After weeks of speculation and leaks, Huawei has officially pulled back the curtain on its next-generation mid-range smartphones. The company has confirmed the launch date for the highly anticipated Nova 15 series, providing a first official look at a significantly redesigned flagship model and hinting at a notable performance upgrade across the lineup. This announcement marks a key moment for Huawei's popular Nova brand, which aims to blend style with increasingly capable technology.
Official Launch and First Look
Huawei has officially announced that the Nova 15 series will debut in China on December 22, 2025, with a launch event scheduled for 14:30 local time. The confirmation came alongside the release of promotional material featuring global brand ambassador Jackson Yee (Yi Yangqianxi) holding the top-tier Nova 15 Ultra. This imagery serves as the first official reveal of the phone's design, moving the device from the realm of rumor into concrete reality. While the global availability of the series remains unconfirmed at this time, the Chinese launch is now firmly on the calendar.
Confirmed Launch Details:
- Event: Huawei Nova 15 Series & Full-Scene New Product Launch Conference
- Date: December 22, 2025
- Time: 14:30 (China Standard Time, UTC+8)
- Location: China (Global availability unconfirmed)
A Striking New Design Identity
The most immediate change for the Nova 15 series is its completely redesigned aesthetic. The official teaser for the Nova 15 Ultra showcases a distinctive "15号色" (Color No. 15) variant in a vibrant green hue, complemented by a vertical texture on the rear panel. The most prominent design element is a large, horizontal rectangular camera module. Within this module, Huawei has implemented a dual-circular layout. One circle houses the triple-camera array, while the adjacent circle contains the LED flash and features "XD Portrait" branding. This bold new design language grants the Nova 15 Ultra, and likely its siblings, a much higher level of visual distinction compared to previous models.
Performance and Chipset Strategy
Under the hood, the Nova 15 series is poised for a generational leap in performance, according to information from the provided articles and associated leaks. The lineup is expected to comprise three models: the standard Nova 15, the Nova 15 Pro, and the Nova 15 Ultra. The standard Nova 15 is reported to be equipped with a Kirin 8-series chipset. In a significant upgrade, both the Nova 15 Pro and the Nova 15 Ultra are slated to feature more powerful Kirin 9-series processors. Specific leaks point to the Ultra model potentially utilizing the Kirin 9010S or a Kirin 9020A chip, signaling Huawei's intent to push the performance envelope of its Nova series further upmarket.
Rumored Model Lineup & Key Specs:
| Model | Expected Chipset | Display (Rumored) | Key Camera Features (Rumored) | Battery (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nova 15 | Kirin 8-series | ~6.7" 1.5K LTPO OLED | Single 50MP front camera | 5,700mAh |
| Nova 15 Pro | Kirin 9-series | ~6.84" 1.5K LTPO OLED | Dual front (50MP+8MP), Rear: 50MP main + 50MP periscope + ultra-wide + multispectral sensor | 5,700mAh |
| Nova 15 Ultra | Kirin 9010S / 9020A (9-series) | Details unconfirmed | Similar module to Pro; features "XD Portrait" branding and rumored 2nd-gen Red Maple color sensor | 5,700mAh |
Display and Camera Specifications
Beyond the chipset, the series is rumored to boast impressive display and camera hardware. The Nova 15 and Nova 15 Pro are tipped to feature 1.5K resolution LTPO OLED displays, measuring approximately 6.7 inches and 6.84 inches respectively. This technology promises smoother scrolling and better power efficiency. On the imaging front, the Pro model is speculated to offer a dual front-facing camera system with 50MP and 8MP sensors, while the standard model may have a single 50MP selfie camera. The rear camera setup on the Pro could include a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens, an ultra-wide camera, and a multispectral sensor for enhanced color accuracy. The second ring on the camera module is also rumored to integrate a "second-generation Red Maple primary color camera" for improved color reproduction.
Battery and Closing Thoughts
A common thread across all three rumored models is a substantial 5,700mAh battery, which would represent excellent battery life potential for the series. The official December 22 launch in China will provide final confirmation on all specifications, pricing, and availability details. With its confirmed new design, promised performance upgrades via Kirin 9-series chips, and high-end camera features, the Huawei Nova 15 series appears positioned as a major update that could redefine expectations for the mid-range smartphone segment.