Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). We've got a premium contender versus a solid mid-ranger with a unique feature—a stylus. I'm here to break down the specs, cut through the marketing jargon, and tell you what these differences actually mean for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s how these two phones stack up, and more importantly, what it means for your daily usage:
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm | 162.8 x 73.8 x 9.2 mm | Mate 50 Pro slightly wider, G Stylus slightly thicker and a bit more volume. Might affect hand feel. |
| Weight | 205g | 202g | Both virtually the same weight. Shouldn't feel drastically different in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.6" | Mate 50 Pro offers a bit more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1212x2616 | 1080x2400 | Mate 50 Pro will appear sharper and more detailed due to higher pixel count. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 428 | 399 | Mate 50 Pro has a slightly sharper display. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Mate 50 Pro boasts richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast; better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both seem to have missing brightness specs. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Mate 50 Pro has a flagship-level processor, resulting in smoother multitasking and more demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 565,000 | Mate 50 Pro is significantly more powerful, translating into faster performance, especially in gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 710 | Mate 50 Pro has a much more powerful GPU for graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56" (IMX766) | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.55" (OV50A) | Mate 50 Pro has a wider aperture for better low-light performance, slightly smaller sensor. Both similar pixel sizes. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.5 | G Stylus has slightly higher resolution, Mate 50 Pro's is slightly better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" (OV64B) | None | Mate 50 Pro has dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 (IMX688) | None | Mate 50 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens for expansive shots. |
| Macro + Wide | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Moto G has a dedicated macro camera. |
| Video | 4K@60fps w/HDR, EIS, slow-mo | 4K@30fps, slow-mo | Mate 50 Pro provides more versatile video recording options. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 149 (Photo:152, Video:141) | N/A | Mate 50 Pro's camera performance is highly rated, while the G Stylus has not been tested. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 145 (Photo:147, Video:143) | N/A | Mate 50 Pro's selfie camera is highly rated, while the G Stylus has not been tested. |
| Camera Features | More options | Fewer options | Mate 50 Pro has advanced focus, shooting modes, RAW support, and zoom capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4700mAh | 5000mAh | G Stylus has a slightly larger battery for possibly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W Fast, 50W Wireless | 20W Fast | Mate 50 Pro charges much faster, both wired and wirelessly. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charge | Non-removable | Mate 50 Pro can wirelessly charge other devices; wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | N/A | Android 13 | Moto G has the latest Android Version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Mate 50 Pro adds MIMO for possibly better Wi-Fi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (LDAC, SBC, AAC) | 5.2 (LDAC, SBC, AAC, A2DP, LE, APTx) | Moto G has a few extra Bluetooth codecs. |
| GPS | More systems | Fewer systems | Mate 50 Pro provides more comprehensive location services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Single SIM | Mate 50 Pro can handle two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | Mate 50 Pro has more storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both can have the same RAM capacity, but the G Stylus has 4/6 options as well. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | G Stylus offers enhanced audio quality and voice capture via mics. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | G Stylus offers an easy-to-access fingerprint sensor. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Extra sensors, Gravity | Geomagnetic | Mate 50 Pro has extra environmental sensors, which could provide more detailed sensor information. |
| Stylus | None | Stylus included | G Stylus offers additional stylus features. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Strengths: This is a premium device through and through. It boasts a top-tier Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, a stunning OLED display with a higher resolution, a significantly superior camera system with a dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lens, much faster charging, including wireless options, and additional environmental sensors. It's designed for users who demand the very best performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Competitive Advantages: The Mate 50 Pro's performance is in another league compared to the G Stylus. The camera setup with its variable aperture and telephoto lens makes it a photo enthusiast's dream. The fast charging, both wired and wireless, will be a significant time-saver.
- Trade-offs: This phone does not have Google services, which can be a deal-breaker for some. It also does not come with expandable storage and only has 4G.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023):
- Strengths: This phone's claim to fame is its built-in stylus, a rare feature at this price point. It also offers a large battery and is a cost-effective choice for those looking for a decent performance, 5G connectivity, and the stylus experience.
- Competitive Advantages: The stylus integration is a huge win for anyone who likes to take handwritten notes or do some light sketching. The larger battery provides longer use between charges, and the inclusion of a headphone jack is a plus for many users.
- Trade-offs: The G Stylus has a less impressive display (IPS LCD), a significantly weaker processor, a less capable camera system, and lacks fast wireless charging. The build quality also feels less premium than the Huawei device.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- The Power User: If you are always pushing your phone to the limits with demanding games, editing tools, and heavy multitasking, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the clear winner. It offers an unparalleled performance experience in a smartphone.
- The Photography Enthusiast: If you like taking photos, particularly in varying conditions, and love to zoom in for intricate detail, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro will be a game-changer. The superior main lens, wide angle, and telephoto options will give you endless opportunities for creativity.
- The Stylus Lover: If you love the precision of using a stylus, for taking notes, marking up documents, or simply for enhanced navigation, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is a fantastic option.
- The Budget-Conscious User: If you need a phone that handles the basics well, and don't need the most sophisticated bells and whistles, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is a sensible buy.
- The Mainstream User: If you're a mainstream user who wants a solid phone for everyday tasks, but might need that extra power for things like gaming, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro offers that without breaking the bank.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself these three questions to make the choice easier:
- What is my primary need in a phone? (Performance, Camera, Stylus, Battery life)
- What is my budget range? (Premium, Mid-Range, Budget-Friendly)
- How important is a great display and top-notch performance to me? (Critical, Important, Not really important)
Scenario Recommendations:
Scenario 1: "I need the best possible performance and camera."
- Recommendation: The Huawei Mate 50 Pro. It’s built for speed, and its camera capabilities will simply outshine the G Stylus.
Scenario 2: "I need the stylus functionality on a budget and solid battery."
- Recommendation: The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). It does the essentials well, giving you the stylus experience without breaking the bank.
Scenario 3: "I want a balanced phone that does it all and is great at photos."
- Recommendation: The Huawei Mate 50 Pro. It provides that extra kick you need and has an incredible camera.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose, I'd personally go with the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. As someone who values smooth performance, takes many photos, and enjoys watching high-quality content on my phone, the Mate 50 Pro's superior processor, excellent display, and versatile camera system cater perfectly to my needs. While the lack of Google services is a consideration, the sheer performance and camera quality make the phone a fantastic pick. Although I love the stylus feature, it's simply not a big enough feature to trade off all the other advantages the Huawei phone offers.
