HUAWEI’s newest flagship phone offers premium style and experience
It’s easy to get lost in all the specs and names with the number of smartphones released on a yearly basis. But like everything else we invest in during our lifetimes, some factors outweigh others when deciding if an upgrade is in order. For others, specs and software compatibility determine whether a purchase is worth it. Others, however, prioritize stylishness and camera quality over the rest. And for someone like me, a young professional who needs to be always-on while also finding time for myself, I need a smartphone that can help me achieve all of those equally. After taking the HUAWEI nova 10 Pro out for a test drive, I can say that this smartphone didn’t disappoint.
But we do have one qualm. Up ahead, allow me to recap my thoughts on the HUAWEI nova 10 Pro:
The style
Upon first inspection of the phone, I couldn’t help but marvel at its gleaming, frosted color. The device I tried comes in exquisite Starry Silver, with the Star Orbit Ring and Icon around the cameras. The back alone is a marvel to look at. Thankfully, the box also includes a silicone phone case at the get-go, so it lessens the fear of damaging such a pretty design. With a 6.78-inch curved display, ultra-thin design and narrow width, the nova 10 Pro is a lightweight smartphone that feels comfortable even when held for a long time. Sleek, stylish and light, the HUAWEI nova 10 Pro excels in this department.
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The specs
The HUAWEI nova 10 Pro’s EMUI 12 operating system and Qualcomm SnapdragonTM 778G 4G processor allow me to speedily switch between apps. So whether I’m tuning in to the latest news on social media or tuning out the world with my playlists, this phone holds up well with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz and a touch sampling rate of 300Hz. This refresh rate might work in favor of gamers, especially those who enjoy Mobile Legends: Bang Bang or Genshin Impact—games already available in the HUAWEI AppGallery.
But of course, Huawei boasts this flagship phone as the top selfie video device of 2022. So it’s only natural to take it out for a round of events!
The rear cameras, made up of a 50 MP Ultra Vision Photography camera, an 8 MP Ultra-Wide Marco Camera and a 2 MP Portrait Depth Camera, promise high-resolution shots and brighter outputs even at night. And I’m happy to report that the HUAWEI nova 10 Pro lives up to that statement, whether it’s a quick #OOTD or taking a snap of my friend with the 0.5x zoom. Meanwhile, swiping to video mode offers a generous zoom—effectively allowing me to take videos and snaps of Jeremy Zucker without other devices and heads in a concert crowd. The front cameras, a 60 MP Ultra-Wide Angle Autofocus Camera and an 8 MP Portrait Close-up Camera Camera, also make a case for great selfies. Using both the front and back cameras in dual-view mode give an easy sidekick for the memory hoarders and content creators at heart.
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The experience
With such an impressive list of specs, the 4500mAh battery also holds up with the firepower the device needs. Of course, now that we’re all on the go, the HUAWEI nova 10 Pro has 100W-supercharge compatibility and a fast-charging wall charger that comes in the box. But that’s not all; at the tap of a button, users can activate Turbo Charging mode, which brings the device from 20% to 80% in a matter of 20 minutes. If anything, this is a solid game-changer for those who can’t be tied down for long or can’t be bothered to lug around a power bank (guilty!).
However, a deal breaker for some trying out HUAWEI devices is its lack of Google compatibility. Affected by the US blacklist, its sibling devices and the HUAWEI nova 10 Pro can only download such sites through third-party apps or the internet browser. Only Google Meet, Google Classroom and Google Drive can be downloaded from the AppGallery, which is a struggle for me since I also edit stories and send emails on the go. After all, we work on our phones as much as we do on our laptops or computers—and we need a phone that keeps up. The first step in doing so is the availability of different apps.
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The verdict
The HUAWEI nova 10 Pro walks its talk as one of the best selfie devices in the market, with its different modes and features for its cameras. Aside from an advanced camera setup, its processor and display screen can also keep up with the demands of those who wear different hats within a day: gamers, content creators or photographers. To be honest, the Google apps blip shouldn’t be much of an issue if you have other backup devices or purely want to keep it a work-free smartphone (or if you don't rely too heavily on Google for work things). Overall, the HUAWEI nova 10 Pro is a stylish, superb and stellar selfie phone that offers a premium experience with an affordable price point.
Shop the HUAWEI nova 10 Pro in-store via HUAWEI stores and authorized outlets, or online via Shopee and Lazada for P32,999. Pre-orders placed until October 27 come with a HUAWEI Watch GT2, a pre-order benefit worth P9,999. Meanwhile, the HUAWEI nova 10 and nova 10 SE phones retail for P25,999 and P17,999, respectively.
Art Matthew Ian Fetalver
