Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Honor X8b. We've got a spec sheet in hand, and we're going to translate those numbers into real-world experiences. As usual, we'll focus on how these specs impact the user and what scenarios each phone is best suited for.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the specifications, focusing on how they play out in daily use:
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Honor X8b | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | 161.1 × 74.6 × 6.8 mm | Mate 50 Pro is slightly taller, wider and noticeably thicker, feels bulkier in hand, X8b is sleeker. |
| Weight | 205g | 166g | X8b feels significantly lighter; better for long periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.7" | Negligible difference in size; both are large and immersive. |
| Resolution | 1212x2616 | 1080x2412 | Mate 50 Pro offers a sharper display; text and images will be clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 428 | 394 | Mate 50 Pro offers a slightly more detailed display. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent color reproduction and deep blacks, similar quality display technologies. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Mate 50 Pro has smoother animations, less blur in fast-moving content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | X8b is much more visible in bright sunlight conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | Mate 50 Pro is significantly faster and more responsive, handles demanding apps and games with ease. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 250,000 | Mate 50 Pro provides a far superior experience for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 610 | Mate 50 Pro has significantly superior graphics performance, better gaming experience. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4700mAh | 4500mAh | Negligible difference in capacity, expect similar battery life depending on use. |
| Charging | 66W fast charging, Li-Ion | 35W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Mate 50 Pro charges much faster, getting you back on the go quicker. |
| Features | 50W wireless, reverse charging | Non-removable | Mate 50 Pro offers additional battery features for convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP (f/1.4, 1/1.56” Sony IMX766) | 108MP (f/1.75) | X8b has a higher resolution, but Mate 50 Pro's main camera has a larger sensor and wider aperture, better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP (f/2.4) | 50MP (f/2.1) | X8b captures more detailed selfies with its higher resolution and slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP (f/3.5) | None | Mate 50 Pro offers greater zoom capabilities and versatility. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP (f/2.2) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Mate 50 Pro captures significantly more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | X8b offers basic macro photography, but the quality is basic. |
| Video | 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS, Slow-mo options | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo options | Mate 50 Pro captures much higher quality, sharper, detailed video with advanced stabilization features. |
| DxOMark (Mobile/Selfie) | 149 / 145 | Not Tested | Mate 50 Pro has demonstrated superior camera performance in industry testing. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 13 | X8b has the benefit of the latest Android OS, Mate 50 Pro's OS is not specified. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 | Mate 50 Pro supports newer WiFi standard with faster speeds, lower latency and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LDAC | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Mate 50 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version for more reliable connection and more advanced audio codec support. |
| GPS | Multi-system | A-GPS, GLONASS, GPS | Mate 50 Pro has superior GPS support for more accurate navigation. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Both have the same max storage capacity; Honor X8b offers more configurations. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both phones offer the same amount of RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support memory expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Mate 50 Pro offers a more immersive and richer audio experience, more suitable for multimedia usage. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | X8b's sensor is more modern. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Multiple sensors including Barometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | Mate 50 Pro features a more comprehensive sensor suite for advanced features and gaming. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones offer similar levels of screen protection, but the technology is unknown, meaning the protection could be weak. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
Strengths:
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G chipset offers significantly superior processing power and graphics performance, suitable for power users, gamers, and those who demand top-tier responsiveness.
- Exceptional Camera System: It boasts a versatile camera system, including a primary sensor with a large 1.56" sensor, a wide aperture for great low light, a dedicated telephoto zoom lens and the wide angle lens, backed by high DxOMark scores that confirms its top-tier capabilities.
- Premium Display: While not the brightest, its higher resolution and 120Hz refresh rate make for a crisp and smooth visual experience, and excellent color reproduction thanks to OLED.
- Fast Charging & Wireless Options: Fast wired and wireless charging, plus reverse charging, offer a great deal of flexibility for heavy users.
- Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and extensive GPS support ensure that the device will stay connected and provide accurate location services.
- Advanced Audio: Thanks to the stereo speakers, you get a more immersive and rich experience, suitable for content consumption.
- Full Range of Sensors: With a wide array of sensors, this device is suited for a variety of advanced features including gaming and environmental monitoring.
- Better Main Camera: The main camera features a significantly larger sensor and wider aperture, that translates to great low light performance.
Trade-offs:
- Bulkier Design: The device is notably thicker and heavier, which may not be ideal for everyone.
- Screen Brightness: The device's screen brightness is not listed, but we have to assume it's not as bright as the Honor X8b which can affect its outdoor usability.
- Software: The Android version of the device is not listed.
Honor X8b:
Strengths:
- Sleek and Light Design: The device is significantly lighter and thinner, making it comfortable for extended use and easy to carry around.
- Superb Outdoor Visibility: Its 2000-nit display ensures excellent readability even under direct sunlight.
- High-Resolution Selfie Camera: A 50MP front-facing camera offers detailed and clear selfies with a wider aperture.
- Newer Android Version: Runs on Android 13, meaning the user gets the benefit of the latest software and features.
- More Configurations: The device has more configuration options that vary in price depending on your storage needs.
- Macro Lens: This device has a dedicated macro lens, while the Mate 50 Pro does not.
Trade-offs:
- Lower Performance: The Snapdragon 680 is a less powerful processor, which will be noticeable in multitasking, gaming, and the overall responsiveness of the device.
- Basic Camera Performance: While it has a higher resolution main sensor and a great selfie camera, the quality and versatility of the camera system is behind the Mate 50 Pro, with only one lens available.
- Basic Audio: The device only has a basic audio system, not suited for multimedia consumption.
- Less Versatile GPS and Sensors: The device has basic GPS and sensor support, limiting some of the advanced features it can utilize.
- Slower Charging Speed: Charging speed is noticeably slower compared to the Mate 50 Pro, and no wireless charging capabilities are available.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Power Users: Ideal for users who require top-tier performance, excellent multitasking, and the ability to handle demanding applications and games seamlessly.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Perfect for those who value exceptional camera quality, versatile shooting options, and superior low-light performance.
- Media Lovers: The device is also suited for multimedia consumption due to its better quality speakers, and better display.
- Honor X8b:
- Everyday Users: Ideal for users who prioritize a slim, lightweight device, great visibility in bright light, and a great selfie camera.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Suited for those who need a capable smartphone for daily tasks without requiring premium performance at a higher price.
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Well-suited for users who prioritize sharing great photos on social media, specially selfies.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between these two phones:
- What is my primary use case? If it's photography and high-performance gaming, the Mate 50 Pro is the better choice. If you’re looking for a great everyday phone with a focus on selfies and screen visibility, go for the Honor X8b.
- How important is performance? If you need top-tier speed and responsiveness, the Mate 50 Pro’s chipset is the clear winner. For basic use, the X8b’s processor will be enough.
- How do I value portability and display brightness? If you prefer a thinner, lighter device with maximum screen visibility in bright sunlight, the Honor X8b is your option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Professional On-the-Go Photographer/Videographer:
- Recommendation: Huawei Mate 50 Pro. Its advanced camera system, superior video capture capabilities, and powerful processing will be crucial for high-quality content creation.
Scenario 2: Casual Everyday User with Basic Smartphone Needs:
- Recommendation: Honor X8b. Its sleek design, great selfie camera, and brighter display will serve the average user well while being more affordable.
Scenario 3: Mobile Gaming Enthusiast:
- Recommendation: Huawei Mate 50 Pro. The significantly more powerful chipset and higher refresh rate offer a significantly better mobile gaming experience.
Conclusion
The Huawei Mate 50 Pro is a powerhouse device with a focus on high performance, advanced photography, and premium features. It's designed for users who demand the best of everything and are willing to deal with a bulkier design for it. On the other hand, the Honor X8b caters to those who prioritize portability, a great display and a strong selfie camera, without breaking the bank, and doesn't need the top of the line performance.
Personally, I would choose the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. While the Honor X8b has its merits, particularly in terms of design and selfie camera, the Mate 50 Pro's sheer performance, superior camera quality, and advanced features like wireless charging are what I value most. I am a heavy smartphone user that is used to top-tier performance and great camera quality, that is why I would prefer the Mate 50 Pro.
