Alright, let's break down the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Google Pixel 9 Pro. This is a fascinating matchup, pitting a mature powerhouse against Google's latest tech vision. Let's get into the details and see how these two titans stack up for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at their key specifications, with a focus on what they mean in the real world:
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Google Pixel 9 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions (mm) | 162.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 | The Mate 50 Pro is taller and wider, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. The Pixel 9 Pro is more compact. |
| Weight (g) | 205 | 199 | The Pixel 9 Pro is negligibly lighter, which could add comfort in extended usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size (inches) | 6.74 | 6.3 | Mate 50 Pro provides a larger screen for immersive media. Pixel 9 Pro is more manageable in one hand. |
| Resolution | 1212x2616 | 1280x2856 | Pixel 9 Pro’s sharper, higher-resolution display offers greater detail and clarity. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 428 | 495 | Pixel 9 Pro has a much sharper display, noticeable in text and detailed images. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer rich colors and deep blacks, but Pixel may have slightly better HDR capabilities. |
| Refresh Rate (Hz) | 120 | 120 | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation, good for gaming and general navigation. |
| Brightness (nits) | 0 | 3000 | Pixel 9 Pro's much higher brightness makes it far more usable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G | Google Tensor G4 | The Pixel 9 Pro likely has more optimized AI and machine learning features with the Tensor chip, while Huawei has the raw power of a very good Snapdragon chip, though its limited to 4G. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 1,148,512 | Pixel 9 Pro offers marginally better performance, noticeable in demanding applications and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G715 MC7 | Both GPUs are high-end, but real-world performance may differ slightly in certain games and graphics apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 50MP f/1.4, 1/1.56" | 50MP f/1.69, 1/1.3" | Mate 50 Pro has a wider aperture for better low-light. Pixel 9 Pro's larger sensor may capture more light. |
| Selfie Lens | 13MP f/2.4 | 42MP f/2.2 | Pixel 9 Pro will capture much more detail and have better low light performance due to its larger sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP f/3.5, 1/2" | 48MP f/2.8 | Mate 50 Pro offers a much higher-resolution telephoto lens, but Pixel has a wider aperture for better results in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | N/A | Mate 50 Pro offers a Wide Angle lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | N/A | 48MP f/1.7 | Pixel 9 Pro offers a Wide Angle + Macro lens while Mate 50 pro has no such thing. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Pixel 9 Pro captures higher resolution videos, making it ideal for content creators. |
| DXOMark Scores | Mobile: 149, Selfie 145 | Not Available | Huawei's scores are quite good, but the real-world difference can be different |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity (mAh) | 4700 | 4700 | Both should offer similar battery life, depending on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 66W Fast, 50W Wireless | 27W Fast, 21W Wireless | Mate 50 Pro charges much faster, both wired and wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | N/A | Android 14 | Pixel 9 Pro will have Android software support and updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Pixel 9 Pro has much newer Wi-Fi standard, offering better speeds and latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Pixel 9 Pro will have slightly better power management and is slightly faster. |
| GPS | Multi-System | Multi-System | Huawei offers slightly more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano | Dual Nano + eSIM | Pixel 9 Pro offers more options by supporting eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | Pixel 9 Pro has more RAM, which can lead to better multitasking performance. |
| Internal | 256/512GB | 128/256/512/1024GB | Pixel 9 Pro offers significantly more storage options and up to double the capacity. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Both offer stereo speakers, but Pixel 9 Pro offers additional microphones for noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Sensor | Basic Sensor | Both offer similar fingerprint tech for basic security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Pixel 9 Pro offers the better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | More than standard | More than standard | Each offers a comprehensive suite, but the pixel has a digital thermometer. |
2. Key Insights
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Strengths: Fantastic primary camera with a wide aperture, powerful telephoto zoom, and a very fast wired and wireless charging. It has a large display that’s great for media consumption.
- Tradeoffs: It is the older device, and the lack of 5G may be a dealbreaker, the display brightness is unknown, and it has worse software support, and no ultrawide + macro lens.
- Google Pixel 9 Pro:
- Strengths: Cutting-edge Google Tensor chip, higher resolution, sharper and brighter screen, 8k video capture, better RAM, modern connectivity like WiFi 7, and wider range of storage options.
- Tradeoffs: Slower charging speeds, slightly less capable telephoto camera compared to the Mate 50 Pro, and less versatile camera system, and an unproven chipset.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Best For: Users who prioritize top-notch camera performance (especially in low light, thanks to the wide aperture) and very fast charging. Those who don’t need 5G and enjoy a larger screen will find this a good fit.
- Use Cases: Mobile photography enthusiasts, those who frequently view content on their phones, and those needing very fast charging.
- Google Pixel 9 Pro:
- Best For: Tech enthusiasts who want the latest Google software experience with the benefits of an AI focused custom chip, high-quality and bright display, advanced video capabilities, and the latest connectivity features.
- Use Cases: Video creators, those who heavily use Google services, and anyone wanting the most up-to-date software and connectivity available on a smartphone, and a high end screen.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to consider when choosing between these two phones:
- What is your priority when buying a smartphone?
- If photography and fast charging are most important: The Mate 50 Pro is a compelling option.
- If a cutting edge display, modern connectivity, and latest AI focused software is most important: The Pixel 9 Pro is the better choice.
- Is 5G connectivity important to you?
- If yes: The Pixel 9 Pro is the only viable choice.
- If not: Both phones can be considered.
- Do you prefer fast charging and a larger screen, or the most up-to-date Google experience and a more compact design?
- If the former: Mate 50 Pro
- If the latter: Pixel 9 Pro
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Mobile Photographer: If you primarily use your phone for photos and videos, consider your shooting conditions. If you tend to take lots of low-light shots and want the fastest charging, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro will be a good fit, if you want the latest technology, and high end screen the Pixel 9 Pro is a good fit.
- The Tech Enthusiast: If you want the newest features with the latest tech on the market, the Pixel 9 Pro is the way to go, with the Pixel experience and great connectivity options.
- The Practical User: If you want a solid camera, good display, a modern Google software experience, consider the Pixel 9 Pro, if you want faster charging and don't mind being on 4G, the Mate 50 Pro is a good fit.
My Pick
Personally, I would choose the Google Pixel 9 Pro. The combination of the cutting-edge Tensor G4 chip, the significantly better display, the 8k video, and the latest connectivity features is too compelling for me. While the Huawei Mate 50 Pro has a fantastic camera and incredible charging speeds, the absence of 5G, and Google's commitment to software updates on the Pixel 9 Pro makes it a more attractive choice for my needs. The Pixel also addresses a few of my gripes, such as the brightness of the screen and the video capabilities for high quality content creation. The smaller form factor is also something I value. While it's not a perfect phone and does lack the versatility of the Mate 50 Pro in its camera system, the overall package of the Pixel 9 Pro, I feel, is a step ahead in terms of raw technology.
