Huawei nova 8 SE Full Specs Pricing & ProsCons Unveiled

Overview of Huawei nova 8 SE

The Huawei nova 8 SE is a compelling mid-range smartphone that was announced in November 2020 and released shortly after. This device aims to offer a balanced mix of performance, camera excellence, and optimal charging capacity to cater to consumers looking for a solid device within this segment. In this article, we delve into the various features and specifications of the Huawei nova 8 SE in detail.

Network and Connectivity

The Huawei nova 8 SE is equipped with robust network capabilities, supporting GSM, CDMA, HSPA, LTE, and the latest 5G technologies. This ensures that users can enjoy fast data speeds and strong connectivity irrespective of their location. The device supports a wide range of band frequencies:

• 2G bands: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for both SIM 1 and SIM 2.
• 3G bands: HSDPA 800/850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100.
• 4G bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41.
• 5G bands: 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA.

With high-speed HSPA, LTE, and 5G connectivity, the nova 8 SE is designed to keep up with today’s fast-paced lifestyle, offering a seamless browsing experience.

Design and Build

The Huawei nova 8 SE has dimensions of 161.1 x 74.8 x 7.5 mm and weighs approximately 178 grams, making it a sleek, lightweight device. The phone’s design emphasizes elegance and ergonomics, fitting comfortably in hand due to its slim profile. It supports a Dual SIM configuration, using Nano-SIM cards with dual standby feature.

Display

The smartphone boasts a vibrant 6.53-inch OLED display, covering an approximate 85.4% screen-to-body ratio, delivering an immersive visual experience with its crisp 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution and a 20:9 aspect ratio. The display supports HDR10, enhancing viewing pleasure with richer colors and deeper contrasts, ideal for streaming videos and playing games.

Performance

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 720 chipset, built on a 7 nm architecture, the Huawei nova 8 SE provides efficient and smooth performance. It features an octa-core CPU with two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz for power-intensive tasks, and six Cortex-A55 cores also at 2.0 GHz for everyday use. Coupled with a Mali-G57 MC3 GPU, the device can handle graphics-intensive applications and games proficiently.

Memory and Storage

The nova 8 SE is equipped with 8GB of RAM, which facilitates seamless multitasking and app operation. It offers 128GB of internal storage, ample for storing a multitude of apps, photos, and videos. However, the lack of a card slot for expandable storage means users need to manage the existing storage capacity wisely.

Camera System

The camera setup is one of the standout features of the Huawei nova 8 SE. It comprises a quad-camera array on the rear:

• 64 MP primary sensor with an f/1.9 aperture for detailed and clear images.
• 8 MP ultrawide sensor with a 120-degree field of view for capturing expansive scenes.
• 2 MP macro sensor for up-close shots of small objects.
• 2 MP depth sensor for enhanced portrait photos.

This setup supports 4K video recording at 30fps and features such as LED flash, panorama, and HDR. The 16 MP front-facing camera, with its f/2.0 wide aperture, supports HDR and can record 1080p videos at 30fps, ideal for selfies and video calls.

Battery and Charging

One of the most remarkable features of the nova 8 SE is its 3800 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery, which, although modest in capacity, supports incredibly fast charging at 66W. Huawei claims this can charge the device to 60% in 15 minutes and fully charge it in just 35 minutes. This fast-charging capability ensures that users can quickly power up their device and remain connected throughout the day.

Software

The Huawei nova 8 SE operates on Android 10 under Huawei's EMUI 10.1 interface. However, users should note that it does not support Google Play Services due to trade restrictions, which means apps typically available on Google Play Store need to be downloaded from Huawei's AppGallery or alternative sources.

Additional Features

The device includes several sensors such as an in-display optical fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing user interface and security. Connectivity options are robust, with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.1, and GPS support including GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, and QZSS. However, it lacks NFC support and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Models and Pricing

The Huawei nova 8 SE is available in multiple color options including Black, Deep Blue, Blue, and Silver. It is marketed with the model number JSC-AN00 and is priced at approximately 330 EUR, positioning it as an attractive option for consumers looking to balance performance with affordability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Huawei nova 8 SE is a well-rounded smartphone that delivers a high-quality display, capable performance, and innovative camera features at a reasonable price point. Its fast charging capability particularly stands out, making it suitable for users who are constantly on the move. Despite the absence of Google Play Services, the phone’s comprehensive feature set and value-for-money positioning make it a compelling choice in the mid-range smartphone market.