Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Realme 10. We'll break down the specs, look at what they mean for you, and figure out which phone might be the better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specs, organized for clarity and with a focus on real-world impact:
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Realme 10 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm | 159.9 x 73.3 x 8 mm | Mate 50 Pro is slightly larger and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand; Realme 10 is more compact. |
| Weight | 205g | 178g | Realme 10 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.4" | Mate 50 Pro provides a larger screen, ideal for media consumption and multitasking; Realme 10 is easier to handle single-handedly. |
| Resolution | 1212 x 2616 | 1080 x 2400 | Mate 50 Pro has a sharper display, resulting in clearer images and text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 428 | 411 | Both offer very similar sharpness, meaning both look great but the Huawei is negligibly better |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Mate 50 Pro provides smoother scrolling and animations; Realme 10 is still fluid but not as smooth |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Realme 10 offers superior outdoor visibility, especially under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4nm) | Helio G99 (6nm) | Mate 50 Pro has significantly more processing power, better for demanding tasks like gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 401,886 | Mate 50 Pro is much faster for app loading, multitasking, and gaming |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mate 50 Pro has a superior graphics processor for better gaming and visual performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | Mate 50 Pro's larger sensor and wider aperture allow for better low-light performance and natural depth of field; Realme 10 still performs well. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", Omnivision OV16A1Q | Realme 10 has higher resolution; Both offer similar quality but the larger pixel size of Realme 10 may perform slightly better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B | N/A | Mate 50 Pro provides optical zoom for better image quality when zooming in |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX688 | N/A | Mate 50 Pro includes a wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes. |
| Black and White Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Omnivision OV02B1B | Realme 10 has a dedicated Black and White camera to enhance black and white shots |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 1080p@30fps | Mate 50 Pro provides much higher video recording capabilities, ideal for content creation; Both have slo-mo. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 149 (main), 145 (selfie) | N/A | Mate 50 Pro has significantly better rated camera performance than the Realme 10 (not tested) |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4700mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 10 has a slightly larger battery, potentially providing slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Mate 50 Pro offers much faster charging speeds. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W + 7.5W Reverse | None | Mate 50 Pro offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for convenience. |
| Other | |||
| Storage | 256GB/512GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Mate 50 Pro has better max storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB or 8GB | Both offer 8GB variants for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MiMO | WiFi 5, | Mate 50 Pro is better for higher WiFi speeds |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Realme 10 uses a newer Bluetooth Version |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res, 2 Mics | Both offer great audio features, stereo vs mics and Hi-Res |
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint | side-mounted | Realme 10 has better and more modern fingerprint sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme 10 uses superior screen protection |
| Sensors | Barometer, Gravity, Hall | N/A | Mate 50 Pro uses more sensors |
2. Key Insights
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro: This is a performance powerhouse with a top-tier camera system. Its strengths lie in its high-resolution display, cutting-edge chipset, powerful GPU, advanced camera features (including telephoto and wide-angle lenses), faster charging speeds, and wireless charging. The main downside is the lack of Google Services, and a lower brightness screen with the provided specs.
- Realme 10: This is a budget-friendly smartphone with a focus on practicality and value. It offers a lighter design, a great AMOLED screen, a higher outdoor brightness, good battery life, and a simple interface. It's ideal for users who prioritize affordability, everyday performance, and long-lasting battery without requiring the most advanced features. It also has expandable storage unlike the Mate 50 Pro.
User Experience:
- For Gaming/Heavy Use: The Mate 50 Pro will provide a superior experience thanks to its powerful chipset, better GPU, and smoother display. The Realme 10 can handle games but will not be as smooth or perform as well in high graphic settings.
- For Photography: The Mate 50 Pro boasts a more advanced camera system with a larger sensor, wider aperture, and additional lenses. This results in sharper images, better low-light performance, and more versatility in different shooting scenarios.
- For Daily Use: The Realme 10's lighter weight and brighter display will make it more enjoyable for daily use like browsing, social media, and casual media consumption. The Mate 50 Pro is slightly bulkier but offers a bigger screen.
- For Battery: The Realme 10 has a slightly bigger battery, but the Mate 50 Pro's fast charging is far superior and it has wireless charging.
- For Value: The Realme 10 provides excellent value for money if you are looking for the basics done well. The Mate 50 Pro provides a higher overall quality but at a higher price point.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro is ideal for:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Who crave the latest technology and top-tier performance, such as the fast processor and great camera
- Content Creators: Who need high-quality cameras for photos and videos.
- Mobile Gamers: Who require a device that can handle demanding titles smoothly.
- Power Users: Who need high performance, fast charging and wireless charging, and a premium experience.
- Realme 10 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Who prioritize affordability and essential features.
- Everyday Users: Who need a reliable phone for daily tasks.
- Light Gamers: Who enjoy casual mobile games and don't need the best graphics.
- Those who prioritize battery: Who want a longer lasting battery but don't need the fastest charging.
- Those who prioritize a bright outdoor screen: With a 1000 nits brightness this phone will be much more usable in bright conditions
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is mobile gaming and demanding apps to you? If high-end performance is a priority, the Mate 50 Pro is the better choice, otherwise, the Realme 10 is more than enough.
- How important is camera quality to you? If you need advanced camera features and superior image quality, the Mate 50 Pro is the better option.
- How important is the budget and ease of use? If you are on a budget or want a reliable daily device, the Realme 10 offers great value.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- You're a student on a budget: The Realme 10 is perfect. It handles daily tasks, has a good battery, and won't break the bank.
- You love photography and editing on the go: The Mate 50 Pro will be a huge step up for you. The camera system and performance will make mobile editing a breeze.
- You play a lot of mobile games: The Mate 50 Pro is the better option due to its high-performance processor, screen and the better GPU.
- You need a simple phone that works reliably: Both phones will work for you. The Realme 10 has a slightly brighter screen so may be better outdoors.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd personally go for the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. As a tech journalist and someone who regularly tests devices, I value the top-tier performance, advanced camera system, and premium features. The improved performance and camera capabilities align better with my needs, allowing me to test the limits of the phone. Although, the lack of Google Services is a big drawback, and I would need to be sure that it doesn't impact the way I use the device before deciding.
While the Realme 10 is a great option for a large portion of users due to its value, I would prefer the additional features of the Mate 50 Pro.
