Motorola Moto G42 vs Huawei nova 12i - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date June 28, 2022 April 16, 2024
Release Year 2022 2024

Physical

Volume 94.32 cm³ 102.47 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.66 "/g 3.37 "/g
Weight 175 g 199 g
Height 160.4 mm 163.3 mm
Width 73.5 mm 74.7 mm
Thickness 8 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Atlantic Green
  • Metallic Rose
  • Black
  • White
  • Green

Display

Screen Size 6.4 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2388
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 83.9 % 89.1 %
Pixel Density 411 PPI 391 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 122.07 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 53.01 mAh/cm³ 48.8 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Adreno 610 Adreno 610

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android N/A
Initial OS Version 12 N/A
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

Let's dive into a comparative analysis of the Motorola Moto G42 and the Huawei nova 12i, dissecting their specifications and uncovering what they truly offer the everyday user.

1. Specifications Breakdown

FeatureMotorola Moto G42Huawei nova 12iReal-World Implications
Design
Dimensions (mm)160.4 x 73.5 x 8163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4Nova 12i is slightly larger and heavier.
Weight (g)175199Moto G42 is noticeably lighter, contributing to better one-handed use.
Display
TypeAMOLEDIPS LCD, 90HzMoto G42 offers richer blacks and vibrant colors; Nova 12i smoother scrolling.
Size6.4"6.7"Nova 12i provides a larger viewing area.
Resolution1080 x 24001080 x 2388Virtually identical sharpness.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 680Snapdragon 680Identical processing power, indicating similar overall performance.
CPUOcta-core 2.4 GHzOcta-core 2.4 GHzSame CPU architecture, suggesting comparable speeds.
RAM4GB8GBNova 12i's significantly larger RAM enables superior multitasking.
Camera
Main Camera50MP108MPNova 12i boasts higher resolution, potentially capturing more detail.
Selfie Camera16MP8MPMoto G42 offers a higher resolution front camera for better selfies.
Battery Life
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhIdentical battery capacity, suggesting similar longevity.
Fast Charging20W40WNova 12i charges significantly faster.

2. Key Insights

Both phones share the same Snapdragon 680 chipset, indicating similar performance for day-to-day tasks. However, the Nova 12i's 8GB RAM provides a clear advantage in multitasking and demanding applications. The Moto G42 counters with a superior AMOLED display, delivering more vibrant colors and deeper blacks, ideal for media consumption. While the Nova 12i boasts a 108MP main camera, megapixel count doesn't tell the whole story; real-world image quality depends on factors like sensor size and image processing, which aren't fully detailed here. The Moto G42 shines with its lighter weight, making it more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. Finally, the Nova 12i's 40W fast charging significantly reduces downtime compared to the Moto G42's 20W.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Moto G42: Best suited for users prioritizing a vibrant display, comfortable handling, and a strong selfie camera. Ideal for media consumption, social media, and casual photography. Its lower price point makes it a compelling value proposition.

  • Huawei nova 12i: A better fit for power users who demand seamless multitasking, faster charging, and a high-resolution main camera. Suitable for demanding applications, mobile gaming, and capturing detailed photos.

4. Buying Decision Framework

  1. What is your budget? The Moto G42 generally comes at a lower price.
  2. Is heavy multitasking a priority? If so, the Nova 12i's 8GB RAM is crucial.
  3. Do you value display quality or screen size more? Moto G42 offers AMOLED vibrancy; Nova 12i a larger screen.

My Choice: Motorola Moto G42

While the Nova 12i offers more RAM and faster charging, I prioritize the Moto G42's AMOLED display and lighter weight for my daily usage. I value the superior visual experience for media consumption and find a lighter phone more comfortable for extended use. The difference in RAM isn't a deal-breaker for my workflow, and I can adapt to the slightly slower charging. The Moto G42 strikes a compelling balance between performance, features, and price, making it the better overall choice for me. Furthermore, the uncertainty surrounding Huawei's app ecosystem due to past restrictions influences my decision towards the more readily accessible Android experience on the Moto G42.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.