Alright, let's dive deep into the battle of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro versus the OnePlus Nord 4. I'll break down the specs, translate the tech-speak, and give you the real-world lowdown on these two very different smartphones.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | OnePlus Nord 4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | 162.6 × 75 × 8 mm | The phones are very similar in size. The Nord 4 is slightly thinner, but you probably won't notice much difference in hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 199.5g | The Nord 4 is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.74" | Identical screen sizes provide a similar viewing experience for videos and browsing. |
| Resolution | 1212x2616 | 1240x2772 | The Nord 4’s slightly higher resolution leads to sharper text and images, but the difference may not be very noticeable for most people. |
| PPI | 428 | 450 | Slightly sharper display on the Nord 4, but both offer very crisp images. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, though AMOLED is technically a marketing term for a specific type of OLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2200 nits | Huge difference here! The Nord 4's significantly higher brightness ensures better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM7675 Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | The Nord 4 has a newer and slightly more efficient chipset. While the Mate 50 Pro's chip is a flagship from 2022, the Nord 4's chip is geared towards better overall efficiency and sustained performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 1,366,982 | The Nord 4 shows a much higher benchmark score, suggesting faster app loading, smoother operation, and overall better performance for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 732 | While both GPUs are from Qualcomm's Adreno line, the 732 in the Nord 4 offers newer architecture. This may not be a huge difference, but could mean a smoother graphical experience in games and high-resolution video editing. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 4700mAh | 5500mAh | The Nord 4 packs a noticeably bigger battery, promising longer battery life throughout the day. |
| Charging | 66W fast charging, Li-Ion | 100W fast charging, Li-Polymer | The Nord 4 charges significantly faster and uses a more advanced battery material, likely leading to faster and safer charging with better battery longevity. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 50W wireless charging, 7.5W wireless reverse charging | Non-removable | The Mate 50 Pro offers added flexibility with wireless and reverse charging, which are great for on-the-go situations. The Nord 4 misses out on these features. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Rear Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2", Sony LYT-600 | The Mate 50 Pro has a larger sensor and a wider aperture, which means it should perform better in low-light and offer better natural bokeh. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | The Nord 4 has a slightly higher-resolution selfie camera which also has a dedicated sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B | N/A | The Mate 50 Pro boasts a dedicated telephoto lens for zooming, which the Nord 4 lacks. This gives it a big advantage in zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX688 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355 | The Mate 50 Pro has a higher resolution wide-angle camera, while the Nord 4 has a slightly larger pixel size, which can help low-light performance. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS, slow-mo up to 3840 fps | Up to 4K@60fps, EIS, slow-mo up to 240 fps | Both have good video capabilities, but the Mate 50 Pro is more flexible with different frame rates. |
| DxOMark Scores | Mobile: 149, Selfie: 145 | N/A | The Mate 50 Pro has excellent camera performance according to DxOMark scores, while the Nord 4 has not been tested. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Laser AF, Triple Camera, RAW, Night Mode and many more | OIS, Dual Camera and some others | The Mate 50 Pro offers more camera features and more dedicated lenses, giving it more versatility in different shooting scenarios. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Camera System: The Mate 50 Pro excels with its triple-lens system, larger primary sensor, dedicated telephoto lens, and advanced features like RAW capture and night mode. If camera quality is a priority, this is a strong contender.
- Wireless Charging: Inclusion of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging gives it an edge in daily usage.
- Flagship Build: The Mate 50 Pro has a premium feel to it.
- Premium Features: Features like laser autofocus, barometer and compass, give it an edge over the Nord 4.
OnePlus Nord 4 Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Nord 4's newer chipset and higher AnTuTu score translate to smoother performance in everyday use, particularly for demanding applications and games.
- Longer Battery Life: A bigger battery and faster charging give it a significant advantage in battery endurance and quick top-ups.
- Brighter Display: The much higher brightness of the Nord 4's display ensures better readability in bright sunlight.
- Software: The OnePlus Nord 4 uses a modern OS with the latest features which the Mate 50 Pro lacks.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro: Limited to 4G, older chipset, less impressive performance, no expandable storage, very old software.
- OnePlus Nord 4: Lacks a telephoto lens, wireless charging, and some of the camera versatility found on the Mate 50 Pro, and it also lacks expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Photographers and Creatives: Its versatile camera system, with a dedicated telephoto lens, makes it ideal for those who need high-quality images in various shooting conditions.
- Users Who Value Premium Features: If you want wireless charging and other advanced features, the Mate 50 Pro is suitable.
- People who love old software: If you like old software, then the Mate 50 Pro is for you.
OnePlus Nord 4:
- Power Users: If you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks, the Nord 4's strong performance and long battery life are big advantages.
- On-the-go Individuals: Those who value long battery life and quick charging and who use their phones in bright sunlight will find the Nord 4 a better fit.
- Users wanting latest Software: If you need a more up to date software with the latest Android, then you should opt for the OnePlus Nord 4.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is camera versatility and image quality? If it's paramount, the Mate 50 Pro's superior hardware and software are beneficial, although the Nord 4 is not far behind.
- Do you prioritize battery life and overall speed? The Nord 4 takes the lead in providing better battery endurance and app performance.
- How important are premium features like wireless charging? If these are a must, then the Mate 50 Pro is the only option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a travel blogger who needs top-notch camera capabilities and premium features. Recommendation: The Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the better option, with its versatile camera system and premium features that would be beneficial for content creators.
- Scenario 2: You are a busy professional who needs a reliable device with great battery life and fast performance. Recommendation: The OnePlus Nord 4 is ideal due to its larger battery, faster charging, and stronger performance capabilities.
- Scenario 3: You want a more balanced phone with strong core features, a good camera, and modern software. Recommendation: The OnePlus Nord 4 has a better balance of modern features, software, and user experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would go with the OnePlus Nord 4. While the Mate 50 Pro's camera is truly impressive, its older chipset, lack of 5G, and weaker performance make it a tough sell. The Nord 4, on the other hand, offers a more well-rounded experience with its superior performance, better battery life, brighter display and latest OS. It also wins in day-to-day practicality with its faster charging and overall more modern hardware.
While the Mate 50 Pro might tempt those who value camera above all else, the OnePlus Nord 4 is a far more practical and future-proof choice for most users.
