Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 20 and the Huawei nova Y90. As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and offer some real-world insights to help you decide which one might be right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications, designed to show what these numbers actually mean for day-to-day use:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 7 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | The Edge 20 is slightly wider and much thinner, making it feel more streamlined. The nova Y90 is a bit thicker and narrower. |
| Weight | 163g | 195g | Edge 20: Noticeably lighter, great for one-handed use and carrying around. Nova Y90: Feels more substantial, but can be tiring over long periods. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Edge 20: Screen is more likely to survive accidental drops. Nova Y90: Durability is a question mark without screen protection details. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both offer a large screen for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Practically identical visual clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 385 PPI | 391 PPI | Sharpness is comparable on both. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Edge 20: Superior color accuracy, deeper blacks, and better contrast, enhancing media consumption. Nova Y90: Colors might be less vibrant, and blacks won't be as deep. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 90Hz | Edge 20: Significantly smoother scrolling, gaming, and animations. Makes a huge difference in perceived responsiveness. Nova Y90: Still smooth, but not as fluid as the Edge 20. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is the same for both phones |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G | Snapdragon 680 4G | Edge 20: Faster processor, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. Supports 5G for faster mobile data. Nova Y90: Slower, better suited for basic tasks and light gaming. No 5G support. |
| AnTuTu Score | 589,200 | 249,000 | Edge 20: More than double the performance, leading to a much snappier experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 610 | Edge 20: Better graphics performance, crucial for gaming and graphically intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP f/1.9 | 50MP f/1.8 | Edge 20: Higher resolution for more detailed photos. Nova Y90: Wider aperture for potentially better low-light performance, but resolution is lower. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.3 | 8MP f/2.0 | Edge 20: Much higher resolution for sharper selfies. Nova Y90: Wider aperture for potentially better low-light selfies, but lacks the detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes | No | Edge 20: Offers optical zoom for distant subjects. Nova Y90: Relies on digital zoom, which can reduce image quality. |
| Wide Angle/Macro | Yes | No | Edge 20: Versatile for capturing wide landscapes and close-up details. |
| Secondary/Tertiary Cameras | No | Yes (2x2MP) | Nova Y90: These additional cameras are usually depth sensors or low-resolution macro lenses, adding limited value. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Edge 20: Supports higher resolution video for more professional-looking footage. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Optical Zoom, Digital Image Stabilization | PDAF | Edge 20: Captures video at 4K, Optical zoom is a plus, and Digital Image Stabilization will help with clearer videos. Nova Y90: With Phase Detection Autofocus it could keep the subject in focus. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 5000mAh | Nova Y90: Larger battery provides potentially longer battery life, especially with its less power-hungry processor and display. |
| Charging | 30W | 40W | Nova Y90: Slightly faster charging to top up the larger battery more quickly. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | Edge 20: Can be used to charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Unknown | Edge 20: Clear OS, upgradeable to Android 12 for the latest features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Edge 20: Faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Edge 20: Newer version for better range and efficiency. |
| GPS | Yes | Yes (QZSS) | Nova Y90: Supports more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128GB | Edge 20: Option for more storage to hold more files and media. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 4/6/8GB | Edge 20: Sufficient for smooth multitasking. Nova Y90: Lower RAM is available, that might impact performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Other | |||
| Security | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both offer convenient fingerprint unlocking. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Gyroscope | Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | Edge 20: Comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The OLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate is a game-changer for visual experience, providing vibrant colors and incredibly smooth motion.
- Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset delivers significantly better performance, making it ideal for gaming and demanding apps.
- Better Camera System: With a 108MP main camera, telephoto, and wide-angle lenses, the Edge 20 offers more versatility and higher quality photos.
- Lighter and Thinner Design: Easier to handle and more pocket-friendly.
Huawei nova Y90 Strengths:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery ensures longer battery life, which is great for users who are often away from a charger.
- Faster Charging: 40W fast charging helps to quickly top up the larger battery.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The Edge 20 has a smaller battery compared to the nova Y90, which might be a concern for heavy users.
- The nova Y90's older chipset and IPS LCD screen limit its overall performance and visual appeal.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 20:
- Ideal for: Gamers, media enthusiasts, photographers, and users who prioritize performance and display quality.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, streaming videos, capturing high-resolution photos and videos, and multitasking.
- Huawei nova Y90:
- Ideal for: Users who need long battery life and are on a tighter budget.
- Use Cases: Basic day-to-day tasks, social media, calls, and casual media consumption.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality to you? If vibrant colors and smooth motion are critical, the Edge 20's OLED 144Hz display is the clear winner.
- What are your performance needs? If you plan on gaming or using demanding apps, the Edge 20's Snapdragon 778G will provide a much better experience.
- How much do you value battery life? If you need all-day battery and are often away from a charger, the nova Y90's larger battery might be more appealing.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User - You play games, stream videos, and need a phone that can keep up with your demanding lifestyle. Recommendation: Motorola Edge 20 for its superior performance and display.
- Scenario 2: Budget Conscious - You need a reliable phone for basic tasks and want the best battery life possible. Recommendation: Huawei nova Y90.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast - You want a versatile camera system that can capture high-quality photos in various situations. Recommendation: Motorola Edge 20 for its 108MP camera and telephoto lens.
Which one would I choose?
Personally, I would choose the Motorola Edge 20. While the nova Y90 has a larger battery, the Edge 20's OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and the much faster Snapdragon 778G chipset make a significant difference in everyday use. As someone who values smooth performance, a great visual experience, and a versatile camera, the Edge 20 offers a much more enjoyable and capable experience overall. Plus, the lighter design is a welcome bonus for portability.
