The Huawei Nova 5T, a smartphone released in 2019, was associated with specific promotional offers during its pre-order phase. These offers, detailed in official promotional notes, provided additional value to customers who pre-ordered the device through designated channels. The device itself features specifications that position it within the mid-to-high range of smartphones, with a focus on camera capabilities and performance.
Pre-Order Freebies and Promotional Incentives
During the pre-order period for the Huawei Nova 5T, customers were eligible to receive specific freebies. According to official promotional information, customers who pre-ordered the device received a free pair of Huawei surround speakers and a one-year IFlix membership. The speakers were valued at P1,990, and the IFlix membership was valued at P1,308.
Further incentives were available for customers who claimed their pre-ordered devices at a specific location. Customers claiming their Nova 5T at the Huawei Concept Store located at SM North EDSA’s The Block Atrium were eligible for additional free items. These items were distributed based on the order of claims. The first 50 claimants received a Huawei Nova 2 Lite (valued at P8,990). The next claimants, numbers 51 through 200, received a Huawei FreeLace (valued at P3,490). Claimants numbered 201 through 300 received a Huawei Band 3 (valued at P2,490). Claiming for these pre-orders began at 1:00 PM. It is important to note that this specific location-based promotion was qualified only for those who pre-ordered their Huawei Nova 5T at the Huawei Concept Store at SM North EDSA.
Device Specifications and Features
The Huawei Nova 5T runs on the Android 9.0 operating system, though user reports indicate the device can be updated to Android 10. It features a 6.26-inch or 6.3-inch display (sources vary slightly on exact measurement) with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+). The display supports 16.7 million colours and has a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 97%.
In terms of performance, the device is equipped with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The processor is the HiSilicon Kirin 980 Octa-core chipset. The GPU is the Mali-G76 running at 720 MHz. The device does not support expandable storage via a MicroSD card slot, nor does it include a 3.5mm headphone jack or FM radio.
The camera system is a major selling point. The rear camera setup includes: - A 48 MP main lens with an f/1.8 aperture. - A 16 MP ultra-wide-angle lens with an f/2.2 aperture. - A 2 MP bokeh lens with an f/2.4 aperture. - A 2 MP macro lens with an f/2.4 aperture.
The front (selfie) camera is a single 32 MP lens with an f/2.0 aperture. Both rear and front cameras support video recording at up to 2160p (4K) and 1080p respectively, with features like gyro-EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization). The rear camera also features LED flash, HDR, and Panorama modes.
The device is powered by a non-removable 3750 mAh Li-Po battery. It supports fast battery charging at 22.5W. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual-band), Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, aptX HD, and LE, GPS with dual-band A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo, and QZSS, and NFC. It uses a USB 2.0 Type-C 1.0 reversible connector with USB On-The-Go support.
Sensors include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass. The device features loudspeakers but no active noise cancellation with a dedicated mic, although it supports 32-bit/192kHz audio. The build consists of an aluminum casing with glass front and back. It is available in colours such as Black, Crush Blue, and Midsummer Purple.
Pricing and Availability
The Huawei Nova 5T was priced at P18,990 during the pre-order period mentioned in the source material. In the international market, specifically on platforms like Amazon, the device is listed as an "International Version" (model YAL-L21) with 128GB storage and 6GB RAM (though other sources specify 8GB RAM). The Amazon listing notes that this international version has no warranty in the US and is compatible with GSM carriers such as T-Mobile, AT&T, and MetroPCS.
General availability status was listed as "Available" following its announcement in August 2019.
User Experiences and Network Compatibility
User reports regarding the Huawei Nova 5T highlight the device's camera performance, particularly in low-light conditions without the use of a flash. Users have noted the smooth performance of the device, attributing it to the 8GB RAM and the Kirin 980 processor. The inclusion of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor is noted as a preferred design choice by some users.
Regarding network compatibility, the device supports a wide range of 2G, 3G, and 4G bands. Specifically, it supports HSDPA bands 800/850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100 and LTE bands 1(2100), 2(1900), 3(1800), 4(1700/2100), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 18(800), 19(800), 20(800), 26(850), 28(700), 38(2600), 40(2300), and 41(2500). This makes it compatible with most GSM carriers, though it is an international model.
Conclusion
The Huawei Nova 5T was marketed with attractive pre-order incentives, including free audio accessories and streaming memberships, with further physical rewards available for in-person claims at a specific retail location in the Philippines. The device itself offers high-end specifications for its time, particularly regarding the 48 MP camera system, 8GB of RAM, and fast charging capabilities. It remains a device of interest for users seeking unlocked international models with robust performance and camera features.
