Review: HUAWEI nova 11 Pro – A Camera-Centric Smartphone with Stylish Design
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When the HUAWEI nova 11 Pro first emerged, it promised to be a smartphone that would cater to vlogging and selfie enthusiasts.
With its impressive hardware, software, and eye-catching design, it seemed well-equipped to appeal to its target audience. Sporting a remarkable 60MP Ultra Portrait Dual camera setup at the front, integrated vlogging modes, and a distinctive nova monogram design, the device had all the makings of a successful smartphone.
But does it deliver on its promises? After conducting thorough testing, we present our comprehensive review of the HUAWEI nova 11 Pro.
Design:
The HUAWEI nova 11 Pro is undeniably impressive in terms of design. It boasts a unique design language centered around the nova Monogram Vegan Leather design, an embossed ‘nova’ pattern on the back panel.
This trendy and stylish finish not only adds flair but also provides a soft and textured feel that ensures a secure grip.
Unlike previous phones with glass backs, the nova 11 Pro’s design eliminates the need for a phone case solely for grip purposes.
Additionally, the monogram finish effectively prevents fingerprints and smudges, maintaining a clean look. The device feels substantial in the hand without being too heavy, exuding an air of luxury. The curved display at the front further enhances its appeal.
Display, Biometrics, and Multimedia:
The HUAWEI nova 11 Pro features a 6.78-inch FHD+ curved OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate. As expected, the OLED screen delivers vibrant and bright visuals, offering excellent contrast and impressive viewing angles.
The curved edges on the screen add to the premium feel of the device. However, it would have been preferable if HUAWEI had opted for a completely flat display. The significant curve sometimes makes using the phone a bit awkward, requiring adjustments to avoid unintentionally touching the curved edges.
On the positive side, the nova 11 Pro’s display incorporates HUAWEI’s trademark KunLun Glass, which boasts a five-star glass drop resistance certification from SGS in Switzerland. This provides notable durability and eliminates concerns about the display getting scratched or damaged.
The stereo speakers on the nova 11 Pro deliver surprisingly good sound quality, sounding full and offering decent sound separation for a smartphone. However, it is disappointing that the device does not include a headphone jack, which would have been a welcomed addition.
Furthermore, the under-display fingerprint sensor on the nova 11 Pro is reliable and rarely fails. Although the animation could be faster, the sensor successfully performs its task in the majority of cases, earning praise for its accuracy.
Camera:
The standout feature of the HUAWEI nova 11 Pro is its camera system. The device boasts a 60MP Ultra Portrait Dual Camera at the front and a rear setup comprising a 50MP RYYB Ultra Vision main lens, an 8MP ultra-wide macro camera, and a laser autofocusing sensor.
While megapixels alone do not guarantee exceptional camera performance, the higher MP count of the nova 11 Pro’s selfie shooter results in impressive real-world performance.
Selfies captured by the device consistently exhibit pleasing skin tones, excellent sharpness, and accurate exposure. The front camera offers different focal lengths, including a 0.7X ultrawide, 2X zoom for close-ups, and even a 5X selfie option.
Meanwhile, the 50MP main rear shooter does not disappoint. It produces excellent images in well-lit conditions, and night shots surprisingly turn out quite impressive.
However, occasional focusing issues were observed with both the front and rear cameras. It is advisable to take multiple shots and double-check the focus. Nevertheless, this occurrence is infrequent and does not significantly impact the overall experience.
The built-in Vlog Mode of the nova 11 Pro enables users to capture multiple camera angles simultaneously. This feature allows for shooting rear and front videos separately, as well as combining footage from different lenses to create diverse video compositions.
Performance:
In day-to-day usage, the nova 11 Pro performs admirably. App opening speed is fast, and multitasking presents no issues.
However, it is worth noting that the device still employs the Snapdragon 778G chipset in 2023. While this processor remains capable, it was initially released as a mid-range chipset back in 2021.
Consequently, it would have been preferable for the nova 11 Pro to feature a flagship-level chipset or at least one from the previous year.
Overall, the HUAWEI nova 11 Pro impresses with its camera capabilities, stylish design, and reliable performance. While it may have a few minor drawbacks, such as occasional focusing issues and the choice of chipset, it remains a solid choice for individuals seeking a smartphone tailored to vlogging and capturing stunning selfies.
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