Smartphone Comparison: Motorola Moto G30 vs. Huawei nova 9 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Huawei nova 9 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm | 164.6 x 75.6 x 7.9 mm | The Huawei is slightly thinner and lighter, making it potentially more comfortable for extended use. The difference in height and width are negligible. |
| Weight | 200g | 191g | Huawei nova 9 SE is slightly lighter which may be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | The Huawei offers a slightly larger screen, which is beneficial for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2388 | The Huawei's higher resolution provides a sharper and more detailed image, resulting in a noticeably improved viewing experience. |
| PPI | 269 | 387 | The Huawei’s higher pixel density results in significantly sharper text and images, reducing pixelation and making the display much clearer. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both phones provide similar viewing angles and color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both screens offer a smoother scrolling experience than standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | The actual brightness is unknown for both devices, which makes it impossible to compare their visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | The Huawei’s newer chipset offers improved performance and power efficiency, resulting in faster app loading, smoother operation, and better battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 170,968 | 248,000 | The Huawei benchmarks significantly higher suggesting smoother performance in real-world use, particularly for demanding tasks like gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 | Both phones have the same GPU, so graphically intensive tasks may perform similarly, though the newer chipset in the Huawei will likely perform better overall. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | The Motorola has a larger battery, which may translate to longer battery life for the average user. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | The Huawei charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime and making it more convenient. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Huawei's reverse charging feature can be convenient for powering other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP f/1.7 | 108MP f/1.9, 1/1.52" sensor | The Huawei's main camera has a higher resolution, suggesting more detail. The wider aperture on the Motorola may improve low-light performance. The bigger sensor on the Huawei will increase its low-light performance advantage. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 16MP f/2.2 | The Huawei offers a slightly higher resolution, which could lead to more detailed selfies. The aperture is the same on both devices. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2 | None | The Motorola has a dedicated wide-angle lens, allowing for more flexibility in framing shots. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both offer a depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both have a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP f/2.2 | The Huawei offers a combination wide-angle/macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps w/EIS | Both phones are similar in video quality, with the Huawei offering EIS for image stabilization during recording. |
| Slow Motion | 60 fps | 960 fps | The Huawei can capture slow-motion video in a higher frame rate, which means better quality and more dramatic effects. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 11, upgrade uncertain | Motorola offers a confirmed upgrade to Android 12. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi ac | Wi-Fi 6 (ax) | The Huawei offers faster, more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.0 | Huawei's Bluetooth includes higher quality codecs like APT-X and LDAC. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | The Huawei offers more satellite systems, which means more precise location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | The Huawei offers more internal storage options, better for users with a lot of media. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 6GB/8GB | The Huawei has more RAM allowing for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | The Huawei’s side-mounted sensor is usually faster and more convenient than rear-mounted ones. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | The Huawei includes a compass for enhanced navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery may provide longer battery life, especially for users who prioritize endurance.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle Lens: Offers additional flexibility for photography.
Huawei nova 9 SE Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 680 chipset offers better overall performance and efficiency.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper and more detailed visuals thanks to higher resolution and pixel density.
- Faster Charging: 66W fast charging allows for significantly quicker battery top-ups.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP main camera with a bigger sensor for more detailed photos.
- More Internal Storage and RAM Options: Offers a 256GB storage option with a base 6GB RAM, better for multitasking and storing more files.
- Modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and better Bluetooth audio codecs.
- Reverse Charging: Useful for charging accessories or other devices.
- Compass sensor: Additional sensor for better navigation and app experience.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola Moto G30 sacrifices performance and display sharpness for longer battery life and a dedicated wide-angle lens.
- The Huawei nova 9 SE trades some battery capacity for better overall performance, a better display, and a much faster charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life above all else and are less concerned with top-tier performance and display quality.
- Use Cases:
- Users who need a phone to last a full day or more without needing to charge.
- Budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone with a basic feature set.
- Users who enjoy taking wide-angle photos.
Huawei nova 9 SE:
- Ideal User: Users who want a balanced phone with good performance, a high-resolution display, and fast charging, without breaking the bank.
- Use Cases:
- Users who consume a lot of media and want a sharp and large display.
- Users who regularly use apps and perform multitasking.
- Users who value faster charging for more convenient daily use.
- Users who are looking for a more robust camera experience and can utilize slow-motion and night mode features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., media consumption, gaming, productivity, or basic communication)
- Is battery life or performance more important to you? (e.g., longer usage vs. faster app loading and smooth UI)
- Do you prioritize display quality or camera features? (e.g., sharp screen vs. a dedicated wide-angle lens or higher-resolution shots)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Long Battery Life Focus: If you need a phone that can last through a full day of heavy use without worrying about running out of power, the Motorola Moto G30 might be more suitable due to its larger battery.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Display Focus: If you prioritize smooth performance, sharp visuals, and fast charging, the Huawei nova 9 SE is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you use your phone for general use and want to benefit from overall value, the Huawei Nova 9 SE should be your pick due to the better screen, faster charging, and better overall performance
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Huawei nova 9 SE. While the Motorola G30 has a larger battery, the performance and display upgrades on the Huawei are significant. The faster charging also makes the lower battery capacity easier to manage. The better screen, camera performance, and more RAM make it a more enjoyable experience overall. The Motorola would only be a better choice if battery life was the sole priority.
