Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Honor 50 and the Huawei P50 Pro. This is a classic matchup of specs versus real-world performance, and it's where things get interesting. We'll break it down category by category, focusing on what each specification actually means for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table to get us started:
| Feature | Honor 50 | Huawei P50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 x 73.8 x 7.8 mm, 175g | 158.8 x 72.8 x 8.5 mm, 195g | Honor 50 is taller and lighter; P50 Pro is thicker and heavier. Honor 50 is slightly more pocketable and comfortable. |
| Build | Both phones are standard smartphones. | ||
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.57" | 6.6" | Very similar size; negligible difference in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 (392 PPI) | 1228x2700 (450 PPI) | P50 Pro has a sharper display. Noticeable difference in clarity for text, images, and video. |
| Technology | OLED, 120Hz | OLED, 120Hz | Both offer vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical, but the actual maximum brightness is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | Kirin 9000 is significantly more powerful. Faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 582,766 | 697,566 | Benchmarks confirm better performance on P50 Pro, but both phones are capable of handling most tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G78 MP24 | The GPU of the P50 Pro is better, making it more suitable for graphic-intensive games and applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.9, 1/1.52") | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.55") | Honor 50 has higher resolution, but P50 Pro has a wider aperture, leading to better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | None | 64MP (f/3.4, 1/2") | P50 Pro offers optical zoom, which is great for capturing distant subjects with clarity. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (f/2.2) | 13MP (f/2.2, Wide Angle + Macro) | Both capture wide-angle shots, but P50 Pro's lens also functions as a macro lens, offering versatility. |
| Selfie | 32MP (f/2.2) | 13MP (f/2.4) | Honor 50's selfie camera captures more detailed shots and performs slightly better in low light. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 4K@60fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS, 1080p@960fps with EIS | P50 Pro provides higher frame rate 4K video, and has better stabilization. |
| DxOMark | N/A | Mobile: 143, Selfie: 144 | P50 Pro's camera capabilities are well-regarded, with high scores in both mobile and selfie categories. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital zoom, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Quadruple camera, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Dual front camera, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Huawei P50 Pro provides wider range of features and stabilization options. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 4360mAh | Similar battery sizes; expect comparable battery life under similar usage. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging, Reverse charging | 66W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless, Reverse Wireless | P50 Pro offers wireless charging, a handy feature for convenient top-ups. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Honor 50 runs Android 11, which offers access to Google services. The P50 Pro's software is not clear. | |
| Other | |||
| Storage | 128/256 GB, No Expandable Storage | 128/256/512 GB, No Expandable Storage | P50 Pro offers a higher storage option (512 GB), useful for users with large media libraries. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | P50 Pro has a more immersive audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos. |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6 | Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6 | Modern connectivity options on both devices. |
2. Key Insights
Honor 50:
- Strengths: Lighter design, higher resolution selfie camera, Android with Google services.
- Competitive Advantages: More budget-friendly, especially for users prioritizing a lighter device and access to Google services.
- Trade-offs: Less powerful chipset, lacks optical zoom, wireless charging.
Huawei P50 Pro:
- Strengths: More powerful chipset, excellent camera system with optical zoom, wireless charging, and stereo speakers.
- Competitive Advantages: Superior performance and camera capabilities for enthusiasts.
- Trade-offs: Heavier design, software concerns regarding Google services, potentially higher price point.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Honor 50:
- Ideal For: Users who want a stylish, lightweight phone with access to Google services and a good selfie camera.
- Use Cases: Social media enthusiasts, everyday users, those on a tighter budget.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent, given its features and access to Google services.
Huawei P50 Pro:
- Ideal For: Photography enthusiasts, power users who demand top-tier performance, and those less concerned about Google services.
- Use Cases: Professional photography, gaming, multimedia consumption.
- Price-to-Value: Justified for users who need the best possible performance and camera capabilities, but potentially less attractive if Google services are essential.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important are Google services to you? If you rely heavily on Google apps and services, the Honor 50 is the safer bet.
- Do you prioritize camera quality and zoom capabilities? The Huawei P50 Pro's camera system, particularly its optical zoom, is a major advantage.
- What's your budget and do you need wireless charging? If you want to pay less and don't need wireless charging, the Honor 50 is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Photography Enthusiast: Huawei P50 Pro for its superior camera system and optical zoom.
- Everyday User on a Budget: Honor 50 for its balance of features, access to Google services, and lighter design.
- Power User Who Doesn't Need Google Services: Huawei P50 Pro for its performance.
My Pick:
If I had to choose between these two phones, I'd lean towards the Huawei P50 Pro.
While the Honor 50 is a solid device, the P50 Pro packs a more powerful punch in key areas that matter most to me. Its Kirin 9000 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost, making everything from gaming to multitasking feel smoother and more responsive. More importantly, the P50 Pro's camera system is simply outstanding, especially the telephoto lens. The addition of wireless charging is the cherry on top, adding a layer of convenience that I appreciate.
The major issue would be the os, as this would impact functionality for daily use. Otherwise, I feel the Huawei P50 Pro makes up for it with features such as optical zoom, wireless charging, stereo speakers, and a better graphics processing unit.
