Smartphone Comparison: Motorola One 5G Ace vs. Huawei nova 12i
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola One 5G Ace | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9 mm | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm | Motorola is slightly larger and thicker, may feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 212g | 199g | Huawei is lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Identical screen size, similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Negligible difference in sharpness; both offer crisp visuals. |
| PPI | 393 | 391 | Virtually identical pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Huawei's 90Hz display offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness not available, can't judge outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G (8nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | Motorola has better performance, especially for gaming and demanding apps. Huawei's chipset is more energy-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 330,000 | 289,000 | Motorola provides a noticeable performance boost for smoother multitasking and faster app loading. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | Motorola's GPU will handle gaming and graphic-intensive tasks better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7 | 108MP, f/1.9 | Huawei's higher resolution sensor produces more detailed images. Motorola's wider aperture might perform better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Motorola captures more detailed selfies. Huawei has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide-Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | Motorola offers ultrawide photos, better for landscapes or group photos. |
| Portrait Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Huawei can capture depth-of-field portraits. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Motorola offers close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | Motorola records higher resolution videos with better slow-motion. |
| Camera Features | Triple Camera, EIS, LAF, RAW, Night Mode | Dual Camera | Motorola has more versatile camera with stabilization features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer comparable battery life for a day’s use. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 40W fast charging | Huawei charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Unknown | Motorola has an older Android Version. OS of Huawei is Unknown. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Identical Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Motorola has slightly newer Bluetooth. Huawei supports LDAC for high-quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Huawei supports more satellite systems for potentially better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Huawei can use two SIMs simultaneously, practical for travel or dual work/personal lines. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Huawei offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 8GB | Huawei offers smoother multitasking due to larger RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 Microphones | Basic Audio Features | Motorola likely has clearer audio in calls. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Huawei's side-mounted sensor is more convenient for some users. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Motorola has a gyroscope for better gaming and AR applications. Huawei has ultrasonic proximity. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola One 5G Ace Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 750G offers better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother multitasking, app loading, and gaming experiences.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes ultrawide and macro lenses, offering greater flexibility in photography. Has 4K video recording capability. Also has features like RAW and night mode for more advanced photography.
- Gyroscope sensor: Enables enhanced motion sensing for gaming and AR applications.
Huawei nova 12i Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 40W fast charging significantly reduces battery charging times.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP camera captures more detail in photos.
- More RAM: 8GB of RAM enables smoother multitasking and performance for RAM heavy apps.
- Dual SIM Support: Allows using two SIM cards simultaneously.
- Newer model: Launched 3 years after the Motorola phone.
- Larger Storage Option: A 256GB option is available, while the Motorola only has 64/128GB options.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Motorola: Lower charging speed, lacks a depth sensor, older Android software, bulky design, older model.
- Huawei: Slower chipset, lacks a wide-angle camera, does not record in 4k and has limited video recording capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola One 5G Ace Ideal Users:
- Mobile Gamers: Benefits from the more powerful chipset and GPU for smoother gameplay.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Appreciates the ultrawide and macro lenses, and better video recording.
- Users Prioritizing Performance: Needs a phone that handles multiple apps and tasks efficiently without lag.
Huawei nova 12i Ideal Users:
- Users Needing Fast Charging: Benefit from faster charging for minimal downtime.
- Multitaskers: Need ample RAM for switching between apps.
- Travelers or Dual-Line Users: Benefit from Dual SIM capabilities.
- Users wanting more storage: 256 GB option is available if storage is required.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance Needs: Do you need a more powerful processor for gaming and demanding apps, or is basic performance sufficient?
- Camera Priorities: Do you prioritize versatility (ultrawide, macro) or detail and potentially low light capability (higher resolution)?
- Battery Charging Habits: Do you need very fast charging, or can you wait longer for the phone to charge?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Gaming & Multitasking): If you frequently game or use demanding apps, the Motorola One 5G Ace is a better choice due to its stronger chipset and GPU and gyroscope sensor for better gaming experience.
- Scenario 2 (Photography Focus): If capturing diverse shots with ultrawide and macro lenses is important, and video is preferred in 4k quality, the Motorola One 5G Ace wins due to more versatile lens options.
- Scenario 3 (Fast Charging & Dual SIM): If you need quick top-ups and the ability to use two SIM cards, then Huawei nova 12i is the better option.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the Motorola One 5G Ace.
Reasoning:
While the Huawei nova 12i has some significant advantages like faster charging, higher RAM and a more recent launch date, the Motorola's overall package seems more versatile and powerful. I value the slightly more powerful chipset and more versatile camera system for their real-world impact on photography and mobile gaming, despite the slower charging speeds. The 4k video recording is also an essential, and its inclusion on the Motorola and lack on the Huawei is another determining factor. Although the Motorola phone is older, the performance is still more desirable in my case. The inclusion of the Gyroscope sensor also puts the Motorola ahead. Ultimately, the performance and camera flexibility outweighs other considerations such as slightly slower charging and older release date.
