SuperNova! New smartphones target camera savvy Gen Z market

The Huawei Nova 8
The new Huawei Nova 8 is particularly capable in the camera department. Image supplied

CHINA-based tech giant Huawei is taking aim at South Africa’s increasingly influential Gen Z market with the launch of its latest Nova line of smartphones.

The Huawei Nova 8 and Nova Y60 are now available locally and bring premium specs, like fast charging and high-megapixel-count cameras, to more affordable devices.

For example, the Nova 8 boasts 66W Huawei SuperCharge support, which Huawei says will allow the phone to be charged to 60% in just 15 minutes and 100% in 35 minutes. “So even if you had forgotten to charge it earlier, you can still charge up while you’re busy getting ready to meet up with the gang,” the company said in a statement.

On the photography front, the Nova 8 features a 64MP AI Quad Camera system. This includes a 64MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide camera, 2MP macro camera and a 2MP Bokeh camera.

“These cameras work together to deliver stunning images and videos in all scenarios, no matter how bright or how dark the environment may be,” said Huawei.

The Main Camera and Ultra-Wide-Angle Camera on the back of the HUAWEI Nova 8 work together to enable Dual-View Video. One is in charge of capturing the whole picture, and the other is used for close-up shots, adding a playful touch to your videos.

Plenty to smile about

Fans of selfies also have plenty to smile about thanks to the Nova 8’s 32MP High-res Front Camera which also supports the Super Night Selfie Mode that automatically enhances facial conditions and improve background details. In addition, the built-in AI algorithm intelligently removes flares from glasses.

The Huawei Nova 8 comes in the Blush Gold colour and has a thin and light body that weighs only 169g.

Generation Z (or Gen Z for short), is the demographic cohort coming after Millennials and before Generation Alpha, born from the mid-to-late 1990s to the early 2010s. With its second, more budget friendly new model, the Nova Y60, Huawei doubles down on the Gen Z messaging, starting with the battery life.

“If you’ve got plans to be out and about with your friends, then a smartphone that offers a long-lasting battery is important, especially if you want to capture your day with pics or enjoy some music streaming on your phone,” the company said, referring to the 5000mAh large battery and proprietary power-saving AI algorithms.

“Coupled with the Ultra Power Saving Mode, the smartphone can last longer even when the battery level is low, a great advantage if you’re out and about for a longer time than you planned.”

While the Nova Y60’s camera specs aren’t up to the Nova 8’s the solid AI Triple Camera, Huawei believes it punches above its weight it its price class. “The 13MP Main Camera has an f/1.8 large aperture – the bigger the aperture, the more light your smartphone camera can gather, which is needed to enable better picture quality.”

The Nova Y60 is available in two colours, Crush Green and Midnight Black.
The Nova 8 is available at the Huawei Huawei website or its physical stores for R10,998 and the Nova Y60 costs R3,099.

Both phones come with a two-year warranty, one-time free screen guard service, free unboxing service at the store and 50-days screen insurance.

They are also available from Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Cell C and Takealot. – GeekWire.co.za