Huawei nova 16z: The Satellite Messaging Phone You Need to Know About

Alongside the new Huawei nova 16, 16 Pro, and 16 Ultra, Huawei has also introduced the Huawei nova 16z. This device is not entirely new; it's effectively an upgraded version of the nova 15 with the addition of BeiDou satellite connectivity. There are minor enhancements, but overall, it retains much of what made its predecessor appealing.

The nova 16z features a 6.7-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1,084 x 2,412 pixels, 10-bit color support, and aluminosilicate glass, similar to earlier models. However, it does not utilize an LTPO panel. The camera system remains largely unchanged, boasting a 50MP selfie camera (f/2.4), a 50MP main camera (f/1.9), and a 12MP telephoto camera (3x, 69mm, RYYB sensor, f/2.4 lens with OIS).

The battery is another familiar aspect, featuring a robust 6,000mAh capacity with 100W wired charging. Notably, while the nova 16 has transitioned to the Kirin 9010S chipset, the nova 16z retains the earlier Kirin 8020 chipset. The device is available in two configurations: 12GB RAM with either 256GB or 512GB of storage.

The major highlight of this model is its capability to send and receive messages via BeiDou satellite, including the ability to share photo messages. This feature could be particularly invaluable in emergency situations and allows users to access weather updates even in remote areas.

In terms of connectivity, the nova 16z includes dual-band Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, Huawei's StarFlash alternative to Bluetooth, and NFC capabilities. However, the USB-C port is limited to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds. The device utilizes both tri-band BeiDou and dual-band GPS and Galileo for positioning. The fingerprint reader is located on the side, consistent with previous models.

Huawei nova 16z in: Iridescent Mother of Pearl • White Sky • Starry Night Black

The Huawei nova 16z comes in three color options: Iridescent Mother of Pearl, White Sky, and Starry Night Black. It is available for purchase on vmall in China, with the 12/256GB model priced at CNY 2,700 (approximately $400/€345), and the 12/512GB model at CNY 3,200 (around $475/€405).

Source (in Chinese)