Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the OnePlus Nord 3. I'll break down the specs, tell you what they mean for you, and help you figure out which phone might be the best fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Okay, here's the detailed breakdown, focusing on what each spec actually means for you, the user:
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | OnePlus Nord 3 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-28 | 2023-07-11 | OnePlus is newer, so it has the potential for more recent software and features. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional slab-style smartphones. |
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm | 162 x 75.1 x 8.2 mm | Similar sizes, the Huawei is negligibly thicker. You won't feel much of a difference. |
| Weight | 205g | 193.5g | OnePlus Nord 3 is a bit lighter, which can be noticeable with extended use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.74" | Identical screen size, great for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1212 x 2616 | 1240 x 2772 | OnePlus has a slightly sharper image, but it's not a huge difference for most people. |
| Pixel Density | 428 PPI | 451 PPI | OnePlus is a bit sharper, again, likely not noticeable unless you really look closely. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both have great contrast and vibrant colors. They are essentially the same for user experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both will have smooth scrolling and animations, great for gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1450 nits | OnePlus Nord 3 is much brighter, making it usable under direct sunlight. This is a big win. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G | Dimensity 9000 | Different chipsets; both offer flagship-level power, but the OnePlus has a slight edge in benchmarks. |
| Antutu Score | 1,022,043 | 1,103,441 | OnePlus has a slightly higher benchmark score, indicating potentially faster performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G710 MC10 | Different GPUs; the practical difference in gaming isn't a clear-cut advantage for either. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.4, Sony IMX766 | 50MP f/1.8, Sony IMX890 | Mate 50 Pro's wider aperture (f/1.4) captures more light, potentially better in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.4 | 16MP f/2.4, IMX471 | OnePlus Nord 3 has slightly higher resolution for selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP f/3.5, OV64B | None | Huawei Mate 50 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens, providing optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2, IMX688 | 8MP f/2.2, IMX355 | Huawei Mate 50 Pro has a higher-resolution wide-angle camera. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4, GC02M1 | OnePlus Nord 3 includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps with HDR/EIS, 720p@3840fps with HDR/EIS | 4K@60fps with EIS | Both can record great video with stabilization. Huawei goes up to crazy high slow-motion fps. |
| DxOMark Mobile | 149 (Main) , 145 (Selfie) | Not Tested | Huawei's camera is top-rated, but OnePlus isn't bad, just hasn't been tested by DXOmark. |
| Camera Features | Many | Some | Huawei has more advanced features like optical zoom, manual focus, and RAW capture. |
| BATTERY | |||
| Capacity | 4700mAh | 5000mAh | OnePlus Nord 3 has a slightly larger battery for potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | OnePlus charges faster. |
| Battery Features | 50W Wireless, Reverse | None | Huawei offers wireless and reverse charging capabilities. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | - | Android 13, Max 16 | OnePlus is newer and already has Android 13 with a promise to Android 16. Huawei lacks OS info. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both have the latest WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 LE | OnePlus has the newer version of Bluetooth and additional codec support. |
| GPS | Advanced Multi-system | Standard Multi-system | Huawei has more satellite systems for potentially better accuracy. |
| SIM Support | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM cards. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal Storage | 256 GB or 512 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Huawei has a higher maximum storage option. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB or 16 GB | OnePlus offers more RAM in its top configuration, good for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | OnePlus has better audio processing with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Security Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both have similar fingerprint sensors. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive | Basic | Huawei features more sensors including a barometer. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones use unknown protection for the screen, making this information incomplete. |
2. Key Insights
Here are the main takeaways from this comparison:
Huawei Mate 50 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Camera System: It boasts a more versatile camera setup, with a wider aperture main lens, a dedicated telephoto zoom, and a higher resolution ultrawide. This is complemented by more professional features and top-tier DxOMark scores.
- Wireless Charging: The inclusion of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging offers added convenience for a high-end phone.
- More Satellite Support: Huawei's extensive GPS is more accurate in challenging location scenarios.
- Larger Max Storage: You can get a 512GB version of the Mate 50 Pro.
- More Sensors: Includes a Barometer and other sensors for advanced features.
OnePlus Nord 3 Strengths:
- Brighter Display: The dramatically brighter display is a huge advantage in outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: The 80W fast charging is a notable time-saver.
- Better Performance: Slightly better chipset and benchmark results.
- More RAM: A higher RAM option for hardcore multitaskers.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Includes new LE version of Bluetooth and additional codec support.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio support make a difference for audiophiles.
- Newer Software and Updates: Already on Android 13 and promised 16.
- Lighter : Slightly lighter and easier to hold than the Mate 50 Pro.
Trade-offs:
- The Huawei sacrifices display brightness and charging speed for the sake of its more advanced camera and extra battery functionality (wireless charging).
- OnePlus prioritizes screen visibility and performance while giving up on some of the extra camera features and the convenience of wireless charging.
- Neither phone has expandable storage, so you are stuck with the onboard memory.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Mate 50 Pro is Ideal For:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality and versatility, including optical zoom and low-light performance. If you want a phone to be like your DSLR, this is a good bet.
- High-End Feature Seekers: Individuals who value advanced features such as wireless charging, and a wide range of advanced camera functions.
- Navigation Experts: Users who need a phone that can pinpoint their location in challenging GPS environments.
OnePlus Nord 3 is Ideal For:
- Outdoor Users: People who need a very bright screen that is visible in direct sunlight.
- Gamers: Those who want high performance for gaming or other demanding tasks.
- Multimedia Consumers: Anyone who enjoys media, especially music, will benefit from the enhanced audio.
- Long Term Software Support: If you want to keep your phone longer, the newer software updates might be what you are looking for.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is outdoor visibility to you? If you frequently use your phone outdoors, the OnePlus's much brighter screen makes it a clear winner.
- Do you need advanced camera features like optical zoom or wireless charging capabilities? If so, the Huawei is the obvious choice.
- How long do you want to keep your phone? If longevity is important, the newer software might be important, making the OnePlus a more forward looking option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- "I'm a casual photographer who enjoys taking pictures on the go" - If you just want to take casual photos, the OnePlus will be great.
- "I need a phone that can handle serious gaming and multitasking" - The OnePlus edges this scenario out with a slightly better processor and more RAM.
- "I spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight" - The OnePlus Nord 3 will be the winner, because its bright display is a necessity in this scenario.
- "I'm a photo enthusiast who wants the best camera phone I can get" - The Huawei is for the photographer. It has everything you need.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I was choosing between these two phones, I would personally lean towards the OnePlus Nord 3. Here's why:
As someone who frequently reviews phones, I value practical, day-to-day usability as much as raw specifications. The brighter display on the OnePlus Nord 3 is a feature that makes a tangible difference in my daily life, whether I am using it outside in bright sunlight.
While I do appreciate the impressive camera capabilities of the Mate 50 Pro, I've found that modern smartphones have reached a point where the differences are not as noticeable for my type of general photography. The better performance and RAM would let me push the phone harder while reviewing, and the better audio would come in handy while doing voice overs and videos. I also think the longer software support and promise of new versions of Android make the phone a better buy if I am keeping it for a few years. The faster charging would also benefit me as someone constantly on the go.
So for these reasons, the OnePlus Nord 3 would get the nod from me!
