Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Huawei nova 11: A Practical Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Huawei nova 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 161.3 × 75 × 6.9 mm | The nova 11 is slimmer and lighter (168g vs. 217.5g), making it more pocket-friendly and comfortable for one-handed use. The Moto G Stylus is bulkier but includes a built-in stylus. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 168g | The nova 11 is 49.5g lighter, which matters for long-term comfort. |
| Foldable? | No | No | Both are standard slab phones. |
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Huawei nova 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.7" OLED | The nova 11’s OLED panel offers deeper blacks and better contrast, while the Moto G Stylus has a slightly larger screen. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The nova 11’s 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations smoother. |
| Brightness | Not specified (likely ~500 nits) | 950 nits | The nova 11 is far better in sunlight, making outdoor use much easier. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (387 PPI) | 1084x2412 (391 PPI) | Nearly identical sharpness. |
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Huawei nova 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 778G 4G (6nm) | The nova 11 is significantly faster (3x higher AnTuTu score). Better for gaming and multitasking. |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | The nova 11 has more RAM, meaning better app retention and smoother performance. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 128GB/256GB/512GB | The nova 11 offers more storage options, but neither has microSD support. |
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Huawei nova 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) + 16MP ultrawide + 2MP macro + ToF | 50MP (f/1.9) + 8MP ultrawide/macro | The Moto G Stylus has more lenses, but the nova 11’s higher-resolution selfie (60MP vs. 20MP) and better processing likely deliver superior photos. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps | 720p@960fps (slow-mo) | The Moto G Stylus records better standard video, but the nova 11 has super slow-motion. |
| Camera Features | Laser autofocus, quad-camera setup | 4K video, RAW support | The nova 11 is better for pro-level photography, while the Moto G Stylus has more versatility with its extra lenses. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Huawei nova 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4500mAh | The nova 11 has a larger battery, but real-world endurance depends on optimization. |
| Charging Speed | 10W (slow) | 66W (very fast) | The nova 11 charges much faster—a full charge in ~30 mins vs. ~2 hours for the Moto G Stylus. |
| Reverse Charging | No | Yes | The nova 11 can wirelessly charge other devices, useful for emergencies. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Huawei nova 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 12) | EMUI (no Google services) | The Moto G Stylus has full Android support, while the nova 11 lacks Google apps (a dealbreaker for some). |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | The nova 11 has faster, more stable Wi-Fi in crowded areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | The nova 11 supports better audio codecs (LDAC, aptX) for wireless headphones. |
| 5G Support | Yes | No (4G only) | The Moto G Stylus has 5G future-proofing, while the nova 11 is limited to 4G. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths
✅ Built-in stylus – Great for note-taking and sketching.
✅ 5G support – Better future-proofing for network speeds.
✅ More camera lenses – Ultrawide + macro + ToF for versatility.
✅ Stock Android – Cleaner software with Google services.
Huawei nova 11 Strengths
✅ Much faster performance – Snapdragon 778G is 3x more powerful than the Moto’s SD 480.
✅ Superior display – 120Hz OLED with 950-nit brightness for outdoor use.
✅ Faster charging – 66W vs. 10W (huge difference).
✅ Better selfie camera – 60MP vs. 20MP.
Trade-Offs
⚠ No Google on Huawei – No Play Store, Gmail, or YouTube (dealbreaker for some).
⚠ Moto G Stylus is bulkier – The stylus adds weight and thickness.
⚠ nova 11 lacks 5G – A downside if you need future network speeds.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G?
✔ Stylus users – If you take notes or sketch, this is a rare budget-friendly option.
✔ 5G users – Better for future network speeds.
✔ Google-dependent users – Needs full Android with Play Store.
Who Should Buy the Huawei nova 11?
✔ Performance seekers – Far better chipset and RAM for gaming/multitasking.
✔ Display lovers – 120Hz OLED with excellent brightness.
✔ Fast-charging fans – 66W charging is a game-changer.
✔ Selfie enthusiasts – 60MP front camera is a standout.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Do I prioritize performance and display? → Huawei nova 11
- Do I rely on Google apps? → Moto G Stylus 5G
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Student/Artist? → Moto G Stylus (for note-taking).
- Gamer/Content Consumer? → nova 11 (better display & performance).
- Google Services User? → Moto G Stylus (Huawei lacks Play Store).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Huawei nova 11—but only if I don’t rely on Google apps. The Snapdragon 778G, 120Hz OLED, and 66W charging make it a much more premium experience.
However, if I need Google services or a stylus, the Moto G Stylus 5G is the better choice despite its weaker performance.
Why?
- The nova 11 is faster, has a better display, and charges insanely quickly—three things I value highly.
- The lack of Google services is a big downside, but if you can work around it (via sideloading or Huawei’s AppGallery), the nova 11 is the better phone overall.
Winner: Huawei nova 11 (if you can live without Google).
Alternative: Moto G Stylus 5G (if you need Android + stylus).
