The Huawei Nova 3, released in August 2018, made its mark as a premium mid-range smartphone, combining elegant design with strong performance. Positioned just below the flagship Huawei P20, it offered cutting-edge features at an accessible price point. With a 6.3-inch Full HD+ display, Kirin 970 chipset, and dual rear and front cameras, the Nova 3 was built to cater to users who wanted a powerful device without the flagship price tag.
Running on Android 8.1 Oreo (upgradable to Android 9.0 Pie), the Nova 3 combined advanced features, AI-enhanced photography, and a sleek design, making it one of Huawei’s most competitive offerings of the year. Let’s dive into the full specifications of the Huawei Nova 3 and see how it stood out in the smartphone market.
Huawei Nova 3 Full Phone Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Smartphone |
| Network | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | Announced Jul 2018, Released Aug 2018 |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Body Dimensions | 157 x 73.7 x 7.3 mm, 166 g |
| Build | Glass front & back, Aluminum frame |
| SIM | Dual Nano-SIM |
| Display Type | IPS LCD |
| Display Size | 6.3″, 1080 x 2340 pixels (~409 ppi) |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo, upgradable to Android 9.0 Pie, EMUI 9.1 |
| Chipset | Kirin 970 (10nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP12 |
| Memory / Storage | 64GB/128GB, 4GB/6GB RAM, microSDXC (shared SIM slot) |
| Rear Camera | Dual: 16 MP f/1.8 PDAF + 24 MP B/W f/1.8 PDAF, HDR, Panorama, LED flash |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) |
| Selfie Camera | Dual: 24 MP f/2.0 wide + 2 MP depth, HDR |
| Video Recording (Front) | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | Loudspeaker, no 3.5mm jack, 32-bit/384kHz audio |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2 aptX HD, NFC, GPS/GLONASS/BDS, USB Type-C 2.0 |
| Sensors | Infrared Face ID, Fingerprint (rear), Accelerometer, Gyro, Proximity, Compass, Barometer |
| Battery | Li-Po 3750 mAh, 22.5W fast charging |
| Colors | Iris Purple, Airy Blue, Primrose Gold, Red, Black |
| Models | PAR-LX1M, PAR-LX1, PAR-LX9, PAR-TL20, PAR-AL00, PAR-TL00 |
| Price at Launch | About 350 EUR |
Design and Display
The Huawei Nova 3 stood out with its premium aluminum frame and glass front and back construction, combining durability with elegance. It featured a 6.3-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD display, offering vibrant colors and sharp details at a 409 ppi pixel density. The 18.7:9 aspect ratio gave it a modern look, providing more screen real estate for entertainment, browsing, and gaming.
The Iris Purple and Airy Blue colors gave the device a fresh and stylish appeal, while the slim 7.3mm profile and 166g weight ensured it was comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.
Camera Performance
The Huawei Nova 3 was photography-focused, with a dual rear camera setup comprising a 16MP main lens and a 24MP monochrome sensor. This combination allowed for sharp, vibrant photos, even in low-light conditions, and the 3x optical zoom made it versatile for various shooting scenarios. It also supported 4K video recording and 1080p at 60fps, allowing users to capture high-quality footage.
The front camera was equally impressive, with a 24MP wide lens and a 2MP depth sensor, perfect for selfies and video calls. The front camera also supported 1080p video recording for high-quality video capture.
Performance and Software
Powered by the Kirin 970 processor, the Huawei Nova 3 offered smooth multitasking, gaming performance, and AI-driven enhancements. Paired with up to 6GB of RAM, it handled day-to-day tasks with ease, including running multiple apps simultaneously without lag.
The device ran Android 8.1 Oreo with EMUI 9.1, bringing Huawei’s AI-powered features and improved battery optimizations, along with a user-friendly interface. The 64GB/128GB internal storage, combined with the microSD expansion slot, provided ample space for apps, photos, and media.
Battery and Charging
The 3750mAh battery of the Huawei Nova 3 offered reliable performance, easily lasting a full day under moderate usage. For those who need a quick boost, the 22.5W fast charging ensured that the phone charged up to 58% in just 30 minutes, making it convenient for users on the go.
Durability and Connectivity
The Huawei Nova 3 featured IP67 water and dust resistance, making it durable and reliable for everyday use in various environments. The NFC support enabled contactless payments, and the USB Type-C port made for faster data transfer and charging.
The Infrared Face ID and fingerprint sensor provided dual methods of secure access to the device, making it convenient for users who value both speed and security.
Conclusion
The Huawei Nova 3 was a premium mid-range smartphone offering flagship-level performance and camera capabilities at a competitive price. With its sleek design, AI-powered camera system, and solid battery life, it was one of the top choices for users looking for a high-performance device without the flagship price tag.
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Huawei Nova 3 remains a strong contender, even after its discontinuation. With its fast charging, dual cameras, and immersive display, it continues to offer great value for users seeking performance, style, and reliability.
