The Huawei Nova 8 Pro is a mid-range smartphone that manages to punch above its weight, offering a blend of sleek design, capable performance, and a camera system that delivers impressive results for its price point. While Huawei’s absence from the Google Mobile Services ecosystem remains a hurdle for some users, the Nova 8 Pro still presents a compelling package for those invested in Huawei’s ecosystem or willing to adapt to alternatives.

Design and Display

At first glance, the Nova 8 Pro exudes a premium aesthetic that wouldn’t look out of place in a higher price bracket. The curved OLED display flows seamlessly into the aluminum frame, giving the phone an elegant, almost bezel-less appearance. The rear panel, available in eye-catching colors like Mystic Silver and Blush Gold, features a glossy finish that attracts fingerprints but looks undeniably striking when clean.

The 6.72-inch OLED display is one of the phone’s standout features. With a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2676 x 1236 pixels, scrolling through menus and browsing the web feels buttery smooth. Colors are vibrant without appearing oversaturated, and the peak brightness of 800 nits ensures decent visibility even under direct sunlight. The curved edges add to the immersive experience, though they can occasionally lead to accidental touches.

Performance and Software

Powering the Nova 8 Pro is Huawei’s Kirin 985 chipset, a 5G-capable processor that handles everyday tasks with ease. While it may not compete with flagship chips like the Snapdragon 888 or Apple’s A14 Bionic, it delivers more than enough performance for social media, streaming, and even moderate gaming. Multitasking is smooth thanks to 8GB of RAM, and the 256GB of internal storage provides ample space for apps and media.

The software experience is where things get tricky for international users. The Nova 8 Pro runs EMUI 11 based on Android 10 but lacks Google Mobile Services (GMS). Instead, Huawei offers its own AppGallery and Petal Search as alternatives. While AppGallery has grown significantly, some popular apps remain unavailable, and users may need to sideload APKs or rely on web-based solutions for certain services. For those already entrenched in Huawei’s ecosystem, this isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something to consider.

Camera Performance

Huawei has long been a leader in smartphone photography, and the Nova 8 Pro continues that tradition—at least for its price range. The quad-camera setup includes a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. In daylight, the primary camera captures detailed, well-exposed shots with accurate colors. The ultra-wide lens is serviceable, though it struggles with distortion at the edges.

Low-light performance is respectable, thanks to Huawei’s Night Mode, which brightens shadows without excessive noise. The 32MP front-facing camera, housed in a pill-shaped cutout, is a highlight for selfie enthusiasts, producing sharp images with good dynamic range. Video recording tops out at 4K 30fps, and while stabilization is decent, it’s not quite on par with more expensive flagships.

Battery Life and Charging

The 4000mAh battery may seem modest compared to some competitors, but it’s sufficient for a full day of moderate use. The 66W fast charging is where the Nova 8 Pro truly shines—going from 0% to 100% in just under 40 minutes. Wireless charging is absent, which is a slight disappointment given the phone’s premium positioning.

Final Verdict

The Huawei Nova 8 Pro is a well-rounded device that excels in design, display quality, and fast charging. The Kirin 985 provides solid performance, and the camera system delivers excellent results for its class. However, the lack of Google services will be a dealbreaker for some, and the battery life, while decent, isn’t class-leading. If you can live within Huawei’s ecosystem—or are willing to work around its limitations—the Nova 8 Pro is a strong contender in the mid-range segment.

Huawei Nova 8 Pro - Full Specifications:

Display: 6.72-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 2676 x 1236 resolution

Processor: Kirin 985 (5G)

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 256GB (non-expandable)

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

Front Camera: 32MP

Battery: 4000mAh with 66W fast charging

Operating System: EMUI 11 (Android 10, no Google Mobile Services)

Dimensions: 163.3 x 74.1 x 7.9 mm

Weight: 184g

Colors: Mystic Silver, Blush Gold, Midnight Black