Huawei Debuts High-End Nova 15 Ultra Powered by New Kirin 9010S Chip
Huawei officially released the nova 15 Ultra today, positioning the device as a premium flagship within its nova lineup. The smartphone marks a significant hardware upgrade for the series, starting at a price point of RMB 4,199 (US$578).
For the first time, the nova series utilizes a Kirin 9-series processor, specifically the Kirin 9010S. Huawei stated that the new architecture delivers an 18% performance improvement over the previous generation and enhances gaming frame rate stability by 50%. The system employs fused software-hardware scheduling to accelerate app launch times.
The device features a redesigned "Star Shine" architecture incorporating an aviation-grade metal frame to improve resistance to bending and pressure. Integrating a 6.8mm chassis, the handset is the thinnest in nova history, reducing thickness by 12.6% compared to its predecessor.
On the front, the phone carries a 6.84-inch OLED display with a 2856×1320 resolution. The screen supports a 1-120Hz LTPO adaptive refresh rate and high-frequency PWM dimming suitable for varied lighting conditions.
Connectivity specifications include support for Tiantong and Beidou satellite communications, as well as distinct "no-network" communication capabilities via 2.4GHz frequencies. The device also integrates StarFlash technology, supporting high-speed audio transmission and digital car keys.
Powering the unit is a 6,500mAh silicon-carbon negative electrode battery. The system supports 100W wired fast charging and 80W wireless charging, addressing consumer demand for rapid power delivery in thinner devices.
The imaging system introduces the "Double Red Maple" configuration. The rear camera module utilizes a quad-50-megapixel RYYB setup, including a variable aperture main lens, a periscope telephoto lens, and an ultra-wide macro lens, aided by a dedicated spectral camera for color accuracy.
The nova 15 Ultra is available in four colors and three storage configurations. Apart from the base model, a 512GB version is priced at RMB 4,499, while the top-tier 1TB model, which features upgraded Basalt Tempered Kunlun Glass, is listed at RMB 4,999.
