Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 and the Huawei nova 11. I'll be focusing on real-world performance and user experience, translating those specs into what they actually mean for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on the aspects that matter most:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 | Huawei nova 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 159.4 × 74.2 × 6.8 mm | 161.3 × 75 × 6.9 mm | The Nova 11 is slightly taller and a hair thicker, but both feel very similar in hand. |
| Weight | 155g | 168g | Edge 30 is lighter, which makes it feel less tiring during long usage sessions. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | The Nova 11 has a slightly larger display, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1084x2412 | Both phones offer very sharp and detailed screens. The difference is negligible. |
| PPI | 405 | 391 | Again, both have a similar pixel density, leading to crisp visuals, although the Edge 30 is slightly sharper on paper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colours and deep blacks, but AMOLED tends to be slightly superior with better power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | The Edge 30’s 144Hz refresh rate offers smoother animations, making scrolling and gaming feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Huawei Nova 11 will perform much better in sunny outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | The Edge 30 has a slightly more powerful chipset with 5G, offering better overall performance and future-proofing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 609,900 | 587,561 | Both offer similar performance for everyday tasks and most games. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 642L | Both phones offer similar gaming performance, thanks to the same GPU. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.55" sensor | 50MP f/1.9, sensor size unknown | Edge 30 offers potentially better low-light performance with its larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.25, 1/3.14" sensor | 60MP f/2.4, 1/2.8" sensor | Nova 11 offers higher resolution and larger sensor selfies, but the Edge 30 has a wider aperture. |
| Ultra-wide + Macro | 50MP f/2.2, 1/2.76" sensor | 8MP f/2.2, sensor size unknown | Edge 30 has a much higher resolution ultrawide lens that should lead to a significant improvement in quality compared to the nova 11 |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with HDR, EIS, 1080p@30/60/120/960fps HDR, EIS | 720p@960fps with EIS | The Edge 30 supports higher-resolution video recording, which offers more flexibility when shooting and editing videos. |
| Camera Features | Triple Camera, OIS, Manual Focus, Night Mode | Dual Camera, Continuous Autofocus | Edge 30 has more advanced camera features and hardware, while the Nova 11 has its own advantages in the autofocus system. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 4500mAh | The Nova 11 has a larger battery, offering potentially longer usage time. |
| Charging | 33W | 66W | The Nova 11 charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Huawei Nova 11 offers reverse charging, allowing users to charge other compatible devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android (version unknown) | Edge 30 offers better software with a cleaner user experience and guaranteed updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer modern Wi-Fi connectivity for fast internet speeds. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Both support Bluetooth 5.2 for reliable wireless connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Huawei Nova 11 offers more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256/512 GB | The Nova 11 offers a higher storage option if you require more space for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 6/8/12GB | The Nova 11 offers a 12GB option, allowing for even smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage through microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Stereo Speakers | The Edge 30 offers a more immersive audio experience thanks to Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones use basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | The Edge 30 uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection, while protection for Nova 11 is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | The Nova 11 features a gravity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30:
- Strengths: The Edge 30 shines with a smoother 144Hz display, a more powerful chipset (with 5G support), a versatile and higher quality main camera and video recording and a more complete audio experience with Dolby Atmos.
- Competitive Advantages: It's aimed at users who prioritize performance and camera quality, with its slightly more powerful chipset and better cameras.
- Trade-offs: Slightly smaller battery with slower charging, no reverse charging.
Huawei nova 11:
- Strengths: The Nova 11 has a larger battery and faster charging, with a bigger screen and a better selfie camera.
- Competitive Advantages: Ideal for users needing a longer battery life, faster charging, and better selfie capabilities.
- Trade-offs: Not as smooth display, slightly weaker main camera hardware, no 5G.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
For the Performance Enthusiast: The Motorola Edge 30 is the better choice due to its faster refresh rate, faster processor and better main camera hardware. If smooth visuals and camera versatility are essential, the Edge 30 is a good fit.
For the Content Creator: If your focus is on capturing memorable moments or creating video content with your phone, the Motorola Edge 30 is again the better option. The higher video quality and versatile camera system will help you create better quality video content.
For the Everyday User Who Values Battery: If you prioritize battery life and speed of charging the Huawei nova 11 is the better pick.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you need the absolute smoothest display experience for gaming and scrolling? If yes, consider the Motorola Edge 30.
- Is fast charging and long battery life crucial for you? If yes, lean towards the Huawei nova 11.
- What is more important to you, video or selfie camera? If you value versatility in your camera setup and want to be able to record good quality videos, go with the Motorola Edge 30. If you are a selfie lover, go with Huawei Nova 11.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a gamer and watch a lot of videos. Go with Motorola Edge 30.
- Scenario 2: You are often on the go and need a phone with reliable battery life and quick charging. Go with Huawei Nova 11.
- Scenario 3: You love taking pictures with your phone and value having a high-quality main camera. Go with Motorola Edge 30.
My Choice
If I were to pick, I would lean towards the Motorola Edge 30. The appeal of a 144Hz display for smooth scrolling and gaming, combined with a better camera system and a slight edge in performance, edges it over the Nova 11 for me. Also, having the 5G support for faster internet is something to consider.
While the Nova 11 does have an advantage in battery life and charging speed, I'm willing to make that trade-off for the better overall user experience the Motorola provides.
