Alright, let's dive deep into the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Huawei P60 Pro. It's always exciting to see how Huawei pushes the boundaries, and these two phones are no exception. I'm going to break this down into a format that I think will be most useful for you, my tech-curious friend.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two titans stack up, with a focus on what these specs actually mean for your day-to-day use.
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Huawei P60 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm | 161 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | The P60 Pro is a touch smaller, potentially feeling more comfortable for those with smaller hands, but the difference is quite minimal. |
| Weight | 205g | 200g | The 5g weight difference is subtle, might be barely noticeable during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.67" | Negligible difference in screen real estate; both offer expansive displays for immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1212 x 2616 | 1220 x 2700 | Very similar, meaning both have excellent sharpness and detail. You'd struggle to see any meaningful difference in pixel density. |
| Pixel Density | 428 PPI | 444 PPI | Practically identical sharpness. Text and images will look crisp on both. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks with this technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations, making the experience feel fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | It's unusual to see '0 nits' reported for brightness. Likely missing data as both screens are plenty bright. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | Both pack a powerful punch for daily tasks, gaming and multi-tasking, but lack 5G connectivity. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 1,228,811 | The P60 Pro offers a noticeable performance boost which translates to slightly smoother overall user experience especially in demanding tasks |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Both have top-tier graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4700mAh | 4815mAh | Expect similar battery life, providing a full day of use on average. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 88W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | P60 Pro charges significantly faster; a huge plus for those who need a quick top-up before heading out. Also, Li-Polymer is generally more durable. |
| Battery Features | Reverse, 50W Wireless, 7.5W Reverse Wireless | 50W Wireless, 7.5W Reverse Wireless | Both phones support wireless and reverse wireless charging. The Mate 50 Pro has the extra standard reverse charging feature while P60 Pro does not. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766, 1.00 µm | 48MP, f/1.4, 1/1.4" Sony IMX888, 1.17 µm | P60 Pro has a slightly larger sensor and larger pixels, potentially allowing for better low light performance despite the lower resolution of 48MP. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 31MP, f/2.4 | The P60 Pro's selfie cam is a big leap forward, potentially giving significantly more detail for your self-portraits. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" OV64B, 0.70 µm | 48MP, f/2.1, Omnivision | P60 Pro with a wider f/2.1 aperture will excel at low-light telephoto shots; The 64MP of the Mate 50 Pro will give better detail in well-lit scenarios. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX688 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Very similar performance here; both allow you to capture more in a scene. |
| Video | Up to 720p@3840fps | Up to 1080p@960fps | Both capture smooth videos up to 4K. P60 Pro has slightly better slow-motion capability in terms of resolution and framerate. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 149 (Photo: 152, Video: 141) | 156 (Photo: 159, Video: 147) | P60 Pro boasts better overall image quality, particularly in photo and video performance according to DxoMark. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 145 (Photo: 147, Video: 143) | NA | Mate 50 Pro Selfie Camera has very good results, but is outshone by P60 Pro mobile camera results. |
| Camera Features | Laser AF, Dual front camera, and more | Noise reduction, Time-Lapse, Ultra stable video and more | Mate 50 Pro has a dedicated Laser AF and dual front camera. The P60 Pro has features geared more towards post processing and video smoothness. |
| Software | |||
| OS | (blank) | (blank) | No meaningful distinction here. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support latest WiFi standards for fast and reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Modern Bluetooth support with high quality codecs. |
| GPS | More satellite systems | Fewer satellite systems | Mate 50 Pro offers slightly better GPS accuracy with support for more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Standard dual SIM functionality; great for travel or managing work and personal numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256/512 GB | 256/512 GB | Both have ample storage options for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12 GB | P60 Pro's option for 12 GB RAM will give smoother multitasking and better handling of memory-intensive apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Disappointing that neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Both should deliver good audio quality for media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both use basic fingerprint authentication. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Missing data - screen protection is not available. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Full set | Full set | Both have full set of sensors for advanced features, like AR and VR. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro Strengths
- Strong Telephoto Performance: The 64MP telephoto lens gives great detail, although its aperture is not as wide as the P60 Pro.
- Wider GPS Support: Greater number of supported satellite systems for precise navigation.
- Dual Front Camera: Although we don't have details about it, it suggests that the Mate 50 Pro offers something more than the single selfie camera of the P60 Pro.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices with its standard reverse charging.
Huawei P60 Pro Strengths
- Superior Overall Camera: Higher DxOMark scores, especially in photo and video quality.
- Larger Sensor Main Camera: Expect better low-light performance and image quality.
- Enhanced Selfie Camera: The 31MP selfie camera offers a significant improvement in detail and resolution.
- Faster Charging: 88W charging means much less time tethered to a power outlet.
- More RAM: The 12 GB RAM option allows for better performance in multitasking.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- 4G Only: Neither phone supports 5G. This might be a dealbreaker for those who need the latest network speeds.
- No Expandable Storage: Lack of microSD card support might be a challenge for users with massive media libraries.
- Missing Screen Protection: The screen protection technology is unknown for both phones.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Best for: Users who need a reliable telephoto lens with a good amount of zoom. The broader GPS support also makes this device more appealing for frequent travelers.
- Use Cases: Landscape photography, travel photography, capturing distant subjects with detail, reliable GPS in remote places.
- Price-to-Value: If it's priced lower than the P60 Pro, it's a good option for those who value zoom and GPS.
Huawei P60 Pro:
- Best for: Mobile photographers who prioritize image quality and are always taking selfies, also for those who often need a quick recharge.
- Use Cases: High-quality photography in various conditions, especially low light, video content creation, quick charging on the go, and multitasking through various apps.
- Price-to-Value: Likely the higher-priced option, but the camera upgrades, charging speed, and optional extra RAM may justify the cost for some users.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you choose, ask yourself these questions:
- How important is low light camera performance to you? If capturing great photos in challenging lighting is key, the P60 Pro's improved sensors and aperture are the answer.
- Do you need faster charging? If you're often on the go and can't wait long to recharge, the P60 Pro's 88W fast charging is a significant advantage.
- Are you a power user that would benefit from more RAM? The optional 12 GB RAM will be a great benefit for heavy users of applications.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Photography Enthusiast: If you're obsessed with mobile photography and want the best image quality, get the Huawei P60 Pro for its superior camera system, especially in low light.
- Scenario 2: The Practical Traveler: The Huawei Mate 50 Pro makes more sense if you need a reliable telephoto lens and broader GPS support for navigation in remote areas.
- Scenario 3: The Power User: The Huawei P60 Pro with 12 GB of RAM is the best fit here, especially if you don't mind the premium price for faster charging and improved camera quality.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd lean towards the Huawei P60 Pro. The improved camera, especially its low light performance and selfie camera upgrades, coupled with significantly faster charging, makes it a more compelling package for me, despite the potentially higher cost. I value the improvements in photo quality and the speed at which I can top up the battery. Even if the telephoto lens isn't quite as high resolution on paper, I'm confident the wider aperture and better low-light performance of the P60 Pro would make a bigger difference in my day-to-day photography. The extra RAM of the 12GB model would also enhance the experience. Ultimately, I think the P60 Pro represents a greater technological leap forward, making it my pick.
