The Huawei Nova 8 SE is a mid-range smartphone that aims to deliver a premium experience without the flagship price tag. With its sleek design, capable hardware, and Huawei’s signature EMUI software, it’s a device that caters to users who want style and performance in one package. However, as with any phone in this segment, there are trade-offs. Let’s dive into what makes the Nova 8 SE stand out—and where it falls short.

At first glance, the Huawei Nova 8 SE is undeniably eye-catching. The device features a slim profile with a glossy back panel that reflects light in a way that gives it a high-end aesthetic. The rectangular camera module is neatly arranged, and the overall build quality feels solid despite the plastic frame. The phone is lightweight, making it comfortable for one-handed use, though the glossy back is prone to fingerprints. Available in multiple color options, including Deep Sea Blue and Silver, the Nova 8 SE manages to look more expensive than it actually is.

The display is a 6.53-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of OLED technology. The screen is bright enough for outdoor use, though it can struggle under direct sunlight. A 60Hz refresh rate keeps things smooth for everyday tasks, but it’s a noticeable step down from the 90Hz or 120Hz panels found in competing devices. Still, for media consumption, the Nova 8 SE’s display is more than adequate, with good viewing angles and decent HDR support.

Under the hood, the Huawei Nova 8 SE is powered by the Kirin 710A chipset, a mid-range processor that handles day-to-day tasks without much fuss. Apps open quickly, and multitasking is generally smooth, though heavy gaming or intensive workloads can cause occasional stutters. The phone comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which should be sufficient for most users. Unfortunately, there’s no expandable storage, so you’ll have to make do with what’s built in. On the software side, EMUI 11 runs on top of Android, but the lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS) remains a significant drawback for users who rely on apps like Gmail, YouTube, or Google Maps.

Battery life is one of the Nova 8 SE’s strong suits. The 3,800mAh cell may not sound massive by today’s standards, but thanks to efficient power management, it easily lasts a full day of moderate use. The included 66W fast charger is a standout feature, refilling the battery from 0 to 100% in just over 30 minutes. Wireless charging is absent, which is expected at this price point, but the wired charging speeds more than make up for it.

Photography is where the Huawei Nova 8 SE tries to punch above its weight. The quad-camera setup includes a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. In good lighting, the primary camera captures detailed shots with accurate colors, though dynamic range could be better. The ultra-wide lens is useful for landscapes but suffers from softer edges and distortion. The macro and depth sensors feel like filler—they’re functional but not exceptional. Low-light performance is mediocre, with noise creeping in even in moderately dim conditions. The 16MP front-facing camera takes decent selfies, though skin tones can appear overly smoothed.

Connectivity options include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC for contactless payments. The absence of 5G is disappointing but not surprising given the phone’s positioning. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, and face unlock works well in most lighting conditions. The single downward-firing speaker is serviceable but lacks depth, and there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, so wireless or USB-C headphones are a must.

In conclusion, the Huawei Nova 8 SE is a mixed bag. It excels in design, fast charging, and battery life, while the display and performance are solid for the price. However, the lack of Google services, average low-light camera performance, and absence of expandable storage hold it back from being a true standout. If you’re already invested in Huawei’s ecosystem or don’t mind sideloading apps, it’s a decent choice. But for those who rely heavily on Google’s apps, there are better alternatives in this segment.

Huawei Nova 8 SE Specifications:

Display: 6.53-inch OLED, 2400 x 1080 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate

Processor: Kirin 710A

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 128GB (non-expandable)

Rear Cameras: 64MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth

Front Camera: 16MP

Battery: 3,800mAh with 66W fast charging

Operating System: EMUI 11 (no Google Mobile Services)

Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC

Dimensions: 161.6 x 74.8 x 7.5 mm

Weight: 178g

Colors: Deep Sea Blue, Silver, Black, Green