The Huawei Nova series has always been known for offering premium features at a mid-range price point, and the Huawei Nova 13 Pro is no exception. With its sleek design, impressive camera system, and solid performance, the Nova 13 Pro aims to compete with flagship devices while remaining accessible to a broader audience.
Design and Build Quality
The Huawei Nova 13 Pro continues the brand’s tradition of delivering stylish and modern designs. The phone features a glass back with a matte finish that not only looks premium but also resists fingerprints. The frame is made of aluminium, adding durability without compromising aesthetics. The device is available in several eye-catching colours, including Loden Green, White, and Black, catering to different tastes.
The Nova 13 Pro is surprisingly lightweight at 209 grams, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The curved edges on the back panel enhance grip, reducing the chances of accidental slips. The placement of buttons is ergonomic, with the power button and volume rocker easily accessible on the right side.
One notable design feature is the punch-hole display, which houses the front-facing camera. This design choice maximises screen real estate while maintaining a sleek and modern look. Overall, the Nova 13 Pro’s design is a perfect blend of elegance and functionality, making it a head-turner in its price segment.
Display
The Huawei Nova 13 Pro boasts a 6.76-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and an immersive viewing experience. The screen resolution of 2776-by-1224 pixels ensures sharp and vibrant visuals, whether you’re watching videos, playing games, or browsing social media.
The OLED panel delivers deep blacks and vivid colours, making it ideal for media consumption. The display is also bright enough to remain visible under direct sunlight, which is a significant advantage for outdoor use. The 120Hz refresh rate is a standout feature, offering buttery-smooth animations and transitions. While it does consume more battery, the Nova 13 Pro allows you to switch to a 60Hz mode to conserve power when needed. The inclusion of an in-display fingerprint scanner adds to the phone’s modern appeal, and it’s both fast and accurate.
Performance
Under the hood, the Huawei Nova 13 Pro is powered by the Kirin 8000 chipset, which is a capable mid-range processor. While it may not match the performance of flagship chips, it handles everyday tasks with ease. The device comes with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, which is more than enough for most users.
In terms of real-world performance, the Nova 13 Pro excels in multitasking, app launches, and casual gaming. Games like Call of Duty Mobile and Genshin Impact run smoothly on medium to high settings. The phone also handles graphic-intensive tasks like video editing and 3D rendering reasonably well, thanks to its Mali-G610 GPU.
Camera
The camera system is where the Huawei Nova 13 Pro truly shines. The device features a triple-camera setup on the back. This includes a 50MP Adjustable Aperture Camera (F1.4~F4.0 aperture, OIS), a 12MP Telephoto Portrait Camera (F2.4 aperture, OIS), and an 8MP Ultra-Wide Macro Camera (F2.2 aperture).
The primary camera delivers stunning photos with excellent detail, accurate colours, and good dynamic range. The OIS ensures that images remain sharp even in low-light conditions. The ultra-wide-angle lens is perfect for group photos and scenic shots. The telephoto lens performs admirably, allowing you to get closer to your subject without losing quality.
On the front, you get a dual-camera setup, which includes a 60 MP Ultra-Wide Autofocus Front Camera (F2.4 aperture), and an 8 MP Close-Up Portrait Front Camera (F2.2 aperture). The front camera supports 4K video recording, making it ideal for vloggers and content creators. The camera app is feature-rich, with modes such as Night Mode, Portrait Mode, and Pro Mode giving users plenty of creative control.
Battery Life
The Huawei Nova 13 Pro is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, which provides all-day battery life under moderate usage. During our tests, the device lasted a little more than a day’s worth of typical phone usage. The device supports 100W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo, which can charge the battery from 0% to 50% in just 9 minutes.
Software
The Nova 13 Pro runs on EMUI 14.2, Huawei’s proprietary operating system. While it lacks Google Mobile Services (GMS), Huawei has made significant strides in building its ecosystem with Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) and the AppGallery. Popular apps such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are available, and there’s also a workaround to install Google apps such as YouTube and Gmail, using the GBox app.
EMUI 14.2 is smooth and intuitive, with a user interface that resembles Android. It offers features like multi-screen collaboration, dark mode, and customisable themes.
Verdict
The Huawei Nova 13 Pro is a compelling mid-range smartphone that offers flagship-level features at an affordable price. Its stunning design, excellent camera system, and smooth display make it a great choice for photography enthusiasts and media consumers. If you’re looking for a stylish and capable smartphone without breaking the bank, the Huawei Nova 13 Pro is worth considering.
Price: AED 2399
