Huawei's Nova series receives HarmonyOS NEXT update: Smoother performance, but room for improvement

Huawei's Nova series receives HarmonyOS NEXT update: Smoother performance, but room for improvementThe most immediate improvement is a noticeable increase in system fluidity. The upgraded Huawei Nova 13 Pro runs significantly faster than with the previous HarmonyOS version

Huawei's Nova series receives HarmonyOS NEXT update: Smoother performance, but room for improvement

Huawei recently rolled out the HarmonyOS NEXT 5.0.0.102 update to four of its Nova series phones: Nova 12, Nova 12 Pro, Nova 13, and Nova 13 Pro, marking their transition to pure HarmonyOS. The remarkably swift rollout impressed many users, with many receiving the update and completing the upgrade within a day of its release. This article delves into the changes brought by the HarmonyOS NEXT update to the Huawei Nova 13 Pro, highlighting key details.

The most immediate improvement is a noticeable increase in system fluidity. The upgraded Huawei Nova 13 Pro runs significantly faster than with the previous HarmonyOS version. This enhancement likely stems from optimizations in HarmonyOS NEXT's underlying architecture and Huawei's investment in AI technology, resulting in more efficient resource allocation and faster app launch speeds. During the upgrade process, heat generation was well-managed, potentially due to system-level optimizations and environmental factors. Network signal remained stable, and battery life appears normal, easily lasting a full day on a single charge. Furthermore, no significant background app killing was observed.

However, the update isn't without its shortcomings. Firstly, the notification interface remains a relatively rudimentary "whiteboard," lacking personalization and advanced features. Improvements are expected in future updates. Secondly, the update doesn't include real-time dynamic features, and its API level is 14, still some distance from the final version. Compared to the pure HarmonyOS version currently on Huawei Mate 70 series devices, the version on the Nova 13 Pro seems somewhat outdated in terms of features, likely due to a phased rollout strategy. This is, after all, the initial release, with further optimization and updates anticipated.

The updated HarmonyOS NEXT incorporates several key technological innovations, significantly improving resource utilization and app launch speeds. The new system architecture optimizes resource allocation for enhanced efficiency. However, some aspects of the software ecosystem remain incomplete, potentially impacting user experience. Huawei's official update notes explicitly state that this is an initial release, with new features and underlying system optimizations planned for future iterative updates.

It's noteworthy that the updated devices all feature Kirin processors. This raises the question of when HarmonyOS NEXT will be available for devices with Snapdragon processors. No official announcement has been made, requiring patience from those users. There is also speculation that upgrading to pure HarmonyOS unlocks greater performance from Kirin chips, which might explain the perceived fluidity improvement.

This update isn't exclusive to the Nova 13 Pro; the Nova 12, Nova 12 Pro, and Nova 13 also received the update simultaneously. While this article focuses on the Nova 13 Pro experience, given the similar core specifications across these models, the user experience is likely comparable.

The HarmonyOS NEXT update is significant for Huawei. Its successful rollout expands the HarmonyOS NEXT ecosystem, strengthens its market competitiveness, and lays a solid foundation for future development. Huawei's continued investment and technological innovation in operating systems will deliver smoother and more intelligent user experiences.

In conclusion, the HarmonyOS NEXT update for the Huawei Nova series is a positive step forward, with noticeable improvements in fluidity. However, the omission of certain features and the need for further software ecosystem development require attention. This is just the beginning; with subsequent updates, HarmonyOS NEXT is expected to become more refined, enhancing the user experience. The rapid rollout reflects Huawei's commitment to user experience and confidence in the development of the HarmonyOS ecosystem. Future optimizations from Huawei are anticipated. This update lays the groundwork for Huawei to gain a strong foothold in the mobile operating system market, promising an exciting future. We also look forward to seeing HarmonyOS NEXT updates for more devices with various processors.

Finally, we'd like to ask our readers: Have you upgraded to HarmonyOS NEXT? What has your experience been like? Share your thoughts and feedback in the comments below.