1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | The Moto G Power is slightly larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use and pocketability compared to the nova 12i. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 199g | The nova 12i is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | The nova 12i offers a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2388 | The nova 12i has a significantly sharper display with much more detail visible. Text and images will appear less pixelated. |
| Pixel Density | 266 ppi | 391 ppi | The nova 12i's higher pixel density will result in a clearer and crisper display. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The nova 12i offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the user experience feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical brightness (data is missing), meaning performance under sunlight is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | The nova 12i has a more modern and efficient chipset, resulting in better performance and potentially better battery management. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 289,000 | The nova 12i offers significantly faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance than the Moto G Power. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 | Both phones have the same GPU, but the nova 12i will perform better because of its more powerful CPU. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 48MP (f/1.7) | 108MP (f/1.9) | The nova 12i has a much higher resolution main camera, capturing more detailed images. The Moto G Power has a slightly wider aperture, which may perform slightly better in low light situations. |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm pixel size | 0.64 µm pixel size | Pixel sizes have minor differences and there is no way of determining the better quality without DxOMark data. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | Unknown | 1/1.67" | The nova 12i has a larger sensor, capturing more light and resulting in potentially better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 8MP (f/2.0) | 8MP (f/2.0) | Both have comparable front-facing camera quality for selfies. |
| Portrait (Depth) Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both have comparable depth cameras for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | The Moto G Power offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, while the nova 12i lacks this feature. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | The Moto G Power has more video options, and EIS at 60fps. |
| Slow Motion | Yes (60 fps) | No (30 fps) | The Moto G Power offers better slow-motion video capturing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 40W fast charging | The nova 12i charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Charger Included | 10W charger | Not specified | The Moto G Power includes a charger in the box, though it's relatively slow. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Unknown | The Moto G Power is older and uses Android 10, its future update support is likely to be very limited. The Huawei OS is not specified. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both phones have identical WiFi capabilities, but Huawei also includes dual-band and Direct WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE with LDAC, SBC, AAC | The nova 12i supports higher quality audio codecs over Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The nova 12i has more GPS system support for greater location accuracy. |
| SIM | Single SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | The nova 12i supports two SIM cards simultaneously, which is useful for travelers or users with separate work and personal numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64 GB | 128/256 GB | The nova 12i has much more internal storage which means it is less likely that you will need cloud storage. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 8 GB | The nova 12i has significantly more RAM, which means better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both lack expandable storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Basic | Both phones have similar basic audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer the same basic fingerprint security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both phones are comprehensive with their sensors but have some differences in the motion and proximity departments. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots, a feature missing on the nova 12i.
- EIS 60fps Video: Capable of recording 1080p video at 60fps with Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS)
- Slow Motion 60fps: Better slow-motion capturing.
In-box charger: Comes with a charger, even if it's a 10W one.
Practical Implications: Provides more versatility in photography, offers better video capabilities, and requires no extra purchases to charge.
Huawei nova 12i Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 680 chipset offers significantly better CPU performance, leading to snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Higher Resolution Display: A much sharper display with significantly more detail.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a smoother experience.
- Faster Charging: 40W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- More Internal Storage: Offers 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, compared to the Moto G Power's 32GB/64GB, providing much more space for photos, videos and apps.
- More RAM: Offers 8 GB RAM, compared to the Moto G Power's 3/4 GB, providing much better multitasking capabilities.
- Dual SIM Support: Allows use of two SIM cards simultaneously, beneficial for travelers or users with multiple phone numbers.
- Better Bluetooth Codec Support: Supports LDAC, SBC, and AAC for better audio quality with compatible headphones.
- More GPS Systems: Uses more GPS systems which means better location accuracy.
- Higher resolution main camera: 108MP main sensor captures significantly more detail.
Larger main camera sensor: The 1/1.67" sensor is larger, which may lead to better low light performance.
Practical Implications: Provides a much smoother and more responsive experience, less need for cloud storage, faster charging time, better quality audio with headphones and more versatile functionality due to the Dual Sim and improved GPS.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G Power is slightly thicker and heavier and lacks the performance boost that the nova 12i offers.
- The nova 12i lacks the macro lens found on the Moto G Power and its video capabilities are not as versatile.
- The Motorola has the advantage in video and the Huawei has the advantage in static photography.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking an affordable phone.
- Users interested in macro photography: Those who enjoy close-up photography.
- Users focused on video: Users who prioritize more video options.
Users needing basic functionality: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, messaging, and basic apps.
- Use Cases: Occasional macro photography, basic gaming, light social media use, video calls, offline media consumption.
Huawei nova 12i Ideal User:
- Performance-oriented users: Those who want a responsive phone for multitasking and gaming.
- Users who enjoy streaming and media consumption: The high-resolution display and dual-band Wi-Fi are great for streaming.
- Frequent travelers or users with multiple numbers: The dual-SIM support is ideal for managing two numbers on a single device.
- Users who value photography: Those who want a higher quality camera.
Users who value faster charging: Those who would like to charge their phone quickly.
- Use Cases: Gaming, watching videos, high-quality photography, multitasking across many apps, using 2 SIM cards.
Price-to-Value:
- The Huawei nova 12i offers superior performance, a better display, and faster charging. If the price difference is reasonable, the nova 12i offers better value due to its increased capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance? If you need a phone that can handle multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps without lagging, the nova 12i is a better choice.
- How important is video recording, and do you enjoy close-up photography? If you need more video functionality or a macro camera then the Moto G Power might be more suitable.
- What is your budget? If you are seeking an affordable option and can compromise on performance, the Moto G Power may suffice. If you are willing to pay more, the nova 12i offers significantly better value.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget User: You want a phone for calls, texts, and some basic browsing, and video recording or photography is not critical. Recommendation: The Moto G Power is sufficient, saving you money.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User: You want a phone that performs well for general use, social media, and some gaming. Recommendation: The nova 12i offers a much better experience with its superior performance, display and faster charging.
- Scenario 3: Photography Focused: You want a phone that excels at static photography. Recommendation: The nova 12i has the better camera for this purpose.
- Scenario 4: Video Focused: You want a phone that excels at video recording. Recommendation: The Moto G Power has the better video capabilities for this purpose.
Final Decision
I would choose the Huawei nova 12i. While the Moto G Power has a few niche advantages like the macro camera and better video recording, the nova 12i is superior in almost every other aspect that affects daily usability. The improved performance, much sharper display, faster charging, dual-SIM support, and larger storage make it a significantly better phone for most users. The user experience is noticeably better. If the price difference is reasonable, the nova 12i provides far better value for a modern user.
