Alright, let's break down the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Huawei nova Y90. These two phones have some intriguing differences under the hood, and it’s worth exploring what they mean for day-to-day use. Let's dive in!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm | Moto G51 is taller, wider, and thicker, meaning Y90 feels slightly more compact. |
| Weight | 208g | 195g | Huawei is 13g lighter, which might make it a bit more comfortable for extended use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Both have large screens; the difference is negligible. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Both offer FHD+ sharpness, fine for everyday content. |
| PPI | 387 | 391 | Both are nearly identical in pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Identical display tech, similar colour rendition, and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Moto G51 will appear slightly smoother during scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Missing data, but brightness should be adequate for indoor use for both. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G | Snapdragon 680 4G | Moto G51 has a 5G-capable chip, Y90 is limited to 4G. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 249,000 | Moto G51 is significantly faster, better for demanding apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | Moto G51’s GPU offers better graphics performance for gaming. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both offer similar basic 50MP camera performance. |
| Standard Sensor Size | 1/2.76" | N/A | Moto G51 has a slightly smaller sensor size. |
| Standard Pixel Size | 0.64 µm | 0.70 µm | Huawei has slightly larger pixel size that could mean better low light performance (unspecified). |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Moto G51 has higher resolution, while Huawei has a slightly wider aperture, which could be better in low light, though this would depend on the sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | Moto G51 is more versatile with a wide-angle option. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Moto G51 offers macro shots for detailed close-ups. |
| Secondary Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Huawei has a dedicated secondary sensor. |
| Tertiary Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Huawei has a dedicated tertiary sensor. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60/240fps | 1080p@30fps | Moto G51 offers more video frame rate options. |
| Slow-Motion | Yes, 240fps | No | Moto G51 has superior slow-motion capability. |
| Camera Features | LAF, RAW, others | others | Moto G51 has additional advanced camera features |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar day-long battery life under normal usage. |
| Charging | 10W | 40W | Huawei charges much faster than Moto, a huge advantage. |
| SOFTWARE & OTHER | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android (unspecified) | Moto G51 provides Android upgrade while Y90's OS is missing. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac Dual-band | 802.11ac Dual-band | Similar Wi-Fi capabilities on both phones. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Moto G51 has slightly newer Bluetooth tech. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Huawei supports more satellite systems for potentially better accuracy. |
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128GB | Moto G51 is available in 64GB or 128GB configurations while Y90 comes with 128GB only |
| RAM | 4/8GB | 4/6/8GB | Both are good for multitasking, gaming capabilities would depend on configuration |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No storage expansion on either phone. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones | Basic audio features | Moto G51 has better audio quality features |
| Security Features | side-mounted fingerprint | side-mounted fingerprint | Basic security using fingerprints |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic Proximity | Moto has a Gyroscope, Y90 has a Compass |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Moto G51 5G Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 480+ 5G and its superior AnTuTu score translates to much smoother everyday performance, faster app loading, and better gaming capabilities.
- Faster Display: The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations look noticeably smoother than the 90Hz on the Huawei.
- More Camera Versatility: The addition of a wide-angle and macro lens, alongside advanced video features, offers more creative options.
- Better Audio Experience: The Dolby Atmos and dual-microphone setup offer an improved audio experience.
Huawei nova Y90 Strengths:
- Faster Charging: The 40W fast charging is a significant advantage, allowing for much quicker battery top-ups.
- Potentially Better Low-Light Photography: The larger pixel size on the main camera could result in slightly better low-light performance (unconfirmed).
- More Compact: The smaller and lighter design may be more comfortable for some users.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G51’s performance edge comes at the expense of slower charging.
- The Huawei’s faster charging is balanced with a less capable processor and display.
- Neither phone offers expandable storage, which could be limiting for some users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G51 5G: Best for users who prioritize:
- Performance: Gamers, frequent multitaskers, and those who want a generally smoother and faster experience.
- Multimedia: Users who enjoy watching videos, playing games, and value a versatile camera setup.
- Future-Proofing: The 5G connectivity is an advantage for long-term usage.
- Huawei nova Y90: Best for users who prioritize:
- Convenience: Those who need quick battery top-ups and prefer a lighter, more compact phone.
- Basic Photography: Users who mostly use the main camera and don't need advanced options like wide-angle or macro lenses.
- Budget Conscious: While not directly stated in these specs, the Huawei Y90 is often positioned as a more budget-friendly option.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize speed and performance, or battery charging speed?
- If performance, go with the Moto G51.
- If fast charging, choose the Huawei nova Y90.
- How important are advanced camera features?
- If you need the versatility of wide-angle or macro, go for the Moto G51.
- If you are satisfied with the standard camera, the Huawei nova Y90 is fine.
- Do you need 5G connectivity and a smoother display?
- If yes, the Moto G51 is the clear choice.
- If 4G is fine and you prefer a more compact phone with good battery charging, pick the Huawei nova Y90.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: Choose the Motorola Moto G51 for smoother gameplay, faster loading, and a 120Hz display.
- The Social Media Enthusiast: The Motorola Moto G51’s versatile camera with wide-angle and macro lenses is ideal for varied social media posts.
- The On-the-Go Professional: The Huawei nova Y90 is more convenient for quick charging in between meetings, and its compact size is ideal.
- The Budget User: If budget is a major consideration, the Huawei nova Y90 is an affordable alternative with an adequate experience.
My Choice
For me, I'd choose the Motorola Moto G51 5G. Here's why:
As someone who values smooth performance and versatility, the Moto G51's Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset and 120Hz display are big wins. The additional camera options (wide-angle and macro) and video recording options allow for more creative flexibility. While the charging speed of the Y90 is tempting, I'm willing to trade that for the overall experience the Moto offers. The difference in performance is significant and impacts everyday usability to a larger degree than the charging speeds do in my daily workflow.
It's important to note, though, that if fast charging is a non-negotiable, then the Huawei is the better choice. But for someone like me, who values overall performance, smoothness, and creative versatility, the Moto G51 edges out its competitor.
