Huawei Nova 12

Name: Huawei Nova 12
Brand: Huawei
SKU: 15072

Manufacturer: Huawei

The Huawei Nova 12 is a mid-to-upper-range smartphone built around a 6.7-inch OLED/AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and a pixel density of 395 ppi, offering a sharp and fluid visual experience. Running on HarmonyOS with Always-On Display support, the device is shaped around a 7mm slim profile and a weight of 191g, making it a relatively trim handset in its class.

Under the hood, the Nova 12 is powered by the Huawei Kirin 820 5G chipset built on a 7nm process, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. Its camera system includes a dual rear setup led by a 50MP sensor and a notably large 60MP front camera, complemented by features such as laser autofocus, phase-detection autofocus, and 4K video recording at 30fps. The 4600 mAh battery supports 100W wired fast charging, though wireless charging is absent, and connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and USB Type-C.

Pros

The 60MP front camera offers notably high resolution for selfies and video calls
100W wired fast charging refills the 4600 mAh battery at a rapid pace, and a charger is included in the box
Wi-Fi 6 support ensures faster and more efficient wireless connectivity
The 120Hz OLED display with Always-On Display provides smooth scrolling and persistent glanceable information
A broad set of manual camera controls — including ISO, exposure, focus, and white balance — gives users hands-on control over their shots
5G connectivity is built in, supported by dual SIM capability for flexible carrier use

Cons

No wireless charging support, limiting charging flexibility
The device has no water or dust resistance rating, leaving it vulnerable to moisture exposure
Wireless audio is restricted — no aptX, LDAC, or any high-quality Bluetooth codec is supported
There is no 3.5mm headphone jack and no stereo speaker setup, reducing wired and spatial audio options
USB connectivity is limited to version 2.0 despite using a Type-C port, restricting data transfer speeds
No optical image stabilization is present on the main camera, which can affect video and low-light photo quality

Who is this for?

This device is a solid fit for users who prioritize selfie and front-camera quality, given the 60MP front sensor paired with a broad set of manual controls, making it well-suited for content creators or social media users who shoot frequently from the front. The 100W fast charging combined with the 4600 mAh battery appeals to busy users who need quick top-ups throughout the day without carrying extra accessories, especially since a charger is included. Additionally, those who value a smooth, visually immersive experience will appreciate the 120Hz OLED display with Always-On Display support, while 5G and Wi-Fi 6 make it a capable choice for users in connected environments who rely on fast and stable network access.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who frequently shoot in challenging conditions will find the lack of optical image stabilization and a BSI sensor limiting, particularly for handheld video or low-light photography where stabilization and light capture matter most. The absence of any water or dust resistance rating makes this a poor fit for outdoor enthusiasts, tradespeople, or anyone regularly exposed to wet or dusty environments. Those who rely on wired headphones or high-fidelity wireless audio will also be disappointed, as there is no 3.5mm jack, no stereo speaker, and no support for advanced Bluetooth codecs — making it a weak option for audiophiles or users with demanding audio needs.

Design:

water resistance	None
weight	191 g
thickness	7 mm
width	75.4 mm
height	161.5 mm
volume	85.2397 cm³
has a rugged build	✕
can be folded	✕

The Huawei Nova 12 has a slim 7mm profile and weighs 191g, with a height of 161.5mm and a width of 75.4mm, resulting in a total volume of approximately 85.24 cm³. The device has a standard flat form factor, as it neither folds nor carries a rugged build. It also offers no water resistance, so it lacks any rated protection against moisture or dust exposure.

Display:

Display type	OLED/AMOLED
screen size	6.7"
pixel density	395 ppi
resolution	1084 x 2412 px
refresh rate	120Hz
has branded damage-resistant glass	✕
supports HDR10	✕
supports HDR10+	✕
Always-On Display	✓
supports Dolby Vision	✕
Has a secondary screen	✕
has a touch screen	✓

The Huawei Nova 12 features a 6.7-inch OLED/AMOLED touchscreen with a resolution of 1084 x 2412 px and a pixel density of 395 ppi, delivering a detailed and vibrant image. The panel runs at a 120Hz refresh rate and supports Always-On Display, keeping essential information visible without fully waking the screen. The display does not include branded damage-resistant glass, and there is no support for HDR10, HDR10+, or Dolby Vision, nor does the device feature a secondary screen.

Performance:

internal storage	256GB
RAM	12GB
Chipset (SoC) name	Huawei Kirin 820 5G
GPU name	Mali-G57
CPU speed	1 x 2.36 & 3 x 2.22 & 4 x 1.84 GHz
GPU clock speed	850 MHz
Has integrated LTE	✓
RAM speed	2133 MHz
semiconductor size	7 nm
Supports 64-bit	✓
DirectX version	DirectX 12
Has integrated graphics	✓
OpenGL ES version	3.2
Uses big.LITTLE technology	✓
CPU threads	8 threads
Has TrustZone	✓
OpenCL version	2
Supports ECC memory	✕
Thermal Design Power (TDP)	6W

The Huawei Nova 12 is powered by the Huawei Kirin 820 5G chipset, built on a 7nm process with an octa-core CPU arrangement running at up to 2.36 GHz across 8 threads, and employing big.LITTLE technology for balanced power distribution. It is paired with 12GB of RAM at 2133 MHz and 256GB of internal storage, while graphics are handled by the Mali-G57 GPU clocked at 850 MHz with integrated graphics support, DirectX 12, OpenGL ES 3.2, and OpenCL 2.0. The SoC includes integrated LTE, TrustZone security, and 64-bit support, with a rated thermal design power of 6W, though ECC memory is not supported.

Cameras:

megapixels (main camera)	50 & 8 MP
wide aperture (main camera)	2.2 & 1.9f
Has a dual-lens (or multi-lens) main camera	✓
megapixels (front camera)	60MP
has built-in optical image stabilization	✕
video recording (main camera)	2160 x 30 fps
Has a dual-tone LED flash	✕
number of flash LEDs	1
has a BSI sensor	✕
has a CMOS sensor	✓
has continuous autofocus when recording movies	✓
Has phase-detection autofocus for photos	✓
supports slow-motion video recording	✓
has a built-in HDR mode	✓
has manual exposure	✓
has a flash	✓
optical zoom	0x
has manual ISO	✓
has a serial shot mode	✓
has manual focus	✓
has a front camera	✓
Has laser autofocus	✓
Shoots 360° panorama	✕
has manual white balance	✓
shoots raw	✕
has touch autofocus	✓
has manual shutter speed	✕
can create panoramas in-camera	✓
wide aperture (front camera)	2.4f
Has timelapse function	✓
Has a front-facing LED flash	✕
has a dual-lens (or multi-lens) front camera	✕
has a front-facing camera under the display	✕
Has a RGB LED flash	✕
has 3D photo/video recording capabilities	✕

The Huawei Nova 12 features a dual-lens rear camera system combining a 50MP sensor at f/2.2 and an 8MP sensor at f/1.9, supported by a CMOS sensor, laser autofocus, phase-detection autofocus, and touch autofocus, though optical image stabilization is not included. The main camera records video at up to 2160p at 30fps, with support for slow-motion recording, continuous autofocus during video, and a single LED flash, while dual-tone and RGB flash options are absent. Manual controls cover exposure, ISO, focus, and white balance, and shooting modes include HDR, burst, panorama, and timelapse, though raw capture, manual shutter speed, and 360-degree panorama are not available. On the front, a 60MP single-lens camera at f/2.4 is mounted above the display — not under it — and lacks its own flash. 3D photo and video recording is not supported on either camera.

Operating system:

has camera/microphone privacy options	✓
has dark mode	✓
has battery health check	✓
Has customizable notifications	✓
supports split screen	✓
gets direct OS updates	✕
Can be used as a PC	✕
Has sharing intents	✓
has a child lock	✓
Supports widgets	✓
has voice commands	✓
Tracks the current position of a mobile device	✓
is a multi-user system	✓

The Huawei Nova 12 offers a well-rounded set of software features, including dark mode, customizable notifications, widgets, voice commands, sharing intents, and a child lock for restricted usage. It supports split-screen multitasking and operates as a multi-user system, while also providing device tracking and a battery health check tool. Privacy-conscious users will find camera and microphone access controls built in, though the device does not receive direct OS updates from the vendor and cannot function as a PC.

Battery:

battery power	4600 mAh
has wireless charging	✕
Supports fast charging	✓
charging speed	100W
comes with a charger	✓
has a removable battery	✕
has a battery level indicator	✓
has a rechargeable battery	✓

The Huawei Nova 12 houses a 4600 mAh rechargeable battery with a battery level indicator, and comes bundled with a charger in the box. It supports 100W wired fast charging, allowing for rapid top-ups, though wireless charging is not available. The battery is non-removable and cannot be swapped out by the user.

Audio:

has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack	✕
has stereo speakers	✕
has aptX	✕
has LDAC	✕
has aptX HD	✕
has aptX Adaptive	✕
has aptX Lossless	✕
Has a radio	✕

The Huawei Nova 12 has a notably limited audio feature set. It does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack or stereo speakers, and there is no built-in radio. On the wireless audio side, none of the high-quality Bluetooth codec options are supported, with aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, and LDAC all absent from the device.

Connectivity & Features:

has 5G support	✓
Wi-Fi version	Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
SIM cards	2 SIM
Bluetooth version	5.2
has an external memory slot	✕
Has USB Type-C	✓
USB version	2
has NFC	✓
Has a fingerprint scanner	✓
has emergency SOS via satellite	✕
has crash detection	✕
is DLNA-certified	✕
has a gyroscope	✓
supports ANT+	✕
Has a heart rate monitor	✕
has GPS	✓
has a compass	✓
supports Wi-Fi	✓
Has an infrared sensor	✕
has an accelerometer	✓
has a cellular module	✓
Has a barometer	✕
has an HDMI output	✕
Uses 3D facial recognition	✕
Has an iris scanner	✕
Stylus included	✕
supports Galileo	✓
Has motion tracking	✕
Has optical tracking	✕
Has a built-in projector	✕

The Huawei Nova 12 supports 5G connectivity with a dual SIM cellular module, and covers Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, and Wi-Fi 6 standards alongside Bluetooth 5.2 and NFC. It connects via USB Type-C, though the USB version is 2.0, and there is no external memory slot, HDMI output, or DLNA certification. For navigation, the device includes GPS with Galileo support, a compass, a gyroscope, and an accelerometer, while a barometer, infrared sensor, heart rate monitor, and ANT+ are all absent. Security is handled through a fingerprint scanner, though 3D facial recognition and an iris scanner are not present. Features such as satellite SOS, crash detection, motion tracking, optical tracking, and a built-in projector are likewise not included, and no stylus comes with the device.

Miscellaneous:

has a video light	✓
Has sapphire glass display	✕
Has a curved display	✕
Has an e-paper display	✕

The Huawei Nova 12 includes a video light, which assists with illumination during video recording. The display is flat rather than curved, and uses neither sapphire glass nor an e-paper panel.

Final Verdict

The Huawei Nova 12 is a well-defined smartphone that makes a clear case for users who value display quality, fast charging, and front-camera capability. Its 120Hz OLED panel, 5G connectivity, and 100W wired fast charging form a strong core, and the 60MP front camera adds meaningful appeal for those who shoot frequently from the front. That said, the device's audio limitations, lack of water resistance, and absence of optical image stabilization narrow its appeal for users with more demanding needs in those areas. Taken as a whole, the Huawei Nova 12 is a focused, feature-aware handset that delivers reliably within its strengths, but prospective buyers should weigh its gaps carefully against their specific usage priorities before committing.