Huawei Nova 14 Pro Review: Camera, Specs & Performance Tested

Huawei continues to expand its smartphone offerings, and the recently released Nova 14 Pro aims to deliver a premium experience in the upper-midrange market. I’ve been testing the Crystal Blue variant, equipped with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, to see how it stacks up. The device arrives with a USB-C to USB-C cable, a SIM ejector tool, and a transparent TPU case – a welcome inclusion often omitted by other manufacturers. A pre-applied screen protector adds further value.

Focus on Camera Capabilities

Huawei is heavily marketing the Nova 14 Pro’s camera system, particularly its capabilities for portrait and architectural photography. The “Ultra Chrome” camera and 50-megapixel front ultra-speed snapshot camera are new to the Nova series. According to Huawei, the Ultra Chrome camera aims to capture vibrant, true-to-life colors, while the front camera is designed to excel in selfies, even in challenging lighting conditions or group shots.

The front camera features a 50MP portrait lens with autofocus and a f/2.0 aperture, paired with an 8MP close-up portrait lens. The rear camera system includes a main sensor, a telephoto lens with 30x digital zoom, and an ultra-wide macro camera. Huawei incorporates AI-powered features like gesture control and a “Best Expression” mode to help capture the perfect shot. The “Best Expression” mode intelligently selects the best facial expression from a series of photos, useful for group selfies.

Display and Design

The Nova 14 Pro boasts a 6.78-inch quad-curved OLED display with a resolution of 2776 x 1224 pixels, 1.07 billion colors, and an adaptive 1-120Hz LTPO refresh rate. The display’s curved edges and high refresh rate contribute to a smooth and immersive viewing experience. The phone’s design incorporates an “Ice Crystal Texture” on the back panel, which shimmers and resists fingerprints. The device is also SGS 5-Star Drop-Resistance certified and IP65 water and dust resistant, offering a degree of durability.

At 7.8mm thin and weighing 207 grams, the Nova 14 Pro strikes a balance between sleekness and weight. The device measures 163.4 x 75 x 0.78 cm. For comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro Max weighs 231 grams, while the iPhone Air with a 6.5-inch display weighs 165 grams.

Performance and Software

The Nova 14 Pro is powered by the Kirin 8020 processor and runs on HarmonyOS 5.0. The phone offers 12GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB. During initial setup, the process took approximately 15 minutes and didn’t require downloading additional apps. The OLED display delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, with the automatic brightness sensor adjusting seamlessly to ambient lighting. Scrolling and animations are smooth, indicating a responsive user experience.

Huawei’s EMUI 15 provides a customizable interface. Users can download and apply complete theme packages, including icons and wallpapers, through the “Designs” app. However, a notable omission is native 5G connectivity. The Nova 14 Pro supports only 4G LTE, a decision that appears to be related to ongoing geopolitical restrictions impacting Huawei’s access to 5G components.

The Google Play Store Alternative

Due to restrictions, the Nova 14 Pro does not come with the Google Play Store pre-installed. However, the Aurora Store provides a workaround, allowing users to access and download most apps available on the Play Store. The Aurora Store supports a wide range of popular applications, including Google apps like Mail, Docs, Maps, and YouTube, as well as social media platforms, streaming services, and utility apps.

Charging and Battery Life

The Nova 14 Pro features a 5,500mAh battery and supports 100W wired charging via Huawei’s “SuperCharge Turbo” technology. The battery also includes AI-based temperature control during charging and integrated battery and charge management. It also supports 5W reverse wired charging.

Pricing and Availability

As of February 16, 2026, the Huawei Nova 14 Pro is available in Crystal Blue and Black. We see priced at €699 for the base model and €765.19 when bundled with Huawei FreeArc Open Ear headphones. It can be purchased through Amazon and directly from the Huawei website.

The Huawei Nova 14 Pro offers a compelling package with its premium design, vibrant display, and capable camera system. While the lack of 5G connectivity and the absence of the Google Play Store are drawbacks, the Aurora Store provides a viable alternative. The Nova 14 Pro is a solid contender in the upper-midrange smartphone market.