Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Huawei nova 8i: A Practical Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Huawei nova 8i | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm | The nova 8i is more compact and easier to handle, while the Moto G Stylus is bulkier due to the stylus integration. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 190g | The nova 8i is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | The side-mounted sensor on the nova 8i is more convenient for quick unlocking. |
Takeaway: If you prioritize a slimmer, lighter phone, the Huawei nova 8i wins. If you need a stylus for note-taking, the Moto G Stylus 5G is the only option.
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Huawei nova 8i | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.67" IPS LCD | The Moto G Stylus has a slightly larger screen, better for media and stylus use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (387 PPI) | 1080x2376 (391 PPI) | Nearly identical sharpness—no noticeable difference in clarity. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Neither has a high refresh rate, so scrolling won’t feel as smooth as on premium phones. |
Takeaway: Both displays are similar in quality, but the Moto G Stylus has a slightly bigger screen, which is useful for stylus input.
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Huawei nova 8i | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | The nova 8i’s chip is slightly older but benchmarks higher (~18% better performance). |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB | The nova 8i handles multitasking better, reducing app reloads. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | The Moto G Stylus has a slightly better GPU, but real-world gaming performance is similar. |
Takeaway: The nova 8i has better raw performance (higher Antutu score, more RAM), but the Moto G Stylus has a newer, more efficient chipset (8nm vs. 11nm).
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Huawei nova 8i | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 64MP (f/1.9) | The nova 8i has a higher resolution, but the Moto G Stylus has a wider aperture (better low-light shots). |
| Ultra-Wide | 16MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | The Moto G Stylus has a much better ultra-wide camera. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.0) | The Moto G Stylus has a sharper front camera. |
| Extra Features | ToF 3D sensor | 2MP depth sensor | The Moto G Stylus has better depth sensing for portraits. |
Takeaway: The Moto G Stylus has a more versatile camera setup, especially for ultra-wide shots and selfies. The nova 8i has a higher-res main sensor, but real-world image quality may not differ much.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Huawei nova 8i | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4300mAh | The nova 8i has a slightly larger battery (~8% more). |
| Charging Speed | 10W (slow) | 66W (very fast) | The nova 8i charges 6x faster—a huge advantage. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer (nova 8i) is generally more durable. |
Takeaway: The nova 8i destroys the Moto G Stylus in charging speed—66W vs. 10W is a massive difference.
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths:
✅ Built-in stylus (great for note-taking, sketching).
✅ Better ultra-wide and selfie cameras.
✅ Newer chipset (8nm vs. 11nm) for efficiency.
✅ ToF sensor for better depth mapping.
Huawei nova 8i Strengths:
✅ Faster charging (66W vs. 10W)—huge for busy users.
✅ More RAM (6GB vs. 4GB)—better multitasking.
✅ Lighter and more compact design.
✅ Higher-resolution main camera (64MP vs. 48MP).
Trade-Offs:
- The Moto G Stylus is bulkier but offers stylus functionality.
- The nova 8i has no expandable storage (same as Moto G Stylus).
- Huawei’s software lacks Google services (no Play Store).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G if you:
✔ Need a stylus for productivity or creativity.
✔ Prefer better ultra-wide and selfie cameras.
✔ Want Google services (Play Store, Gmail, etc.).
Choose the Huawei nova 8i if you:
✔ Want faster charging (66W is a game-changer).
✔ Prefer a lighter, more compact phone.
✔ Don’t mind Huawei’s AppGallery (no Google apps).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Yes? Moto G Stylus 5G.
- Is fast charging a priority? → Yes? nova 8i.
- Do I rely on Google apps? → Yes? Moto G Stylus 5G.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Student/Artist: Moto G Stylus 5G (stylus is invaluable).
- Busy Professional: nova 8i (66W charging saves time).
- Photography Enthusiast: Moto G Stylus 5G (better ultra-wide & selfie cam).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Huawei nova 8i—but only if I can live without Google apps. The 66W charging is a massive advantage, and the 6GB RAM helps with multitasking.
However, if I needed Google services or a stylus, I’d reluctantly go for the Moto G Stylus 5G, despite its slower charging and bulkier design.
For most users, the nova 8i is the better phone—unless the stylus is a must.
