Motorola Edge 40 Neo vs. Huawei nova 11i: A Detailed Mid-Range Showdown

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Motorola Edge 40 Neo and Huawei nova 11i represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. The Edge 40 Neo arrives with a newer MediaTek Dimensity 7030 chipset and a focus on fast charging and display quality, while the nova 11i leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 680, aiming for a balance of efficiency and affordability. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing performance and battery longevity, the Motorola Edge 40 Neo emerges as the stronger contender. Its Dimensity 7030 chipset offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Snapdragon 680, coupled with significantly faster 68W charging and a brighter display. While the nova 11i remains a viable option, the Edge 40 Neo provides a more future-proof and enjoyable user experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei nova 11i Motorola Edge 40 Neo
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, 66, 26, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66
5G bands-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, May 012023, September 14
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, May 11Available. Released 2023, September 14
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.6 x 75.6 x 8.6 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.34 in)159.6 x 72 x 7.9 mm (6.28 x 2.83 x 0.31 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight193 g (6.81 oz)170 g or 172 g (6.00 oz)
 Splash and dust resistant-
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)
Size6.8 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzP-OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)MediaTek Dimensity 7030 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 610Mali-G610 MC3
OSEMUI 13Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotUnspecifiedNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.2, (wide)32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.0", 0.7µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack No-
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.4, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging40W wired, 60% in 30 min68W wired, 50% in 15 min
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsStarry Black, Mint GreenBlack, Soothing Sea, Caneel Bay, Peach Fuzz
ModelsMAO-LX9, MAO-LX9NXT2307-1
PriceAbout 140 EUR$ 299.00 / € 168.73 / ₹ 19,900

Huawei nova 11i

  • Familiar Huawei ecosystem
  • Potentially lower price point
  • Efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset for basic tasks

  • 4G connectivity only
  • Slower charging speed (40W)
  • Likely lower peak display brightness

Motorola Edge 40 Neo

  • Faster Dimensity 7030 chipset
  • 68W fast charging (50% in 15 min)
  • Brighter display (1073 nits)
  • 5G connectivity

  • Motorola’s software update track record is inconsistent
  • Potentially higher price point

Display Comparison

The Motorola Edge 40 Neo boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1073 nits. This is a crucial advantage for outdoor visibility, especially compared to the nova 11i, whose peak brightness isn't specified but is likely lower given its chipset and price point. While both utilize 6nm chipsets, the Edge 40 Neo’s display technology likely benefits from the more powerful processor’s image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in more vibrant colors and better contrast. The absence of refresh rate information for the nova 11i suggests a standard 60Hz panel, while the Edge 40 Neo is expected to offer a smoother experience with a higher refresh rate (likely 144Hz).

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specifications are limited for both devices. However, the Edge 40 Neo’s camera system is likely to benefit from the more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 7030. This translates to better image processing, improved dynamic range, and potentially superior low-light performance. While both phones likely feature a standard multi-camera setup, the Edge 40 Neo’s processing capabilities will likely yield more detailed and visually appealing photos and videos. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes makes a direct comparison difficult, but the Edge 40 Neo’s overall system integration suggests a more refined camera experience.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Motorola Edge 40 Neo’s MediaTek Dimensity 7030 and the Huawei nova 11i’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680. The Dimensity 7030, with its 2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, represents a significant architectural leap over the Snapdragon 680’s 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration. The A78 cores in the Dimensity 7030 offer substantially higher single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both are built on a 6nm process, the Dimensity 7030’s more modern architecture provides a clear advantage in both CPU and GPU performance, making it better suited for demanding applications and gaming.

Battery Life

The Motorola Edge 40 Neo shines in the battery and charging department. Its 68W wired charging can deliver a 50% charge in just 15 minutes, a significant advantage over the nova 11i’s 40W charging, which takes 30 minutes to reach 60%. The Edge 40 Neo also boasts an impressive active use battery score of 10:28h and an endurance rating of 80 hours, indicating excellent battery life. While the nova 11i’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the slower charging speed suggests a smaller battery or less efficient power management. The Edge 40 Neo’s faster charging and longer endurance make it the clear winner for users who prioritize minimizing downtime.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei nova 11i if you prioritize a familiar Huawei ecosystem and are comfortable with the limitations of a 4G-only device. It’s a solid choice for basic smartphone tasks and light social media use. Buy the Motorola Edge 40 Neo if you demand smoother performance for multitasking and gaming, value faster charging speeds, and require 5G connectivity for future-proofing. It’s the better option for users who actively consume media and demand a more responsive experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 7030 in the Motorola Edge 40 Neo get hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 7030 is a capable chipset, sustained high loads can generate heat. However, Motorola typically implements thermal management solutions to mitigate throttling. The 6nm process node contributes to better thermal efficiency compared to older chipsets, but performance may still decrease slightly after prolonged gaming.
❓ Is the lack of 5G on the Huawei nova 11i a significant drawback in 2024?
For users in areas with widespread 5G coverage, the nova 11i’s 4G limitation is a considerable disadvantage. 5G offers significantly faster download and upload speeds, as well as lower latency, enhancing the overall mobile experience. If future-proofing and access to the latest network technology are important, the Edge 40 Neo is the better choice.
❓ How does Motorola's software update policy compare to Huawei's?
Historically, Motorola's software update track record has been less consistent than Huawei's, particularly regarding major Android version updates. Huawei has improved its software support in recent years, but the Edge 40 Neo may receive fewer guaranteed updates than some other brands. This is a key consideration for users who prioritize long-term software support.