Should You Upgrade from the Huawei nova 15 5G to the Huawei nova 16 5G?
A spec-by-spec look at what actually changes when you move from the Huawei nova 15 5G to the Huawei nova 16 5G, 1 year apart.
Maybe — worth it only if the new features matter to you
The Huawei nova 16 5G is 1 year newer than the Huawei nova 15 5G, and both phones land on almost the same BeastScore (86.0 vs 86.0). The biggest improvements: newer kirin 9010s chipset (replaces kirin 8020), 1,000 mah bigger battery.
What you gain with the Huawei nova 16 5G
- +Newer Kirin 9010S chipset (replaces Kirin 8020)
- +1,000 mAh bigger battery
| Spec | Huawei nova 15 5G | Huawei nova 16 5G | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore (overall) | 86.0 | 86.0 | No real change |
| Chipset | Kirin 8020 | Kirin 9010S | New generation chip |
| Battery capacity | 6,000 mAh | 7,000 mAh | +1,000 mAh (17%) |
| Screen size | 6.7" | 6.7" | No real change |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | No real change |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | No real change |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB | No real change |
Upgrade if…
- You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day
- You play demanding games or want the newest on-device AI features
Huawei nova 15 5G vs Huawei nova 16 5G: Upgrade FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from the Huawei nova 15 5G to the Huawei nova 16 5G?
Maybe — worth it only if the new features matter to you. The Huawei nova 16 5G is 1 year newer than the Huawei nova 15 5G, and both phones land on almost the same BeastScore (86.0 vs 86.0). The biggest improvements: newer kirin 9010s chipset (replaces kirin 8020), 1,000 mah bigger battery.
What is the biggest difference between the Huawei nova 15 5G and Huawei nova 16 5G?
Newer Kirin 9010S chipset (replaces Kirin 8020): Kirin 8020 on the Huawei nova 15 5G vs Kirin 9010S on the Huawei nova 16 5G.
Does the Huawei nova 16 5G have a bigger battery than the Huawei nova 15 5G?
The Huawei nova 16 5G has a 7,000 mAh battery versus 6,000 mAh on the Huawei nova 15 5G (+1,000 mAh (17%)).
Who should upgrade to the Huawei nova 16 5G?
Upgrade if: You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day; You play demanding games or want the newest on-device AI features.