seen on a mid-range phone. Another notable feature is the ability to record 4K at 30 frames per second with both the rear and front cameras, which is uncommon in this price range. The camera software is also intuitive and easy to use, making it a joy to capture images and videos with the Nova 12s. While the camera system on the Huawei Nova 12s is not perfect, it's certainly one of the best features of the device. The images produced are clear and detailed, and the front camera is particularly impressive. However, it's worth noting that the lack of optical image stabilization on the main camera may be a limitation for some users. Overall, the camera system on the Huawei Nova 12s is a strong point of the phone, and one that should not be overlooked. While other features like performance and software may have their drawbacks, the cameras are certainly capable of producing high-quality images and videos.
The Huawei Nova 12s is a decent smartphone that boasts a slim design, good display, and impressive camera capabilities. However, its high price tag makes it a hard sell. Priced at RM2000, this device feels overpriced considering its hardware specifications. One major drawback of the Nova 12s is its lack of support for latest chipsets and 5G connectivity. While it's understandable that Huawei might not have access to these technologies due to current trade restrictions, it still doesn't excuse the premium pricing. The phone uses a 3-year-old chipset, which, although capable, makes it feel dated compared to more modern devices. Moreover, the Nova 12s comes without official Google Mobile Services, which will be a significant concern for users who rely heavily on Google services. While the micro G framework does allow some essential apps to function normally, it's not an ideal solution. In light of these limitations, I struggle to recommend the Huawei Nova 12s at its current price point. There are simply better options available in the market that offer more recent hardware and a wider range of features. If Huawei were to lower the price significantly, perhaps to under RM1000, the Nova 12s might become a more attractive option for those who don't mind skipping out on Google services. As it stands now, however, the phone's high price and outdated specifications make it a tough sell.
The Huawei Nova 12s is a phone that doesn't quite live up to its price tag, but despite its limitations, it still manages to deliver in some areas. One such area is performance. Under the hood, you'll find the Snapdragon 778G 4G processor, which may not be the latest and greatest, but still packs enough punch for most everyday tasks. And to my surprise, it works well on this phone. Apps launch quickly, switching between them is seamless, and even more demanding games like Honkai Star Rail run smoothly at 60 FPS in medium graphics settings. While it's understandable that some might dismiss the Nova 12s as outdated due to its processor being three years old, I found it to be still capable of handling most tasks without any issues. The phone doesn't feel sluggish or slow, and it's able to handle long usage sessions without a hiccup. In fact, the Snapdragon 778G is one of the most capable chips we've seen in recent years, and its performance on the Nova 12s is impressive considering its age. This suggests that Huawei was able to optimize the software well enough to make the most of this processor's capabilities. Of course, it's worth noting that the lack of Google Mobile Services does impact some aspects of the user experience. However, if you're someone who depends entirely on Google services, you'll find that many essential apps still work fine, and the Micro G framework even allows for seamless sign-in to your Google account. All things considered, while the Nova 12s' performance may not be the strongest in its class, it's still a capable device that can handle most tasks with ease. It's just unfortunate that this doesn't come together with a price tag that reflects the phone's actual value.
1. Fashionable design with a slim body profile
2. Good camera performance, especially with the front camera
3. Decent processor performance despite being 3 years old
4. Long battery life with up to a single day of heavy use
5. Fast charging speed with Huawei's SuperCharge
1. Outdated processor and no support for 5G networks
2. Expensive price point, even considering its limitations
3. Lack of official Google Mobile Services support