Huawei Nova 8 Unveiling Features Specs and Performance

Design and Build

The Huawei nova 8 boasts a sleek and elegant design with dimensions measuring 160.1 x 74.1 x 7.6 mm. It is critically lightweight at just 169 grams, making it easy to handle and carry around. The front is dominated by a beautiful 6.57-inch OLED display with curved edges that provide a near bezel-less experience, complementing the impressive 89.3% screen-to-body ratio.

Available in a stunning Powder Pink color, the aesthetic appeal of the phone is accentuated. With options for a Single SIM or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), it offers flexibility and functionality to cater to different user needs.

Display Technology

The display on the Huawei nova 8 is a standout feature. It employs an OLED panel capable of displaying 1 billion colors, providing vibrant and lifelike visuals. With a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, it delivers crisp and detailed images. The high pixel density of approximately 392 pixels per inch ensures sharp and clear text and graphics.

Additional features include HDR10 support for enhanced contrast and realism in viewing, and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate that ensures fluid navigation and reduces motion blur.

Performance and Operating System

Under the hood, the nova 8 is powered by the Kirin 820E chipset built on a 7 nm process technology. The Hexa-core CPU configuration (3x2.22 GHz Cortex-A76 & 3x1.84 GHz Cortex-A55) provides a balanced combination of high performance and energy efficiency.

Graphics are handled by the Mali-G57 GPU with six cores, ensuring the device is well-equipped to manage demanding games and graphical tasks. The smartphone runs on Android 11 with Huawei's EMUI 12 skin on top. However, it's important to note the absence of Google Play Services, meaning users will need to rely on Huawei's AppGallery for app downloads.

Memory and Storage

User requirements for storage are well-addressed with two internal storage options: 128GB paired with 8GB RAM, and 256GB also with 8GB RAM. While lacking microSD support, the ample internal storage should suffice for typical users.

The large 8GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking and quick app load times, allowing for efficient handling of multiple applications simultaneously without noticeable lag.

Camera System

The Huawei nova 8 is equipped with a versatile quad-camera setup, designed to cater to diverse photography needs. The main 64 MP sensor with an f/1.9 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and detail-rich shots.

The 8 MP ultrawide camera adds flexibility, capturing more of the scene, while the 2 MP depth sensor aids in achieving professional-looking portrait shots with accurate bokeh effects. The 2 MP macro sensor allows for close-up shots, capturing details that might otherwise be overlooked.

Additional features include LED flash, panorama, and HDR capabilities, enhancing the camera's versatility. The device supports video recording at resolutions up to 4K, including slow-motion capture at 720p@960fps, with the gyro-EIS helping stabilize video shots.

Front Camera

On the front, a 32 MP wide-angle camera is tasked with capturing selfies. Featuring an f/2.0 aperture, it promises bright and detailed self-portraits. The inclusion of HDR further enriches selfie quality, ensuring well-balanced exposures in challenging lighting conditions.

Video enthusiasts will appreciate the ability to record front-facing videos in 4K resolution, crucial for high-definition video calls and vlogs.

Communication and Connectivity

The Huawei nova 8 supports an extensive range of connectivity options, including dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP and LE, and NFC for convenient mobile payments. The device also supports comprehensive satellite navigation systems such as GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, and QZSS, offering precise and reliable location tracking.

For wired connectivity, the USB Type-C 2.0 port supports OTG, facilitating data transfer with supported devices. Although it doesn't feature a 3.5mm headphone jack, the integrated loudspeaker provides decent audio output for media consumption.

Battery and Charging

The nova 8 is fitted with a 3800mAh Li-Po battery, which is non-removable. Despite not being the largest capacity, the efficient hardware ensures satisfactory battery life for moderate usage scenarios.

The standout feature is the impressive 66W fast charging capability. According to Huawei, it can charge the device to 60% in just 15 minutes and achieve a full 100% charge in approximately 35 minutes. This rapid charging technology greatly enhances convenience, reducing downtime.

Sensors and Additional Features

An array of sensors enhances the Huawei nova 8's functionality. It includes an under-display optical fingerprint sensor, providing secure and quick access to the device. Additional sensors include an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, augmenting the smartphone's utility in daily tasks and navigation.

Market Availability and Cost

Launched in August 2021, the Huawei nova 8 has been made available in various markets. Pricing is approximately EUR 420, reflecting its position as a mid-range offering with premium features.

The various models — ANG-L02B, ANG-L21B, ANG-L22B, ANG-LX1, and ANG-LX2 — ensure compatibility across different regions and network bands, accommodating global positioning and connectivity needs.

Conclusion

The Huawei nova 8 is a compelling smartphone nestled in the mid-range category. It combines a high-quality display, capable performance, and versatile camera system within a beautifully designed package. While the absence of Google Play Services might necessitate adjustment for some users, the comprehensive suite of features offered by Huawei's services provides an adequate ecosystem.

Its rapid charging capability and elegant design make it particularly appealing for consumers seeking a smartphone that balances performance with style, offering substantial value for its price point.