The Huawei nova series has been on a streak, delivering fashionable design, excellent camera capabilities, and impressive performance at mid-range prices. For the latest iteration, the Huawei nova 13 Pro, the brand is shining the spotlight on one of today’s most powerful tools for self-expression: the selfie camera.
This time, Huawei is taking the selfie game to the next level with the introduction of its new AI Best Expression feature. Will this become a must-have feature for memory hoarders and those who live by the ‘pics or it didn’t happen’ mentality? Read on to find out.
Design and build
Beyond taking selfies, design is also a great way to showcase your personality and style. What better way to do so than with the nova 13 Pro’s elegant and subtle plaid pattern design? And that matte finish? Truly a chef’s kiss. An accessory and everyday companion, all in one sleek device.
It knows how to capture your attention without being too loud, showcasing soft textures that are easy to the eyes—exactly my cup of tea. The color options include Loden Green and Black, with the former being our test unit.
The ideal accent, the camera, takes the form of what Huawei calls a Super Star Orbit Ring. It’s clear that every detail matters to the brand as seen on the ‘nova’ logo surrounding the camera module.
When it comes to ergonomics, it’s just as satisfying to feel as it is to look at. I can imagine holding the device for long periods, with the quad-curved body providing the comfort I need.
However, the nova 13 Pro is on the heavier side, weighing 209g, but it strikes a balance with a slim profile of just 7.82mm.
Display
Up front, you’ll find a stunning 6.76-inch OLED display that complements the visual appeal of the rear. With its sharp, vivid, and true-to-life colors, I have full confidence that I can truly enjoy entertainment on the go. I’m sure doom-scrollers, avid gamers, and even casual browsers alike will feel the same way.
Featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, the screen offers a satisfyingly smooth interaction; every swipe feels fluid and responsive. As someone who frequently switches between apps and browses social media while multitasking, this earns so many points in my book.
It also doesn’t fall short in the smart capabilities department. You have the AI HDR that works with lights and shadows to produce lifelike images, while AI Eye Comfort helps reduce eye strains by controlling blue light levels.The latter will greatly benefit someone like me who’s guilty of being glued to the screen.
Camera
Moving on to one of the device’s standout features: the 50MP adjustable aperture camera. In good lighting conditions, it effortlessly takes crisp, vibrant, and detailed shots, while producing excellent color accuracy and high dynamic range. All you need is a good eye for shooting and a click of the shutter button.
The 12MP telephoto portrait camera (f/2.4) is also very impressive, capturing distant subjects without losing detail with the 3x optical zoom, and I admire the execution. You also have up the 30x hybrid zoom, which is great to have, although I probably won’t be reaching for it that much. Meanwhile, for capturing vast landscapes or nailing that Gen Z shot, you can use the 8MP (f/2.2) ultrawide camera.
Both night and low-light photography come with challenges, but thankfully, Huawei has removed them from the equation. You can say goodbye to grainy and blurry images; the nova 13 Pro effectively retains the details with the help of its large f/1.4 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS). Date nights and aesthetic shots will come out nicely.
For the selfie queens, the 60MP Front Ultra Portrait Dual Camera has you covered. It offers the versatility selfie lovers seek, with a zoom range from 0.7x to 5x.
Whether you’re taking a selfie with a beautiful landscape as your backdrop or posing with a group, the 0.7x zoom is your best bet. But if your makeup is on point and you want to flaunt it on social media, go reach for the 5x zoom.
When taking group selfies, it’s close to impossible to synchronize everyone’s facial expressions—some might even blink if the timing’s off. That’s where Huawei’s new AI Best Expression feature comes in, ensuring everyone looks their best with perfect smiles. I reckon this is one of my favorite features.
Lastly, the nova 13 Pro supports 4K video recording at 30fps, making it ideal for short-form video enthusiasts.
Performance
The nova 13 Pro is no slouch when it comes to performance as it’s powered by Kirin 8000 processor. I like taking on several tasks at once, and it’s a blissful experience being able to do so without any hitches. No irksome crashes, delays, or lags. And if mobile gaming is more of your thing, you can trust this device to perform with the same enthusiasm. I witnessed this first hand while playing Asphalt Legends Unite on the highest graphical settings.
You also have more than enough room for your safety shots and retakes with the generous 512GB of storage. No deleting necessary. This is paired with 12GB of RAM that can be expandable to 15GB, which will allow you to carry out heavy loads smoothly.
OS and Apps
This new iteration runs on EMUI 14.2, which boasts a neat, fun, and customizable experience. You can personalize the lock screen theme to suit your taste.
Last year, Huawei made significant strides in making Google apps and other popular apps accessible through AppGallery. That’s something you can still take advantage of for this latest iteration. It was a breeze downloading some of my favorite apps: GCash, Instagram and Netflix.
Battery and charging
The nova 13 Pro is equipped with a large 5000mAh battery—a very welcome upgrade—ensuring a full day of regular use on a single charge. And if you’re a gamer or a power user, you won’t have to worry about running out of juice, thanks to its impressive fast-charging capabilities.
Time is money, and Huawei clearly understands that. With the 100W Huawei SuperCharge Turbo, the smartphone can charge up to 50% in under 13 minutes, making downtime feel like a fleeting moment. And to fully charge the device, it’s just a quick 34-minute wait.
Verdict
Self-expression has become the theme of this year’s nova series given the significant role smartphones play in our lives—often hard to detach from, making them a true extension of ourselves. Huawei deserves credit for providing users with an avenue to express themselves through the Huawei nova 13 Pro.
From its strong front and rear camera capabilities and elegant design to its highly customizable interface, the nova 13 Pro has the tools to let your unique personality shine. This makes it an appealing option for aspiring creators, photographers, and even memory hoarders.
Even regular mobile users will be delighted with what the device brings to the table. It stirred up a good mix of stunning visuals, long battery life, fast charging capabilities, and capable performance.
Exclusive benefits await those who make a deposit during the pre-sale period. Stay tuned for the official announcement of its price.
- HUAWEI Store: https://tinyurl.com/ytvyjs84
- Shopee: https://tinyurl.com/bdej2t6h
- Lazada: https://s.lazada.com.ph/a.kEJ
![](https://2ndopinion.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/300x250.png"")
