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Huawei Nova 3 Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Guide

Release Date
2018, August
Camera
24MP
Battery
3750mAh
Battery Type
18W
Processor
Kirin 970
Screen
6.3"
Storage
64GB/128GB , microSDXC
Ram
4/6GB RAM
Operating System
Android 8.1, up to Android 9.0, EMUI 9.1

Overview

The Huawei nova 3 is a feature-packed smartphone released in 2018, designed to cater to the needs of modern smartphone users. With a powerful processor, impressive camera capabilities, and a stylish design, the Huawei nova 3 remains a competitive option in its category.

Design and Build

The Huawei nova 3 boasts a sleek design with a glass front and back, complemented by an aluminum frame, providing both durability and an elegant aesthetic. The phone measures 157 x 73.7 x 7.3 mm and weighs 166 grams, making it a moderately sized device that's easy to handle. Available in multiple vibrant colors such as Iris Purple, Airy Blue, Primrose Gold, Red, and Black, the nova 3 offers options to suit various styles.

Display

The device features a 6.3-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, translating to a pixel density of approximately 409 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio of about 84.2% provides an immersive viewing experience, making it ideal for watching videos, browsing, and gaming.

Performance

Under the hood, the Huawei nova 3 is powered by the Kirin 970 chipset, built on a 10 nm process. The octa-core CPU is composed of 4 Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz and 4 Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz. Coupled with the Mali-G72 MP12 GPU, the nova 3 delivers a smooth and responsive performance, capable of handling intensive tasks and high-end gaming with ease.

Memory and Storage

The nova 3 comes in multiple configurations to meet different needs. It offers either 4GB or 6GB of RAM, with internal storage options of 64GB or 128GB. Additionally, it supports microSDXC cards via the shared SIM slot, allowing for storage expansion as needed.

Camera Capabilities

One of the standout features of the Huawei nova 3 is its camera system. The rear dual-camera setup includes a 16 MP wide sensor with f/1.8 aperture and a 24 MP B/W sensor, also with f/1.8 aperture, along with PDAF for fast focusing. It is equipped with features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama, and can record video in 4K at 30fps or 1080p at 30/60fps with gyro-EIS.

The front dual-camera system comprises a 24 MP wide sensor with f/2.0 aperture and a 2 MP depth sensor, perfect for selfies and video calls. It supports HDR and can capture 1080p videos at 30fps.

Battery Life

The phone houses a non-removable Li-Po 3750 mAh battery, which provides a reliable battery life that can last through a full day of moderate use. It supports 18W fast charging, allowing users to quickly recharge their device and minimize downtime.

Operating System and Software

Initially launched with Android 8.1 (Oreo), the Huawei nova 3 is upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), with the custom EMUI 9.1 skin. EMUI provides a user-friendly interface and added features, enhancing the Android experience.

Connectivity and Network

The nova 3 supports a wide range of network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE, enabling fast and reliable connectivity. It offers dual-SIM capabilities, making it a practical choice for users who manage multiple numbers.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the phone is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP and aptX HD, as well as NFC (available on the PAR-LX1 model). Positioning systems supported include GPS, GLONASS, and BDS.

Additional Features

The device includes various sensors such as infrared face ID, rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, providing versatile functionality and enhanced security. Despite its advanced features, the Huawei nova 3 maintains a traditional 3.5mm audio jack, satisfying users who prefer using wired headphones.

Price and Availability

Released in August 2018, the Huawei nova 3 was made available at an approximate price of 350 EUR, positioning itself as an affordable yet feature-rich smartphone. Its blend of advanced features, attractive price point, and sleek design makes it a worthy contender in the mid-range smartphone market.

Key Features of Huawei nova 3

  • Network Technology: GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
  • Display: 6.3 inches IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels
  • Processor: Kirin 970 (10 nm), Octa-core
  • Memory Options: 64GB/6GB RAM, 128GB/4GB RAM, 128GB/6GB RAM with microSDXC support
  • Main Camera: Dual setup with 16 MP and 24 MP sensors, 4K video recording
  • Selfie Camera: Dual 24 MP and 2 MP depth sensor
  • Battery: 3750 mAh with 18W fast charging
  • Operating System: Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9.1
  • Build: Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame
  • Audio: 3.5mm headphone jack, loudspeaker
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC (PAR-LX1 model only), USB Type-C 2.0
  • Additional Features: Infrared Face ID, rear-mounted fingerprint sensor

Drawbacks of Huawei Nova 3

  • Lacks 5G connectivity, offering only up to 4G LTE support.
  • No IP certification, making it less resistant to water and dust compared to some competitors.
  • The device has a dated chipset, Kirin 970, by modern standards which may affect performance with newer apps and updates.
  • Uses hybrid SIM slot, meaning users must choose between a second SIM or microSD expansion.
  • No radio feature, which might be a disadvantage for users who prefer FM radio.
  • Older Bluetooth version 4.2 instead of the newer and more efficient Bluetooth 5.0.
  • EMUI skin may not appeal to all users, as some prefer stock Android experience.
  • Battery charging speed at 18W could be considered slow compared to competitors offering faster charging technologies.
  • No wireless charging support available.
Network
Technology GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM only)
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - PAR-LX1M, PAR-LX1, PAR-TL20
4G bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - PAR-LX1M, PAR-LX1
Speed HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat16 1024/150 Mbps
Launch
Announced 2018, July
Status Available. Released 2018, August
Body
Dimensions 157 x 73.7 x 7.3 mm (6.18 x 2.90 x 0.29 in)
Weight 166 g (5.86 oz)
Build Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame
SIM Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type IPS LCD
Size 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Platform
OS Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9.1
Chipset Kirin 970 (10 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Mali-G72 MP12
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual 16 MP, 27mm (wide), f/1.8, PDAF 24 MP B/W, 27mm (wide), f/1.8, PDAF
Features LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS)
Selfie camera
Dual 24 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm 2 MP, depth sensor
Features HDR
Video 1080p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth 4.2, A2DP, LE, EDR, aptX HD
Positioning GPS, GLONASS, BDS
NFC Yes (PAR-LX1 model only)
Radio No
USB USB Type-C 2.0
Features
Sensors Infrared Face ID, fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Po 3750 mAh, non-removable
Charging 18W wired
Misc
Colors Iris Purple, Airy blue, Primrose Gold, Red, Black
Models PAR-AL00, PAR-LX1M, PAR-LX1, PAR-LX9, PAR-TL20, PAR-TL00
Price About 350 EUR

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