Discover Huawei nova 2 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build Quality

The Huawei nova 2 boasts a sleek and stylish design that captures the attention of many smartphone enthusiasts. Measuring at 142.2 x 68.9 x 6.9 mm and weighing only 143 grams, the device is lightweight and easy to handle. The nova 2 is constructed with a glass front, an aluminum back, and an aluminum frame, providing a premium feel and solid build. The phone is available in several color options, including Aurora Blue, Grass Green, Streamer Gold, Obsidian Black, and Rose Gold, appealing to a variety of tastes.

Display

The Huawei nova 2 features a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, offering a crisp and vibrant viewing experience. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 69.7%, the display is sizable enough for enjoyable media consumption without making the device cumbersome. The pixel density of ~443 ppi ensures sharp visuals, whether you are watching videos, browsing the web, or playing games.

Performance

Under the hood, the Huawei nova 2 is powered by the Kirin 659 chipset, built on 16nm technology. This octa-core processor consists of four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.36 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.7 GHz, providing a balanced performance for everyday tasks and more demanding activities. The Mali-T830 MP2 GPU handles the graphic processing, ensuring smooth graphics rendering for games and videos. The device also includes 4GB of RAM for efficient multitasking.

Storage

The nova 2 comes with 64GB of internal storage, which is ample for storing apps, photos, and videos. For users needing additional storage, the device supports microSDXC cards, though it utilizes a shared SIM slot. This provides flexibility for those who may choose between additional storage capacity or using the dual-SIM capability of the device.

Camera

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the dual-camera setup on the Huawei nova 2. The primary camera comprises a 12MP lens with an aperture of f/1.8 and an 8MP lens, featuring PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) for quick and accurate focusing. The camera setup is equipped with features like LED flash, panorama, and HDR to enhance photo quality under various lighting conditions. It is capable of recording videos at 1080p@30fps, capturing memories in high definition.

The front-facing camera is a standout feature for selfie lovers, boasting a 20MP sensor with f/2.0 aperture. This impressive selfie camera promises detailed and clear captures, making it an appealing option for social media enthusiasts who rely on high-quality selfies.

Battery Life and Charging

The Huawei nova 2 is equipped with a non-removable Li-Po 2950 mAh battery. While not the largest capacity available in the market, it is sufficient to power the device throughout the day for moderate use. The device supports 18W wired charging, allowing for relatively quick power top-ups, which negates some of the inconveniences that might arise from the battery's capacity limitations.

Software and User Experience

The nova 2 runs on Android 7.0 (Nougat) with Huawei's EMUI 5.1 skin on top. EMUI brings additional features and customization options to the standard Android experience, with user-friendly navigation and a clean interface. Users familiar with Android will appreciate both the versatility and user experience enhancements that EMUI offers, though some may prefer updating the system to a more recent Android version for improved features and security.

Connectivity

Connectivity options on the Huawei nova 2 cover a broad spectrum of technologies. It supports GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring compatibility with various carriers worldwide. The device has Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, GLONASS, and BDS for location services. Despite this, it lacks NFC and radio features, which might be a consideration for some users. It features USB Type-C for charging and data transfer, aligning with modern connectivity standards.

Audio and Multimedia

The smartphone includes a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5mm jack, allowing users to enjoy music and media with their preferred audio equipment. While the speaker's sound quality is adequate for regular use, audiophiles may opt for headphones or external speakers for an enhanced experience. The presence of a headphone jack is a plus, considering the trend of its removal in newer devices.

Additional Features

The Huawei nova 2 is equipped with a range of sensors, including a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. The fingerprint sensor enhances security and convenience, allowing fast and easy unlocking of the device. These additional sensors contribute to improved user experience and functionality, enabling features like motion and orientation tracking within various applications.

Pricing and Availability

Initially announced in May 2017 and released in June of the same year, the Huawei nova 2 retailed for about 250 EUR at launch. While it may not be available new in the current market, it may still be found in second-hand markets or through third-party retailers. The pricing at launch reflected its position as a mid-range device, offering a balance between performance, design, and affordability.

Conclusion

The Huawei nova 2, with its appealing design, capable performance, and robust camera features, offers a compelling package for users seeking a reliable mid-range smartphone. While some aspects such as the battery capacity and Android version might be considered limitations, they are balanced by the phone's strengths in design, camera quality, and overall functionality. The elegant aesthetics and practical features of the nova 2 continue to hold value for users prioritizing style and performance in a smartphone.