Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Huawei nova 12i. I'll aim to cut through the technical jargon and focus on what these specifications mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Huawei nova 12i | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm | The Moto G51 5G is noticeably larger and thicker, making the nova 12i more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 208g | 199g | The nova 12i is slightly lighter, which can make a difference during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Both offer a large screen experience, very similar in size. A minuscule 0.1" difference is unlikely to impact the user's viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2388 | Both are sharp and detailed. The slight difference in resolution isn't noticeable at this screen size. |
| PPI | 387 | 391 | Very similar pixel density means both displays offer good sharpness, no discernible differences. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use IPS LCD technology, which offers good color accuracy, but may not be as vibrant as OLED panels, though this can increase battery life. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The Moto G51 5G's 120Hz refresh rate will feel noticeably smoother during scrolling, gaming, and animations compared to the 90Hz of the nova 12i. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | This spec is clearly missing, but in general, we can expect both displays to be bright enough for everyday use indoors, but not in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G | Snapdragon 680 4G | The Moto G51 5G's Snapdragon 480+ 5G is slightly faster for general usage and gaming, supporting 5G networks. The nova 12i's Snapdragon 680 4G is still capable but is limited to 4G networks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 289,000 | The Moto G51 5G has a noticeable performance advantage based on benchmark scores, around 32% faster. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | Moto G51 5G has slightly better graphics performance, particularly for more intensive gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76") | 108MP (f/1.9, 1/1.67") | The nova 12i's 108MP sensor has the potential for more detailed images due to its higher resolution, but aperture is not quite as wide. The larger sensor in the nova 12i usually translates to better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.0) | The Moto G51 5G's front camera has a higher resolution, while the nova 12i offers a slightly wider aperture, potentially better for low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | The Moto G51 5G can capture more in a frame for group photos or landscapes, while the nova 12i does not. |
| Depth Lens | None | 2MP | The nova 12i offers a depth lens, aiding in portrait photos with background blur, which the Moto G51 5G lacks. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Moto G51 5G has a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots, a feature absent in the nova 12i. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60/240fps | 1080p@30fps | Moto G51 5G can record in 60fps for smoother videos and offer slow-motion up to 240 fps. The nova 12i is limited to 30 fps and lacks slow-motion. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, so battery life should be comparable for typical usage patterns. |
| Charging | 10W | 40W | The Huawei nova 12i charges much faster, a full charge in a fraction of the time compared to the Moto G51 5G. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Unknown | The Moto G51 5G is a more established, known system running Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Similar WiFi performance capabilities with both offering dual-band support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Both offer low-energy bluetooth, while the Moto G51 5G's newer 5.1 version offers slightly better range and power efficiency but in real-world differences aren't noticeable. The Nova 12i, however, offers more Audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both phones offer broad compatibility for global positioning, with the nova 12i supporting QZSS which is specific to the East Asian region, a negligible difference for most users. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | The nova 12i offers more storage, especially the higher-end model with 256 GB, which is essential for media collectors. |
| RAM | 4/8 GB | 8 GB | The Nova 12i gives you more consistent multitasking performance with 8GB RAM which is useful for running multiple apps simultaneously without lag, while the G51 5G gives you options for 4GB or 8GB. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Basic Audio | The Moto G51 5G offers superior audio with Dolby Atmos, and dual microphones for clear calls and recording. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both phones use a convenient side-mounted sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid and responsive user experience.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset and Adreno 619 GPU provide better overall performance, and access to 5G networks.
- Camera Versatility: Includes a wide-angle lens and a macro lens, offering more flexibility in photography.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos and dual microphones, resulting in better sound quality.
- Faster Video Recording: Offers higher frame rates and slow-motion capabilities.
Huawei nova 12i Strengths:
- Premium Camera: Higher-resolution 108MP main camera with a larger sensor for better low-light performance.
- Faster Charging: 40W fast charging drastically reduces charging time.
- More Storage Options: Offers a 256 GB storage variant, essential for media enthusiasts.
- Modern Design: Slimmer, lighter build makes the nova 12i more pocketable and comfortable.
- Slightly wider aperture on selfie: The selfie lens has a slightly wider aperture for better low light performance.
- Latest Audio Bluetooth codecs: The latest audio codecs, will give a higher quality listening experience to those with compatible headphones.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola G51 5G: Slower charging, larger size, and lacks a depth sensor for portrait photos.
- Huawei nova 12i: Lacks 5G, has a slower refresh rate display, no wide or macro cameras and basic audio features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G is ideal for:
- Gamers and multimedia enthusiasts: Who will benefit from the 120Hz refresh rate, faster processor, and dedicated graphics, also a capable slow-motion recording for videos
- Users who value versatility in photography: Benefit from the wide-angle and macro lens, and better audio recording options for video recording.
- Users who want access to 5G networks The Snapdragon 480+ 5G Chipset gives the device this capability.
Huawei nova 12i is ideal for:
- Photography enthusiasts: Who prioritize high-resolution photos with good low-light performance, with its larger 108MP sensor.
- Users who need a large storage: Its 256 GB option ensures ample space for apps, photos, videos, and games.
- Users who prioritize a slim and lightweight phone: Its sleek design and comfortable ergonomics appeal to those who prioritize comfort and ease of use.
- Users who need faster charging: The faster charging is ideal for people on the go.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Do you prioritize a smoother display and better performance?
- If yes, the Moto G51 5G is likely the better choice.
- Is fast charging and ample storage more important to you?
- If yes, the Huawei nova 12i is a better fit.
- Do you need a wider array of camera options?
- If yes, the Moto G51 5G's wide-angle and macro lenses make it the stronger contender.
Scenario-based Recommendations:
- The Content Creator: The Moto G51 5G is better for video recording given its 60 fps recording option and slow-motion feature and the wide-angle lens for different styles of shooting.
- The Mobile Gamer: The Moto G51 5G's superior chipset, GPU, and 120Hz refresh rate offer a better gaming experience.
- The Photography Buff: The Huawei nova 12i's 108MP camera, with a larger sensor for low-light is a more enticing option.
- The Pragmatic User: Both phones offer good overall value. The Motorola is a better choice for performance and features, while the Huawei is better for storage and charging.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Motorola Moto G51 5G.
Here's why:
While the Huawei Nova 12i's 108MP camera and faster charging are tempting, the Moto G51 5G offers a smoother daily experience thanks to the 120Hz display and more powerful processor. As someone who uses my phone for a mix of tasks, including gaming, social media, and capturing a few photos, the Motorola provides a better balance of performance and versatility. The inclusion of a wide-angle camera and a macro lens means I don't have to worry about a lack of camera versatility, and the improved audio quality is useful for content consumption. While charging time is slightly lower, I'm happy to make that tradeoff for better usability day-to-day.
The 5G connectivity is also a plus, as it future-proofs the device for faster network speeds. Ultimately, the Moto G51 5G ticks more boxes for me in terms of daily functionality, offering a more engaging and responsive user experience that I would prefer over a marginally better camera.
