Alright, let's dive deep into this matchup between the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Motorola Moto G85. We've got a tale of two phones here, each with its own strengths and target audience. I’ll break it down for you as if we were chatting over a coffee, keeping it real and focusing on what actually matters to you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s a detailed table breaking down the key specs:
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Motorola Moto G85 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | 161.9 × 73.1 × 7.6 mm | Mate 50 Pro is a bit bigger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use, the Moto G85 is slimmer and lighter, better for on-the-go |
| Weight | 205g | 171g | Moto G85 is noticeably lighter, better for extended use without fatigue. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.67" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1212x2616 | 1080x2400 | Mate 50 Pro has a sharper display; expect clearer images and text. |
| PPI | 428 | 395 | Mate 50 Pro offers slightly denser pixels, leading to marginally sharper images. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colours and deep blacks, with no clear edge. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth, fluid visual experience, good for scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1600 nits | Moto G85 is significantly brighter, much better for viewing in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G | Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 | Mate 50 Pro has a significantly faster chip, better for gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| Antutu Score | 1,022,043 | 475,000 | Mate 50 Pro is a beast in performance, smoother app loading, better multitasking and graphics |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 619 | Mate 50 Pro has a much more capable GPU, providing better graphical performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.4, 1/1.56" | 50MP f/1.79, 1/2" | Mate 50 Pro has a larger sensor and wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.4 | 32MP f/2.4 | Moto G85 has a much higher resolution selfie cam, which is better for sharp self-portraits. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP f/3.5 | None | Mate 50 Pro has dedicated telephoto for zoomed shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Mate 50 Pro captures more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K @ 60fps | Up to 1080p @ 60fps | Mate 50 Pro shoots higher quality video and has more advanced recording options. |
| DXOMARK Mobile Score | 149 | 88 | Mate 50 Pro performs significantly better in photo and video tests. |
| DXOMARK Selfie Score | 145 | Not Tested | Mate 50 Pro has a good performance selfie camera. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4700mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G85 has a slightly larger battery, potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W Fast | 30W Fast | Mate 50 Pro charges significantly faster. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | None | Mate 50 Pro has more advanced charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | None | Android 14 | Moto G85 ships with Android 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | WiFi 6 | Both offer fast Wi-Fi, with Mate 50 Pro having an additional MIMO support for better connection. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.1 LE, A2DP | Mate 50 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version and better codecs for audio quality; Motorola has low energy profile. |
| GPS | Extensive satellite support | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Mate 50 Pro has extensive satellite support for improved navigation and accuracy, while Moto G85 has fewer options. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby, eSIM | Motorola Moto G85 has the flexibility of using eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | Mate 50 Pro offers more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12 GB | Moto G85 has an option for more RAM, potentially smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio features | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Moto G85 offers better audio with Dolby Atmos and dual microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both phones have similar fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | Moto G85 offers better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | Barometer, Gravity, Hall | None | Mate 50 Pro includes additional environmental sensors, useful for certain applications. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro: The Powerhouse
- Strengths:
- Top-Tier Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip delivers flagship-level performance, ideal for gaming, heavy multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Superior Camera System: Its versatile triple-camera setup, with a larger sensor, wider aperture, telephoto, and 4K video, outperforms the Moto G85 in most scenarios, especially in low light.
- Fast Charging and Wireless: With 66W wired and 50W wireless charging, you'll spend less time tethered to an outlet.
- Advanced Features: Extras like reverse wireless charging, better GPS and a barometer and wider Wi-Fi options add real value.
- Competitive Advantages:
- The DXOMark scores highlight a significant advantage in camera performance.
- Its processing power handles resource-intensive tasks with ease.
- Trade-offs:
- Heavier and bulkier design compared to the Moto G85.
- No software updates information.
Motorola Moto G85: The Balanced Performer
- Strengths:
- Comfortable Design: Lighter and slimmer build makes it more comfortable for everyday use.
- Bright Display: The 1600 nits display is excellent for outdoor use and readability in bright conditions.
- Better Battery Life: A larger battery capacity might provide slightly longer battery life.
- Latest Android Version: It ships with the latest Android 14, ensuring you get the latest features and security updates.
- eSIM Support: Allows flexible connectivity options.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Superior outdoor visibility due to its bright display.
- Offers a balanced experience at a potentially more affordable price.
- Trade-offs:
- Significantly lower performance chip, may struggle with heavy games or demanding apps.
- Camera system is not as versatile or capable as the Mate 50 Pro.
- Slower charging compared to Mate 50 Pro
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Best Suited For:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize camera performance and features above all else, it is the clear winner in this comparison.
- Power Users: Individuals who need a phone for gaming, video editing, or running demanding applications.
- Tech Aficionados: Users who appreciate having top-of-the-line technology and features.
- Users Who Use Navigation a Lot: The additional satellite systems ensure very accurate position.
- Use Cases:
- Capturing professional-quality photos and videos for social media or personal projects.
- Seamlessly playing graphically intensive games at high settings.
- Multitasking with multiple apps without experiencing lags or slowdowns.
Motorola Moto G85:
- Best Suited For:
- Everyday Users: People who need a reliable phone for daily tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a great balance of features and performance without breaking the bank.
- Commuters: Users who need a phone that is comfortable to hold and use on the go.
- Users Who Use Phone in Bright Sunlight: The brighter display makes it easy to use in sunlight.
- Use Cases:
- Comfortable daily use, from web browsing to light entertainment.
- Reliable performance for everyday applications and multitasking.
- Enjoying media consumption with a bright, vivid display and good audio output.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Before you make your choice, here are three key questions you should ask yourself:
- How important is top-tier performance to me? If you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks without breaking a sweat, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is your go-to. If you're more about everyday tasks and some light gaming, the Moto G85 will likely be sufficient.
- What is my main use case for the camera? If you're all about high-quality photos and videos, especially in challenging lighting, the Mate 50 Pro's camera is far superior. If you just need a decent everyday camera, the Moto G85 is a good choice.
- How much do I value device size and portability? If you prefer a lighter and slimmer phone, the Moto G85 is more comfortable to carry around. If a slightly bulkier design isn't a concern for you, the Mate 50 Pro's features might be worth the trade-off.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Photography Buff: Go for the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. Its superior camera system, coupled with its processing power, is unmatched in this comparison.
- For the Gaming Enthusiast: Choose the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. Its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip and Adreno 730 GPU will provide the smoothest, highest-quality gaming experience.
- For the Everyday User on a Budget: The Motorola Moto G85 offers a good balance of features, comfortable design, and a very bright screen, making it a great choice for everyday use without breaking the bank.
- For the Outdoor Enthusiast: The Motorola Moto G85 due to its much brighter screen.
What Would I Choose?
After considering all the facts, I would personally choose the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. As a tech journalist and someone who dives deep into the tech, I need something that handles heavy tasks and excels in camera performance; I will take the slight hit in size and portability. The Mate 50 Pro's superior performance and camera capabilities align perfectly with my priorities for testing and content creation. The significantly higher camera scores and the overall performance make it a very attractive phone for my daily workflow.
However, if I was a casual user who mainly browses the web, plays some light games and likes to watch videos outdoors I would be choosing the Moto G85, the bright display is a real win for outdoor visibility.
I hope this in-depth analysis helps you make the best decision based on your needs!
