Alright, let's break down the Honor 50 versus the Google Pixel 9 Pro. We've got a classic battle here: a mid-range contender from 2021 versus a cutting-edge flagship expected in late 2024. Buckle up, because there's a lot to unpack!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with an emphasis on what these specs actually mean for you.
| Feature | Honor 50 | Google Pixel 9 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 73.8 × 7.8 mm, 175g | 152.8 × 72 × 8.5 mm, 199g | The Pixel 9 Pro is more compact and a bit heavier. The Honor 50 might feel slightly lighter in hand, but the Pixel 9 Pro is easier to pocket. |
| Build Quality | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The Pixel 9 Pro will likely be more resistant to scratches and drops, offering better peace of mind. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.57" | 6.3" | The Honor 50 offers a slightly larger screen, which some might prefer for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 (392 PPI) | 1280x2856 (495 PPI) | The Pixel 9 Pro's display will be noticeably sharper and more detailed. Text and images will appear crisper. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | The Pixel 9 Pro’s display will be significantly brighter, making it much easier to see outdoors in direct sunlight. The Honor 50's brightness spec is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) | The Pixel 9 Pro's Tensor G4 will offer significantly faster performance, better AI capabilities, and improved power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 582,766 | 1,148,512 | The Pixel 9 Pro is almost twice as fast as the Honor 50 in benchmark scores, which translates to snappier performance in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G715 MC7 | The Pixel 9 Pro will have a more powerful GPU, resulting in better graphics performance for gaming and other graphically intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.9, 1/1.52", 0.7µm) | 50MP (f/1.69, 1/1.3", 1.2µm) | The Pixel 9 Pro's larger sensor and wider aperture should result in better low-light performance and dynamic range, despite the lower megapixel count. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 8MP | 48MP (Wide Angle + Macro) | The Pixel 9 Pro offers a much higher resolution ultrawide camera with macro capabilities, likely capturing more detailed and versatile wide-angle shots. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP | The Pixel 9 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities thanks to the dedicated telephoto lens, allowing you to get closer to your subjects without sacrificing image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2, 1/3.14", 0.7µm) | 42MP (f/2.2) | The Pixel 9 Pro should deliver slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, OIS, EIS | The Pixel 9 Pro offers superior video recording capabilities with higher resolution, frame rates, and stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera | Triple camera, OIS, LAF, NPU AI Engine | The Pixel 9 Pro has a more advanced autofocus system (LAF) and AI processing for enhanced image quality. Honor 50 has more lenses in total. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 4700mAh | The Pixel 9 Pro should offer slightly longer battery life due to its larger battery and more efficient chipset. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 27W Fast Charging, 21W Wireless | The Honor 50 charges much faster with its 66W charger. The Pixel 9 Pro offers convenient wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 (Upgradable to 21) | The Pixel 9 Pro will have a much more up-to-date Android experience and guaranteed software updates for years to come. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | The Pixel 9 Pro will support faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connections with Wi-Fi 7. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | The Pixel 9 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version with improved power efficiency. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | The Pixel 9 Pro offers the flexibility of using an eSIM for easier carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256/512/1024GB | The Pixel 9 Pro offers significantly more storage options, especially if you need a lot of space for photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 6/8/12GB | 16GB | The Pixel 9 Pro will handle multitasking and demanding apps more smoothly with its higher RAM capacity. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation | The Pixel 9 Pro offers a more immersive audio experience with stereo speakers and clearer calls with noise cancellation. Honor 50 supports Hi-Res Audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Sensors | Compass | Barometer, Thermometer, Magnetometer | The Pixel 9 Pro has a more comprehensive suite of sensors, which can be useful for various applications like weather tracking and augmented reality. |
2. Key Insights
Honor 50 Strengths:
- Lighter and slightly more compact design.
- Faster charging.
- Potentially lower price point (given its age).
- Hi-Res Audio support.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Strengths:
- Significantly more powerful processor and GPU.
- Sharper and brighter display.
- Superior camera system with telephoto lens and advanced features.
- Longer battery life (likely).
- Wireless charging.
- More up-to-date software and guaranteed updates.
- More storage options.
- Water and dust resistance.
- Better audio quality with stereo speakers and noise cancellation.
Trade-offs:
- The Honor 50's primary advantage is its price and charging speed, but it's significantly behind in almost every other area.
- The Pixel 9 Pro will be more expensive.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Honor 50: Best for users on a tight budget who prioritize fast charging and don't need the latest and greatest features. This phone is suitable for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and casual photography.
Google Pixel 9 Pro: Ideal for users who demand top-tier performance, a fantastic camera, and a premium Android experience. This phone is perfect for photography enthusiasts, gamers, and anyone who wants a future-proof device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself to help make your decision:
- How important is the camera to you? If photography is a priority, the Pixel 9 Pro is the clear winner.
- What's your budget? If you're looking for the most affordable option, the Honor 50 might be appealing.
- How long do you plan to keep the phone? The Pixel 9 Pro's guaranteed software updates make it a better long-term investment.
Which one would I choose?
Personally, I'd go with the Google Pixel 9 Pro. Yes, it's going to be pricier, but the improvements in performance, camera capabilities, display quality, and software support are simply too significant to ignore. As a tech journalist, I need a phone that can keep up with my demanding workflow, and the Pixel 9 Pro offers the power and features I need to stay productive. I'm also a big fan of Google's computational photography, and I'm excited to see what the Tensor G4 can do.
