Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G31 and the Huawei nova Y90. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and help you figure out which phone might be the best fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a comprehensive look at how these two phones stack up, with an emphasis on what it all means for you, the user:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-06 | 2022-07-27 | Huawei is significantly newer, potentially with newer software/features. |
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm | Very similar, but Huawei is slightly taller and thinner, might feel different in the hand. |
| Weight | 181g | 195g | Motorola is lighter, could be more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | Huawei has a larger screen; better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Both have sharp FHD+ displays, subtle differences will be unnoticeable |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 391 | Motorola has a slightly sharper screen due to its higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Motorola has superior blacks, contrast, and vibrant colors; better for darker viewing environments. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Huawei offers a smoother scrolling experience and snappier animations. |
| Brightness (nits) | 0 | 0 | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, making it hard to compare on bright sunlight, better to look at real-life tests |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek G85 (12nm) | Snapdragon 680 (6nm) | Huawei’s chipset is more modern and power-efficient; better for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 249,000 | Huawei scores higher in benchmarks, implying snappier performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 | Different GPUs; Huawei's Adreno 610 is generally considered slightly more powerful. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 10W | 40W | Huawei charges significantly faster; less time tethered to the wall. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear | 50MP f/1.8, 0.64µm | 50MP f/1.8, 0.70µm | Similar primary camera, but Huawei has larger pixels, potentially better low light performance. |
| Selfie | 13MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.0 | Motorola takes higher resolution selfies, while Huawei's aperture allows for better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP f/2.0 | None | Motorola has an additional lens for capturing wide shots |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Motorola has an additional lens for close up shots |
| Secondary Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Huawei adds a secondary sensor, its purpose is unknown. |
| Tertiary Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Huawei adds a tertiary sensor, its purpose is unknown. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 120fps slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, No slow-mo | Motorola has more options for video shooting. |
| Camera Features | More features including optical zoom, digital stabilization, laser autofocus and RAW | Basic Features | Motorola has more advanced features including RAW image saving. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Unknown | Motorola offers Android 11 while Huawei's OS is unknown. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both offer the same WiFi standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE, EDR | Huawei includes Enhanced Data Rate for potentially faster transfers |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, SUPL | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Huawei has more satellite navigation options, but Motorola has SUPL |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both offer dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB | Huawei comes with more base storage, and Motorola has an option for less. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4, 6, or 8 GB | Huawei has configurations with more RAM, allowing for better multi-tasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Basic | Motorola offers superior audio output and capture. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer fast fingerprint unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both use similar screen protection technology. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual, Gravity | Motorola features more sensors, which can be important for specific use cases. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G31:
- Strengths: Its standout feature is the AMOLED display, which offers superior color accuracy, contrast, and viewing angles. The inclusion of a Wide Angle and Macro lens is a great addition for more versatile photography. Dolby Atmos support provides better quality audio. Also features additional sensors that Huawei does not.
- Competitive Advantages: The G31 excels in display quality, audio fidelity, and has slightly more versatile camera options. It has more advanced camera settings including RAW format.
- Trade-offs: The older processor and slower charging can be a limitation for some users.
Huawei nova Y90:
- Strengths: The Snapdragon 680 chipset provides a more powerful and efficient experience. The large screen with 90Hz refresh rate is excellent for gaming and media consumption. Its 40W fast charging is a significant advantage. It also includes more RAM in other configurations.
- Competitive Advantages: The nova Y90 leads in performance, charging speeds, and screen refresh rate.
- Trade-offs: It uses an LCD display and has no wide angle and macro lens. The presence of 2x 2MP sensors is unknown.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G31 is best for:
- Content Consumers: Users who prioritize display quality for watching videos, browsing photos, or reading.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate having diverse camera lenses and additional photography features.
- Audio Lovers: People who want a good audio experience with Dolby Atmos support.
- Casual Users: Someone who is not doing very heavy gaming.
Huawei nova Y90 is best for:
- Gamers and Heavy Users: Individuals who need a smoother display, more robust processing power, and fast charging.
- Multitaskers: Users who frequently switch between apps and require more RAM.
- Those on the Go: Someone who needs fast charging to quickly power up their phone.
- Value Seekers: Users seeking higher performance at a similar price point.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Display or Performance? If you value a vibrant and sharp display above all else, the Motorola Moto G31 is the better choice. If you prioritize smooth performance, especially for gaming and heavy multitasking, then the Huawei nova Y90 has the edge.
- Do You Need Fast Charging? If quick charging is essential for your lifestyle, the 40W fast charging on the Huawei nova Y90 is a game-changer compared to the 10W charging of the Moto G31.
- How Important is Camera Versatility? If you need the extra lenses for ultrawide and macro shots, you'll likely prefer the Motorola. If you're happy with a standard lens and improved low light performance, the Huawei is a solid choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Casual User: If budget is your primary concern, and you mostly browse and watch videos, the Motorola Moto G31 offers a great display at a good price.
- On-the-Go Power User: If you're always on the move and need reliable performance with quick charging, the Huawei nova Y90 is a more practical choice.
- Mobile Photographer: If you love taking photos and playing with different lens options, the Motorola Moto G31 gives you more creative flexibility.
- Hardcore Mobile Gamer: The Huawei nova Y90 with its better chipset, higher refresh rate, and larger screen is a better choice.
What I would choose and why!
Personally, I'd lean towards the Huawei nova Y90. As someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks throughout the day, including some gaming, the combination of the more powerful Snapdragon processor, faster charging, and smoother 90Hz display would make a bigger difference to my daily experience. While I appreciate the AMOLED screen on the Moto G31, the practical benefits of the nova Y90's performance and charging speed win out. Ultimately, it comes down to how you prioritize different features, but I believe that the Huawei offers a slightly more versatile, future-proof package. The Motorola, however, would be a solid choice for anyone focused primarily on content consumption and camera versatility.
