Okay, let's dive deep into the Motorola Edge (2022) and the Huawei nova 11 Pro. I'm approaching this as if we're sitting down over coffee, discussing which phone might be the better fit for you – and I promise to keep the tech jargon to a minimum!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the technical specifications, translated into real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2023-04-27 | Huawei is newer by ~7 months. |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm | 164.3 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm | Huawei is slightly taller, same width and almost identical thickness. |
| Weight | 170g | 188g | Motorola is significantly lighter making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.78" | Huawei has a slightly larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1200 x 2652 | Huawei’s sharper display offers crisper visuals. |
| PPI | 399 | 429 | Huawei provides marginally higher clarity. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Motorola's screen is a bit smoother during fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Huawei is vastly brighter, which is great for outdoor viewing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 | Snapdragon 778G 4G | Different chips; subtle performance differences. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 592,297 | Huawei is slightly faster on paper. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Adreno 642L | Different GPUs; generally similar gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera Resolution | 50MP | 50MP | Similar resolution, but sensor differences exist. |
| Rear Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.9 | Motorola's wider aperture can capture more light. |
| Front Camera Resolution | 32MP | 60MP | Huawei has a higher-resolution selfie camera. |
| Front Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.4 | Huawei's wider aperture should capture more light. |
| Wide Angle lens | 13MP | N/A | Motorola offers an dedicated wide angle lens |
| Macro lens | 20MP | N/A | Motorola offers a dedicated macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 8MP | Huawei offers a combination of both in one lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 720p@960fps | Motorola excels at high-resolution video, but Huawei has more powerful slow-mo. |
| OIS/EIS | OIS,EIS | EIS | Motorola offers Optical stabilization, which is superior for video. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Motorola should last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 30W | 100W | Huawei charges drastically faster, from 0-100 in very short time. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | None | Motorola offers convenient wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | 5W | Yes | Both can charge other devices via USB-C. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| Operating System | Android 12/13 | Android 13 | Motorola is up-to-date with the newest software. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have high-speed Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Similar Bluetooth experience, Huawei offers higher audio quality. |
| GPS | Multiple systems | Multiple systems | Both phones have multiple satellite systems, Huawei has more. |
| SIM | Nano SIM+eSIM | Nano SIM+Nano SIM | Motorola supports eSIM for digital carrier switching. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | Up to 256GB | Up to 512GB | Huawei has more storage options for your needs. |
| RAM | Up to 8GB | Up to 12GB | Huawei has more RAM, for better multitasking and better gaming experience. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Stereo Speakers | Motorola has superior audio experience with noise cancellation features. |
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Standard biometric security on both. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Motorola has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Barometer, Magnetometer | Gravity | Motorola has a more comprehensive sensor suite, including environmental sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022)
- Strengths:
- Lighter & More Ergonomic: It is more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Smoother Display: The 144Hz refresh rate provides a slick user experience.
- Versatile Cameras: Dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses enhance photography versatility, combined with OIS for video.
- Better Battery Endurance: A larger battery means less frequent charging.
- Advanced Audio Features: Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone and 3 microphones.
- Better Build: Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection.
- eSIM support: Dual SIM with eSIM flexibility.
- More Sensors: More sensors are useful for advanced features and apps.
- Trade-offs:
- Lower Brightness: The screen can be difficult to see in direct sunlight.
- Slower Charging: Less convenient compared to the Huawei.
- Less Storage and RAM Options: Limited to 256 GB storage and 8GB of RAM.
- Android Version: Slightly older Android version, even though the phone has the ability to run Android 13.
Huawei nova 11 Pro
- Strengths:
- Sharper, Brighter Display: The higher resolution and significantly higher brightness screen is ideal for outdoor use.
- Faster Charging: The 100W charging is a game-changer for those always on the go.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: Great for selfies and video calls.
- More Storage and RAM Options: Ideal for users that require lots of space for photos and multitasking.
- More Connectivity: Supports more satellite systems and audio codecs.
- Trade-offs:
- Heavier and Bulkier: Can feel less comfortable to hold over long periods.
- Less Versatile Cameras: Missing dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Lower Refresh Rate: Screen is less smooth than the Motorola.
- Smaller Battery: May require more frequent charging.
- No Wireless Charging A key feature is missing from this device.
- No OIS: Lacks Optical Image Stabilization.
- Basic Audio: Lacks Dolby Atmos and noise cancelling microphone
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge (2022) is best for:
- Casual Users: Those looking for a balanced all-rounder with a smooth display, good battery life, and versatile cameras.
- Content Creators: Users who need good video capabilities (4K@30fps with OIS) and a diverse range of lenses (wide-angle and macro).
- Everyday Productivity: Users who need a phone that lasts all day and offers practical features like a lighter design, wireless charging and Dual-SIM with eSIM capabilities.
- Audio Enjoyment: Users who want enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos, noise cancellation and multiple microphones
Huawei nova 11 Pro is best for:
- Frequent Travelers: Users who value fast charging and a bright display that’s easy to see in any condition.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize front camera quality for selfies and video calls.
- Power Users: Those who need fast performance and more storage.
- Multi-taskers Users that need more RAM for their daily usage
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is screen visibility in sunlight?
- If extremely important, the Huawei’s brighter display is the better choice.
- If not a high priority, the Motorola performs well enough.
- Do you need the best video and photo capabilities?
- If so, the Motorola is better because of the 4K resolution, OIS capabilities, wide angle lens and macro lens.
- If a high resolution selfie camera and a good macro lens is important to you, then the Huawei wins.
- Do you need a longer-lasting battery or faster charging?
- If you need the battery to last as long as possible, then the Motorola wins.
- If you need faster charging, then the Huawei is better for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- The "On-the-Go Professional": If you are constantly traveling and need a quick charge, the Huawei is the better choice.
- The "Creative Photographer": The Motorola, with its wider range of camera features, will be your best choice.
- The "Everyday User": If you value a lighter phone with excellent audio capabilities, then the Motorola will be the better daily driver.
- The "Power User": If you require more RAM and storage, the Huawei will be a better option.
Which would I choose and why?
Personally, I'd lean towards the Motorola Edge (2022). While the Huawei nova 11 Pro’s super-fast charging and brighter display are tempting, the Motorola offers a better overall package for my needs. The smoother 144Hz display, combined with its lighter design and more versatile cameras, makes it a more compelling daily driver. Additionally, the better audio experience is very important for me. I also appreciate the inclusion of wireless charging and a larger battery for those days when I'm away from a power source, and I find the build quality to be slightly better on the Motorola with Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
While both phones have their strengths, the Motorola Edge (2022) offers a slightly more rounded experience that fits my personal use case, but I would be very happy with either device.
