Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Honor X6 and the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. I'll be breaking down the specs with my typical engineering-focused but user-centric approach, ensuring we see how these devices stack up in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specifications, comparing the Honor X6 and the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro and what these specs mean for daily use:
| Feature | Honor X6 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-21 | 2023-07-27 | ZTE is significantly newer, indicating more modern technology. |
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 75.1 × 8.7 mm | 163.9 × 76.3 × 8.3 mm | ZTE is slightly wider and thinner, but these differences aren't significant for most users. |
| Weight | 194g | 228g | Honor X6 is noticeably lighter, which might be more comfortable for long periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | ZTE has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1260x2800 | ZTE offers much sharper visuals with over twice the number of pixels; images are clearer and less grainy. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 452 | ZTE's display is substantially sharper, providing more detail and clarity. |
| Technology | TFT LCD | AMOLED | ZTE's AMOLED display delivers vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better energy efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | ZTE's smoother animations and scrolling, making interactions feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE is significantly brighter, easily viewable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 (4 nm) | ZTE's chip is generations ahead, resulting in far superior speed and efficiency, also more future proof. |
| Antutu Score | 100,890 | 1,579,720 | ZTE provides a drastically faster and smoother experience for everyday apps, gaming, and multitasking. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 740 | ZTE has a much more powerful GPU, offering superior graphics performance in games and intensive applications. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5100mAh | Similar battery sizes, likely offering comparable all-day battery life for average users. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | ZTE offers significantly faster charging, reducing downtime and keeping you powered up. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear | 50MP, f/1.8 | 54MP, f/1.6, 1/1.49" Sony IMX800, 1.00µm | ZTE has a better aperture and larger sensor with larger pixels and higher resolution, leading to better low-light and overall image quality. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | N/A | 8MP, f/2.4, Hynix HI-847, 1.00µm | ZTE offers a dedicated telephoto lens for portraits and zoomed shots, a big boost in versatility. |
| Selfie | 5MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.5, 1/3.06", Omnivision OV16A10, 1.00µm | ZTE has a higher-resolution selfie camera, capturing more detailed images with better results. |
| Wide Angle | N/A | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.88", Omnivision OV50D40, 0.61µm | ZTE includes a dedicated wide-angle lens for more versatile photography, a valuable addition. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Honor has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos, but software can often replicate this with similar results. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Honor has a dedicated macro lens, but its quality might be sub-par compared to software macro modes. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@30fps (EIS), 4K@120fps (EIS) | ZTE offers far superior video capabilities with higher resolution, frame rates and stabilization. |
| Features | Basic | Optical zoom, OIS, Gimbal, 8K, RAW, Night mode etc | ZTE has many more features, offering versatility in taking photos and videos. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | ZTE is running a newer version of Android, which comes with new functionalities and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be | ZTE supports the latest WiFi standards (6 and 7), offering faster speeds and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | ZTE supports newer version of Bluetooth and improved audio transmission and functionality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5) and more | ZTE supports more satellite systems for faster, more accurate positioning in diverse locations. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 256/1024 GB | ZTE offers significantly more storage, which is crucial for high-res photos, videos and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB | 12/16 GB | ZTE has much more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and better performance under load. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so choose the base version wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | ZTE offers stereo speakers and enhanced audio technology, for a more immersive experience for music and movies. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Honor X6 has side-mounted fingerprint sensor offering more natural ergonomic unlocking |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Fingerprint, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Fingerprint, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | ZTE has gyroscope sensor for more accurate movement sensing, including in gaming and for virtual reality. |
2. Key Insights
Honor X6:
- Strengths: The Honor X6's main advantage is its lighter weight, which might make it more comfortable for prolonged use. It also has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which some may find more convenient than a basic one.
- Trade-offs: The Honor X6 sacrifices performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and charging speeds in exchange for a lower price tag. Its display is less sharp, not as bright, and uses older TFT LCD technology. It also lacks advanced camera features and its video recording capabilities are significantly lower than the Z50S Pro.
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro:
- Strengths: The Z50S Pro is a powerhouse of features. It has a significantly better display (AMOLED, high resolution, high refresh rate, high brightness), drastically more powerful performance due to a newer generation chipset, superior camera system with multiple lenses and high-end video capabilities, much faster charging, and more storage and RAM. It offers a noticeably smoother and more responsive user experience overall.
- Trade-offs: It is heavier than the Honor X6 and may be less comfortable for users who prioritize lightweight devices.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Honor X6:
- Best Suited For: Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light browsing. The X6 is also a good option for those who need a secondary phone due to its weight and low price.
- Use Cases: Everyday communication, basic social media, and tasks not requiring demanding performance or high-quality media.
- ZTE nubia Z50S Pro:
- Best Suited For: Users seeking high performance, excellent camera capabilities, and a vibrant display. Gamers, photographers, and those who consume lots of media will appreciate its advanced features.
- Use Cases: Gaming, high-resolution photography and videography, content creation, and any other task that demands high processing power.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? If you are on a very tight budget, the Honor X6 is the more economical choice. However, if your budget allows, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro offers a much better experience.
- What do you prioritize? If all you need is a basic phone, the Honor X6 might be sufficient. If performance, display quality, and camera capabilities are important, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the clear winner.
- How do you plan to use your phone? If you primarily use your phone for calls, texts, and light browsing, the Honor X6 will do the job. If you plan to play games, take high-quality photos, or watch videos, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is a much better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Casual User: If your phone is primarily for basic tasks and your budget is tight, the Honor X6 is adequate.
- Power User: If you are a gamer, photographer, content creator, or heavy media consumer, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the device you need to maximize your experience.
- Balanced User: If your budget is flexible, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro will provide you with an elevated experience, including a significant upgrade on the display, camera, and overall performance.
Final Thoughts and My Choice
If I were personally choosing between these two phones, I would unequivocally pick the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. While the Honor X6 is certainly the more budget-friendly option, the Z50S Pro offers a massively superior experience in virtually every category that matters to me as a tech enthusiast.
The difference in screen quality alone—going from a low-resolution LCD to a high-resolution, bright, 120Hz AMOLED—is like going from a basic black-and-white TV to a high-definition 4k OLED screen. The performance gap between the chipsets is astronomical, and you'd be able to feel the difference in day-to-day tasks, not to mention gaming. Moreover, the advanced camera system of the Z50S Pro makes the Honor X6 feel like a relic of the past. I also value its faster charging and additional features that greatly improve my overall experience.
While I understand the appeal of a budget phone, I believe that in this case, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is worth the investment, and for someone who values performance, display quality, and camera versatility, it's the clear choice.
