Huawei Nova 3 — Full Specifications, Features & Price in Pakistan

The Huawei Nova 3 was Huawei's 2018 attempt to bring flagship-level AI camera technology to a lower price point, and it still shows up regularly in Pakistan's used-phone market. With a Kirin 970 chip, four AI cameras, and full Google apps support, it remains an interesting budget option — provided you buy it with the right checks. This guide covers its verified specifications, honest strengths and weaknesses, and what to verify before paying.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Specification	Detail
Brand / Model	Huawei Nova 3
Launch	2018 (Pakistan pre-orders August 28 – September 7, 2018)
Display	6.3-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 1080 x 2340 pixels (~409 ppi), notched
Chipset	HiSilicon Kirin 970 (10 nm), octa-core (4 x 2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 + 4 x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU	Mali-G72 MP12
RAM / Storage	4GB RAM; 128GB built-in; microSD card up to 256GB (hybrid slot)
Rear camera	Dual 16 MP (f/1.8) + 24 MP B/W (f/1.8), PDAF, LED flash, 4K video
Front camera	Dual 24 MP + 2 MP depth sensor
Battery	3,750 mAh, 18W fast charging (9V/2A)
Operating system	Android 8.1 Oreo, EMUI 8.x
SIM	Hybrid dual Nano-SIM, dual standby
Dimensions / Weight	157 x 73.7 x 7.3 mm; 166 g
Extras	Rear fingerprint sensor, 3.5mm audio jack, USB Type-C, Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX HD
Colours	Black, Airy Blue, Iris Purple, Red, Pearl White
Google apps	Yes — launched 2018, before Google's restriction on Huawei

Design and Build Quality

The Nova 3 uses a glass front and back with curved edges and an aluminium-style frame, and at 7.3 mm thin and 166 g it feels noticeably slim for a 6.3-inch phone. The Iris Purple and Airy Blue gradient finishes were the headliners in 2018 and still look distinctive in the used market. The fingerprint sensor sits on the back, and Huawei kept the 3.5mm headphone jack — something later Nova models dropped.

As with any used phone of this age, check the glass for hairline cracks and test the fingerprint sensor, since back-glass repairs on discontinued models can be hard to source.

Display Features

The 6.3-inch IPS LCD panel delivers 1080 x 2340 resolution at around 409 pixels per inch, so text and images stay sharp. Colours are typical of a good 2018 IPS panel — accurate but without the deep blacks of an OLED. The notch at the top houses the dual front cameras. Brightness is adequate for outdoor use in shade, though direct sunlight will wash it out, as with most LCDs of its era.

Processor and Performance

The Kirin 970 was Huawei's 2017 flagship chip (the same silicon as the Mate 10 Pro and P20 Pro), with a dedicated NPU for AI tasks. In 2026 it is far from a powerhouse, but it still handles calls, WhatsApp, YouTube, and light multitasking acceptably. The Mali-G72 MP12 GPU can run older games, though demanding modern 3D titles will struggle and heat the phone. For a secondary or backup phone, the performance is honestly still usable.

RAM and Storage

The Pakistan variant shipped with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of built-in storage, expandable via microSD up to 256GB at the cost of the second SIM. 128GB is generous for a phone of this age and holds plenty of photos, videos, and apps. 4GB of RAM is the tighter constraint — expect apps to reload when you switch between several heavy ones.

Camera Features

Huawei marketed the Nova 3 as an "AI Selfie Superstar": the dual 24 MP + 2 MP front setup uses AI scene recognition across eight selfie scenarios (blue sky, beach, night, and more). The rear pairs a 16 MP colour sensor with a 24 MP monochrome sensor, supporting 22 AI scene modes, portrait blur, and 4K video recording. In good daylight the results are still respectable; low-light shots show the phone's age, with noise and softer detail than any modern mid-ranger.

Battery and Charging

The 3,750 mAh battery supported 18W fast charging (9V/2A) at launch — fast for 2018. After several years, any used unit's battery will have degraded, so ask the seller about battery health and check how quickly it drains during a test. Budget for a possible battery replacement, which is inexpensive at most repair shops. New old-stock batteries for discontinued Huawei models can be harder to find, so confirm availability before committing.

Software and Updates

The Nova 3 launched on Android 8.1 Oreo with EMUI 8.x. Huawei did push it to Android 9 / EMUI 9.1 in most regions, but no further major updates followed. The important point for buyers in Pakistan: this phone ships with full Google Mobile Services — Play Store, Gmail, YouTube, Maps, and banking apps all work normally, because it was certified in 2018, well before the 2019 restrictions on Huawei.

Security patches stopped years ago, so treat it as a secondary device rather than your primary phone for banking if you are cautious.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Nova 3 supports 4G LTE (bands 1/3/5/8/38/39/40/41), dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX HD, GPS/GLONASS/BDS, and USB Type-C. There is no 5G and no NFC on most regional variants. Face unlock works via the front cameras in addition to the rear fingerprint sensor.

Variants, Colours and Availability

The standard Pakistan variant is 4GB RAM + 128GB storage. A 6GB RAM version existed in China but was not officially sold in Pakistan. Colours officially offered: Black, Airy Blue, Iris Purple, Red, and Pearl White. The Nova 3 is long discontinued — every unit in Pakistan today is a used or refurbished import. Do not confuse it with the Nova 3i (Kirin 710, weaker chip) or Nova 3e (smaller, P20 Lite rebrand).

Price in Pakistan and PTA Information

The Nova 3 launched in Pakistan at Rs. 59,999 (pre-order price, September 2018, per TechJuice). WhatMobile Pakistan now lists it as discontinued with no current price. Zohaan Mobile Gallery's internal catalog reference for this model is Rs. 9,999 (2026-10-01 used-condition reference — not a live market price); confirm the actual current asking price and condition with the store before buying.

PTA: PTA approval is per device and IMEI, never per model. Many Nova 3 units in the used market are non-PTA or have patched IMEIs — always send the phone's IMEI to 8484 and confirm "Compliant" status before paying. How to check PTA approval.

Main Advantages and Limitations

Advantages:

• Flagship-grade Kirin 970 chip at a budget used price
• Full Google apps support — Play Store, banking apps, everything works
• 128GB storage with microSD expansion
• Dual 24MP front cameras — still decent for selfies and video calls
• 3.5mm headphone jack and slim 166g design

Limitations:

• Discontinued since ~2019 — no software or security updates
• Aged batteries in most used units; replacements can be hard to source
• No 5G, and LTE bands are limited versus modern phones
• Low-light camera performance lags far behind current phones
• PTA status of used units is uncertain — must be verified per unit

Who Should Consider This Phone?

Good fit: buyers wanting a cheap secondary phone with proper Google apps — for a hotspot device, a kid's first smartphone, or office use where WhatsApp, calls, and YouTube are all that matter. The Kirin 970 still feels smoother than most phones at this used price.

Look elsewhere if: this would be your only phone and you rely on mobile banking, need all-day battery, or want a camera that keeps up in 2026. Browse all mobiles at Zohaan Mobile Gallery for newer used options, or read how to buy a used mobile safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of Huawei Nova 3 in Pakistan?

It launched at Rs. 59,999 in 2018 and is now discontinued, so there is no official price. Used units vary by condition and PTA status — Zohaan's catalog reference is Rs. 9,999 (not a live quote); confirm the current price on WhatsApp.

Does the Huawei Nova 3 have Google Play Store?

Yes. It launched in 2018 and was fully certified, so the Play Store, Gmail, YouTube, Maps, and banking apps all work normally.

What is the difference between Nova 3 and Nova 3i?

The Nova 3 uses the flagship Kirin 970 chip, a 24MP monochrome secondary rear camera, 18W charging, and USB-C. The cheaper Nova 3i uses the mid-range Kirin 710, a 2MP depth secondary camera, 10W charging, and microUSB.

Is the Nova 3 good for gaming?

Only for light and older games. The Kirin 970 handles casual titles fine, but modern demanding games will run at low settings with heat and frame drops.

What is its battery capacity and charging speed?

3,750 mAh with 18W fast charging (9V/2A). On a used unit, expect reduced capacity — test it before buying.

Is the Nova 3 PTA approved?

PTA status is per device. Many used Nova 3 units are non-PTA — always verify the specific unit's IMEI via SMS to 8484 before purchase.

Does it support 5G?

No. The Kirin 970 is a 4G-only chipset; the Nova 3 will never support 5G.

Is the Huawei Nova 3 available at Zohaan Mobile Gallery?

Check the Nova 3 product page or WhatsApp +92 305 8452080 for current used-stock availability, condition, and price.

Final Verdict

The Huawei Nova 3 is a classic case of old flagship silicon ageing gracefully: the Kirin 970, 128GB storage, and full Google apps make it one of the more usable 2018 phones you can still buy cheap in Pakistan. Its honest limits are the dead software support, tired batteries, and the PTA lottery on used units. Bought cheap, PTA-verified, and with a fresh battery, it is a genuinely good backup phone — just don't expect it to feel like a 2026 device.

Call to Action

See the Huawei Nova 3 at Zohaan Mobile Gallery, browse all used mobiles, or WhatsApp us at +92 305 8452080 for the confirmed current price, PTA verification of the actual unit, and our 7-day check warranty details. Or visit our Rahim Yar Khan store — Shop No. 6, First Floor, Iqra Plaza, Railway Road — and inspect the phone in hand before you buy.