Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Huawei nova Y90: A Practical Comparison
Both phones cater to budget-conscious users but with different strengths—Motorola leans into productivity with its stylus and versatile camera setup, while Huawei focuses on battery life and smoother performance. Let’s break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | The Moto G is bulkier (due to stylus integration), while the nova Y90 is slimmer and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 195g | The nova Y90 is noticeably lighter—better for one-handed use. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Side-mounted is more convenient for quick unlocks. |
Takeaway: If portability matters, the nova Y90 wins. If you need a stylus, the Moto G is the only option.
Display
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.7" IPS LCD | Nearly identical, but the Moto G is slightly larger. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The nova Y90 feels smoother in scrolling and animations. |
| Resolution & PPI | 1080x2400 (387 PPI) | 1080x2388 (391 PPI) | No noticeable difference in sharpness. |
Takeaway: The nova Y90’s 90Hz display makes daily interactions feel more fluid.
Performance
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | The 680 is more efficient and slightly faster. |
| AnTuTu Score | 171,000 | 249,000 | The nova Y90 is ~46% faster in benchmarks—better for multitasking. |
| RAM Options | 4GB | 4/6/8GB | More RAM in the nova Y90 helps with keeping apps open. |
| 5G Support | Yes | No | The Moto G is future-proofed for 5G networks. |
Takeaway: The nova Y90 is the better performer, but the Moto G has 5G.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | The nova Y90 lasts longer—great for heavy users. |
| Charging Speed | 10W (slow) | 40W (fast) | The nova Y90 charges 4x faster—a huge advantage. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer is generally more durable. |
Takeaway: The nova Y90 is the clear winner in battery life and charging.
Camera
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Similar quality, but the Moto G has a slightly wider aperture (better in low light). |
| Ultrawide Lens | 16MP | ❌ None | The Moto G is better for landscapes and group shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | ❌ None | The Moto G can take close-up shots (though quality is mediocre). |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP | 8MP | The Moto G has a much sharper front camera. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | The Moto G supports smoother video. |
Takeaway: The Moto G has a more versatile camera setup, while the nova Y90 keeps it simple.
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths:
✅ Stylus Support – Great for note-taking, sketching, or precise editing.
✅ Better Camera Flexibility – Ultrawide and macro lenses add versatility.
✅ 5G Connectivity – More future-proof for network upgrades.
Huawei nova Y90 Strengths:
✅ Faster Performance – Smoother multitasking and app loading.
✅ Superior Battery Life – 5000mAh + 40W charging is a game-changer.
✅ 90Hz Display – Makes scrolling and animations feel smoother.
Trade-Offs:
- The Moto G is thicker and heavier due to the stylus.
- The nova Y90 lacks 5G and has a weaker selfie camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G?
✔ Students & Note-Takers – The stylus is great for annotating PDFs or sketching.
✔ Photography Enthusiasts – The extra lenses (ultrawide, macro) add creative flexibility.
✔ 5G Early Adopters – If you want future network compatibility.
Who Should Buy the Huawei nova Y90?
✔ Battery Life Lovers – 5000mAh + 40W charging means less downtime.
✔ Performance Seekers – Faster chipset and more RAM for smoother usage.
✔ Media Consumers – The 90Hz display makes scrolling and videos feel better.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I need a stylus? → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Do I prioritize battery life and speed? → nova Y90
- Do I care about 5G? → Moto G Stylus 5G
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Work & Productivity: Moto G Stylus 5G (stylus + better multitasking).
- For Longevity & Daily Use: nova Y90 (better battery + performance).
- For Photography: Moto G Stylus 5G (more lens options).
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the Huawei nova Y90.
Why?
- The 90Hz display and faster chipset make everyday use smoother.
- 5000mAh battery + 40W charging is a massive advantage over the Moto G’s weak 10W charging.
- The lighter, slimmer design is more comfortable for daily carry.
The Moto G Stylus 5G is great if you really need the stylus or 5G, but for most users, the nova Y90 offers better real-world performance and endurance.
Your Turn: What matters more to you—battery life or stylus functionality? Let me know in the comments! 🚀
