Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Huawei nova 11 Pro. I'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and offer some practical advice to help you figure out which phone might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table highlighting the key differences and their real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 × 76.5 × 9.1 mm | 164.3 × 74.4 × 7.9 mm | Moto G51 is bulkier, while Nova 11 Pro is slimmer and more pocketable. |
| Weight | 208g | 188g | Nova 11 Pro is lighter, better for extended holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.78" | Both have large screens, barely a difference in size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1200x2652 | Nova 11 Pro offers a sharper, clearer image. |
| PPI | 387 | 429 | Nova 11 Pro’s higher pixel density results in finer details. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Nova 11 Pro has vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Nova 11 Pro is far more visible under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G | Snapdragon 778G 4G | Nova 11 Pro's chip is significantly more powerful for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 592,297 | Nova 11 Pro delivers much faster performance in games and applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 642L | Nova 11 Pro has a more capable GPU, offering better graphics in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.9 | Moto G51 has slightly wider aperture, but similar sensor and similar overall main camera experience. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 60MP, f/2.4 | Nova 11 Pro takes much higher resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | Moto G51 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for group shots and expansive scenery. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Moto G51 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Nova 11 Pro has a single lens that offers both wide and macro functionality |
| Video | 1080p@30/60/240fps | 720p@960fps | Moto G51 offers higher video resolution for regular recording, Nova 11 Pro offers impressive slow-mo recording. |
| Features | Triple cam, LAF | 4K Video, Dual cam | Moto G51 has laser focus, while Nova 11 Pro offers 4K recording and digital stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Moto G51 has a larger battery for potentially longer usage. |
| Charging | 10W | 100W | Nova 11 Pro charges incredibly fast, while Moto G51's charging is much slower. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging | Nova 11 Pro can charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Nova 11 Pro has a newer version of Android |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Nova 11 Pro supports faster Wi-Fi speeds |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Nova 11 Pro has a newer version of Bluetooth with additional audio codecs |
| GPS | Standard | Standard + L1 + L5 Bands | Nova 11 Pro offers greater accuracy due to enhanced satellite support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256/512GB | Nova 11 Pro offers significantly higher storage options. |
| RAM | 4/8GB | 6/8/12GB | Nova 11 Pro offers more RAM for better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage, so choose your storage option carefully. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G: Strengths
- Battery Life: The larger 5000mAh battery is a clear advantage for those needing extended usage between charges.
- Wide and Macro Lenses: Dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses provide more versatility in photography.
- Laser Focus: Offers a dedicated focus system for improved performance in some scenarios.
- Price: The Moto G51 5G is likely to be more affordable, making it a great budget-friendly 5G option.
Huawei nova 11 Pro: Strengths
- Display Quality: The OLED display with 950 nits brightness offers a much better viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Performance: The Snapdragon 778G 4G chipset is significantly more powerful, providing smoother and faster performance in apps and games.
- Charging Speed: The 100W fast charging is a game-changer, allowing for quick top-ups.
- Selfie Camera: The 60MP front camera is excellent for high-quality selfies and video calls.
- Software: Comes with a newer Android version.
- Connectivity: Has an updated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi version.
- Storage: Offers more storage options.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Moto G51 5G: The older chipset results in lower overall performance. The display is dimmer, not as vibrant, and the slow charging can be inconvenient. No expandable storage might be a deal-breaker for some.
- Huawei nova 11 Pro: While it excels in most areas, it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens and has a slightly smaller battery. It also doesn't have 5G and the lack of expandable storage is a limitation.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a 5G phone at a more affordable price.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Individuals who need a long-lasting phone and don't mind slower charging.
- Casual Photographers: Those who want a versatile camera with wide-angle and macro lenses.
Huawei nova 11 Pro
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize smooth, fast performance in apps and games.
- Multimedia Lovers: Individuals who want the best display quality for watching videos and viewing photos.
- Selfie Experts: Those who want the highest resolution and best front-camera quality.
- On-the-Go Professionals: Users who need ultra-fast charging and quick top-ups throughout their day.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
What do you value most: Battery life or Performance?
- If battery life is crucial, the Moto G51 5G might be your pick.
- If performance is paramount, the Huawei nova 11 Pro is the clear winner.
How important is display quality to you?
- If a vibrant and bright screen is a must, go for the nova 11 Pro.
- If you're okay with a decent but not exceptional screen, the Moto G51 5G will suffice.
How important is fast charging?
- If you need ultra-fast charging, the nova 11 Pro is the way to go.
- If you can manage with slower charging, the Moto G51 5G is fine.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy gamer/multitasker: Huawei nova 11 Pro is the better choice due to its superior processing power and RAM.
- Scenario 2: Traveling and outdoor use: Huawei nova 11 Pro’s bright screen and quick charging are incredibly useful.
- Scenario 3: Budget-conscious user with basic needs: The Moto G51 5G provides a good balance of features and affordability.
- Scenario 4: Photo and video content creation: The Huawei nova 11 Pro would be ideal with its better selfie camera, better video performance and higher screen quality.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Huawei nova 11 Pro. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and analyst, I value performance and display quality. The Snapdragon 778G 4G chipset in the nova 11 Pro is a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 480+ 5G in the Moto G51 5G. This translates to faster loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding apps and games. Additionally, the OLED display with 950 nits brightness is a game-changer for outdoor visibility and overall viewing pleasure, perfect for consuming content and reviewing high-resolution images. Finally the added bonus of a high resolution front camera, ultra fast charging speeds, newer software and connectivity makes it an easy win in my books.
While the Moto G51 5G has a larger battery and a more budget-friendly price, the performance trade-offs are too significant for my needs. I would rather compromise on the slightly smaller battery and extra lenses in exchange for the drastically superior performance, display quality and overall user experience offered by the Huawei nova 11 Pro. While not having 5G is a bummer, I can compromise since I value other aspects more. The ultra fast charging also makes up for any battery deficiencies.
