Huawei's Nova 16 series hits the Chinese market today, bringing a trio of phones that share a powerful Kirin processor and a massive battery. The lineup includes the standard Nova 16, the Pro, and the Ultra, each targeting different user needs.
Kirin 9010S powers all three models
All three models run on the Kirin 9010S chipset and ship with HarmonyOS 6.1 out of the box. The base Nova 16 starts at 2,999 CNY (about $442) for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant, while the Pro and Ultra command higher prices for their upgraded camera and display hardware.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Nova 16 | Nova 16 Pro | Nova 16 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Kirin 9010S | Kirin 9010S | Kirin 9010S |
| Display | 120Hz | LTPO 1-120Hz | LTPO 1-120Hz |
| Main Camera | 50MP + 50MP telephoto | 200MP OIS + 50MP telephoto + 50MP ultrawide | 200MP OIS + 50MP telephoto + 50MP ultrawide |
| Battery & Charging | 7000mAh, 100W wired | 7000mAh, 100W wired | 7000mAh, 100W wired, 50W wireless |
| Satellite | Beidou messaging | Beidou messaging | Beidou + Tiantong calling |
Every phone in the series packs a 7,000mAh battery with support for 100W wired SuperCharge fast charging. The Ultra model adds 50W wireless charging and 7.5W reverse wireless charging, a feature absent from the other two.
Ultra model adds satellite communication
Camera specs vary across the lineup. The standard Nova 16 uses a 50MP main sensor paired with a 50MP RYYB periscope telephoto lens. The Pro and Ultra step up to a 200MP RYYB main camera with optical image stabilization, plus 50MP telephoto and ultra-wide lenses.
Display technology also differs. The base model has a standard 120Hz panel protected by aluminosilicate glass. The Pro and Ultra feature LTPO displays with adaptive refresh rates ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, which helps conserve battery during static content.
All three phones support Beidou satellite messaging for off-grid communication. The Ultra goes further by adding Tiantong satellite communication, enabling voice calls and data transmission via satellite. Sales opened at 10:08 AM local time on June 1, 2026.
Pricing for the Nova 16 Pro starts at 3,899 CNY (about $574), while the Ultra begins at 4,699 CNY (about $692). The top-end Ultra configuration with 12GB RAM and 1TB storage reaches 5,799 CNY (about $854).
Source: GIZMOCHINA
