Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Huawei nova 9: A Practical Comparison
Both phones cater to different audiences—the Moto G Stylus 5G offers a stylus and a large display, while the Huawei nova 9 focuses on premium performance and camera quality. Let’s break down the key differences and determine which one fits your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Huawei nova 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 160 × 73.7 × 7.8 mm | The Moto G is bulkier, while the nova 9 is slimmer and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 175g | The nova 9 is 42.5g lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Stylus Support | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | The Moto G’s stylus is great for note-taking and sketching. |
Verdict: If you prioritize a slim, lightweight phone, the nova 9 wins. If you need a stylus for productivity, the Moto G is the only choice.
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Huawei nova 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.57" OLED | The Moto G has a larger screen, but the nova 9’s OLED panel offers deeper blacks and better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The nova 9’s 120Hz display makes scrolling and animations smoother. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (387 PPI) | 1080x2340 (392 PPI) | Nearly identical sharpness, but OLED gives the nova 9 better color vibrancy. |
Verdict: The nova 9’s OLED + 120Hz combo is superior for media consumption, while the Moto G’s bigger screen is better for stylus use.
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Huawei nova 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 778G 4G (6nm) | The nova 9’s 778G is 3x faster (AnTuTu: 578K vs. 171K). |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB | The nova 9 handles multitasking and gaming much better. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 128GB/256GB (non-expandable) | The nova 9 offers a 256GB option, useful for heavy media users. |
Verdict: The nova 9 is significantly faster, making it better for gaming and heavy apps. The Moto G is fine for basic tasks but struggles with demanding use.
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Huawei nova 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 50MP (f/1.9, Sony IMX766) | The nova 9’s larger sensor (1/1.56") captures more light, improving low-light shots. |
| Ultrawide | 16MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | The Moto G has a higher-res ultrawide, but the nova 9’s processing may still win. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.0) | 32MP (f/2.0) | The nova 9’s 32MP front cam is better for selfies and video calls. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps | 4K (but no slow-motion) | The nova 9 supports 4K, but the Moto G has better slow-motion (120fps). |
Verdict: The nova 9 has the better camera system overall, especially in low light. The Moto G’s ultrawide and slow-motion are its strengths.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Huawei nova 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4300mAh | The nova 9 has a slightly larger battery, but real-world life depends on optimization. |
| Charging Speed | 10W (slow) | 66W (very fast) | The nova 9 charges 6x faster, a huge advantage for power users. |
Verdict: The nova 9’s 66W charging is a game-changer—no more overnight charging.
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths
✅ Built-in stylus – Great for note-taking, drawing, and precise control.
✅ Larger display – Better for media and stylus use.
✅ Better slow-motion video – 120fps vs. nova 9’s 30fps.
Huawei nova 9 Strengths
✅ Much faster performance – 3x higher benchmark scores.
✅ Superior display – OLED + 120Hz for smoother visuals.
✅ Better cameras – Larger sensor, 32MP selfie, 4K video.
✅ Faster charging – 66W vs. 10W.
Trade-Offs
- The nova 9 lacks 5G (Snapdragon 778G is 4G-only).
- The Moto G is slower and has a lower refresh rate.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G?
- Students & note-takers – The stylus is great for annotating PDFs and sketching.
- Budget users who want a big screen – If you don’t need high-end performance.
- Casual users – Fine for social media, calls, and light gaming.
Who Should Buy the Huawei nova 9?
- Photography lovers – Better main and selfie cameras.
- Gamers & power users – Faster chipset and 120Hz display.
- Those who hate slow charging – 66W charging is a massive upgrade.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Do I care about performance and cameras more? → Huawei nova 9
- Is fast charging important to me? → nova 9 (66W vs. 10W)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For productivity & creativity → Moto G Stylus 5G (stylus + big screen).
- For gaming, photography, and speed → Huawei nova 9.
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Huawei nova 9.
Why?
- Performance is king – The Snapdragon 778G is far superior to the Moto G’s 480.
- OLED + 120Hz makes everything look better.
- 66W charging is a huge quality-of-life upgrade.
- Better cameras for social media and travel.
The only reason to pick the Moto G is if you absolutely need a stylus. Otherwise, the nova 9 is the better all-rounder.
Would you prioritize the stylus or performance? Let me know in the comments! 🚀
