Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite. These two phones, while both aiming for the smartphone market, take very different paths to get there. One is a premium powerhouse, and the other is a budget-friendly contender, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Let’s break it down, shall we?
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-28 | 2023-04-11 | The Nord CE 3 Lite is newer, potentially benefiting from more recent software and minor hardware improvements. |
| Size | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | 165.5 × 76 × 8.3 mm | The OnePlus is slightly taller and a hair thinner but the Mate is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 205g | 195g | The OnePlus is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.72" | Both offer a large screen for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1212x2616 | 1080x2400 | The Mate 50 Pro provides a sharper, more detailed image due to its higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 428 | 391 | The Mate 50 Pro has slightly clearer text and images. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | The Mate 50 Pro has vibrant colors, deep blacks, and superior contrast, while the OnePlus has decent but less impressive visuals. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth scrolling and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | The OnePlus will be far easier to use in bright sunlight and has dramatically better outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | The Mate 50 Pro offers significantly higher processing power, leading to faster app loading and better multitasking and graphics. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 402,916 | The Mate 50 Pro is a beast for demanding games and tasks, while the Nord is suitable for everyday use. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 619 | The Mate 50 Pro has a significantly more powerful GPU, resulting in superior gaming performance and smoother graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Res | 50MP (f/1.4, 1/1.56", 1.0µm, Sony IMX766) | 108MP (f/1.7, 1/1.67", 0.64µm, Samsung HM6) | The Mate 50 Pro's primary sensor has a larger sensor size and wider aperture which should result in better low-light photos, despite the lower megapixel count. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 13MP (f/2.4) | 16MP (f/2.4, 1.0µm) | Both are capable for selfies, but the OnePlus has a higher pixel size. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP (f/3.5, 1/2", 0.7µm, OV64B) | None | The Mate 50 Pro offers true optical zoom for better close ups, absent on the OnePlus. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP (f/2.2, Sony IMX688) | None | The Mate 50 Pro offers more versatile photos. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | The OnePlus has a depth sensor for portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | The OnePlus has a macro lens for close up photography. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR/EIS | 1080p@30fps | The Mate 50 Pro provides far more video recording options. |
| DxOMark (Main) | 149 (Photo: 152, Video: 141) | Not Tested | The Mate 50 Pro has a far superior camera based on DxOMark score. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 145 (Photo: 147, Video: 143) | Not Tested | The Mate 50 Pro has a far superior front facing camera based on DxOMark score. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4700mAh | 5000mAh | The OnePlus has a slightly larger battery, which could lead to slightly longer battery life but will depend on other factors. |
| Charging | 66W (Li-Ion) | 67W (Li-Polymer) | Both offer fast charging but the difference is minor and almost negligible. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | None | The Mate 50 Pro offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, absent on the OnePlus. |
| Other | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | The Mate 50 Pro offers faster, more efficient Wi-Fi for improved connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 LE | The Mate 50 Pro has a slightly newer Bluetooth version with improved bandwidth, although the difference is not huge. |
| GPS | Advanced, dual-frequency | Basic | The Mate 50 Pro has improved location accuracy with support for a greater number of satellite systems. |
| OS | - | Android 13 | The OnePlus offers a more open and familiar interface based on the latest version of Android out of the box |
| Internal Storage | 256GB or 512GB | 128GB or 256GB | The Mate 50 Pro offers up to twice the storage of the OnePlus. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both provide adequate RAM for typical use. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res, Stereo, Noise Cancellation, 2 Mics | The OnePlus has more advanced audio features with enhanced microphone and clarity. |
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The OnePlus uses a faster and more modern fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Barometer, Gravity, more | Basic | The Mate 50 Pro includes additional sensors useful for environmental measurements and other functionalities. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Strengths:
- Superior Display: OLED screen with higher resolution and pixel density providing better image quality.
- Top-Tier Performance: A flagship chipset leading to a fast, fluid experience for demanding tasks.
- Exceptional Camera System: Advanced lens system with telephoto and wide angle lens, with a high quality main sensor along with the option for shooting in RAW format and enhanced low-light capabilities.
- Wireless Charging: Including fast wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6, more satellite systems, and the latest bluetooth standard.
- Competitive Advantage: This phone is for users who demand the very best in processing power, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Trade-offs: No expandable storage, limited brightness.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite:
- Strengths:
- Budget-Friendly: More affordable while still offering a good user experience.
- Larger Battery: Potentially provides better battery life.
- High Brightness: Offers superior brightness for better use in sunlight.
- Advanced Audio: Boasts Hi-Res audio and noise cancellation microphones.
- Modern fingerprint scanner Side-mounted fingerprint scanner offers a modern user experience.
- Competitive Advantage: Offers great value for users who need a reliable phone with a good screen, decent performance, and very good battery life without the premium price.
- Trade-offs: Less powerful chipset, and a basic camera system when compared with the Mate 50 Pro.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Best for: Power users, photography enthusiasts, gamers, and those who want the highest quality display.
- Use Cases:
- Professional Photography: The versatile camera system shines for serious photographers.
- Gaming: The top-tier performance ensures a smooth and lag-free gaming experience.
- Media Consumption: The exceptional OLED display provides an immersive viewing experience.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite:
- Best for: Casual users, students, budget-conscious buyers, and anyone who prioritizes battery life and value.
- Use Cases:
- Daily Use: Great for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
- Long-Lasting Battery: Suitable for users who need a reliable phone that can last all day.
- Multimedia Consumption: Great for watching video content.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- What is your budget? The Mate 50 Pro is a premium device, whereas the Nord CE 3 Lite is far more budget friendly.
- How important is camera quality to you? If you need versatility and expect top quality photos and videos, the Mate 50 Pro is a better choice.
- What do you prioritize most, peak performance or battery life? If you’re a power user, the Mate 50 Pro provides exceptional performance. If you need a phone that will last all day, then the Nord is a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You want the very best smartphone camera, gaming performance, and display quality, money is not the deciding factor. Recommendation: Huawei Mate 50 Pro.
- Scenario 2: You want a reliable phone for daily use with good battery life, and don't want to break the bank. Recommendation: OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite.
- Scenario 3: You're a casual user who wants a fast, reliable phone with high brightness, good battery, and an attractive price point Recommendation: OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite.
What I Would Choose and Why
Personally, if I were choosing between these two, I would go for the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. My priorities lie in capturing high-quality images and videos, enjoying demanding games, and having a top-tier display. The performance of the Mate 50 Pro is undeniably superior, and the camera system is far more versatile. Although the lower brightness is a downside, the overall package makes it a far more enticing option. I value the advanced features like wireless charging and the latest in connectivity as well as the extra storage. I do not mind paying extra for a premium experience, especially considering the incredible camera.
While the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is a solid budget device that I would certainly recommend to those looking for better value, my tech journalist side craves the most advanced specs and cutting-edge features that the Mate 50 Pro offers.
