1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Nokia X20 | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 168.9 × 79.7 × 9.1 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | Nokia X20 is larger and bulkier, potentially less comfortable for small hands. Huawei nova Y90 is more pocketable and ergonomic. |
| Weight | 220g | 195g | Huawei nova Y90 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods and less fatiguing. |
Display
| Feature | Nokia X20 | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Negligible difference in screen size; both offer immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Virtually identical sharpness; both provide a clear display for text and images. |
| PPI | 395 | 391 | Similar pixel density; both offer a detailed viewing experience. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar color reproduction and viewing angles; neither offers the deep blacks of OLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Huawei nova Y90 offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not specified for either device, meaning their performance under direct sunlight is unknown. |
Performance
| Feature | Nokia X20 | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Nokia X20's Snapdragon 480 has 5G, while the 680 in the Huawei is limited to 4G. The Snapdragon 480 offers better overall processing power than the Snapdragon 680. |
| AnTuTu Score | 323,425 | 249,000 | Nokia X20 will generally perform better in demanding tasks, like gaming and multitasking; it has a significant performance advantage. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | Nokia X20's Adreno 619 will provide slightly better graphics performance in games than the Adreno 610. |
Camera
| Feature | Nokia X20 | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Nokia X20 captures slightly more detailed images in good lighting, and it's wider aperture allows more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Nokia X20 captures significantly sharper and more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP | Not Available | Nokia X20 provides extra versatility with a wide-angle lens for landscape or group photos. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP (depth) | Not Available | Nokia X20 offers depth sensing, allowing for a more accurate and natural bokeh effect in portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | Not Available | Nokia X20 can take detailed close-up shots. |
| Secondary Camera | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Huawei nova Y90 provides depth sensing. |
| Tertiary Camera | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Huawei nova Y90 provides another low resolution camera. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, 120fps slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, 30fps slow-mo | Nokia X20 can record smoother 60fps videos and record slower slow-motion videos, useful for more creative video capturing. |
| Features | Quad Camera, AF, Touch Focus, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, WB, ISO, Exposure Comp, Scene, Self-timer | Triple Camera, AF, Touch Focus, PDAF, Continuous Shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face Detection, WB, ISO, Exposure Comp, Scene, Self-timer | The Nokia X20 has a more complete camera system with a dedicated macro and wide lens. The Huawei includes face detection. |
Battery
| Feature | Nokia X20 | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4470 mAh | 5000 mAh | Huawei nova Y90 has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life for daily usage. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | Huawei nova Y90 charges significantly faster, reducing time spent tethered to a power outlet. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Nokia X20 Advantages:
- Significantly better performance: The Snapdragon 480 and Adreno 619 provide a much faster and smoother user experience with higher benchmark scores and better GPU.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution main and front cameras, plus dedicated wide, portrait, and macro lenses offers more versatility and better image quality.
- Faster slow-mo: 120fps slow motion compared to 30fps allows better looking creative videos.
- 5G Support: The Snapdragon 480 supports 5G connectivity, while the Snapdragon 680 in the Huawei is 4G.
Huawei nova Y90 Advantages:
- Longer Battery Life: The larger 5000 mAh battery offers more screen time and less charging.
- Faster Charging: 40W charging drastically reduces charging time, ensuring you're quickly back to 100%.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid visual experience.
- More GPS satellites: Offers slightly better location accuracy due to more satellite support.
- Slightly lighter and smaller: More ergonomic and easier to handle.
Trade-offs:
- Nokia X20: Compromises on battery life and charging speed for better performance and camera.
- Huawei nova Y90: Sacrifices performance and camera quality for better battery life, charging speed, and a smoother display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Nokia X20 - Ideal for:
- Power users: Those who frequently multitask, game, or use demanding applications, requiring better processing power.
- Photography enthusiasts: People who prioritize camera versatility and quality, who would enjoy the additional lenses.
- Future-proof: Those who want 5G connectivity.
- Video creators: Those who want to create creative slow motion videos.
Huawei nova Y90 - Ideal for:
- Casual users: Those who prioritize battery life and quick charging, and don't require top-tier performance.
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those seeking a reliable phone for everyday tasks with a smoother display without spending a lot of money.
- Frequent travellers: Those who need a phone that can last them a whole day and charge quickly when needed.
- Those who require better GPS: Users who may benefit from more satellite support, such as geocaching enthusiasts.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Nokia X20 offers better value for users that require performance, 5G and better cameras.
- The Huawei nova Y90 provides more value for users seeking long battery life, fast charging, and a smoother display at a lower price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- How important is processing power and performance? (Heavy use vs casual use)
- How critical is battery life and charging speed? (All-day use vs. frequent access to charging)
- Do you require better camera functionality? (Casual photos vs. Enthusiast)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Heavy user needs best performance & camera
- Recommendation: Nokia X20 is the better choice, thanks to its better processor and camera.
Scenario 2: Casual user needs long battery life and faster charging
- Recommendation: Huawei nova Y90 is more suitable, offering all day use and faster charging times.
Scenario 3: Need a balance of performance and camera with good battery life
- Recommendation: If you prioritize a more powerful phone over battery, the Nokia X20 is better, if not, the Huawei is more suitable.
What I Would Choose and Why
I would choose the Nokia X20. My primary needs in a phone revolve around performance and camera quality. The Snapdragon 480 offers significantly better performance for multitasking, app loading, and gaming, which is a crucial factor for me. While the battery is smaller and charging speed is slower compared to the Huawei, I prioritize the performance advantage for daily tasks. The enhanced camera capabilities, including the higher-resolution selfie camera, the macro, wide, and depth lenses provide better versatility. 5G is also a plus for future proofing. Although the Huawei nova Y90 has a smoother display due to the 90Hz refresh rate, that doesn't outweigh the benefits of the Nokia's performance and camera quality.
