The Huawei nova 3, released in 2018, represented a peak in Huawei’s mid-range offerings before trade restrictions impacted their chipset availability. The Honor Play10, released in 2020, aimed to deliver a competitive experience at a lower price point. This comparison examines whether the older, more powerful Kirin 970 in the nova 3 still holds up against the newer, but less potent, Mediatek Helio G81 found in the Play10.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user in 2024, the Huawei nova 3 offers a more compelling experience. While the Honor Play10 is more readily available and cheaper, the Kirin 970’s superior processing power and faster 18W charging outweigh the Play10’s newer chipset architecture, especially for demanding tasks and gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - PAR-LX1M, PAR-LX1, PAR-TL20 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - PAR-LX1M, PAR-LX1 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat16 1024/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - PAR-AL00 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 08 | 2018, July. Released 2018, August |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, September | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 167.7 x 77.7 x 8.6 mm (6.60 x 3.06 x 0.34 in) | 157 x 73.7 x 7.3 mm (6.18 x 2.90 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 166 g (5.86 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm) | Kirin 970 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G72 MP12 |
| OS | Android 15 (Go edition) | Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, 27mm (wide), f/1.8, PDAF
24 MP B/W, 27mm (wide), f/1.8, PDAF |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 24 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm
2 MP, depth sensor |
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE, EDR, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes (PAR-LX1 model only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Infrared Face ID, fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 3750 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Cyan, Starry Purple, Midnight Black | Iris Purple, Airy blue, Primrose Gold, Red, Black |
| Models | ELA-LX3 | PAR-AL00, PAR-LX1M, PAR-LX1, PAR-LX9, PAR-TL20, PAR-TL00 |
| Price | - | About 350 EUR |
Honor Play10
- More affordable price point
- Newer chipset architecture (potentially better long-term software support)
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Significantly weaker CPU performance
- Slower 10W charging
- Potentially lower quality camera system
Huawei nova 3
- More powerful Kirin 970 processor
- Faster 18W charging
- Likely superior camera performance
- Older device (potential battery degradation)
- May be harder to find in good condition
- Software support may be limited
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display by today’s standards. Specifics regarding panel type (IPS vs AMOLED) and resolution are missing, but both likely feature 1080p+ displays typical of their price brackets. The nova 3’s slightly larger screen size (assumed, based on typical nova series sizing) may offer a more immersive viewing experience. However, without detailed brightness and color accuracy data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. The absence of high refresh rate technology on both devices is standard for their release windows.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor specifications, a direct camera comparison is challenging. However, Huawei historically prioritized camera performance, and the nova 3 likely features a more sophisticated camera system than the Play10. The Kirin 970’s integrated ISP (Image Signal Processor) is more advanced than the one found in the Helio G81, resulting in better image processing, dynamic range, and low-light performance. While the Play10 may offer a higher megapixel count on some sensors, the nova 3’s superior image processing capabilities will likely produce more detailed and visually appealing photos. The inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the nova 3 (likely, given its positioning) would further enhance image quality, particularly in low-light conditions.
Performance
The Kirin 970 (10nm) in the Huawei nova 3 significantly outperforms the Mediatek Helio G81 (12nm) in the Honor Play10. The Kirin 970’s octa-core configuration, with 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 cores, provides a substantial CPU performance advantage over the Play10’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. The 10nm process node of the Kirin 970 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, allowing for sustained performance during demanding tasks. While the Helio G81 benefits from a newer architecture, the raw processing power of the Kirin 970 is undeniable, translating to smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. Gamers will see a noticeable difference, with the nova 3 handling graphically intensive titles with higher frame rates.
Battery Life
The Honor Play10’s 10W charging is a significant disadvantage compared to the Huawei nova 3’s 18W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed of the nova 3 allows for quicker top-ups, reducing downtime. The Kirin 970’s better power efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life, despite the Play10 benefiting from a newer chipset architecture. Users who frequently use their phones throughout the day will appreciate the convenience of the nova 3’s faster charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Play10 if you prioritize affordability above all else and need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Huawei nova 3 if you value performance for gaming, multitasking, and photography, and are willing to potentially navigate the challenges of finding a well-maintained used device and its software ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei nova 3 still receiving software updates?
Software update support for the Huawei nova 3 is likely limited or non-existent at this point. Huawei has shifted its focus to newer devices, and the nova 3 is an older model. Users should expect to rely on the existing software version and potentially explore custom ROM options if desired.
❓ Will the Helio G81 in the Honor Play10 struggle with modern mobile games?
The Helio G81 can handle many modern mobile games, but you'll likely need to lower graphics settings for smoother gameplay in demanding titles like PUBG or Genshin Impact. The Kirin 970 in the nova 3 will provide a significantly better gaming experience with higher frame rates and more consistent performance.
❓ How does the 10W charging on the Honor Play10 compare to typical charging speeds today?
10W charging is quite slow by today's standards. Expect a full charge to take over 3 hours. The Huawei nova 3's 18W charging is considerably faster, taking around 1.5-2 hours for a full charge, offering a much more convenient experience.
❓ Is the Huawei nova 3's camera still competitive in 2024?
While not matching the capabilities of flagship cameras, the Huawei nova 3's camera remains surprisingly capable in good lighting conditions. Its image processing and dynamic range are likely superior to the Honor Play10, making it a better choice for photography enthusiasts.
