Huawei nova 7 SE vs. Motorola Moto G 5G Plus: Which 5G Phone Reigns Supreme?

Both the Huawei nova 7 SE and Motorola Moto G 5G Plus represent compelling options in the increasingly crowded mid-range 5G smartphone market. The nova 7 SE, with its Kirin 820 chipset, aims for performance, while the Moto G 5G Plus focuses on delivering a balanced experience with the Snapdragon 765 5G and a strong emphasis on battery life. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw processing power and faster charging, the Huawei nova 7 SE is the better choice. However, the Motorola Moto G 5G Plus provides comparable battery endurance and a solid all-around experience, making it ideal for those seeking a reliable and long-lasting 5G device.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei nova 7 SE Motorola Moto G 5G Plus
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 66
5G bands1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - International1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 66
Launch
Announced2020, April 23. Released 2020, April 282020, July 07. Released 2020, July 08
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions162.3 x 75 x 8.6 mm (6.39 x 2.95 x 0.34 in)168.3 x 74 x 9.7 mm (6.63 x 2.91 x 0.38 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight189 g (6.67 oz)207 g (7.30 oz)
 -Water-repellent coating
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)1080 x 2520 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, HDR10IPS LCD, 90Hz, HDR10
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.36 GHz Cortex-A76 & 3x2.22 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.84 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.3 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetKirin 820 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765 5G (7 nm)
GPUMali-G57 (6-core)Adreno 620
OSAndroid 10, EMUI 10.1, no Google Play ServicesAndroid 10
Memory
Card slotNano Memory (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, Panorama, HDRDual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, 17mm (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm 5 MP (macro), AF Auxiliary lens
Video4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Dual-16 MP, f/2.0, 29mm (normal), 1.0µm 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)-
Video1080p1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging40W wired, 70% in 30 min 5W reverse wired20W wired
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Space Silver, Midsummer Purple, Crush GreenSurfing Blue, Mystic Lilac
ModelsCDY-AN00, CDY-NX9B, CDY-TN00, CDY-AN20, CDL-AN50XT2075, XT2075-2, XT2075-3
PriceAbout 320 EURAbout 260 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 114h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1269:1
Loudspeaker- -28.4 LUFS (Average)
Performance- AnTuTu: 299926 (v8) GeekBench: 1898 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Huawei nova 7 SE

  • Faster 40W charging significantly reduces downtime.
  • Potentially stronger CPU performance with the Kirin 820.
  • 5W reverse wired charging for topping up accessories.

  • Battery life is likely inferior to the Moto G 5G Plus.
  • Camera specifications are unknown, creating uncertainty.

Motorola Moto G 5G Plus

  • Excellent 114-hour battery endurance.
  • Brighter display (543 nits) for better outdoor visibility.
  • Balanced feature set for everyday use.

  • Slower 20W charging.
  • CPU performance may be slightly lower than the nova 7 SE.

Display Comparison

Both devices share a contrast ratio of 1269:1, indicating similar levels of black depth and color vibrancy. However, the Moto G 5G Plus boasts a measured peak brightness of 543 nits, which will provide a noticeably brighter and more visible display in direct sunlight compared to the nova 7 SE (brightness data unavailable). While both offer adequate viewing experiences, the Moto G 5G Plus has a clear advantage in outdoor visibility.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is missing. Without specifics on sensor size, aperture, or OIS, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market segment suggests the nova 7 SE may prioritize camera features more heavily, given Huawei’s brand reputation. The absence of details on the Moto G 5G Plus’s camera system suggests a more standard implementation, likely focusing on versatility rather than exceptional low-light performance or image quality. We can assume both will offer acceptable results for social media sharing.

Performance

The Huawei nova 7 SE’s Kirin 820 5G (7nm) utilizes a tri-cluster CPU configuration with a high-performance Cortex-A76 core clocked at 2.36GHz, alongside two additional Cortex-A76 cores at 2.22GHz, and four Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency. This contrasts with the Motorola Moto G 5G Plus’s Snapdragon 765 5G (7nm) which employs a Kryo 475 Prime core at 2.3GHz, a Kryo 475 Gold core at 2.2GHz, and six Kryo 475 Silver cores. While clock speeds are similar, the Kirin 820’s architecture, with its multiple high-performance cores, suggests a potential edge in multi-threaded tasks and gaming. However, real-world performance will depend on software optimization and thermal management, which are not specified in the provided data.

Battery Life

The Motorola Moto G 5G Plus claims an endurance rating of 114 hours, indicating excellent battery life. While the nova 7 SE’s battery capacity is not specified, the Moto G 5G Plus’s endurance suggests a larger battery or more efficient power management. The nova 7 SE compensates with significantly faster 40W wired charging, capable of reaching 70% charge in just 30 minutes, compared to the Moto G 5G Plus’s slower 20W charging. This difference in charging speed is substantial, offering a significant convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly. The nova 7 SE also offers 5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Moto G 5G Plus.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei nova 7 SE if you need a phone capable of handling demanding applications and appreciate significantly faster 40W charging. This phone is geared towards users who frequently game or edit videos on their mobile devices. Buy the Motorola Moto G 5G Plus if you prefer a phone with excellent battery life and a more balanced feature set, prioritizing longevity and consistent performance over peak power. It’s the better option for everyday users and media consumers.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Kirin 820 in the nova 7 SE get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the Snapdragon 765 in the Moto G 5G Plus?
Without thermal testing data, it's difficult to say definitively. However, the Kirin 820's potentially higher peak performance could lead to increased heat generation under sustained load. The Snapdragon 765, while slightly less powerful, may benefit from more conservative thermal design, resulting in cooler operation. Software optimization plays a crucial role in managing heat on both devices.
❓ How much faster is the 40W charging on the nova 7 SE in real-world usage compared to the 20W charging on the Moto G 5G Plus?
The nova 7 SE can reach 70% charge in 30 minutes with its 40W charging. The Moto G 5G Plus, with 20W charging, will take considerably longer to achieve the same charge level – likely over an hour. This difference is significant for users who need a quick power boost before leaving the house or during a short break.
❓ Given the lack of detailed camera specs, what should I expect from the photo quality of each phone?
Expect the Moto G 5G Plus to deliver a reliable, all-around camera experience suitable for everyday snapshots and social media sharing. The Huawei nova 7 SE, given Huawei’s camera expertise, *may* offer slightly better image processing and potentially superior low-light performance, but this is speculative without sensor details. Both phones likely include standard features like HDR and portrait modes.