The Huawei Nova 12i has recently landed in Pakistan and has already become one of the most talked‑about mid‑range smartphones. Its sleek design, vibrant display, and powerful performance make it a compelling choice for users looking for modern features without breaking the bank. With Huawei’s reputation for innovation and strong after‑sales network across Pakistani cities, the Nova 12i promises excellent value—and that’s exactly why it’s generating so much excitement.
Huawei Nova 12i Full Specifications
Display
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Screen | 6.67‑inch OLED, FHD+, ~120 Hz refresh rate |
This display brings sharp visuals, rich colors, and smooth scrolling thanks to its high refresh rate. It’s perfect for watching videos, browsing social media, or gaming.
Camera
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Rear | 108 MP main, 8 MP ultra‑wide, 2 MP macro |
| Front | 16 MP selfie camera |
The 108 MP sensor captures detailed daytime shots, while the ultra-wides help you fit more into the frame. Low‑light performance is good thanks to pixel binning, and the selfie camera offers clear portraits and video calls.
Battery
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 40 W fast charging |
The large battery lasts through a busy day—streaming, chatting, and browsing. And its fast 40 W charging gets you from zero to nearly full in under an hour—a big plus for on‑the‑go users.
Processor
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6Gen1 |
The Snapdragon 6Gen1 is a capable mid‑range chipset that handles day‑to‑day tasks smoothly. It delivers swift app launches, web browsing, and decent gaming performance for popular titles.
RAM / Storage
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB (UFS 2.2) |
With 8 GB RAM, multitasking stays fluid and efficient. The generous 256 GB storage gives you ample room for apps, photos, and videos without worrying about running out of space.
Operating System
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| OS | HarmonyOS 4 (no Google Play Services) |
Huawei’s HarmonyOS 4 offers a clean UI, smooth animations, and strong integration within Huawei’s ecosystem. However, it doesn’t support Google Play Services—Pakistani users typically rely on Petal Search and AppGallery for app installation.
Connectivity
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Networks | 4G LTE |
| Wi‑Fi | Wi‑Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| BT | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Ports | USB‑C |
| Others | Side fingerprint, USB‑C speaker |
Connectivity covers all essentials: fast 4G, dependable Wi‑Fi, stable Bluetooth, and a convenient USB‑C port. The side-mounted fingerprint reader is quick and ergonomic.
Design and Build Quality
The Nova 12i sports a sleek and modern look with a glossy back panel that shimmers under Pakistani sunlight. At just 189 grams and around 7.8 mm thick, it feels light and comfortable in hand—great for long one‑hand use. The edges are gently curved, and the slim bezels around the high‑quality display give it a premium appearance. Although the back is glossy plastic rather than glass, it resists daily scratches well; using a case can help guard against fingerprints and slips.
Key Features and Unique Selling Points
- 108 MP flagship-level camera: Offers detailed photos that rival more expensive phones.
- 120 Hz OLED display: Smooth visuals uncommon at this price point in Pakistan.
- Fast 40 W charging: Rapid power‑ups are incredibly practical for daily use.
- Large 256 GB storage: Plenty of space for apps, media, and files—no need for immediate worry.
- HarmonyOS 4: A fresh, fluid experience with seamless integration for Huawei users.
These standout features place the Nova 12i ahead of similarly priced competitors in functionality, design, and usability.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 108 MP crisp rear camera | No Google Play Services (requires alternatives) |
| 120 Hz OLED display | Plastic back instead of glass |
| 40 W fast charging | Only 4G, no 5G support |
| 256 GB ample storage | Wi‑Fi 5, not 6 |
| Sleek, lightweight design | Side-mounted fingerprint (some prefer in-display) |
This table sums up what works exceptionally well—with an outstanding camera, screen, and charging—and what trade‑offs exist, such as lack of Google Play and 5G.
Comparison with Similar Phones in Its Price Range
Here’s how the Nova 12i stacks up against competitive mid‑range options available in Pakistan, such as the Samsung Galaxy A35 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 13:
| Model | Display | Camera (Main) | Battery / Charging | RAM / Storage | OS & Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huawei Nova 12i | 6.67″ OLED, 120 Hz | 108 MP | 5000 mAh, 40 W fast charge | 8 GB / 256 GB | HarmonyOS 4 (AppGallery) |
| Samsung A35 | 6.6″ Super AMOLED, 120 Hz | 48 MP | 5000 mAh, 25 W | 8 GB / 256 GB | One UI (Google Play) |
| Redmi Note 13 | 6.67″ AMOLED, 120 Hz | 50 MP | 5000 mAh, 33 W | 8 GB / 128 GB | MIUI (Google Play) |
Huawei Nova 12i clearly leads in camera resolution and fast charging speed. Samsung A35 offers full Google ecosystem support and Super AMOLED quality, while the Redmi Note 13 gives a balanced experience at a lower price but with less storage.
Official Price in Pakistan & Availability
The Huawei Nova 12i has been officially launched in Pakistan at a price of PKR 94,999. It is available through authorized Huawei retail outlets in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi, as well as through Huawei’s official online store and select e‑commerce platforms. Launch offers may include free accessories or bundled promos—checking with local retailers or Huawei’s official channels will reveal the latest deals.
FAQs
1. Does the Huawei Nova 12i support 5G?
No, it only supports 4G LTE. Currently, Huawei has not introduced a 5G variant in Pakistan.
2. Can I install Google apps like YouTube and Gmail?
While Google Play Services are not supported, you can use Petal Search or AppGallery to install many Google apps via APKs or alternate app stores.
3. Does it come with a charger in the box?
Yes. The package includes a 40 W fast charger—so you won’t need to buy one separately.
4. Is there expandable storage via microSD?
No, the Nova 12i lacks a microSD slot. However, the 256 GB internal storage should suffice for most users.
5. How does low‑light photography perform?
Thanks to the 108 MP sensor and pixel-binning technology, it delivers good low-light performance—capturing brighter, more detailed night shots compared to typical mid‑range phones.
Final Verdict — Who Should Buy and Why?
The Huawei Nova 12i is a compelling choice for Pakistani users who prioritize camera quality, display smoothness, and fast charging functionality, all wrapped in a stylish and lightweight build. It’s particularly ideal if you’re comfortable using Huawei’s AppGallery and Petal Search instead of Google’s ecosystem. Students, content creators, daily commuters, and mobile gamers who value vivid visuals and rapid charging will find excellent value here.
If access to Google’s Play Store is a must, or if you need built‑in 5G and Wi‑Fi 6, you might lean toward competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A35 or Redmi Note 13. But if you’re open to an alternative software ecosystem, the Nova 12i brings flagship-level camera power and performance that’s rare at this price point—Pakistan’s latest mid‑range champ.
Also Read More: Huawei Nova 12 SE Lands in Pakistan: A Stylish Mid‑Ranger with Punchy Specs
