The Huawei Nova Lite 3 Plus is a mid-range smartphone that aims to deliver a balanced combination of performance, design, and affordability. While it may not compete with flagship devices in terms of raw power, it offers a compelling package for users who prioritize value for money. In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into its design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and software to see how it holds up in real-world usage.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Huawei Nova Lite 3 Plus sports a sleek and modern design that wouldn’t look out of place among more expensive devices. The phone features a glossy plastic back with a gradient finish that catches the light beautifully, giving it a premium aesthetic. The frame is made of polycarbonate, which keeps the weight down while maintaining durability. The device feels comfortable in hand, thanks to its ergonomic curves and manageable dimensions. On the right side, you’ll find the power button and volume rocker, both of which offer a satisfying click. The rear-mounted fingerprint sensor is conveniently placed and responds quickly, making unlocking the phone a breeze.

Display Quality

The Nova Lite 3 Plus comes with a 6.21-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, resulting in a sharp and vibrant viewing experience. Colors are well-saturated, and brightness levels are adequate for indoor use, though outdoor visibility can be a bit challenging under direct sunlight. The display features a small waterdrop notch at the top, which houses the front-facing camera, maximizing screen real estate. While it may not offer the deep blacks of an AMOLED panel, the LCD holds its own for media consumption, offering decent contrast and wide viewing angles.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Nova Lite 3 Plus is powered by Huawei’s Kirin 710 chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD. The Kirin 710 is a capable mid-range processor that handles everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and light gaming without breaking a sweat. However, more demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile will require lowering the graphics settings for a smoother experience. Multitasking is generally fluid, though heavy app switching may occasionally lead to minor stutters. The phone runs on EMUI 9.1 based on Android 9 Pie, which offers a feature-rich experience but lacks the latest Android updates.

Camera Performance

The camera setup on the Nova Lite 3 Plus consists of a dual rear system—a 13MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. In good lighting conditions, the primary camera captures detailed and well-exposed shots with accurate colors. The depth sensor helps produce pleasing bokeh effects in portrait mode, though edge detection isn’t always perfect. Low-light performance is where the camera struggles, with images often appearing noisy and lacking detail. The 8MP front-facing camera is decent for selfies and video calls, but don’t expect flagship-level sharpness. On the video front, the phone can record up to 1080p at 30fps, with electronic stabilization helping to reduce shakiness.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the standout features of the Nova Lite 3 Plus is its 3,400mAh battery, which provides all-day endurance with moderate usage. Streaming videos, browsing social media, and occasional gaming should get you through a full day without needing a top-up. However, heavy users may find themselves reaching for the charger by late afternoon. The phone supports 10W charging via its micro-USB port, which feels outdated in an era of USB-C and fast charging. A full charge takes around two hours, which is slower compared to many competitors in this price range.

Software and User Experience

The Nova Lite 3 Plus runs EMUI 9.1, Huawei’s custom skin over Android 9 Pie. While EMUI offers a wealth of customization options and useful features like gesture navigation and app cloning, the lack of Android updates is a significant drawback. The interface is clean and responsive, but some users may find the bloatware and aggressive battery management frustrating. On the plus side, Huawei’s software optimizations contribute to the phone’s smooth performance and efficient battery usage.

Final Verdict

The Huawei Nova Lite 3 Plus is a solid mid-range smartphone that delivers a well-rounded experience for its price. Its attractive design, decent display, and reliable battery life make it a good choice for casual users. However, the aging processor, mediocre low-light camera performance, and outdated software hold it back from being a standout option. If you’re looking for an affordable device with a premium feel, the Nova Lite 3 Plus is worth considering, but those seeking cutting-edge features may want to explore other alternatives.

Huawei Nova Lite 3 Plus - Full Specifications:

Display: 6.21-inch IPS LCD, 2340 x 1080 resolution, 19.5:9 aspect ratio

Processor: Huawei Kirin 710 (12nm), Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)

GPU: Mali-G51 MP4

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 64GB, expandable via microSD (up to 512GB)

Rear Cameras: 13MP (f/1.8) primary + 2MP (f/2.4) depth sensor

Front Camera: 8MP (f/2.0)

Battery: 3,400mAh, 10W charging (micro-USB)

Operating System: EMUI 9.1 (Android 9 Pie)

Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, 4G LTE

Dimensions: 155.2 x 73.4 x 8 mm

Weight: 160g

Colors: Midnight Black, Sapphire Blue, Aurora Blue