The Huawei Nova 12i is a compelling mid-range smartphone that prioritizes a high-resolution camera, rapid charging capabilities, and a sleek design, all while operating on Huawei’s EMUI platform. Announced on March 19, 2024, and released on April 16, 2024, the Nova 12i is aimed at users who seek a premium feel and strong photographic performance in an accessible package, acknowledging its distinct software ecosystem.
Striking Design & Build
The Huawei Nova 12i boasts a sleek and modern design with a comfortable in-hand feel. It measures 8.4mm in thickness and weighs approximately 199g, striking a good balance between a solid build and ergonomic handling. The device often features a “shimmer and glimmer” finish, contributing to its premium aesthetic. It includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking. The Nova 12i is available in attractive colors such as Green and Black.
Vibrant Display Experience
The Huawei Nova 12i features a 6.7-inch IPS LCD display with an FHD+ (1080 x 2388 pixels) resolution and a 20:9 aspect ratio. The display offers a smooth visual experience with a 90Hz adaptive high dynamic refresh rate, making scrolling and interactions feel more fluid. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 89.1%, it provides an immersive viewing experience. The screen also supports Always-On Display (AOD) features, allowing users to glance at time, notifications, and battery status without fully waking the device.
Power & Software Ecosystem
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) chipset, the Huawei Nova 12i delivers capable performance for daily tasks. This octa-core processor (4×2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4×1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) paired with the Adreno 610 GPU handles general usage, multitasking, and moderate gaming efficiently. The device comes with a robust 8GB of RAM and internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB. It runs on EMUI 14, Huawei’s proprietary operating system based on Android, but it does not include Google Play Services. Users rely on Huawei’s AppGallery and other alternative methods for app installation.
Photography Capabilities
The Huawei Nova 12i features a prominent dual-camera system on the rear, headlined by a high-resolution 108MP main camera (f/1.9, 26mm wide, PDAF). This main sensor utilizes a RAW Domain Algorithm for optimized brightness, clarity, and dynamic range, aiming for vivid and natural-looking images. It is accompanied by a 2MP in-depth camera (f/2.4) for enhanced portrait mode effects. The camera supports features like Super Night Mode, AI Clear Portrait, and can record videos at 1080p@30fps. The front-facing camera is an 8MP selfie camera (f/2.0), capable of capturing clear self-portraits and handling video calls at 1080p@30fps.
Enduring Battery & Rapid Charging
A significant highlight of the Huawei Nova 12i is its substantial 5000 mAh (typical value) non-removable battery, which promises extended usage throughout the day. Complementing this large battery is 40W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo 2.0 fast charging. Huawei advertises that this technology can charge the battery from 3% to 62% in just 30 minutes, providing a rapid power boost for users on the go.
Pricing & Market Availability
The Huawei Nova 12i is positioned in the mid-range segment. In Lagos, Nigeria, prices for the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage model generally range from approximately ₦220,000 to ₦421,000, though pricing can vary significantly based on the retailer and specific promotions. It was released globally on April 16, 2024, and is available for purchase through various online and offline electronics stores across Nigeria.
Overall Verdict
The Huawei Nova 12i offers a compelling package for users in Lagos seeking a stylish smartphone with a powerful main camera and incredibly fast charging. Its vibrant 90Hz display and ample storage make it suitable for multimedia consumption and daily productivity. While the absence of Google Play Services requires users to adapt to Huawei’s AppGallery and alternative app solutions, the Nova 12i stands as a strong option for those who prioritize hardware capabilities and are comfortable with the EMUI ecosystem.