Okay, let's break down the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Motorola Moto G35. I'll approach this with my usual blend of technical depth and user-centric focus, aiming to give you the full picture of what each phone offers.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side comparison, focusing on how the specs translate into real-world user experiences:
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | Mate 50 Pro is slightly shorter but thicker, while the G35 is taller and thinner. G35 is lighter and might feel more comfortable for extended periods. |
| Weight | 205g | 188g | G35 is significantly lighter, which means it's easier to handle and less tiring to hold for extended periods. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones; no foldable tech here. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.72" | Virtually identical size – both offer large displays for media and browsing. |
| Resolution | 1212 x 2616 | 1080 x 2400 | Mate 50 Pro has significantly sharper and clearer display with more pixels, leading to better text and image clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 428 PPI | 392 PPI | Mate 50 Pro offers a sharper screen, resulting in slightly better visual fidelity. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Mate 50 Pro's OLED provides better contrast, richer colors, and deeper blacks, giving a much more vibrant display. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Moto G35 offers much better visibility in bright outdoor conditions. Mate 50 Pro might struggle under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4nm) | Unisoc T760 (6nm) | Mate 50 Pro has a top-tier chipset for high performance tasks including heavy gaming. The G35's chip is much more modest. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 423,297 | Mate 50 Pro will perform dramatically faster, with better app loading, multitasking, and gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 | Mate 50 Pro will give a superior gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.4, 1/1.56", 1.0µm) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm) | Mate 50 Pro has a larger sensor, wider aperture, and bigger pixels, which should result in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP (f/2.4) | 16MP (f/2.45) | Moto G35 offers slightly higher resolution for selfies, while Mate 50 Pro has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP (f/3.5, 1/2", 0.7µm) | None | Mate 50 Pro offers significantly better optical zoom capabilities for distant subjects, which G35 lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Mate 50 Pro has a higher resolution wide-angle lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K @ 60 fps | Up to 4K @ 30fps | Mate 50 Pro provides more recording options and higher frame rates. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Laser AF, PDAF, Triple Camera, Optical Zoom, Manual Mode, RAW | Digital Stabilization, Dual Camera | Mate 50 Pro's camera system offers a significantly wider range of features for a more professional experience. |
| DXOMARK Scores | Mobile: 149, Selfie: 145 | Not tested | Mate 50 Pro has a top-tier camera with proven scores, while the G35 has not undergone the same rigorous testing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4700 mAh | 5000 mAh | G35 has a slightly larger battery capacity for longer use, but real-world usage will be dependent on the display and processor. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Mate 50 Pro charges significantly faster, meaning shorter times plugged in, and more time with the phone. |
| Battery Features | 50W wireless, 7.5W reverse charging | None | Mate 50 Pro offers far more versatile battery options including wireless and reverse charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Unknown | Android 14 | Moto G35 is updated and on Android 14 while Mate 50 Pro's OS is unknown. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), MIMO | 802.11ac | Mate 50 Pro supports faster WiFi 6 standards and MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Mate 50 Pro has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth with additional LDAC codec for better audio streaming. |
| GPS | Extensive satellite support | Standard satellite support | Mate 50 Pro is more precise with more navigation systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIMs | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Mate 50 Pro supports two physical SIMs while the G35 uses an eSIM for the second. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256GB / 512 GB | 128 GB / 256 GB | Mate 50 Pro offers double the maximum storage. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB / 8 GB | Mate 50 Pro offers more storage in most configurations, but G35 is available with equal RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports SD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Moto G35 has better audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Moto G35 offers more advanced security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | G35 offers better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Mate 50 Pro has a more comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Display: OLED technology with higher resolution provides a more immersive viewing experience.
- Top-Tier Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset delivers blazing-fast performance, ideal for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: A versatile system with larger sensors, wider apertures, optical zoom, and advanced features, resulting in outstanding image quality.
- Fast Charging & Battery Features: 66W fast charging and wireless charging options are a big plus.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- Comprehensive Sensors: Additional environmental sensors for more accurate data.
Motorola Moto G35 Strengths:
- Great Outdoor Visibility: Significantly higher display brightness for use in sunlight.
- Lightweight Design: More comfortable for extended use due to lower weight.
- Updated Software: Running on the newer Android 14 OS.
- eSIM Support: Can switch digital carriers with ease.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos and dual microphones.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 adds scratch and drop resistance.
Trade-Offs and Limitations:
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Lower display brightness might struggle in direct sunlight.
- No expandable storage and possibly limited software.
- Heavier than the Moto G35, might not be as comfortable for extended use.
- Motorola Moto G35:
- Significantly lower performance capabilities for intensive tasks and gaming.
- Basic camera setup with fewer features and lower image quality.
- Slower charging speed and less versatile battery features.
- Older Bluetooth and WiFi standards.
- Less accurate GPS.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Mate 50 Pro is ideal for:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize image quality, versatility in camera features, and manual controls.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who appreciate high-resolution, vibrant displays for watching videos and browsing content.
- Users Who need better connectivity: New WiFi and Bluetooth standards.
- Users Who Need Better Sensors: Additional environmental sensors provide more accurate data.
Motorola Moto G35 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who want a decent smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
- Outdoor Users: Those who prioritize screen visibility in bright sunlight, especially when traveling.
- Casual Users: Those who use smartphones for basic tasks, social media, and media consumption.
- Users who want a long lasting device: Longer lasting battery life with good screen protection.
- Users who want a modern OS: Android 14.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are some practical questions to guide your decision:
- What is your priority – performance or practicality?
- If you're a power user, the Mate 50 Pro is the clear choice. If you value reliability and comfort, the G35 is a good option.
- How important is camera quality and versatility to you?
- For high-quality photography and versatility, the Mate 50 Pro's system is significantly superior.
- How important is display visibility in bright sunlight?
- If you need good outdoor visibility, then the Moto G35 with its 1000 nits brightness is far better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer or Power User: If you’re gaming or running heavy apps the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the obvious choice due to its higher performance chipset, better GPU and larger RAM.
- The Casual Everyday User: The Motorola Moto G35 will suit you if you want a good experience for everyday use, such as browsing, social media, and casual photography with a long lasting battery.
- The Photographer: The Huawei Mate 50 Pro is designed for you thanks to its triple lens setup, OIS, Laser AF, RAW, and many other pro features.
- The Traveler or Outdoor Enthusiast: The Motorola Moto G35 will excel here thanks to its brighter screen which is excellent for bright sunlight, and its lightweight design will be comfortable for long trips.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would go with the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. The superior performance and the advanced camera system are big draws for me. I do a lot of content creation, and the ability to capture high-quality photos and videos, combined with the processing power, is invaluable.
While the lack of expandable storage is a drawback, the onboard storage options are high enough to mitigate this. Also, while it's true that the screen brightness is a concern, this doesn't affect my day to day usage as I am indoors often.
