Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Realme 12+. These are two very different beasts, each with their own unique strengths, and understanding those nuances is key to picking the right one for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specifications, broken down into relevant categories:
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Realme 12+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-28 | 2024-03-02 | Realme 12+ is significantly newer, benefiting from more recent advancements |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-foldable smartphones |
| Dimensions | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | 163 × 75.5 × 7.9 mm | Realme 12+ is slimmer, which could make it feel more comfortable in hand. Mate 50 Pro is slightly shorter. |
| Weight | 205g | 190g | Realme 12+ is noticeably lighter, making it more convenient for carrying around all day. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.67" | Very similar, a negligible difference in size. |
| Resolution | 1212x2616 | 1080x2400 | Mate 50 Pro offers sharper images and text due to the higher pixel count. |
| Pixel Density | 428 PPI | 395 PPI | Mate 50 Pro has a slightly crisper screen, noticeable when viewing very detailed content. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; the user experience will be very similar. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ display gets much brighter, making it more usable outdoors in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Mate 50 Pro’s chip is a powerhouse, delivering significantly faster app loading and gaming experiences. Realme 12+ is fine for daily use, but not as powerful. |
| Antutu Score | 1,022,043 | 601,000 | Mate 50 Pro shows drastically better performance, especially for intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Mate 50 Pro's GPU is better for high-end gaming and graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/2" | Mate 50 Pro’s wider aperture and larger sensor capture more light, resulting in better low-light performance and shallower depth of field. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Realme 12+ has a slightly higher resolution selfie camera, but the difference is likely not very impactful in real life. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | None | Mate 50 Pro offers a dedicated zoom lens for better magnification capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Mate 50 Pro has a higher resolution wide-angle lens for more detailed landscape photos. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme 12+ allows for detailed close-up shots of small subjects. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Mate 50 Pro offers more recording options and better slow-motion capabilities. |
| DxoMark (Mobile) | 149 | N/A | Mate 50 Pro's camera is rated very highly, highlighting its photographic prowess, while Realme has no official DxoMark data. |
| DxoMark (Selfie) | 145 | N/A | Mate 50 Pro's selfie camera is also rated very highly. |
| Camera Features | Advanced features like optical zoom, manual focus, RAW, and Night Mode | Basic features including autofocus and HDR | Mate 50 Pro provides advanced tools for photography enthusiasts. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4700mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12+ offers slightly better battery life due to the larger capacity. |
| Charging | 66W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Both phones have very similar fast-charging capabilities and should get you from 0-100% very quickly. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W Wireless Charging | None | Mate 50 Pro's faster wireless charging option offers more convenience. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 7.5W | None | Mate 50 Pro can wirelessly charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 14 (Upgradable to 16) | Realme 12+ is more up to date with its operating system. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi MiMO | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Mate 50 Pro has support for WiFi MIMO which can improve speed and range. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Bluetooth 5.2, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | Both have good Bluetooth capabilities, with slight differences in codecs. |
| GPS | Advanced satellite support | Basic GPS Support | Mate 50 Pro’s more robust GPS system ensures improved location accuracy, especially in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Both support two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | Similar maximum storage but the Realme 12+ gives you a lower base model. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB / 12GB | Realme 12+ has a 12 GB RAM option for better performance in demanding tasks. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12+ offers more immersive audio with Dolby Atmos and clearer calls with its noise-canceling microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both use standard fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have unknown screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Comprehensive Sensor suite, including Barometer | Standard sensors such as Accelerometer, Compass and Gyroscope. | Mate 50 Pro includes additional sensors for enhanced environmental data and advanced functions. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Strengths: This phone is a powerhouse in terms of performance and camera quality. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip is significantly faster, and the camera setup with the telephoto lens, wider aperture, larger sensors, and highly rated DxoMark scores puts it far ahead in photography capabilities. It also has more robust GPS, wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Competitive Advantages: Unmatched performance, superior camera system, robust GPS system, and wireless charging options. Its focus on photography with its advanced tools and the inclusion of a telephoto lens and a great performing main sensor.
- Trade-offs: It is a bit heavier, thicker, and older (though this isn't an issue given its performance). The most significant downside is the lack of 5G support.
Realme 12+:
- Strengths: This phone shines with its modern design, lighter build, and brighter display. It also has the latest version of Android and supports Dolby Atmos audio for a better multimedia experience. The battery is slightly larger too, although this should make little real-world difference.
- Competitive Advantages: The Realme 12+’s main advantages are the lighter build, updated Android OS, brighter display and much lower price tag.
- Trade-offs: It is much less powerful than the Mate 50 Pro, and its camera is not as advanced with no telephoto lens, smaller sensors, and a significantly lower DxoMark rating (although it does include a Macro lens).
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro: Ideal for users who prioritize top-tier performance, gaming, and camera quality above all else. This phone is for photography enthusiasts who want advanced features and professionals who need a reliable, high-performance device. Also good for users who want the fastest wireless charging and ability to wireless charge other devices.
- Realme 12+: Best suited for users who want a modern, lightweight phone with a great display and good multimedia capabilities at a more affordable price point. This is a solid choice for casual users and those who value a long-lasting battery and a bright display, or those on a budget that still want a modern device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize performance and camera quality above all else? If yes, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the better choice. If not, the Realme 12+ is a better budget option that still performs very well in the key areas.
- Do you need 5G? If yes, the Mate 50 Pro is out of contention. This is an important factor to take into consideration if you rely on 5G connectivity.
- Are you more budget-conscious? If yes, the Realme 12+ offers a great balance of features at a lower price point.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Photography Enthusiast: The Mate 50 Pro is the clear winner here with its advanced camera system and additional features such as RAW capture and a telephoto lens.
- Gamers: The Mate 50 Pro's chipset and GPU offer a significant performance advantage and therefore it is the better option.
- Budget-Conscious User: The Realme 12+ provides a modern experience with a bright display, great software, and sufficient performance for everyday use at a lower price.
- Outdoor Users: The Realme 12+ with its much brighter screen is more suited to being outdoors in sunlight.
My Choice
If it were me, and assuming that 5G isn't a requirement, I would choose the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. While it's an older device, the pure performance advantage, camera capabilities (I love taking pictures!), and features like wireless charging and reverse wireless charging make it a compelling option. I value having the best performance and camera, which for me is where the Mate 50 Pro really shines. The only thing that could stop me from buying it is if 5G is a requirement, in that case I would have to look at other devices.
The Realme 12+ is a great option for anyone who doesn’t need top-tier performance and just wants a good, modern phone, but for my personal needs, the Mate 50 Pro edges out on top.
