Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Motorola ThinkPhone. Both are impressive devices, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and offer recommendations based on real-world usage.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Motorola ThinkPhone | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-28 | 2023-01-29 | The ThinkPhone is a newer device by about 4 months. May have more recent software features. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional smartphones. |
| Dimensions | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | 158.8 × 74.4 × 8.3 mm | Mate 50 Pro is a bit larger overall, while the ThinkPhone is slightly more compact. |
| Weight | 205g | 188.5g | ThinkPhone is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.6" | Mate 50 Pro offers a slightly larger screen for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1212x2616 | 1080x2400 | Mate 50 Pro has a sharper, more detailed display. |
| Pixel Density | 428 PPI | 399 PPI | Mate 50 Pro has a slightly sharper image. |
| Technology | OLED | P-OLED | Similar display technologies with high contrast and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | ThinkPhone offers smoother animations and scrolling with slightly higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | ThinkPhone is much brighter, offering far better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Both are very powerful, but the Huawei version lacks 5G. ThinkPhone is newer and supports 5G. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 1,232,700 | ThinkPhone has a significantly faster performance in benchmarks, leading to smoother daily usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Identical GPUs, meaning similar gaming performance (provided the chipsets are performing as expected). |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4700mAh | 5000mAh | ThinkPhone has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a bit more usage time. |
| Charging | 66W fast charging, Li-Ion | 68W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Both offer fast charging, with ThinkPhone having a slightly faster charge. |
| Battery Features | Reverse, 50W wireless, 7.5W reverse wireless | 15W Wireless | Mate 50 Pro has more versatile wireless charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.4, 1/1.56" IMX766 | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.55" OV50A | Mate 50 Pro has a wider aperture for better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.4 | 32MP f/2.45 | ThinkPhone has much higher resolution for detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP f/3.5, 1/2" OV64B | None | Mate 50 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2 IMX688 | None | Mate 50 Pro has a dedicated ultra-wide lens. |
| Portrait (Depth) | None | 2MP f/2.4 | ThinkPhone has a dedicated depth sensor for better portraits. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP f/2.4 | ThinkPhone can take macro shots with its wide-angle lens. |
| Video Resolution | 4K Max | 8K Max | ThinkPhone supports higher video resolution for those wanting to future-proof their video. |
| Camera Features | More advanced, OIS, Manual controls, Night Mode, Laser AF | OIS, 8K Video | Mate 50 Pro has more advanced camera features while ThinkPhone offers 8K recording. |
| DxoMark Score | Mobile: 149, Photo: 152, Video: 141, Selfie: 145, Photo: 147, Video: 143 | Not Listed | Mate 50 Pro has a tested and better camera performance according to DxoMark score. |
| Software | |||
| OS | N/A | Android 13 | The ThinkPhone has the latest Android 13 OS installed. The Mate 50 Pro software is unspecified. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, dual-band | WiFi 6, dual-band | Both support Wi-Fi 6 for fast wireless speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.2 LE, A2DP | Mate 50 Pro supports more audio codecs, while ThinkPhone supports the LE Low Energy profile. |
| GPS | More Satellite Support | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Mate 50 Pro has enhanced GPS positioning for precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both offer dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256GB/512GB | 256GB | Mate 50 Pro has the option for more internal storage. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both have sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | ThinkPhone provides enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos and improved voice capture with 2 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both use fingerprint sensors for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Motorola has a stronger display with better scratch resistance |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Mate 50 Pro has extra sensors (Barometer) for advanced functionality and environment monitoring. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro
- Camera Prowess: The Mate 50 Pro excels with its versatile camera setup, including a variable aperture, a dedicated telephoto, and an ultra-wide lens. It also has a higher DxoMark score meaning better image processing and quality.
- Premium Design: Although slightly bulkier, it offers a premium feel and varied storage options up to 512GB.
- Wireless Charging Versatility: It provides faster wireless charging (50W) and reverse charging capabilities.
- Enhanced GPS: Offers a more comprehensive GPS suite with support for multiple satellite systems for better accuracy.
Motorola ThinkPhone
- Display Excellence: ThinkPhone has a brighter, smoother display with a 144Hz refresh rate.
- Performance Leader: It has higher benchmark scores, suggesting better overall responsiveness and speed and newer gen chipset.
- 5G Support: Supports 5G cellular networks, unlike the Mate 50 Pro.
- Better Protection: Features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, for superior protection against scratches and damage.
- Audio Features: Dolby Atmos for enhanced spatial audio.
- Better Video Recording: Supports 8K video recording, making it a better choice for video professionals.
Trade-offs:
- Huawei: Lacks the latest Android OS and 5G connectivity.
- Motorola: Camera system is less versatile than the Mate 50 Pro's (no dedicated Telephoto or Wide Angle lens).
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Mate 50 Pro is ideal for:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize camera quality and versatility will appreciate its superior optics and camera features.
- Users Wanting Wireless Charging Versatility: Those who need robust wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Tech Enthusiasts Who wants all the extra sensors and more accurate GPS and location capabilities.
Motorola ThinkPhone is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need a high-performing device with a very bright and smooth display.
- Professionals: The 8K recording and solid performance combined with a strong build.
- Frequent Travelers: Those who prefer 5G connectivity and a device with superior protection.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your decision:
- How important is the camera system to you?
- If it's your top priority, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro's versatile setup and impressive low-light performance makes it better.
- If you just want a good quality camera and higher resolution selfies, the ThinkPhone will be great.
- Do you prioritize performance and smoothness, or a feature-packed camera?
- For maximum performance and a fluid user experience, the ThinkPhone is ideal, especially when also looking for 5G connectivity.
- If you prefer more advanced camera features and extra flexibility with wireless charging, the Mate 50 Pro takes the edge.
- How critical is brightness and build quality for your daily usage?
- If you often use your phone in bright daylight, the Motorola ThinkPhone's high-brightness screen will be preferable. Additionally, the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus will offer more peace of mind with higher protection.
My Choice
Personally, I'd lean towards the Motorola ThinkPhone. While the Mate 50 Pro's camera is fantastic, the ThinkPhone offers a more well-rounded package for my daily needs. The combination of a brighter, smoother display, superior performance, enhanced audio, solid build quality, 5G connectivity, and newer Android software makes it a compelling choice. I'm also a big fan of devices with strong build protection, which the ThinkPhone has with the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. The 8K video recording is a great feature for those who are creating video content. For someone who travels frequently and appreciates a phone that's reliable and fast, the ThinkPhone seems like a solid choice for me.
