The HUAWEI nova 15 lineup launched in Russia just a month and a half ago, and the company has already unveiled the next generation in China. On June 1, HUAWEI announced four models in the HUAWEI nova 16 series: the budget nova 16z, the base nova 16, nova 16 Pro, and the top-end nova 16 Ultra. I break down each model and explain where the real upgrade is and where it’s just a new name.

The new HUAWEI smartphone lineup has been unveiled

HUAWEI nova 16z — An Affordable Smartphone with a Good Camera

I’ll start honestly: the HUAWEI nova 16z is essentially the nova 15 in a new body. Kirin 8020 instead of the Kirin 9010S found in the rest of the lineup — a significant step back in performance.

The most affordable smartphone in the lineup. Image: HUAWEI

HUAWEI nova 16z specs: 6.7″ LTPS OLED 120 Hz display, 50 MP RYYB main camera, 12 MP telephoto with 3x zoom, 6000 mAh battery with 100W charging, IP65, satellite SMS. Sales start in China on June 5 at a price starting from 2699 yuan (about $370).

The only things that set the nova 16z apart from its predecessor are the updated camera module design and satellite SMS support. For those who want the lowest price in the lineup with basic specs — it’s a viable option. But for a reasonable extra cost, you can get the nova 16 with Kirin 9010S, and that’s a fundamentally different smartphone.

HUAWEI nova 16 — An Affordable Camera Phone on Android

The HUAWEI nova 16 is my personal favorite in the lineup in terms of price-to-value ratio. Kirin 9010S in a compact 6.68″ body — that’s a whole different level of performance compared to the nova 16z.

The base smartphone of the series. Image: HUAWEI

HUAWEI nova 16 specs: OLED 120 Hz display, 50 MP f/1.9 main camera, 50 MP RYYB periscope telephoto with 3.8x optical zoom, 7000 mAh battery, 100W charging, IP65. Price starts from 2999 yuan (about $410).

The HUAWEI nova 16 camera is a pleasant surprise: an RYYB periscope with 3.8x zoom at this price is unusual. The RYYB sensor provides an advantage in low-light conditions, and 3.8x optical zoom is enough for most scenarios. For those looking for an affordable camera phone with a proper telephoto, the nova 16 is an excellent choice.

HUAWEI nova 16 Pro — The Best HUAWEI nova 16 Smartphone

The HUAWEI nova 16 Pro represents a major camera upgrade. Instead of the basic 50 MP, it features a full triple camera system: 200 MP main RYYB with a 1/1.28″ sensor, 50 MP ultrawide with autofocus for macro, and 50 MP RYYB periscope 3.8x.

The Pro version is even cooler and more colorful. Image: HUAWEI

HUAWEI nova 16 Pro specs: 6.84″ LTPO OLED 1-120 Hz display with Kunlun Glass protection, Kirin 9010S, 7000 mAh battery, 100W charging, IP65. Price starts from 3899 yuan (about $535). An important detail that sets the nova 16 Pro apart from the nova 16: LTPO OLED with adaptive 1-120 Hz refresh rate instead of a standard 120 Hz (significantly better for battery life). Plus Kunlun Glass, which is stronger than regular glass. The only downside: the Pro lacks wireless charging, a compromise for the 7000 mAh battery.

The HUAWEI nova 16 Pro camera with its 1/1.28″ main sensor is a serious argument for those who prioritize night photography.

HUAWEI nova 16 Ultra — HUAWEI’s Ultimate Camera Phone

The HUAWEI nova 16 Ultra differs from the Pro in four specific ways. First: the HUAWEI nova 16 Ultra camera features a periscope with an f/2.2 aperture instead of f/2.6 on the Pro — noticeably better in low-light conditions when shooting with zoom. Second: 50W wireless charging (the Pro doesn’t have it at all). Third: IP68/69 water resistance instead of IP65. Fourth: satellite SMS.

The most advanced smartphone in the lineup. Image: HUAWEI

HUAWEI nova 16 Ultra specs: everything the Pro has, plus the listed upgrades. 7.1 mm body, 220 g weight. Price starts from 4699 yuan (about $645). That’s roughly a $110 premium over the Pro. Is it worth it? If you use wireless charging regularly or often shoot with the telephoto indoors — definitely yes. If not — the difference between f/2.2 and f/2.6 in real photos will be unnoticeable to most users.

Which HUAWEI nova 16 to Choose

The HUAWEI nova 16 lineup in 2026 offers four models for four different scenarios:

  • HUAWEI nova 16z, if you need the lowest price in the HUAWEI lineup with basic specs;
  • HUAWEI nova 16, if you value the balance of price and a periscope telephoto in a compact body;
  • HUAWEI nova 16 Pro, if camera is a priority and you want 200 MP RYYB with a large sensor;
  • HUAWEI nova 16 Ultra, if you need wireless charging, IP68/69, and the best periscope aperture.

My pick out of the four is the HUAWEI nova 16. The price gap between it and the nova 16z is minimal, but the upgrade in processor and camera is substantial.