Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Honor 70 and Huawei Mate 50 Pro. We'll break down the specs, highlight real-world implications, and figure out which phone might be best for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a look at the key specs, what they mean, and how they translate to your daily use:
| Feature | Honor 70 | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm | 162.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm | The Honor 70 is a bit slimmer and narrower. The Mate 50 Pro is slightly larger, which might feel more substantial in the hand. |
| Weight | 178g | 205g | The Honor 70 feels significantly lighter, making it comfortable for prolonged use. The Mate 50 Pro’s extra weight may feel more premium, but also tiring. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.74" | Both offer a large, immersive viewing experience. The difference is negligible for most users. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1212 x 2616 | The Mate 50 Pro provides a sharper image, beneficial for detailed content and fine text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 428 | The higher PPI of the Mate 50 Pro means slightly crisper visuals. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks thanks to OLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animation, enhancing the fluidity of the user interface and gaming experience. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4nm) | The Mate 50 Pro has a much more powerful chip, translating to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better performance in demanding games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 600,525 | 1,022,043 | The Mate 50 Pro’s significantly higher score indicates superior performance in heavy tasks and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 730 | The Mate 50 Pro’s more powerful GPU is essential for high-fidelity gaming and graphic-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 54MP, f/1.9, 1/1.49" | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56" | The Honor 70 has a slightly higher resolution sensor. However, the Mate 50 Pro has a wider aperture and larger sensor, leading to potentially better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" | 13MP, f/2.4 | The Honor 70 boasts a much higher resolution front-facing camera, capturing more detail in selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | The Mate 50 Pro offers an optical telephoto zoom capability for detailed close-ups. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | The Honor 70 has a higher resolution ultra wide camera. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Honor 70 has a dedicated macro lens for closeup shots, while the Mate 50 Pro lacks that. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@480fps | The Mate 50 Pro offers a more versatile video recording with higher frame rates and HDR, while the Honor 70 is more basic. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 115 | 149 | The Mate 50 Pro has a significant camera advantage, offering superior image quality and performance according to DxOMark benchmark. |
| DxOMark Selfie | NA | 145 | The Mate 50 Pro provides a high end selfie camera experience based on the DxOMark score. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4700mAh | Both phones should offer similar all-day battery life for average users. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Both phones offer very fast wired charging, getting you from zero to full in about 30-40 minutes. |
| Wireless Charging | None | 50W Wireless Charging | The Mate 50 Pro has an advantage with its 50W wireless charging. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | (No OS Specified) | The Honor 70 uses Android 12, while the Mate 50 Pro has an unspecified operating system, which might be a limitation. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both phones support the latest Wi-Fi standards for fast and reliable connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both provide latest Bluetooth for audio and connectivity purposes. |
| GPS | Standard GPS suite | Comprehensive GPS suite | The Mate 50 Pro supports a more diverse array of satellite systems, offering greater location accuracy and reliability. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB/12GB | 8GB | The Honor 70 offers more memory variants, with the top variant featuring 12 GB of RAM. |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 256GB/512GB | Both phones offer ample storage options for apps, photos, and videos. |
| Audio | Hi-Res, Stereo | Stereo Speakers | The Honor 70 features a richer audio output with Hi-Res Audio, while both feature stereo speakers. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion via microSD cards. |
| Additional Sensors | Basic Sensors | Comprehensive Sensors | Mate 50 Pro include environmental sensor such as Barometer for more advanced function |
2. Key Insights
Honor 70: Strengths
- Lightweight and Slim Design: It's comfortable to hold and carry around all day.
- High-Resolution Selfie Camera: A great choice for selfie enthusiasts.
- Versatile RAM options: Offers flexibility for different user needs.
- Good Value: Typically more affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers richer audio output with better sound quality and immersion.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro: Strengths
- Superior Performance: Its high-end chip is a powerhouse for gaming and heavy tasks.
- Premium Camera System: Excels in low light with its wider aperture, offering superior image quality.
- Excellent Video Recording: Offers higher framerates and HDR.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient and quick 50W wireless charging capability.
- Comprehensive GPS: Greater location accuracy with diverse satellite support.
- Comprehensive Sensors: Offers a suite of sensors for enhanced gaming and functionality.
Trade-offs
- Honor 70: Lacks a telephoto lens and wireless charging. It also falls behind in overall performance and camera capabilities compared to Mate 50 Pro.
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro: Heavier, and slightly bulkier. It also has an unspecified OS which could have implications for compatibility and updates, and lacks a macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Honor 70: Best For
- Everyday Users: People who prioritize portability and a good all-around experience without breaking the bank.
- Selfie Lovers: Those who frequently take selfies and want a high-resolution front camera.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Offers excellent features for its price, making it a great value proposition.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Those who value higher sound quality from their smartphone speakers.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro: Best For
- Power Users: People who need top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and heavy apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a premium camera system that excels in all conditions.
- Mobile Video Creators: Users who value advanced video recording capabilities, such as higher frame rates and HDR.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest and greatest mobile tech including advanced GPS.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself to help you decide:
- How important is top-tier performance for you?
- If you are a heavy gamer or multitasker, the Mate 50 Pro's chip will make a significant difference.
- If you primarily browse, use social media, and do light tasks, the Honor 70 will be more than sufficient.
- How important is a versatile camera system to you?
- If you prioritize low-light performance, optical zoom, and video quality, the Mate 50 Pro's camera is a clear winner.
- If you primarily capture snapshots in good lighting, the Honor 70 will likely satisfy.
- What is your budget?
- The Honor 70 is likely to be more affordable, making it a great choice if budget is a primary concern.
- The Mate 50 Pro offers a premium experience, but with a higher cost, if the budget is not a primary concern.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- The Casual User: If you want a sleek, lightweight phone that can handle everyday tasks, take great selfies, and offers good value for money, the Honor 70 is a solid choice.
- The Mobile Photographer: If you want a premium camera experience with advanced features, better low light performance, and great video recording, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the way to go.
- The Gamer/Power User: If you need top-tier performance for gaming and heavy tasks, as well as the ability to quickly charge your device wirelessly, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro provides a superior experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally go with the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. Here's why:
As someone who appreciates a phone with a powerful camera and excellent performance, the Mate 50 Pro is the better option for me. I tend to use my smartphone for photography, and the higher image quality, especially in low light, as well as the optical zoom and excellent video recording are compelling features. Additionally, the stronger processor will provide a smoother experience when using more demanding apps or when I am multitasking.
While the Honor 70 is a good phone that offers very good value, the Mate 50 Pro's premium capabilities in key areas like performance, camera, wireless charging, and advanced GPS, would enhance my daily usage. The extra weight and slightly larger size are a small price to pay for such a superior experience. The unknown OS is a concern, however, with further clarification on this point, I would still prefer the Mate 50 Pro.
