Alright, let's dive into this head-to-head comparison between the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Nothing Phone (2a). We've got a seasoned flagship going up against a fresh contender, and as always, the devil is in the details. Let's break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Nothing Phone (2a) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | 161.7 × 76.3 × 8.6 mm | Similar size, minor differences in width and height. The 2a is slightly heavier making it slightly less comfortable |
| Weight | 205g | 190g | The Nothing Phone (2a) is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use |
| Build | Unknown screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (2a) offers better protection with Gorilla Glass 5, but Huawei Mate 50 Pro's durability is unknown |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.7" | Both have large, immersive screens; the Huawei’s is just a hair bigger. |
| Resolution | 1212x2616 | 1080x2412 | Huawei's higher resolution means sharper text and images |
| PPI | 428 | 394 | Higher pixel density on the Huawei results in a slightly crisper visual experience |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use excellent display tech, promising rich colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | Nothing Phone (2a) is significantly brighter, much better for outdoor visibility |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G | Dimensity 7200 Pro | Huawei has a flagship-tier chipset for better overall performance and demanding tasks |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 688,952 | The Mate 50 Pro outperforms the Nothing Phone (2a) significantly in benchmarks, making it more capable for intensive use |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G610 MC4 | Different GPUs; the Adreno 730 in the Huawei is more powerful for graphics-intensive tasks |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4700 mAh | 5000 mAh | The Nothing Phone (2a) has a slightly larger battery that might provide a bit longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W wired, 50W wireless | 45W wired | Huawei offers faster wired charging and the addition of wireless charging for convenient top-ups |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 50MP, f/1.4 | 50MP, f/1.88 | Huawei has a wider aperture which is better for low light photography. |
| Rear Ultrawide | 12MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/2.2 with macro | Huawei includes ultrawide camera, Nothing features macro in the ultrawide |
| Rear Telephoto | 64MP, f/3.5 | N/A | Huawei has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom capabilities, lacking in the Nothing Phone 2a. |
| Front Selfie | 13MP, f/2.4 | 32MP, f/2.2 | Nothing Phone (2a) offers a much higher-resolution selfie camera which should provide better detail |
| Video | 4K@60fps HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps EIS | Huawei supports higher 4k framerates, Nothing Phone 2a is still quite capable. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 149, Selfie: 145 | N/A | Huawei has significantly higher camera ratings than Nothing, though these scores may be somewhat outdated. |
| Features | Advanced feature set, Laser AF, OIS | Time-Lapse, OIS | Huawei has more features including laser autofocus, optical zoom, triple camera, Nothing has time-lapse feature |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 14 | Nothing Phone (2a) is newer and has Android 14 out the box | |
| Max OS Version | 17 | Nothing Phone (2a) offers significantly more Android OS updates | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support similar standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Nothing has a newer Bluetooth version with more audio codec support |
| GPS | More advanced options | More advanced options | Huawei supports more satellite systems, both have comprehensive location options. |
| SIM | Dual Nano | Dual Nano | Both have Dual SIM capabilities |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256 GB/ 512 GB | 128 GB/ 256 GB | Huawei offers more storage options |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB/ 12 GB | Nothing Phone 2a has an option for 12GB which means better multitasking capabilities |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res, Stereo, 3 mics | Nothing Phone (2a) includes Hi-Res audio and 3 mics, providing better audio quality and recording capabilities |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both have standard fingerprint sensors |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall | N/A | Huawei includes additional environmental sensors |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip offers significantly better performance for gaming and heavy applications.
- Exceptional Camera System: Features a versatile triple-camera setup with a wider aperture on the primary lens and a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom.
- Faster Charging: Offers faster 66W wired charging and 50W wireless charging which is more convenient.
- Higher Resolution Display: Crisper screen with better pixel density due to the higher resolution.
- More Storage: Offers 512GB variant, compared to the Nothing's 256GB.
Nothing Phone (2a) Strengths:
- Newer and More Refined Design: While it does lack the flagship build quality, it offers a fresh design for those looking to stand out.
- Brighter Display: A significantly brighter display that's easier to see in direct sunlight.
- Better Selfie Camera: A higher-resolution front camera for detailed selfies and video calls.
- Better OS Support: Comes with a newer version of Android and is slated for more major OS updates.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better audio quality with additional microphones and Hi-Res certification.
- Lighter and More Comfortable: The lighter form factor makes this more comfortable for everyday use.
Trade-offs:
- Performance: The Nothing Phone (2a)'s performance is not on par with the flagship capabilities of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro.
- Camera Versatility: The Nothing Phone (2a) lacks the optical zoom and triple camera system of the Mate 50 Pro.
- Battery Charging: The Nothing Phone (2a) lacks wireless charging.
- Screen Protection: The Mate 50 Pro is unknown, the Nothing Phone (2a) does include protection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Ideal For: Power users, mobile photographers, gamers, and anyone who wants top-tier performance and a versatile camera system.
- Use Cases: Heavy multitasking, high-end mobile gaming, professional-quality photography and videography, excellent for those needing an all-around device that is very capable.
Nothing Phone (2a):
- Ideal For: Tech enthusiasts, social media creators, everyday users looking for a stylish phone with solid performance and great software.
- Use Cases: Social media posting, content creation, capturing day-to-day moments, and for those looking for a comfortable device that excels at entertainment.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize performance above all else? If yes, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the obvious choice. If not, consider the Nothing Phone 2a.
- Are the camera capabilities a deciding factor for you? If you need a versatile camera with optical zoom, then the Mate 50 Pro is your phone. However, if you focus on selfies and social media, the Nothing Phone (2a) is competitive.
- What software experience are you seeking? If you need the latest version of Android and longer support, the Nothing Phone (2a) is superior here. If that is not a major factor, then either will work.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Power User: If you need peak performance and a flagship camera, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the clear winner.
- For the Tech Enthusiast: If you want a stylish and lightweight device that offers great value, then the Nothing Phone (2a) is a great choice.
- For Social Media Content Creators: If you want to focus on selfie camera quality, a very bright display, and great software experience, then the Nothing Phone (2a) is great, but the Huawei still offers a strong camera system.
Which one would I choose?
If I were in the market for one of these phones, I would personally choose the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. Here's why:
While the Nothing Phone (2a) has an incredibly compelling design and is a great package overall, the Mate 50 Pro's powerhouse performance and camera system are just too enticing for me to pass up. I often find myself in situations where I need to rely on a high-performance chipset, particularly when editing photos on the go or using my phone as a temporary workstation. The versatility in the camera with its dedicated telephoto lens and wider aperture also appeals to the photographer in me. I would also prefer the higher display resolution, even if it is less bright. The 512GB storage option is also a must for my use case, as I simply store a lot of large files.
While the Nothing Phone (2a) is a wonderful offering with some truly impressive features, the Mate 50 Pro's no-compromise performance and outstanding camera system are what matters most to me in my daily use. It is also important to acknowledge that the Nothing Phone (2a) is the better choice for many, especially due to its more refined software experience, lower cost and more future OS upgrades, but for me personally, the Mate 50 Pro wins out.
