Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro. We've got a battle of heavyweights here, each bringing its own strengths to the table. I'll break down the specs, give you my insights, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, along with what they mean for your day-to-day use:
Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 162.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm | 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.3 mm | Mate 50 Pro is larger, might feel less comfortable in small hands. iPhone 15 Pro more pocketable. |
Weight | 205g | 187g | iPhone 15 Pro is noticeably lighter, better for long usage sessions. |
Build | Unknown | Unknown | Both offer high build quality |
Display | |||
Size | 6.74" | 6.1" | Mate 50 Pro offers a larger screen for immersive media, gaming, and productivity. |
Resolution | 1212x2616 | 1179x2556 | Mate 50 Pro has slightly higher resolution, but difference negligible to the naked eye. |
Pixel Density | 428 ppi | 461 ppi | iPhone 15 Pro is sharper, images will appear crisper, even if only slightly. |
Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 15 Pro's screen is much brighter, easier to see in bright sunlight. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4nm) | Apple A17 Pro (3nm) | iPhone 15 Pro's A17 is a more powerful processor, offers better performance, efficiency and speed. |
AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 1,641,883 | iPhone 15 Pro is significantly faster, better for gaming, heavy apps. |
GPU | Adreno 730 | Apple GPU (6-core) | iPhone 15 Pro offers faster and more optimized graphics for intense gaming and editing. |
Camera | |||
Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56" | 48MP, f/1.78, 1/1.3" | Mate 50 Pro has a wider aperture, better for low light, iPhone has a larger sensor for increased image quality. |
Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 12MP, f/1.9 | iPhone 15 Pro has a wider aperture, better for low light selfies |
Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | 12MP, f/2.8 | Mate 50 Pro has significantly higher resolution; iPhone 15 Pro has a wider aperture, better low light |
Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX688 | N/A | Mate 50 Pro has a wide-angle camera while iPhone 15 Pro doesn't. |
Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX633 | iPhone 15 Pro has a wide-angle and macro camera while Mate 50 Pro doesn't. |
Video | Up to 720p @3840fps with HDR | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR | Both have great video capabilities, Mate 50 Pro offers more extreme slow-mo. |
DXOMark Mobile | 149 | 154 | iPhone 15 Pro comes out on top. |
DXOMark Selfie | 145 | 149 | iPhone 15 Pro comes out on top. |
Battery Life | |||
Capacity | 4700mAh | 3650mAh | Mate 50 Pro has a larger battery, potentially longer battery life. |
Charging | 66W fast charging | 27W fast charging | Mate 50 Pro charges much faster. |
Wireless Charging | 50W wireless charging | 15W MagSafe/7.5W Qi wireless | Mate 50 Pro has much faster wireless charging capabilities. |
Reverse Charging | Yes | No | Mate 50 Pro can wirelessly charge other devices using its battery. |
Software | |||
OS | N/A | iOS 17 | iPhone has a mature, updated ecosystem, better for long term support. |
Connectivity | |||
Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both offer fast and reliable connectivity. |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | iPhone 15 Pro has newer Bluetooth version. |
GPS | More systems | Less systems | Mate 50 Pro has access to more satellite systems for better accuracy. |
SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | iPhone 15 Pro offers eSIM, suitable for traveling. Mate 50 Pro offers Dual SIM. |
Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 256/512 GB | 128/256/512/1024 GB | iPhone 15 Pro has more internal storage options. |
RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both offer smooth multitasking. |
Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
Audio | |||
Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | iPhone 15 Pro has better sound features. |
Security | |||
Features | Fingerprint sensor | Basic Security Features | Mate 50 Pro has fingerprint sensor, while iPhone doesn't specify a sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro
Strengths:
- Larger Display: Great for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
- Battery: Larger battery and much faster charging (wired and wireless), offering greater convenience and less down time.
- Camera Versatility: More lens options with a higher resolution telephoto, providing diverse photographic capabilities.
- Connectivity: Offers a wider array of GPS systems for more accurate location tracking, as well as features like Wifi Direct and Display.
Trade-offs:
- Size and Weight: Can feel bulky and less comfortable for prolonged use.
- Processor: Older processor, not as capable for gaming, video editing and heavy tasks.
- Software: Lacks the maturity and features of iOS, may have limited app availability or compatibility.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro
Strengths:
- Performance: Cutting-edge A17 Pro chip offers top-tier speed and efficiency.
- Display: High pixel density and much higher brightness provides a crisp and easy-to-see display.
- Ecosystem: Benefits from the well-established iOS ecosystem, strong app support, and long software support.
- Premium Build: Top materials and build quality, known for its durability and feel in the hand.
- Camera: While the Mate has more lenses, the iPhone camera has slightly better image quality and video capabilities according to DXOMark.
- Audio: Offers more audio features, such as Dolby Atmos, better noise cancellation and a dedicated set of microphones.
Trade-offs:
- Battery: Smaller battery and slower charging, may require mid-day charge for heavy users.
- Smaller Display: Less screen space for media and productivity.
- Less Camera Versatility: Lacks some of the lens options of the Mate 50 Pro.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Mate 50 Pro: Best for:
- Users who prioritize media consumption and long gaming sessions.
- Photographers looking for versatility in lenses and a more powerful zoom camera.
- Those needing extended battery life and fast charging.
- Users who don't mind navigating an operating system that is different than iOS.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro: Best for:
- Users who demand top-tier processing power for heavy tasks and gaming.
- Those who prefer the iOS ecosystem and long-term software support.
- Users who value a compact device with a bright, sharp screen.
- Photographers looking for the best possible all around mobile camera experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, media consumption, productivity)
- How important is battery life and charging speed to you? (Need all-day power, or okay with charging throughout the day)
- Which ecosystem do you prefer? (iOS simplicity or a more open experience)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Media Enthusiast: If you love watching videos and playing games, the Mate 50 Pro’s larger screen and bigger battery might be more appealing, however the iPhone 15 Pro's screen is brighter, and its speakers are better, so it depends on what you value more.
- The Power User: If you need a phone for heavy multitasking, photo and video editing, or demanding mobile gaming, the iPhone 15 Pro offers better performance with its advanced A17 Pro chip.
- The Photographer: If you like using a variety of lenses, the Mate 50 Pro offers better versatility, but if you are looking for an overall better quality images, the iPhone 15 Pro is the way to go.
- The Everyday User: For general use, the iPhone 15 Pro provides a polished user experience and better software support and performance, however, it may require more frequent charging.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would go for the Apple iPhone 15 Pro. While the Mate 50 Pro has some impressive features, especially in the camera and battery departments, the sheer power of the A17 Pro chip combined with the polish of the iOS ecosystem is too compelling to ignore. For me, the iPhone offers a smoother, more consistent user experience across the board, and provides the best long term value. While the Mate 50 Pro's faster charging and battery is very tempting, the iPhone's bright screen, more compact form factor, better speakers, better camera and performance makes it the better phone overall.