Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Huawei nova 8i
1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm | Moto G30 is slightly taller and thicker, while nova 8i is more compact; minimal practical difference in hand feel |
Weight | 200g | 190g | Nova 8i is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Nova 8i offers a slightly larger display for a more immersive viewing experience. |
Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2376 | Nova 8i has significantly higher resolution, resulting in a sharper and more detailed image. |
PPI | 269 | 391 | Nova 8i's higher pixel density translates to clearer text and images. |
Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same display technology, so color reproduction and viewing angles will be similar. |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Moto G30 offers smoother scrolling and animations due to the higher refresh rate. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Identical peak brightness; However, practical usage in direct sunlight may vary based on actual panel quality. Peak brightness needs further investigation. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Snapdragon 662 | Snapdragon 662 | Identical chipsets mean similar performance for everyday tasks and gaming. |
Antutu Score | 170,968 | 201,000 | Nova 8i scores slightly higher in benchmarks, potentially offering marginally better responsiveness and performance. |
GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 | Identical GPUs; gaming performance will be similar. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | Moto G30 offers a larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life between charges. |
Charging | 15W fast charging | 66W fast charging | Nova 8i charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
Camera | |||
Standard Camera Resolution | 64.4MP | 64MP | Both offer similar main camera resolution; Moto G30 has a slightly wider aperture which could improve low-light performance. |
Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.9 | Moto G30's wider aperture (f/1.7) allows more light to reach the sensor, potentially resulting in better low-light performance. |
Standard Camera Pixel Size | 0.70 µm | 0.80 µm | Huawei nova 8i has a slightly larger pixel size which could translate to better light sensitivity. |
Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 16MP | Nova 8i captures slightly more detailed selfies with its higher resolution front camera. |
Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Nova 8i selfie camera has wider aperture, potentially improving low-light performance. |
Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both offer identical wide angle lens. |
Portrait Mode Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer identical portrait mode (depth) lens. |
Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer identical macro lens. |
Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps | Moto G30 offers slightly more frame rate options. Both phones offer similar video recording quality for standard use cases like social media. |
Slow-motion Video | Yes, 60 fps | Yes, 120 fps | Huawei Nova 8i offers faster slow-motion video capture. |
Features | LAF, RAW | Digital image stabilization | Motorola Moto G30 offers Laser Autofocus and RAW capture. Huawei nova 8i offers Digital Image stabilization. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 10 | Moto G30 has a newer OS and more potential for future updates. |
Connectivity | |||
Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Similar Wi-Fi performance on both phones. Motorola Moto G30 additionally supports: Dual band, Wi-Fi Direct; Huawei nova 8i additionally supports: Wi-Fi Display. |
Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both feature Bluetooth 5.0 LE, with Huawei Nova 8i additionally supporting better audio codecs (APT-x, LDAC, AAC) for higher quality audio transmission. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Huawei nova 8i supports additional satellite navigation for better accuracy. |
Storage & RAM | |||
Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128 GB | Both offers 128GB variants, though the Moto G30 also comes in a 64GB option. |
RAM | 4/6 GB | 6 GB | Nova 8i has a higher RAM as a standard, which means improved multitasking capabilities. |
Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
Audio | |||
Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Huawei nova 8i offers significantly better audio with stereo speakers, noise cancellation, and dual mics. |
Security | |||
Features | rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted sensors tend to be more convenient and faster. |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Huawei nova 8i has additional compass sensor for better accuracy in directional tasks. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery provides significantly longer battery life, ideal for heavy users.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid user experience, especially for scrolling and animations.
- Newer Software: Android 11 (upgradable to 12) offers more up-to-date features and potentially longer software support.
- Laser Autofocus and RAW: additional camera features providing flexibility for the most avid photographers.
Huawei nova 8i Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density deliver a clearer and more detailed visual experience.
- Faster Charging: 66W fast charging significantly reduces downtime.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and noise cancellation offer improved sound quality and call clarity.
- More RAM: 6 GB RAM as standard offers smoother performance for multitasking and demanding apps.
- Better Slow-motion Video: 120 fps for smoother slow-motion video recording
- Better selfie camera: higher resolution and wider aperture on the front facing camera
- Additional sensors: compass for better directional tracking.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola Moto G30: Sacrifices display sharpness and audio quality for better battery life and refresh rate. Slower charging.
- Huawei Nova 8i: Trades battery life and smoother refresh rate for a sharper display, better audio and significantly faster charging. Older OS.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Motorola Moto G30:
- Users prioritizing battery life: Those who need a phone that can last all day without needing a charge.
- Users who like a fluid UI: The 90Hz refresh rate will be preferred by users who appreciate smoothness while browsing and using the phone.
- Budget-conscious buyers: The 64GB varient may be attractive to price conscious buyers
- Users who like more photography control: Those who want more flexibility in their photography with Laser autofocus and RAW capture.
Use Cases for Motorola Moto G30:
- Long days away from a charger.
- Moderate gaming that benefits from a smoother refresh rate.
- Outdoor photography with laser autofocus and RAW capture.
- Casual users who value smoothness and battery life over maximum display sharpness.
Ideal Users for Huawei nova 8i:
- Users who prioritize display quality: Those who watch a lot of videos or view a lot of images on their phone.
- Users who value faster charging: Users who don't want to wait long to charge their phone.
- Users who value audio quality: Those who consume a lot of media through their phone's speakers.
- Users who are more interested in video: prefer a higher quality selfie and slow-motion video recording.
- Multitaskers: Benefit from the 6 GB of RAM.
Use Cases for Huawei nova 8i:
- Watching streaming content and playing games.
- Users who value audio for media consumption.
- Quick top-ups when charging time is limited.
- Users who value higher image quality and sharper details
- Navigation with better compass tracking.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you value battery life over display sharpness? If battery life is the top priority, the Moto G30 is the better choice. If you prefer a sharper display, the Nova 8i would be more suitable.
- How important is fast charging to you? If you need to quickly charge your phone, the Nova 8i’s 66W charging is a key advantage. If you are willing to wait longer for charging, Moto G30 may be suitable
- Are you a heavy media consumer or more of a casual user? If you consume lots of videos, music, and media on your phone, the Nova 8i is the better option due to its enhanced display and audio. If you are a casual user that likes a smooth UI, Moto G30 is recommended.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: On-the-Go User: If you need a phone for long days away from a charger, with a smooth UI experience and flexible camera options, the Motorola Moto G30 is recommended.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia Enthusiast: If you watch a lot of videos or play a lot of music on your phone, and value a crisp screen and better audio, the Huawei nova 8i is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Casual User with a Focus on convenience: If you prefer fast charging, better audio and higher quality selfies, with a more modern design, the Huawei nova 8i is the better choice.
Decision
I would choose the Huawei Nova 8i.
While the Motorola Moto G30 offers a longer battery life and a slightly smoother display due to the 90Hz refresh rate, the Huawei Nova 8i has a better overall user experience for my typical use case which involves multimedia consumption. The significantly faster charging, crisper display and vastly improved audio quality, alongside the advantages of a more modern design and the additional 2GB RAM outweigh the battery and refresh rate advantages of the Moto G30. While the G30 has a slightly wider aperture and laser autofocus, I would prefer the Nova 8i's sharper selfie camera and faster slow-motion video. My daily usage is not primarily photography, so the advantages of the Nova 8i would offer more practical benefits.