The Huawei Nova 7 Pro is a mid-range smartphone that strikes an impressive balance between performance, design, and camera capabilities. As part of Huawei’s Nova series, it caters to users who seek premium features without the flagship price tag. With its sleek design, powerful hardware, and versatile camera setup, the Nova 7 Pro stands out as a compelling option in its segment. Let’s dive deeper into what makes this device noteworthy.

Design and Build Quality

The Huawei Nova 7 Pro boasts a modern and elegant design, featuring a curved 6.57-inch OLED display that seamlessly blends into the aluminum frame. The back panel is made of glass with a gradient finish, giving it a premium look that catches the eye. At just 178 grams, the phone feels lightweight yet solid in hand, making it comfortable for prolonged use. The curved edges not only enhance aesthetics but also improve grip, reducing accidental slips.

One notable design element is the pill-shaped cutout on the display for the dual front-facing cameras. While some may prefer a single punch-hole, the setup allows for better selfie and depth-sensing capabilities. The rear camera module is arranged vertically, maintaining a clean and symmetrical layout. Overall, the Nova 7 Pro exudes sophistication, making it a device that appeals to style-conscious users.

Display Performance

The Nova 7 Pro sports a 6.57-inch FHD+ OLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. The screen delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, typical of OLED technology. With a 70-degree curvature on both sides, the display offers an immersive viewing experience, whether you’re watching videos or scrolling through social media.

Brightness levels are adequate for outdoor visibility, though it may struggle under direct sunlight compared to some flagship models. The 60Hz refresh rate is a slight drawback in an era where higher refresh rates are becoming standard, but for most users, the difference may not be significant. HDR10 support ensures better dynamic range when streaming compatible content, enhancing the overall media consumption experience.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Nova 7 Pro is powered by Huawei’s Kirin 985 5G chipset, built on a 7nm process. This octa-core processor, coupled with Mali-G77 GPU, delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and even demanding games. While it may not match the raw power of flagship chips like the Kirin 990 or Snapdragon 865, it handles most applications with ease.

The device runs on EMUI 10.1 based on Android 10, though it lacks Google Mobile Services (GMS) due to Huawei’s ongoing restrictions. Instead, Huawei offers its own AppGallery and Petal Search as alternatives. While the absence of GMS may be a dealbreaker for some, Huawei’s ecosystem has grown significantly, with many popular apps now available. The software experience is polished, with useful features like Dark Mode, GPU Turbo for gaming optimization, and multi-screen collaboration with other Huawei devices.

Camera Capabilities

Photography is where the Nova 7 Pro truly shines. The quad-camera setup on the rear includes a 64MP primary sensor (f/1.8), an 8MP ultra-wide lens (f/2.4), an 8MP periscope telephoto lens (f/3.4) with 5x optical zoom, and a 2MP macro lens (f/2.4). The primary sensor captures detailed and well-exposed shots in various lighting conditions, while the ultra-wide lens expands creative possibilities for landscapes and group photos.

The periscope telephoto lens is a standout feature, offering 5x optical zoom and up to 50x digital zoom. While the latter introduces noticeable noise, the optical zoom delivers sharp and usable images. Night mode performance is impressive, with Huawei’s AI algorithms effectively reducing noise and enhancing brightness. On the front, the dual 32MP main and 8MP ultra-wide cameras produce high-quality selfies with accurate skin tones and good dynamic range.

Battery Life and Charging

The Nova 7 Pro packs a 4000mAh battery, which provides a full day of moderate to heavy usage. With power-efficient hardware and software optimizations, the device manages screen-on time well, even with 5G connectivity enabled. For those who need extra juice, the 40W Huawei SuperCharge support ensures rapid top-ups, taking the battery from 0 to 70% in just 30 minutes.

Wireless charging is absent, which is expected at this price point, but the fast wired charging compensates for it. Battery longevity is further enhanced by AI-powered power-saving modes that adjust based on usage patterns, ensuring optimal performance throughout the day.

Audio and Connectivity

The Nova 7 Pro features a single bottom-firing speaker, which delivers decent audio quality but lacks the richness of stereo setups. A 3.5mm headphone jack is missing, so users must rely on USB-C or Bluetooth headphones. On the connectivity front, the phone supports 5G, dual-band Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC for contactless payments.

The in-display fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate, while face unlock provides an additional biometric option. Call quality is clear, and signal reception remains stable even in areas with weaker coverage. The inclusion of 5G future-proofs the device, though widespread 5G adoption is still in progress in many regions.

Final Verdict

The Huawei Nova 7 Pro is a well-rounded smartphone that excels in design, camera performance, and everyday usability. While the lack of Google services may deter some users, Huawei’s growing ecosystem and the phone’s hardware strengths make it a viable option for those willing to adapt. If you prioritize photography, a premium design, and 5G connectivity without breaking the bank, the Nova 7 Pro is worth considering.

Huawei Nova 7 Pro Full Specifications:

Display: 6.57-inch FHD+ OLED, 2340 x 1080 pixels, 60Hz refresh rate, HDR10

Chipset: Kirin 985 5G (7nm), Octa-core (1x2.58 GHz Cortex-A76, 3x2.40 GHz Cortex-A76, 4x1.84 GHz Cortex-A55)

GPU: Mali-G77

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 128GB/256GB (NM card expandable up to 256GB)

Rear Cameras: 64MP primary (f/1.8), 8MP ultra-wide (f/2.4), 8MP periscope telephoto (f/3.4, 5x optical zoom), 2MP macro (f/2.4)

Front Cameras: 32MP main (f/2.0), 8MP ultra-wide (f/2.2)

Battery: 4000mAh, 40W SuperCharge

OS: EMUI 10.1 (Android 10, no Google Mobile Services)

Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, USB-C

Dimensions: 160.4 x 73.3 x 8 mm

Weight: 178 grams

Colors: Midsummer Purple, Black, Forest Green, Space Silver