Alright, let's dive deep into the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Asus ROG Phone 8. These are two very different beasts, and choosing between them comes down to what you value most in a smartphone. Buckle up, because we're about to get technical, but I'll keep it relatable.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table that breaks down the key specs and translates them into real-world implications:
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Asus is slightly larger and thicker, may feel less comfortable in hand over long periods. |
| Weight | 205g | 225g | Mate 50 Pro is significantly lighter, better for extended use and portability. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional non-folding phones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.78" | Negligible difference in size; both are large screen phones. |
| Resolution | 1212x2616 | 1080x2400 | Mate 50 Pro has a sharper, more detailed display. |
| PPI | 428 | 388 | Mate 50 Pro has a higher pixel density, resulting in crisper visuals. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant, high-contrast display technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 8 offers noticeably smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | ROG Phone 8 will be far more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | ROG Phone 8 has a newer, more powerful chip. |
| Antutu Score | 1,022,043 | 2,020,000 | ROG Phone 8 offers significantly faster performance, ideal for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 750 | ROG Phone 8 offers better graphics processing power for games. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4700mAh | 5500mAh | ROG Phone 8 should last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charge | 65W Fast Charge | Mate 50 Pro has slightly faster charging, but both are very fast. |
| Features | 50W Wireless, Reverse | None | Mate 50 Pro has greater wireless charging and can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 50MP f/1.4 | 50MP f/1.9 | Mate 50 Pro has a wider aperture, allowing for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie | 13MP f/2.4 | 32MP | ROG Phone 8 has higher-resolution selfie capabilities. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP f/3.5 | None | Mate 50 Pro offers great zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | None | Mate 50 Pro offers wide shots without moving the phone. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP f/2.4 | ROG Phone 8 has macro capabilities for close-up photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP f/2.2 | ROG Phone 8 has wide + macro capabilities for close-up wide shots. |
| Video | 4K@60fps, HDR | 8K@24fps, HDR | ROG Phone 8 shoots in 8k resolution, Mate 50 Pro at 4k. Both offer stable video capture. |
| DXOMARK | Main 149, Selfie 145 | Not Tested | Mate 50 Pro has excellent camera performance scores. |
| Features | Laser AF, PDAF, CDAF, Dual front camera, RAW | 8K Video, Gimbal, Continuous AF | Mate 50 Pro focuses on pro-grade photography and RAW; Asus focuses on video and stabilisation. |
| Software | |||
| OS | NA | Android 14 | ROG Phone 8 has a known newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | ROG Phone 8 has a faster, more efficient Wi-Fi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | ROG Phone 8 has a slightly newer version with additional features. |
| GPS | Multiple systems | Multiple systems | Both offer precise GPS location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256/512 GB | 256 GB | Mate 50 Pro has more storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12/16 GB | ROG Phone 8 offers more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Stereo, DTS/DTS X | ROG Phone 8 has a more immersive audio experience with surround sound technology. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both have the same basic security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning GG Victus 2 | ROG Phone 8 is more durable against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall | None | Mate 50 Pro has additional environmental sensors, suitable for certain apps and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro: This phone is a photography powerhouse. The combination of its variable aperture, powerful telephoto lens, excellent image processing, and high DXOMark scores makes it a top contender for mobile photography enthusiasts. It offers a refined, premium feel with its lighter weight, and the inclusion of 50W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are convenient extras. However, its older chip and lack of 5G are downsides.
- Asus ROG Phone 8: This is a gaming-focused beast, through and through. Its lightning-fast processor, higher refresh rate display, impressive sound system, and the extra RAM make it ideal for mobile gaming. The superior screen protection and higher battery capacity are also beneficial for gamers and heavy users. The 8K video recording, gimbal stabilisation, and macro capabilities are all welcome additions for content creators.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Photography Enthusiast: The Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the clear winner. Its exceptional camera system, including variable aperture and robust zoom capabilities, coupled with its high camera performance scores, make it ideal for users who prioritize mobile photography and need great low-light and detail.
- For the Gaming Power User: The Asus ROG Phone 8 reigns supreme. With its cutting-edge processor, high refresh rate, massive RAM options, and enhanced audio, it provides a significantly better experience for mobile gamers and power users who need top-tier performance.
- For the Practical User: Both phones have their strengths and weaknesses. It comes down to personal preference; The Mate 50 Pro is a better option for people focused on photo quality and a premium build quality, while the ROG Phone 8 is better for content creators and gamers.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How much do you value mobile photography? If photography is your passion, the Mate 50 Pro is the stronger choice.
- Do you prioritize raw power and gaming performance? The ROG Phone 8 is the clear winner for those who need the best performance.
- Do you need the latest version of Android, 5G, and the best display for outdoor visibility? If yes, the ROG Phone 8 is the better option for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User who takes photos occasionally. The ROG Phone 8 has an excellent main camera and a higher-resolution front-facing camera.
- Scenario 2: Frequent mobile gamer looking for the best performance. The ROG Phone 8 is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: User who takes a lot of high-quality photos on their phone. The Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the best option.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Asus ROG Phone 8. While the Huawei Mate 50 Pro’s camera is incredibly enticing, the ROG Phone 8’s combination of a significantly more powerful processor, higher refresh rate display, latest connectivity standards, and better screen protection makes it the more versatile phone for my needs. The battery is bigger, the charging is faster, and the overall package is more suitable for the kinds of tasks I need to do daily - plus, I like the ability to record in 8k. In a nutshell, the ROG Phone 8 is more future-proof.
