Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Blackview A96. I'm going to break this down like I'm explaining it to a friend over coffee, focusing on what really matters for day-to-day use, rather than just reciting spec sheets.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table that compares the key specifications, translating tech jargon into real-world implications:
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Blackview A96 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | 161.8 × 74.2 × 8.6 mm | Similar size, Mate 50 Pro is slightly wider, Blackview slightly thicker |
| Weight | 205g | 193.9g | Blackview A96 is a bit lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build | Glass front/back, aluminum frame | Unknown | Mate 50 Pro feels premium with glass/metal construction. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.5" | Mate 50 Pro has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1212x2616 | 1080x2400 | Mate 50 Pro is sharper, images and text look clearer. |
| Pixel Density | 428 ppi | 405 ppi | Mate 50 Pro will display finer details and is slightly sharper. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Mate 50 Pro's OLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both smooth for scrolling, gaming, etc. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness appears to be the same in the data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mate 50 Pro has a much more powerful processor for demanding apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 423,393 | Mate 50 Pro is significantly faster, noticeable in app loading and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mate 50 Pro has a more powerful GPU for high-end gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56" (Sony IMX766) | 48MP, f/1.6, 1/2" (Samsung S5KGM2) | Mate 50 Pro is better in low light, has a larger sensor and wider aperture for higher image quality. |
| Selfie | 13MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, 1/3", (Hynix HI-1634) | Blackview A96 captures more detailed selfies, but it doesn't have the same depth like the Mate 50 Pro. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" (Omnivision OV64B) | None | Mate 50 Pro can zoom in without losing much detail. |
| Wide-Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, (Sony IMX688) | 8MP, f/2.4 | Mate 50 Pro is capable of taking higher resolution photos in wide-angle. |
| Macro | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Blackview A96 can take close-up macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, with HDR, EIS | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | Mate 50 Pro records much higher quality video with stabilization. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 149 (overall) | Not Available | Mate 50 Pro's camera is tested and offers exceptional image quality. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 145 (overall) | Not Available | Mate 50 Pro's selfie camera excels. |
| Features | OIS, PDAF, Laser AF, RAW, Night Mode | PDAF, Front Flash | Mate 50 Pro has more advanced features, Blackview has a front flash. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4700mAh | 4380mAh | Mate 50 Pro has a slightly larger battery, should last a bit longer. |
| Charging | 66W Fast, 50W Wireless | 18W Fast | Mate 50 Pro charges much faster, both wired and wirelessly. |
| Other Features | Reverse wireless charging | None | Mate 50 Pro can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | (Huawei) | Android 13 | Blackview uses a regular Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Mate 50 Pro has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Mate 50 Pro has slightly better connectivity range and audio codecs. |
| GPS | Dual-band, Multi-system | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Mate 50 Pro has better accuracy with more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both can use two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256/512 GB | 256 GB | Mate 50 Pro offers a higher storage option. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12 GB | Blackview A96 has an option for more RAM for more intensive multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports SD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Both provide stereo sound. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic sensor | Side-mounted sensor | Blackview has a more convenient and modern side-mounted sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Hall | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass | Mate 50 Pro has additional sensors for environmental information. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Strengths:
- Display: Superior OLED screen with higher resolution and pixel density.
- Performance: Flagship-level Snapdragon processor for blazing speed and gaming.
- Camera: Exceptional camera system with a large sensor, telephoto lens, and advanced features.
- Battery: Faster charging, both wired and wireless, plus reverse wireless charging.
- Build: Premium materials with glass and metal.
- Connectivity: Latest Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for faster and more reliable connections.
- Sensors: Has barometer for additional enviromental details.
- Competitive Advantages: The Mate 50 Pro is a top-tier device that outshines the Blackview in almost every category, primarily due to its high-end chipset, superior display, and advanced camera system.
- Trade-offs: No expandable storage. It also uses Android without Google Services, a big factor to consider before purchasing.
Blackview A96:
- Strengths:
- Price: Likely significantly more affordable.
- RAM: Option for more RAM (12GB), which can improve multitasking.
- Macro Lens: Comes with a Macro camera for close-up shots.
- Software: It has a standard Android 13 install.
- Fingerprint Sensor: side-mounted fingerprint sensor for easy access.
- Competitive Advantages: The Blackview A96 is the more budget-friendly option, focusing on essential features and offering a decent experience for everyday users. It also has a macro lens, a feature not available in the Mate 50 Pro.
- Trade-offs: The trade-offs here are significant, especially in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. It also has slower charging and it doesn't have any form of wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Mate 50 Pro is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and other resource-intensive tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Media Consumers: People who enjoy watching videos and movies on a vibrant, sharp display.
- Professionals: Users who need a reliable and powerful device with the latest connectivity standards.
Blackview A96 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: People who need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like browsing, messaging, and social media.
- Casual Users: Those who don’t require top-end performance and can live without the bells and whistles.
- Everyday Shooters: People who just want to take an occasional photo or video, and don't need professional-level quality.
- Android Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy a regular, standard, and up-to-date Android experience without restrictions.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you choose, here are three key questions:
- How important is top-tier performance for you?
- If you need the best processor, fast app loading times, and smooth gameplay, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the way to go.
- If you're okay with decent performance for everyday tasks, the Blackview A96 will suffice.
- How much do you prioritize camera quality?
- If you want professional-level photos and videos with lots of features, the Mate 50 Pro is the clear choice.
- If you only need a camera for casual snapshots, the Blackview A96 will likely be adequate.
- What is your budget?
- If budget is the main concern, the Blackview A96 will be the more affordable option.
- If you're willing to pay extra for a premium experience, the Mate 50 Pro offers a lot of extra features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're a student who needs a reliable device for note-taking, browsing, and social media, and you're on a tight budget: Blackview A96 is a great option.
- Scenario 2: You are an influencer who needs a top-of-the-line camera, great display, and strong performance: Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the better choice, as it will provide professional-level features and outstanding photo quality.
- Scenario 3: You are a mobile gamer who enjoys demanding games and wants the best performance: Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the way to go.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would go with the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. Here’s why:
As a tech journalist and analyst, I value performance, camera quality, and cutting-edge features. The Mate 50 Pro's Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, outstanding camera system with optical zoom, and gorgeous OLED display are too tempting to pass up. I also appreciate the faster charging and additional features such as reverse wireless charging. While the lack of Google services is a downside and something that needs to be considered for my day-to-day use, the performance, build quality and advanced features make up for this.
Even though the Blackview A96 is a good budget-friendly option, it is not suitable for my everyday needs. I like to push phones to their limits and enjoy the smoothness, and the A96 simply would not be able to keep up with my demands.
So, that’s my take! I hope this helps you make a well-informed decision.
