Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Google Pixel 7 Pro. These are two titans of the smartphone world, each with its own unique strengths and quirks. I'll break down the specs, tell you what they mean in real life, and help you figure out which one might be a better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, focusing on how the technical specs translate to real-world use:
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm | 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm | Mate 50 Pro is a tad narrower and thinner, potentially slightly more comfortable to hold for some, while the Pixel is more voluminous. |
| Weight | 205g | 212g | Mate 50 Pro is a bit lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use, especially one-handed. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.7" | Negligible difference, both feel like large-screen phones. |
| Resolution | 1212 x 2616 | 1440 x 3120 | Pixel 7 Pro has a noticeably sharper display thanks to a higher pixel density for crisp text and detailed images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 428 | 512 | Pixel 7 Pro will have a clearer and finer picture thanks to a significantly higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar quality, both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth visual experience in daily use, gaming, and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Pixel 7 Pro has a significantly brighter screen, much better for outdoor visibility in sunny conditions. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | Mate 50 Pro's Snapdragon CPU tends to deliver better raw performance. Pixel 7 Pro's custom Tensor G2 focuses on AI and machine learning. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 831,716 | Mate 50 Pro shows slightly faster app loading and smoother overall operation based on raw benchmark score. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G710 MP7 | Different GPU architectures with similar results for general use, potentially varying performance in graphics-heavy tasks. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 4700 mAh | 5000 mAh | Pixel 7 Pro has a slightly larger battery, suggesting potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W wired, 50W wireless | 23W wired, 23W wireless | Mate 50 Pro charges much faster with 66W wired and 50W wireless speeds. Pixel 7 Pro offers 23W wireless. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, No charger in box | Both support reverse charging, and are not removable. Only Pixel 7 Pro comes without a charger in the box |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56" (Sony IMX766) | 50MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31" (Samsung GN1) | Mate 50 Pro has a wider aperture (f/1.4), while Pixel 7 Pro has a larger sensor for capturing light. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" (Samsung S5K3J1) | Mate 50 Pro has higher resolution, Pixel 7 Pro has wider aperture and larger sensor for selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" (Omnivision OV64B) | 48MP, f/3.5, 1/2" (Samsung S5KGM1) | Mate 50 Pro has a higher resolution telephoto lens, and may provide better zoomed images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 (Sony IMX688) | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.3" (Sony IMX381) | Similar specs, but the Google Pixel has larger pixels in the sensor, meaning better low-light performance. |
| Video | 4K@60fps, various slow-motion modes | 4K@60fps, various slow-motion modes | Both capture high-quality video with stabilization. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Main: 149, Photo: 152, Video: 141 | Main: 147, Photo: 148, Video: 143 | Mate 50 Pro slightly edges in overall mobile performance, primarily for photo tests. Pixel 7 Pro showed better video performance. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | Main: 145, Photo: 147, Video: 143 | Main: 142, Photo: 140, Video: 146 | Mate 50 Pro slightly edges in overall selfie performance, primarily for photo tests. Pixel 7 Pro showed better video performance. |
| Camera Features | Laser AF, CDAF, Dual front camera | Laser AF, PDAF | Mate 50 Pro has more autofocus technologies and dual front camera. Both offer similar core features like OIS and night mode. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 256/512 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Both offer similar storage options, with the Pixel 7 Pro having an extra option of 128 GB. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB | Pixel 7 Pro has more RAM, beneficial for multitasking and demanding tasks. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage, limiting options if you require lots of space for videos and photos. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 13, upgradable to 14 | Pixel 7 Pro has the latest and updates straight from Google. Mate 50 Pro's is not defined | |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac, WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac, WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both offer similar standards, with Mate 50 Pro additionally supporting Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.2 LE, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Both offer similar support, with Pixel 7 Pro additionally supporting A2DP, LE, APT-x. |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | Mate 50 Pro supports more satelites, providing increased location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Mate 50 Pro utilizes two Nano SIMs for the dual sim, where as the Pixel uses one Nano SIM and an eSIM. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Pixel 7 Pro has enhanced audio recording and clarity thanks to the 3 microphones and noise cancelling capabilities. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both provide fingerprint security to unlock. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Screen protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Pixel 7 Pro provides superior protection for the screen. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Gravity, Hall | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer; Environmental: Barometer | Both offer a comprehensive suite of sensors. With Mate 50 Pro having Gravity, Hall and Pixel 7 Pro having Magnetometer |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Strengths: Blazing-fast wired and wireless charging, impressive raw performance thanks to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, slightly better camera scores (especially photos) and extra features like dual front camera and more autofocus options. More satellite support for more accurate location.
- Competitive Advantages: It prioritizes speed and power and photography. Its faster charging (66W wired, 50W wireless) is a huge plus for anyone needing a quick top-up on the go.
- Trade-offs: No charger included in the box, and screen brightness is not as good.
Google Pixel 7 Pro:
- Strengths: Superior screen resolution and brightness, especially noticeable outdoors, more RAM for smoother multitasking, better optimized software and updates directly from Google. Excellent battery life, a slightly larger sensor for better low light photography and great video performance.
- Competitive Advantages: Google's prowess in software, AI, and machine learning shines in the Pixel 7 Pro. It also features superior screen protection. The phone does great at point and shoot photography.
- Trade-offs: Raw performance is slightly lower compared to the Mate 50 Pro, and it has slower wired charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro: Best for power users, mobile gamers, and photography enthusiasts who prioritize top-tier performance, incredibly fast charging, and versatile camera features. Ideal for those who value raw performance and detailed photos.
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: Suited for users who value a beautiful display, reliable battery life, consistent software updates, seamless user experience and great video. It also is great for those who want a camera that they can take pictures with without having to worry about settings or tuning for the best picture. It does great point and shoot photography.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
How much do you value screen quality? If you need a very bright, super crisp screen, especially for outdoor use, the Pixel 7 Pro is the better choice.
How important is charging speed to you? If you are always in a rush, and need to recharge your phone quickly, the Mate 50 Pro’s 66W wired and 50W wireless charging are game-changers.
What are your primary camera priorities? If you want better point and shoot photography, and the best video quality, the Pixel is the right choice. If you want more options and slightly better photos, the Huawei is the right one.
Scenario-based recommendations:
The On-the-Go Professional: The Huawei Mate 50 Pro, thanks to its charging speeds, helps you get the most out of your day on a single charge and you will be able to top up easily when required.
The Content Creator: The Google Pixel 7 Pro has superior screen quality and amazing point and shoot photography.
The Mobile Gamer: The Huawei Mate 50 Pro with its blazing fast chipset and better raw performance makes it ideal for demanding mobile games.
My Choice
If I had to pick, I'd lean towards the Google Pixel 7 Pro. While the Mate 50 Pro is an absolute beast in performance and charging speeds, the Pixel 7 Pro offers a more well-rounded experience. The superior screen quality and the promise of timely Google software updates makes it a more dependable everyday tool. The camera quality, especially in video, is more of my preference and I enjoy taking photos without worrying about settings. While I do enjoy all the different options available in the Huawei, I prefer the Pixel's ease of use. The Pixel's smoother user experience and its focus on AI and software optimizations would have more long-term benefits for me. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference. But for me, the Pixel offers a slightly better balance.
