Alright, let's break down the Honor 50 and the Motorola ThinkPhone. It’s like comparing a stylish mid-ranger that came out a bit ago with a more recent, business-focused powerhouse. Here's a journalist's take, Alex Griffin, in the house!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s the lowdown, spec-by-spec, with a focus on how this stuff actually affects your day-to-day:
| Feature | Honor 50 | Motorola ThinkPhone | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 73.8 × 7.8 mm, 175g | 158.8 × 74.4 × 8.3 mm, 188.5g | ThinkPhone is a bit thicker and heavier; Honor 50 is taller. Handle in person if possible. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Standard smartphones |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.57" | 6.6" | Negligible difference; both are plenty big for media consumption and everyday use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both are sharp enough. |
| PPI | 392 | 399 | Basically indistinguishable in terms of clarity. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but P-OLED might be slightly more efficient. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | ThinkPhone's slightly higher refresh rate could be marginally smoother, but hard to notice. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | HUGE advantage for the ThinkPhone in outdoor visibility. Sunlight readability is crucial. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | ThinkPhone's chipset is a massive leap in performance. Expect much faster everything. |
| AnTuTu Score | 582,766 | 1,232,700 | ThinkPhone absolutely demolishes the Honor 50 in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 730 | ThinkPhone handles graphics-intensive tasks (gaming, video editing) with much greater ease. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | ThinkPhone will likely last noticeably longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 66W fast charging | 68W fast charging | Both are fast, but negligible difference. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | 15W Wireless Charging | Honor 50 can act as a power bank for other devices; ThinkPhone offers wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | Honor 50 has higher resolution, but ThinkPhone has a slightly wider aperture and larger pixel size. Photo processing also matters. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/3.14" | 32MP, f/2.45 | Honor 50 has slightly wider aperture |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.4 (Wide Angle + Macro) | Honor 50 has a dedicated Wide Angle Lens, while ThinkPhone's is combined with a Macro lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | ThinkPhone wins for video quality and frame rates, plus has better stabilization. |
| Stabilization | EIS | HDR, EIS | ThinkPhone's HDR stabilization makes a big difference in video quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | ThinkPhone has a more modern and secure operating system with likely longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both are modern and fast. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.2 LE, A2DP | Honor 50 supports more audio codecs for higher-quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Honor 50 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256 GB | Both offer plenty of storage for most users; no expandable storage. |
| RAM | 6/8/12 GB | 8 GB | Honor 50 has more RAM (12GB), excellent for heavy multitasking and demanding games |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows you to expand its storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Motorola ThinkPhone has a slight edge in audio features offering enhanced spatial audio |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both phones have similar fingerprint sensor technology |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | ThinkPhone has significantly tougher screen protection. |
| Sensors | Compass | No Compass | Honor 50 has Compass |
2. Key Insights
Honor 50 Strengths:
- Stylish Design: The Honor 50 was known for its sleek aesthetics, which is a major draw for some users.
- Capable Camera (in its time): The 108MP main camera was impressive when it launched, offering detailed shots in good lighting.
- Reverse Charging: Lets you use the phone as a power bank, a handy feature in a pinch.
- Compass: Better navigation
Motorola ThinkPhone Strengths:
- Blazing Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a beast. This phone will handle anything you throw at it.
- Superior Display Brightness: Makes a huge difference outdoors.
- Larger Battery: Expect better battery life, especially with that power-efficient chipset.
- Better Video Recording: 8K recording, 4K at 60fps, and HDR stabilization put it miles ahead of the Honor 50.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient for topping up the battery without cables.
- Robust Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus provides top-tier screen protection.
- Modern Software: Comes with a newer version of Android and likely longer software support.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Honor 50: Older chipset means slower performance; display not bright enough for direct sunlight; older software.
- Motorola ThinkPhone: Camera resolution isn't everything; the design is more functional than flashy.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Honor 50:
- Budget-Conscious Users: If you can find it at a steep discount, and style is your priority over raw power, it might be a decent option.
- Casual Photographers: Still takes decent photos in good lighting.
- Reverse Charging Enthusiasts: If you frequently need to top up other devices.
Motorola ThinkPhone:
- Power Users: People who need a phone that can keep up with heavy multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Professionals: The ThinkPhone's performance, battery life, and robust build make it ideal for work.
- Video Creators: The 8K video recording and advanced stabilization are a boon for content creators.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: The bright display ensures excellent visibility even in bright sunlight.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself:
- How important is performance to you? (If you want the best, ThinkPhone wins easily.)
- Do you need a bright display for outdoor use? (ThinkPhone is the clear choice.)
- What is your budget? (If the Honor 50 is significantly cheaper, it might be a compromise if you can live with the older tech.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming and Heavy Multitasking: Choose the Motorola ThinkPhone. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 will deliver a much smoother and more enjoyable experience.
- Scenario 2: Primarily Indoor Use, Limited Budget: The Honor 50 might suffice if you can get it for a rock-bottom price, but keep in mind its limitations.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Photography and Videography: Go for the Motorola ThinkPhone. The bright display and superior video capabilities are essential.
My Choice
If I were buying today, I'd choose the Motorola ThinkPhone, hands down.
Here’s why:
- Longevity: The newer chipset and software will keep the ThinkPhone relevant for longer.
- Usability: That brighter display makes a massive difference in real-world usability.
- Performance: I value snappy performance, and the ThinkPhone delivers in spades.
While the Honor 50 might have been a good option in its prime, technology moves quickly. The ThinkPhone offers a significantly better overall experience and is a much smarter investment in the long run.
