OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Smartphones Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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Huawei nova 12 SE (8GB + 256GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£330RAM capacity:8 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:6.67 inchesMain camera megapixels:108 MP & 8 MP & 8 MP

Huawei nova 12 SE (8GB + 256GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.1

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components

90%

6.1

Technical score

10%

6.6

User score

â–¼Worse than 73% of smartphones
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components

25%

5.7

Performance & Hardware

18%

6.0

Camera

15%

6.1

Display

15%

6.4

Battery

10%

7.6

Software

10%

6.4

Connectivity

4%

2.0

Audio

3%

7.4

Design

â–¼Worse than 70% of smartphones
6.6

User score

User score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

User ratings

30%

4.7

Number of reviews

Based on 31 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 96% of smartphones
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartphone Huawei nova 12 SE (8GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components:

25%

5.7

Performance & Hardware

18%

6.0

Camera

15%

6.1

Display

15%

6.4

Battery

10%

7.6

Software

10%

6.4

Connectivity

4%

2.0

Audio

3%

7.4

Design

6.1
User score
User score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

User ratings

30%

4.7

Number of reviews

Based on 31 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
6.6
Popularity
Popularity
4.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
Popularity:
Huawei nova 12 SE (8GB + 256GB) has a popularity of 4.7 points, which is lower than 55% of smartphones.
4.7
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components:

60%

6.1

Overall score

40%

8.8

Price

6.9
Brand name
Huawei
Processor model
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G
Processor model
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
This smartphone uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G processor model which is slower than processors in 73.9% of smartphones and equal to processors in 1.5% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
8 GB
RAM capacity
8 GB
â–¼ Worse than 41% of models
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 8 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 28.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 30.4% of smartphones.
Internal storage
256 GB
Internal storage
256 GB
â–² Better than 39% of models
Market range: <64 GB – >512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 256 GB which is larger than the storage of 38.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 38.3% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
2.4 GHz
CPU boost clock speed
2.4 GHz
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 2.4 GHz which is higher than the boost speed of 36.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 13.4% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
EMUI
Operating system
EMUI
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
This smartphone uses the EMUI operating system. 0% of smartphones use a different operating system.
EMUI 14
Android version
?
Direct OS updates
no
Direct OS updates
no
â–¼ Worse than 21% of models
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
Open-source OS
yes
â–² Better than 5% of models
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
Dark mode
yes
â–² Better than 4% of models
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
Multi-lens main camera
yes
â–² Better than 6% of models
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
108 MP & 8 MP & 8 MP
Main camera megapixels
108 MP & 8 MP & 8 MP
★ Better than 95% of models
Market range: <10 – >100
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 108 MP & 8 MP & 8 MP which is higher than that of 94.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.9 & f/2.2 & f/2.4
Main camera aperture
f/1.9 & f/2.2 & f/2.4
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.9 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 which is narrower than that of 83% of smartphones and equal to that of 3.3% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
44.2 mm²
Main camera sensor area
44.2 mm²
â–² Better than 60% of models
Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 44.2 mm² which is larger than the main camera sensor area of 60.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 4.4% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
0.64 µm
Main camera pixel size
0.64 µm
â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
Market range: <0.64 µm – >1.22 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 0.64 µm which is smaller than in 75.1% of smartphones and equal to the size in 18.6% of smartphones.
1.92 binned
Show more
Number of SIM slots
2
Number of SIM slots
2
â–² Better than 4% of models
Market range: <1 – >6
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
Cellular module
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
no
5G connectivity
no
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
LTE support
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
6.67 inches
Screen size
6.67 inches
â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches which is larger than the screens of 38.3% of smartphones and equal to those of 13.4% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1080x 2400 px
Screen resolution
1080x 2400 px
â–¼ Worse than 43% of models
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1080x2400 px which is higher than that of 36.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 20.4% of smartphones.
Pixel density
395 ppi
Pixel density
395 ppi
â–¼ Worse than 49% of models
Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi which is higher than that of 41.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 8.9% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
â–² Better than 41% of models
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
90 Hz
Refresh rate
90 Hz
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 90 Hz which is lower than in 65.4% of smartphones and equal to that in 18.9% of smartphones.
Show more
Battery capacity
4,500 mAh
Battery capacity
4,500 mAh
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Market range: <4k mAh – >7k mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 4,500 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 78.5% of smartphones and equal to those in 5.9% of smartphones.
Charging speed
66 W
Charging speed
66 W
â–² Better than 68% of models
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 66 W which is faster than in 67.8% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 4.9% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
Fast charging
yes
â–² Better than 7% of models
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
no
Wireless charging
no
â–¼ Worse than 25% of models
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
no
Stereo speakers
no
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
This smartphone does not include stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
no
3.5 mm headphone jack
no
â–¼ Worse than 45% of models
This smartphone does not include a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
?
FM radio
no
FM radio
no
â–¼ Worse than 34% of models
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
no
aptX Lossless
no
â–¼ Worse than 13% of models
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
Show more
Height
162.4 mm
Height
162.4 mm
â–² Better than 64% of models
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 162.4 mm which is shorter than 64.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.9% of smartphones.
Width
75.5 mm
Width
75.5 mm
â–² Better than 59% of models
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 75.5 mm which is narrower than 59.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.2% of smartphones.
Thickness
7.4 mm
Thickness
7.4 mm
★ Better than 92% of models
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 7.4 mm which is thinner than 92.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.4% of smartphones.
Weight
186 g
Weight
186 g
â–² Better than 76% of models
Market range: <175 g – >256 g
This smartphone weighs 186 g which is lighter than 75.6% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 2.5% of smartphones.
Device volume
85,050 cm³
Device volume
85,050 cm³
â–² Better than 83% of models
Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 85,050 cm³ which is smaller than 83.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.5% of smartphones.
Show more

Huawei nova 12 SE (8GB + 256GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • Higher-resolution main camera
    Main camera megapixels
    108 MP & 8 MP & 8 MP
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <10 – >100
    This smartphone has a higher main camera resolution than the average smartphone (108 MP & 8 MP & 8 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone main camera has 50 MP & 8 MP megapixels.
    108 MP & 8 MP & 8 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • 2x faster charging speed
    Charging speed
    66 W
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    This smartphone supports a faster charging speed than the average smartphone (66 W vs 33 W). The average charging speed is 33 W.
    66 W vs 33 W
  • 38.1% larger main camera sensor area
    Main camera sensor area
    44.2 mm²
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (44.2 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    44.2 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Higher front camera megapixels
    Front camera megapixels
    32 MP
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <5 – >40
    This smartphone has more front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (32 MP vs 16 MP). The average front camera has 16 MP megapixels.
    32 MP vs 16 MP
  • 0.9 mm thinner
    Thickness
    7.4 mm
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
    This smartphone is thinner than the average smartphone (7.4 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone thickness is 8.3 mm.
    7.4 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • 12.5% higher touch sampling rate
    Touch sampling rate
    270 Hz
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    Market range: <120 Hz – >480 Hz
    This smartphone has a higher touch sampling rate than the average smartphone (270 Hz vs 240 Hz). The average touch sampling rate is 240 Hz.
    270 Hz vs 240 Hz
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    CPU base clock speed
    4 x 2.4 GHz & 4 x 1.9 GHz
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (4x2.4 GHz & 4x1.9 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    4x2.4 GHz & 4x1.9 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 5.2% lighter
    Weight
    186 g
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <175 g – >256 g
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (186 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    186 g vs 196.2 g
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    CPU base clock speed
    4 x 2.4 GHz & 4 x 1.9 GHz
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (4x2.4 GHz & 4x1.9 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    4x2.4 GHz & 4x1.9 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • Higher-resolution main camera
    Main camera megapixels
    108 MP & 8 MP & 8 MP
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <10 – >100
    This smartphone has a higher main camera resolution than the average smartphone (108 MP & 8 MP & 8 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone main camera has 50 MP & 8 MP megapixels.
    108 MP & 8 MP & 8 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • 38.1% larger main camera sensor area
    Main camera sensor area
    44.2 mm²
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (44.2 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    44.2 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Higher front camera megapixels
    Front camera megapixels
    32 MP
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <5 – >40
    This smartphone has more front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (32 MP vs 16 MP). The average front camera has 16 MP megapixels.
    32 MP vs 16 MP
  • 12.5% higher touch sampling rate
    Touch sampling rate
    270 Hz
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    Market range: <120 Hz – >480 Hz
    This smartphone has a higher touch sampling rate than the average smartphone (270 Hz vs 240 Hz). The average touch sampling rate is 240 Hz.
    270 Hz vs 240 Hz
  • 2x faster charging speed
    Charging speed
    66 W
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    This smartphone supports a faster charging speed than the average smartphone (66 W vs 33 W). The average charging speed is 33 W.
    66 W vs 33 W
  • 0.9 mm thinner
    Thickness
    7.4 mm
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
    This smartphone is thinner than the average smartphone (7.4 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone thickness is 8.3 mm.
    7.4 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • 5.2% lighter
    Weight
    186 g
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <175 g – >256 g
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (186 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    186 g vs 196.2 g
  • 1.2 mm shorter
    Height
    162.4 mm
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
    This smartphone is shorter than the average smartphone (162.4 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone height is 163.6 mm.
    162.4 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • Worse processor
    Processor model
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G
    â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    Main camera aperture
    f/1.9 & f/2.2 & f/2.4
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.9 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.9 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • No 5G connectivity
    5G connectivity
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity, the average smartphone does. 66.9% of smartphones are 5G compatible.
  • Worse main camera video quality
    Main camera video
    1080 x 30 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartphone records worse main camera video than the average smartphone. 11.80x of smartphones support 4K video recording.
    1080x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • 25% lower refresh rate
    Refresh rate
    90 Hz
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (90 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    90 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 83.2% lower Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    158
    â–¼ Worse than 100% of models
    Market range: <392 – >2.2k
    This smartphone performs worse in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (158 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in the Geekbench 6 single-core test.
    158 vs 942
  • No stereo speakers
    Stereo speakers
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This smartphone does not have stereo speakers, the average smartphone does. 64.4% of smartphones feature stereo speakers.
  • No live text recognition
    Live text recognition
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • 21.5% lower user score
    User score
    6.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Huawei nova 12 SE
    the average smartphone
    Huawei nova 12 SE (8GB + 256GB) has a lower user score than the average smartphone (6.58 vs 8.000).
    6.58 vs 8
  • 5.9% worse value for money
    Huawei nova 12 SE (8GB + 256GB) has worse value for money than the average smartphone (6.93 vs 7.3).
    6.93 vs 7.34
  • 26.9% more expensive
    Huawei nova 12 SE (8GB + 256GB) is more expensive than the average smartphone (£330 vs £260).
    £330 vs £260
  • Worse processor
    Processor model
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G
    â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 83.2% lower Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    158
    â–¼ Worse than 100% of models
    Market range: <392 – >2.2k
    This smartphone performs worse in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (158 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in the Geekbench 6 single-core test.
    158 vs 942
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Process node
    11 nm
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <4 nm – >12 nm
    This smartphone is manufactured on a larger process node than the average smartphone (11 nm vs 6 nm). The average smartphone uses a 6 nm process.
    11 nm vs 6 nm
  • 42.9% lower maximum RAM capacity
    Maximum RAM
    8 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <8 GB – >16 GB
    This smartphone supports less maximum RAM than the average smartphone (8 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB of RAM.
    8 GB vs 14 GB
  • 11.1% slower GPU clock
    GPU frequency
    845 MHz
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    Market range: <646 MHz – >1.2k MHz
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (845 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    845 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • 41.8% lower memory bandwidth
    Memory bandwidth
    14.9 GB/s
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    Market range: <13.41 GB/s – >76.6 GB/s
    This smartphone has lower memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (14.9 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average smartphone has a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s.
    14.9 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • 22.4% slower memory speed
    Memory speed
    2,133 MHz
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <1.8k MHz – >4.8k MHz
    This smartphone has a lower memory speed than the average smartphone (2133 MHz vs 2750 MHz). The average smartphone has a memory speed of 2750 MHz.
    2,133 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • 50% fewer shader units
    N. of shading units
    128
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <32 – >1.5k
    This smartphone includes fewer shader units than the average smartphone (128 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    128 vs 256
  • No live text recognition
    Live text recognition
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    Main camera aperture
    f/1.9 & f/2.2 & f/2.4
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.9 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.9 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • Worse main camera video quality
    Main camera video
    1080 x 30 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartphone records worse main camera video than the average smartphone. 11.80x of smartphones support 4K video recording.
    1080x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • 0.16 µm smaller main camera pixel size
    Main camera pixel size
    0.64 µm
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <0.64 µm – >1.22 µm
    This smartphone has a smaller main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (0.6 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average smartphone has a pixel size of 0.8 µm.
    1.92 binned
    0.64 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • Narrower front camera aperture
    Front camera aperture
    f/2.5
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    This smartphone has a narrower front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2.5 vs f/2.2). The average smartphone front aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.5 vs f/2.2
  • No 5G connectivity
    5G connectivity
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity, the average smartphone does. 66.9% of smartphones are 5G compatible.
  • No memory card slot
    Memory card slot
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.0
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    This smartphone uses an older Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5 vs 5.2). The average smartphone uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.0 vs 5.2
  • 25% lower refresh rate
    Refresh rate
    90 Hz
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (90 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    90 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 40.9% lower screen brightness
    Screen brightness
    390 nits
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <437 nits – >1.3k nits
    This smartphone has a lower screen brightness than the average smartphone (390 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone has a brightness of 660 nits.
    390 nits vs 660 nits
  • 10% smaller battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    4,500 mAh
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <4k mAh – >7k mAh
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4500 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5000 mAh.
    4,500 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • No stereo speakers
    Stereo speakers
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This smartphone does not have stereo speakers, the average smartphone does. 64.4% of smartphones feature stereo speakers.
  • No LDAC support
    LDAC
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartphone does not support LDAC, the average smartphone does. 60.3% of smartphones support LDAC.
  • No aptX HD
    aptX HD
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartphone does not support aptX HD, the average smartphone does. 50.7% of smartphones support aptX HD.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

G
gadgetvoize.com
30/03/2024
Summary of the review
Huawei Nova 12 SE Review: A Mid-Range Masterclass - Gadget Voize
Y
yugatech.com
23/04/2024
Summary of the review
HUAWEI nova 12 SE Review - YugaTech

Third-party reviews

Based on 31 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Huawei nova 12 SE (8GB + 256GB)

  • Vibrant 6.67-inch OLED display with thin bezels and deep blacks
  • Premium, slim, and lightweight design (7.39mm) that is comfortable for one-handed use
  • Blazing fast 66W SuperCharge Turbo 2.0, reaching full charge in approximately 31-32 minutes
  • Decent 108MP main camera for high-resolution photography in good lighting
  • Reliable battery life that can last up to two days with casual usage
  • Improved software experience with EMUI 14 and easier access to apps via AppGallery

What we don't like about Huawei nova 12 SE (8GB + 256GB)

  • Dated Snapdragon 680 chipset which feels underpowered for its price point in 2024
  • Lack of native 5G connectivity; limited to 4G networks
  • Missing native Google Mobile Services, requiring third-party workarounds like GBox
  • Underwhelming audio with only a single downward-firing speaker
  • Video recording is capped at 1080p 30fps with no 4K support
  • Display refresh rate is limited to 90Hz, whereas many competitors offer 120Hz
  • Lack of IP rating for water or dust resistance

Verdict

The Huawei Nova 12 SE (8GB + 256GB) is a sleek and lightweight 4G smartphone, weighing only 186g, featuring a vibrant 6.67-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. It is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G processor and runs on EMUI 14. A key strength is its impressive camera system, which includes a high-resolution 108MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 32MP high-res front camera, all delivering outstanding image quality. Another major pro is the 4500mAh battery with rapid 66W SuperCharge Turbo 2.0 support, which can charge the phone to 100% in just 32 minutes. However, the main cons are the use of a mid-range, slightly dated Snapdragon 680 chipset compared to competitors in its price range and, most notably, the absence of integrated Google Play Services due to ongoing restrictions, meaning users rely on the Huawei AppGallery for apps.

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