Okay, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the realme 8. We're not just looking at numbers; we're focusing on how these specs impact real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | realme 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-28 | 2024-05-28 | The realme 8 is newer by about 8 months, suggesting potentially more up-to-date tech. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are typical smartphones; no foldable surprises. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 162.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 | 162 x 75.1 x 8.7 | Both phones are similarly sized, making them comfortable for most hands. |
| Weight (g) | 205 | 191 | The realme 8 is noticeably lighter, which could be important for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size (inches) | 6.74 | 6.78 | Essentially the same screen size, with realme 8 being just a touch larger. |
| Resolution | 1212x2616 | 1264x2780 | realme 8 has a slightly higher resolution, which will appear as a bit more sharp. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 428 | 450 | realme 8 provides a slightly sharper display due to the higher pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use similar high-quality display technologies with vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate (Hz) | 120 | 120 | Both devices offer smooth scrolling and animations, making for a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness (nits) | 0 | 0 | No specific brightness data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4G) | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 | The Mate 50 Pro's chipset is older, but generally higher-end. The realme 8's chipset is newer and designed for efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | N/A | The Mate 50 Pro scores high, suggesting top-tier performance but no score from realme 8 |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 732 | Both feature high-end GPUs, with realme 8 slightly newer but will likely perform similarly to the 730. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | N/A | The Mate 50 Pro has a capable main camera with a large sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4, | N/A | The Mate 50 Pro includes a front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B | N/A | The Mate 50 Pro features a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX688 | N/A | The Mate 50 Pro also includes a wide-angle lens for landscape shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, slow-mo | 4K@60fps with OIS, EIS | Both have 4K video recording, but Huawei's is enhanced by stabilization and slo-mo options. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 149, Selfie: 145 | N/A | The Mate 50 Pro has very strong camera scores, indicating top-tier photo and video quality. |
| Camera Features | Extensive, including OIS, RAW, Night Mode | Basic features | The Mate 50 Pro has significantly more camera features, allowing greater creative control. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity (mAh) | 4700 | 0 | The Mate 50 Pro has a battery size of 4700mAh, which will result in long lasting battery |
| Charging | 66W Fast, 50W Wireless, Reverse | Standard | The Mate 50 Pro supports blazing-fast wired and wireless charging, along with reverse charging for other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Unknown | Android 14 | The realme 8 features Android 14 |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, Dual band | Unknown | The Mate 50 Pro has the latest Wi-Fi standards and features for better connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | Unknown | The Mate 50 Pro has newer Bluetooth with advanced audio codecs for better wireless sound. |
| GPS | Full suite of systems | Unknown | The Mate 50 Pro has full GPS support, ensuring accurate location data. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Unknown | The Mate 50 Pro supports dual SIM cards, which is convenient for travel. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256/512GB | N/A | The Mate 50 Pro offers ample storage with options for 256 or 512GB. |
| RAM | 8GB | N/A | The Mate 50 Pro has 8GB of RAM which is enough for everyday tasks and multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, meaning you're stuck with what you buy. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Basic | The Mate 50 Pro has better audio with stereo speakers for a more immersive experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones have basic fingerprint sensors for security. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have unspecified screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive Sensor Suite | Basic | The Mate 50 Pro is equipped with a more comprehensive array of sensors, allowing for additional functions and features. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Camera System: With a 50MP main lens, telephoto, wide-angle, and extensive features, it’s a photographer's dream. The high DXOMark scores confirm its top-tier performance.
- High Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, while a bit older, is still a very capable flagship chipset, providing more than enough power.
- Fast Charging & Battery: The 66W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, reverse charging and large 4700 mAh battery means less time plugged in, more time using it.
- Premium Audio: Stereo speakers provide a richer and more immersive experience.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: This ensures better functionality with advanced apps and games.
- More Storage and RAM comes with a decent amount of storage and RAM.
realme 8 Strengths:
- Newer Chipset: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset may offer newer features.
- Lighter Build: 14 grams might seem small, but it’s noticeable during long use.
- Slightly Higher Resolution: the screen may appear crisper.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14
- Lower price: realme 8 likely has a lower price point.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- realme 8: Lacks advanced camera features, fast charging, wireless charging, and has basic speakers, making it feel less premium.
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro: No expandable storage and 4G connectivity only might be a dealbreaker for some.
- Both: Neither have expandable storage which is a standard option at lower price points.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Ideal for: Photography enthusiasts, power users, and those who value premium build quality and features. Perfect for individuals who frequently take photos and need the fastest charging possible.
- Use Cases: Travel photography, professional content creation, demanding mobile gaming, and multimedia consumption.
realme 8:
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious users, casual gamers, and people looking for a basic smartphone experience.
- Use Cases: Everyday tasks, web browsing, social media, light gaming, and general usage.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to consider when deciding between these phones:
- How important is camera quality to you? If photography is a priority, the Mate 50 Pro is the clear winner.
- Is fast charging, wireless charging and reverse charging a necessity? The Mate 50 Pro is the clear winner.
- What is your budget? If you are trying to save money, the realme 8 is a cheaper option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Photographer: Choose the Huawei Mate 50 Pro for its superior camera setup, extensive features, and strong DXOMark scores.
- For the Everyday User on a Budget: Consider the realme 8 if you are trying to save money with a focus on basic functionalities like social media, and everyday tasks.
- For the Power User: Opt for the Huawei Mate 50 Pro for its powerful chipset, larger battery, fast charging, and premium features.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose, I would go for the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. Despite its age and lack of 5G, it offers a significantly better experience in critical areas that matter to me as a tech enthusiast and someone who values high-end camera capabilities. The superior camera system with its multiple lenses, extensive software features, and high scores would be invaluable to my needs. Additionally, the fast charging options and premium speakers would make it a joy to use every day. While the realme 8 has a more recent chipset, the overall package of the Mate 50 Pro is simply more compelling for me, given my focus on photography and performance.
