Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Asus Zenfone 10. This isn't just a spec sheet showdown; we're looking at how these devices fit into your daily life. I'll break down the key differences, explain what they mean for you, and help you figure out which phone might be your next pocket companion.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown, focusing on what the specs actually mean for you:
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Asus Zenfone 10 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | 146.5 × 68.1 × 9.4 mm | Mate 50 Pro is significantly larger, making it less pocketable but offering more screen real estate. Zenfone 10 is compact and easier to handle one-handed. |
| Weight | 205g | 172g | Zenfone 10 is noticeably lighter, improving comfort during extended use. Mate 50 Pro can feel heavy in hand after a while. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 5.92" | Mate 50 Pro has a larger screen, ideal for media consumption and multitasking. Zenfone 10 is more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1212x2616 | 1080x2400 | Mate 50 Pro has higher pixel density resulting in sharper visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 428 PPI | 445 PPI | Both have very similar pixel densities, leading to sharp, detailed displays. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use similar vibrant display tech, ensuring great contrast and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 10 offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. The difference is noticeable by trained eyes. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Zenfone 10 has significantly better outdoor visibility, a huge plus on sunny days. Mate 50 Pro brightness is unspecified, raising questions about it's clarity outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | Zenfone 10 is faster and more power-efficient with the newer chip, leading to snappier performance. The lack of 5G on Mate 50 Pro is a big disadvantage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 10 has a massive benchmark score advantage which is likely to provide a noticeable difference in gaming, loading apps and general responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 740 | Zenfone 10’s GPU is more powerful, leading to better graphics performance in games. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4700 mAh | 4300 mAh | Mate 50 Pro has a larger battery, but real-world battery life can vary with usage patterns and it may not always outperform the Zenfone 10. |
| Charging | 66W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Mate 50 Pro charges much faster, getting you back in action quickly. |
| Features | 50W wireless, 7.5W reverse wireless | 15W wireless, 5W reverse wired | Mate 50 Pro excels in wireless charging speed and reverse charging. Zenfone 10 offers more basic wireless and reverse wired charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.4, 1/1.56" | 50MP f/1.9, 1/1.56" | Mate 50 Pro has a wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.4 | 32MP f/2.5, 1/3.2" | Zenfone 10 has higher resolution, while Mate 50 Pro has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto | 64MP f/3.5, 1/2" | None | Mate 50 Pro offers dedicated optical zoom capabilities which can be useful for close up shots without losing details. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP f/2.2 | None | Mate 50 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle camera offering a variety of shooting options. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP f/2.2, 1/3.06" | Zenfone 10 has a combined macro and wide angle, allowing for creative close up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 8K 24fps | Zenfone 10 has a higher video resolution, perfect for enthusiasts and those who want to do some filming. |
| DxoMark | Mobile: 149, Selfie: 145 | Not Tested | Huawei has proven to have a significantly better camera than the Asus phone. |
| Features | Optical zoom, Triple camera, Manual focus, Laser AF, Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Dual front camera, Night Mode | 8K Video, Dual camera, Gimbal, Continuous autofocus, PDAF Omnidericional | Each of the phones has great camera features, but each one offers different options to fit the desired usage. |
| Software | |||
| OS | (Android Based) | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | Zenfone 10 offers up to date android support with up to two years of OS upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Zenfone 10 has the latest wifi standard allowing for faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | Zenfone 10 has a more up to date version of bluetooth, with more options. |
| GPS | Various, L1+L5 | Various, L1+L5 | Both support dual band GPS, however the Zenfone 10 has the upper hand offering more options for GPS and higher accuracy in more situations. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones allow for 2 SIM cards to be used. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Both offer ample storage, but the Zenfone 10 starts at a lower capacity for more price-conscious buyers. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/16GB | Zenfone 10 can be configured with more RAM which may help with multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both devices don't support expandable storage, this means you'll be locked with the storage you chose during purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res, Noise Cancellation, 2 Mics, Stereo Speakers | Asus Zenfone 10 has higher quality audio capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Zenfone 10 has a more modern fingerprint sensor placement. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Zenfone 10 has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Huawei has an additional barometer sensor which can be useful to track barometric pressure. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Strengths: Exceptional camera system with a versatile array of lenses, faster wireless charging, bigger battery.
- Competitive Advantages: Superior camera versatility, especially for zoom, and faster wireless charging for convenience.
- Trade-offs: The phone is heavier, bigger, has no 5G, lacks a dedicated Macro camera, and has an unspecified screen brightness.
Asus Zenfone 10:
- Strengths: More compact and lightweight, more powerful processor, brighter display, higher video resolution recording and newer connectivity options, higher quality audio.
- Competitive Advantages: More cutting edge performance and technology, pocket friendly size and significantly better outdoor brightness, perfect for gaming and consuming content.
- Trade-offs: Smaller display, slower charging, fewer cameras, and potentially inferior camera quality.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro: Best for photography enthusiasts who prioritize a flexible camera system and don't mind a larger device. If camera flexibility is your number one priority and you need a larger screen then this is the phone for you.
- Asus Zenfone 10: Ideal for users who want a powerful, compact phone that's great for media consumption, gaming, and daily use. If you value performance, compact design, outdoor visibility and cutting edge features then this is the phone you want.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself these three crucial questions:
- How important is camera flexibility to you? If you need a wide range of lenses and advanced zoom capabilities, the Mate 50 Pro is your pick. If a main camera and a wide angle camera with good video recording is all you need then the Zenfone 10 will suffice.
- Do you prefer a large screen for media, or a compact phone for portability? The Mate 50 Pro offers a big, immersive display, but the Zenfone 10 is much more pocket-friendly and comfortable for one handed use.
- How important are the cutting edge features? If you care about having the most up to date technologies such as Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, 8K recording, a brighter screen and a very powerful processor then the Asus Zenfone 10 is the clear winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Photographer: Choose the Huawei Mate 50 Pro for its versatile camera system and advanced zoom.
- The Mobile Gamer: Go with the Asus Zenfone 10 for its powerful processor, bright display and high refresh rate screen, and good speakers.
- The Everyday User: The Asus Zenfone 10 offers a balanced package of power, portability, cutting edge technology and a very bright screen for great visibility making it the better choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd go with the Asus Zenfone 10. As much as I appreciate the Mate 50 Pro's camera versatility, the Zenfone 10's compact size, cutting-edge performance with it's Snapdragon Gen 2 processor, noticeably brighter display, and the inclusion of 8K video recording makes it more compelling for my everyday use. The faster processor and more advanced connectivity features of the Asus Zenfone 10 give it a much needed advantage. Its better portability and brightness also fits my lifestyle and needs more. While the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens on the Zenfone 10 is a bit of a miss, the other advantages far outweigh this drawback. Ultimately, the Zenfone 10 strikes a better balance between power, usability, and modern features, which is exactly what I need in a smartphone.
