Description
Huawei Nova 12i
The Huawei Nova 12i is a sleek, feature-packed smartphone aimed at those looking for a solid mid-range device with a large screen, powerful camera, and decent performance. If you are considering this phone, here’s a detailed review to guide your decision.
Huawei nova 12i 4G specs and price in Kenya
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Network Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | Announced: 2024, March 19Released: 2024, April 16 |
| Body | Dimensions: 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)
Weight: 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM, Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Display | Type: IPS LCD, 90Hz
Size: 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm² (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) Resolution: 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) |
| Platform | OS: EMUI 14, no Google Play Services
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) CPU: Octa-core (4×2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4×1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) GPU: Adreno 610 |
| Memory | Card Slot: No
Internal: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | Dual: 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), PDAF2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
Features: LED flash, HDR, panorama Video: 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie Camera | Single: 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video: 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | Loudspeaker: Yes
3.5mm Jack: No |
| Comms | WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Bluetooth: 5.0, A2DP, LE Positioning: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS NFC: Yes Radio: No USB: USB Type-C 2.0 |
| Features | Sensors: Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery | Type: Li-Po 5000 mAh
Charging: 40W wired, 3-62% in 30 min |
| Miscellaneous | Colors: Green, Black, White
Models: CTR-AL20, CTR-L81 Price: Ksh 59,000 |
Design and Build
The Huawei Nova 12i sports a premium design with a slim profile, measuring 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm and weighing 199g. The phone feels sturdy and substantial in the hand, and its large 6.7-inch screen provides an immersive experience. It comes in three attractive colors: Green, Black, and White, giving you the flexibility to pick one that suits your style.
Display
One of the highlights of the Nova 12i is its 6.7-inch IPS LCD display. With a 90Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi), the display offers vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The screen-to-body ratio is impressive at ~89.1%, making the device ideal for multimedia consumption, gaming, and browsing.
Performance
Under the hood, the Nova 12i is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset (6nm), which strikes a good balance between performance and power efficiency. It comes with an octa-core CPU (4×2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4×1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) and an Adreno 610 GPU for handling everyday tasks and moderate gaming with ease. Whether you’re browsing, streaming, or using social media apps, the Nova 12i delivers smooth performance.
The phone is equipped with 8GB of RAM and offers two internal storage variants: 128GB or 256GB. While there’s no expandable storage, the generous internal memory should be enough for most users to store their apps, photos, and videos.
Camera
The Huawei Nova 12i offers a dual rear camera setup: a 108 MP wide lens with f/1.9 aperture and a 2 MP depth sensor. This combination lets you take stunning photos with impressive detail, vibrant colors, and excellent low-light performance. The phone also supports HDR, panorama, and LED flash, giving you more creative control over your shots.
For video enthusiasts, the main camera records at 1080p and 30fps, delivering crisp and smooth video quality.
On the front, the 8 MP selfie camera captures decent shots and supports 1080p video recording at 30fps, making it suitable for video calls or selfies in various lighting conditions.
Battery and Charging
The Nova 12i features a 5000 mAh battery, which is more than enough to get you through a full day of use. It supports 40W wired fast charging, which is impressive for a mid-range phone. With this, the phone charges from 3% to 62% in just 30 minutes, making it highly convenient for users who are always on the go.
Software
Running on EMUI 14, the Nova 12i doesn’t come with Google Play Services due to ongoing restrictions. However, Huawei’s AppGallery offers a growing selection of apps, and you can sideload Google services if necessary. The software experience is smooth, with an easy-to-navigate interface and useful features, but it may not offer the same app availability as Google-certified phones.
Connectivity
The Huawei Nova 12i supports 5G LTE, ensuring fast network speeds. It comes with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC, providing all the necessary connectivity options. The USB Type-C 2.0 port allows for fast data transfer and charging. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which could be a deal-breaker for some users who prefer wired headphones.
Sensors and Extras
The Nova 12i is equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for added security, alongside other sensors like an accelerometer and compass. While the device lacks a radio, the essential sensors and features make it an all-around solid device for daily use.
Price and Verdict
At a price of Ksh 59,000 in Kenya, the Huawei Nova 12i offers excellent value for money. With its large display, powerful camera, and reliable performance, it competes well in the mid-range segment. However, the absence of Google Play Services may be a drawback for some, especially if you heavily rely on Google’s ecosystem.
Overall, the Huawei Nova 12i is a great option for users who are looking for a capable and affordable smartphone with impressive camera capabilities, solid performance, and fast charging. It’s a worthy consideration if you’re after a device that offers a good balance of features without breaking the bank.
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