The Huawei Nova 16 Series is Official: Four New Models, Including Ultra!
Huawei has officially unveiled the new Nova 16 family, a range that aims to redefine the mid-range and high-end standards through a skillful balance between design and hardware. The series consists of four distinct models – Nova 16, Nova 16 Pro, Nova 16 Ultra and the most affordable Nova 16z – all united by the proprietary HarmonyOS 6.1 system.
The new generation continues to offer the elegant aesthetics we are used to, but introduces a range of options for cameras, Kirin chipsets and high-density batteries, all wrapped in ultra-thin bodies that do not exceed 7.3 mm in thickness.
Huawei Nova 16, 16z, 16 Pro and 16 Ultra Official: Everything You Need to Know About Technical Specs, Price and Release
16 z – Credits: Huawei
The aesthetics of the Nova 16 series continue to focus on elegant colors, but with the addition of a captivating iridescent finish, called Iridescent Shell (which nods to the Pure 90 range). Despite the slim profile, Huawei hasn’t neglected durability, equipping the Pro and Ultra models with Kunlun Glass protection and certifications that go up to IP68/IP69 for the Ultra variant, ensuring superior water and dust protection.
On the visual front, the FlatOLED displays offer 1.5K resolution and refresh rates up to 120 Hz, with the Pro and Ultra models benefiting from LTPO technology for an adaptive refresh rate from 1 to 120 Hz, optimizing energy consumption without sacrificing smoothness.
16 – Credits: Huawei
The beating heart of the series is represented by the HiSilicon Kirin SoCs, with the 9010S at 7 nm powering most of the lineup, while the Nova 16z relies on the Kirin 8020.
One of the strengths is the autonomy: Huawei has included 6,000 mAh batteries in the base models and 16z, reaching 7,000 mAh in the Pro and Ultra variants. The charging is equally impressive, with 100W wired charging across the entire range, and the Ultra model adds the convenience of 50W wireless charging (also inverse wireless charging at 7.5W).
The camera setup represents a welcome upgrade over the previous generation Nova 15. We find the multispectral sensor Red Maple, present on all models to drastically improve color fidelity in shots. While the standard models and 16z offer 50 MP main sensors and telephoto lenses with 3X optical zoom, the Pro and Ultra variants raise the bar with a main sensor of a full 200 MP equipped with RYYB technology and laser autofocus.
This setup, paired with 50 MP telephoto periscopes with optical image stabilization (OIS), allows for detailed images in every lighting condition. Selfies are also impressive, with front cameras of 50 MP that in the higher-end models work in synergy with the dedicated Red Maple sensor.
Ultimately, the Huawei Nova 16 family presents itself as a solid solution for those seeking an elegant smartphone, with a unique style and a photography section that stands out (despite the mid-range price).
Huawei Nova 16 – Technical Specifications
Credits: Huawei
Dimensions and weight: 159.6 x 75.5 x 7.3 mm, about 199 grams
Connectivity and more: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, Dual GPS, stereo speaker, USB-C 2.0, IR sensor, satellite connectivity
Operating system: HarmonyOS 6.1
Huawei Nova 16z – Technical Specifications
Credits: Huawei
Dimensions and weight: 161.79 x 75.47 x 7.19 mm, about 196.5 grams
Colors: Sky White, Starry Black, Iridescent Shell
Certification: IP65
Display: Flat OLED 6.7″ FHD+ (2412 x 1084) with 120 Hz refresh rate, 10-bit color, PWM Dimming at 2,160 Hz, touch sampling at 300 Hz and aluminosilicate glass protection
Security: Face unlock + side-mounted fingerprint
Cooling: /
SoC: HiSilicon Kirin 8020, 7 nm SMIC
CPU: Octa-core (1 x 2.285 GHz + 3 x 2.05 GHz + 4 x 1.3 GHz)
GPU: Maleoon 920
RAM: 12 GB LPDDR5
Storage: 256/512 GB non-expandable
Battery: 6,000 mAh
Charging: 100W wired
Camera: Dual 50 + 12 MP:
Main 50 MP high definition (f/1.9)
Telephoto 12 MP RYYB (f/2.4) with OIS and 3X zoom
Multispectral sensor “Red Maple”
Selfie camera: 50 MP (f/2.4)
Connectivity and more: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, Dual GPS, stereo speaker, USB-C 2.0, IR sensor
Operating system: HarmonyOS 6.1
All the Prices for the Nova 16 Series
At the moment the Huawei Nova 16 series has been launched exclusively in China, with prices starting from around €340 at the current exchange rate. There are rumors of a possible Global debut: as soon as we know more, we will update this article with all the details.
Nova 16
12/256 GB – 2,999 yuan – around €380
12/512 GB – 3,499 yuan – around €443
Nova 16 Pro
12/256 GB – 3,899 yuan – around €494
12/512 GB – 4,399 yuan – around €557
12 GB/1 TB – 4,999 yuan – around €633
Nova 16 Ultra
12/256 GB – 4,699 yuan – around €595
12/512 GB – 5,199 yuan – around €659
12 GB/1 TB – 5,799 yuan – around €735
Nova 16z
12/256 GB – 2,699 yuan – around €342
12/512 GB – 3,199 yuan – around €405
Gabriele Cascone
Innamorato della tecnologia, con un occhio di riguardo verso smartphone e gaming, è legato indissolubilmente al mondo Nerd. Serie TV, film, giochi, manga, anime e comics sono all'ordine del giorno.