Let’s be honest, the mid-range smartphone market’s a battlefield. Every brand’s trying to outdo the other with flashy features and aggressive pricing. So, does Huawei’s Nova 12 SE have what it takes to stand out? After spending a couple of days with this device, I’ve got some thoughts.
First Impressions: Looks Matter
Huawei knows how to make a good-looking phone, and the Nova 12 SE is no exception. The green colorway I received is subtle yet eye-catching, and the lightweight plastic build feels surprisingly premium. At 6.67 inches, the display’s big, but the curved edges make it surprisingly manageable in one hand.
And that display? This OLED panel is bright, punchy, and with that 90Hz refresh rate, everything feels buttery smooth. Honestly, it’s one of the best displays I’ve seen in this price range. The cherry on top is the 270 Hz touch sampling rate which makes the touch response a lot better. It’s great for catching up on Instagram feeds or binging YouTube videos.
Under the Hood: Not a Speed Demon, But Gets the Job Done
The Snapdragon 680 chipset powering the Nova 12 SE isn’t going to break any benchmarks, but let’s be real – most people don’t need that. For everyday stuff like emails, social media, and light gaming, it runs like a champ. Even multitasking felt surprisingly snappy thanks to the generous 8GB of RAM.
Storage-wise, you get 256GB onboard. That’s plenty for most, but if you’re a photo hoarder or like keeping massive offline playlists, just be aware there’s no microSD slot for expansion.
Software: EMUI 14 Smooth as Silk, But…
Huawei’s EMUI 14 skin over Android is good enough, although I’m not a fan of this operating system. During my time with the Nova 12 SE, I noticed occasional hiccups with animations and transitions, feeling a touch less polished than some competitors.
Additionally, while the AppGallery and Petal Search do fill the gaps left by Google Play, the overall app experience can feel less seamless at times. It’s clear Huawei is trying in the software realm, but anyone used to the fluidity of stock Android or iOS might find EMUI 14 needs a bit more refinement to compete fully.
Camera Talk: It’s Got the Megapixels
That 108MP main camera sounds impressive on paper, and thankfully, it doesn’t disappoint.
Daylight shots are crisp and colorful, and the ultrawide is perfect for when you need to squeeze more into the frame. Low-light isn’t the best, but it’s still good enough for casual evening shots.
The 32MP selfie cam is surprisingly good, even in less-than-perfect lighting. And if you’re into those beauty filters, well, let’s just say Huawei has you covered.
Image Gallery
The Real Hero: Battery for Days
The unsung hero of the Nova 12 SE is that 4500mAh battery. I’m not exaggerating when I say this thing refuses to quit. A full day of heavy use was no problem, and I regularly got into the second day before needing a charge. And when you do need to top up, the 66W fast charging is a lifesaver. 30 minutes plugged in took me from zero to well over half.
So, Is It Worth Your Dime?
The Huawei Nova 12 SE punches above its price. If you prioritize a great display, long battery life, and capable cameras at a reasonable cost, it’s absolutely worth considering. Just be aware that peak performance isn’t the goal here, and you may find software restrictions a little frustrating if you’re heavily reliant on the Google suite of apps.
