Huawei Nova (2016) — Full Specifications, Features & Price in Pakistan

The original Huawei Nova from 2016 is where the Nova series began — a compact 5-inch metal unibody phone with the Snapdragon 625, launched at IFA Berlin in September 2016. A decade later it survives only in the used market, and it has one big advantage over every modern Huawei: it shipped with full Google apps, back when that was standard. This guide covers its verified specifications and what a used unit is worth in Pakistan today.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Design and Build Quality

The 2016 Nova is a beautifully compact phone by any era's standards: 141.2 mm tall, 7.1 mm thin, 146 g, with an aircraft-grade aluminium unibody and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. The 5-inch form factor is genuinely one-handed — something modern phones abandoned. A decade of use means checking for dents, worn buttons, and screen burn-in on any unit you consider; the metal body ages well, but batteries and displays do not.

Display Features

The 5.0-inch IPS LCD at 1080 x 1920 delivers ~441 ppi — sharp for its size, with decent colour for a 2016 panel. No high refresh rate, no OLED blacks, and brightness that struggles in direct sunlight by 2026 standards. As a secondary phone for calls, WhatsApp, and light browsing, the screen is perfectly serviceable; as a media device, it feels tiny next to modern 6.7-inch panels.

Processor and Performance

The Snapdragon 625 (14nm, eight Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz) was famous for efficiency rather than speed — and that reputation holds: it sips power and runs cool. In 2026 it handles calls, messaging, YouTube, and light apps adequately, but modern apps and web pages will feel slow, and 3GB of RAM means frequent app reloads. Think of it as a communication device, not a smartphone workhorse.

RAM and Storage

3GB RAM and 32GB storage (eMMC 5.1) was mid-range in 2016 and is minimal today — the OS and a handful of apps will fill much of the 32GB. The saving grace is the microSD slot (up to 128GB) for photos and media, though it shares the second SIM slot. The 4GB China variant (CAZ-AL10, also with 64GB storage) is the better used buy if you find one.

Camera Features

A single 12MP rear camera (f/2.2, PDAF, 1.25µm pixels) with 4K video recording, and an 8MP front camera. In good daylight it takes acceptable photos for a budget secondary phone; in low light, expect heavy noise — there is no night mode worth the name and no OIS. Judge it as a 2016 camera: fine for casual snaps, not for photography.

Battery and Charging

The 3,020mAh battery with 18W wired charging over USB Type-C was decent in 2016, and the efficient Snapdragon 625 stretched it well. In 2026, any surviving unit's battery is a decade old — degraded capacity is near-certain, and replacements for a 2016 model are hard to find. Test real-world endurance before buying, and treat the 18W figure as launch-era specification.

Software and Updates

Here's the Nova's unique selling point in the Huawei lineup: it launched with Android 6.0.1 and full Google Mobile Services — Play Store, Gmail, Maps, YouTube, all working natively, with an official upgrade path to Android 7.0 Nougat. The flip side: security patches ended around 2018, so in 2026 it runs software nearly a decade out of date. Do not use it for banking or sensitive accounts; as a secondary phone for calls, WhatsApp, and media, the Google-apps advantage over modern HMS-only Huaweis is real.

Connectivity and Additional Features

4G LTE (Cat 6), dual Nano-SIM standby (hybrid), Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS/GLONASS, FM radio, and USB Type-C — plus a 3.5mm headphone jack, which modern phones dropped. Rear fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass. No NFC on most variants, so no contactless payments — another reason to keep it as a secondary device.

Variants, Colours and Availability

International models (CAN-L01/L11/L02/L12/L03/L13) with 3GB + 32GB; the China CAZ-AL10 variant with 4GB + 64GB and LTE-A. Colours: Prestige Gold, Mystic Silver, Titanium Grey, Obsidian Black. The phone is long discontinued — Pakistan availability is used-market only, typically through shops dealing in old stock. Verify the exact model number, since the China variant has different bands.

Price in Pakistan and PTA Information

There is no current new-unit price — the Nova has been discontinued for years. Zohaan Mobile Gallery's catalog references Rs. 4,999 (2026-10-01 import), which reflects used-market positioning; confirm the actual price for the specific unit's condition on the Huawei Nova product page or WhatsApp. Used prices hinge on battery health and screen condition.

PTA: PTA approval applies per device and IMEI. Many 2016-era units in Pakistan were PTA-registered when new, but verify the specific unit by SMS to 8484 before paying — an unregistered unit needs tax paid. How to check PTA approval.

Main Advantages and Limitations

Advantages:

• Full Google Mobile Services — Play Store, Gmail, Maps, YouTube all work natively
• Compact, light, premium-feeling metal unibody (146 g)
• 3.5mm headphone jack and FM radio — rare in 2026
• Extremely cheap used — an affordable backup phone

Limitations:

• Android 7.0 at best — no security updates since ~2018
• 3GB RAM / 32GB storage is minimal for 2026 apps
• Decade-old battery with near-certain degradation; replacements scarce
• Small 5-inch screen, weak low-light camera, no NFC

Who Should Consider This Phone?

Good fit: buyers wanting the cheapest possible backup phone with working Google apps — for calls, WhatsApp, YouTube, and a headphone jack. Also a fun collector's piece: the phone that started the Nova line.

Look elsewhere if: this would be your only phone, or you need banking apps, a good camera, or all-day battery — browse all mobiles for a modern used phone instead, and read how to buy a used mobile safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Huawei Nova (2016) price in Pakistan?

Used-market only; the store catalog references Rs. 4,999. Confirm the price for the specific unit's condition with Zohaan Mobile Gallery.

Does the 2016 Nova have Google Play Store?

Yes — unlike modern Huaweis, it launched with full Google Mobile Services: Play Store, Gmail, Maps, and YouTube all work natively.

Is it still usable in 2026?

As a secondary phone for calls, messaging, and media — yes. As a primary phone — no: the software is a decade out of date and 3GB RAM struggles with modern apps.

What are its key specs?

5.0-inch 1080p IPS display, Snapdragon 625, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage (+microSD), 12MP rear / 8MP front cameras, 3,020mAh battery.

Does it have a headphone jack?

Yes — a 3.5mm jack, plus FM radio.

Is it PTA approved?

PTA status is per-device. Many old units were registered, but verify the IMEI via SMS to 8484 before buying.

Which variant should I look for?

The China CAZ-AL10 with 4GB RAM + 64GB storage is the better buy if available; check band compatibility with Pakistani networks.

Is it available at Zohaan Mobile Gallery?

Check the Huawei Nova product page or WhatsApp +92 305 8452080 for availability.

Final Verdict

The 2016 Huawei Nova is a time capsule: compact, metal, with a headphone jack and — uniquely among Huaweis you'll find today — full Google apps. At used prices around a few thousand rupees, it's a charming backup phone. Just don't ask a decade-old phone with no security updates to be your daily driver.

Call to Action

See the Huawei Nova at Zohaan Mobile Gallery, or WhatsApp us at +92 305 8452080 for current used stock and pricing. Or visit our Rahim Yar Khan store — every used phone is covered by our 7-day check warranty.