Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Realme 12 Pro+. We'll dissect the specs, explore what they mean in practice, and help you decide which device best fits your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-28 | 2024-01-29 | The Realme 12 Pro+ is a newer device, potentially benefiting from more recent software and component advancements. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone designs, not foldable. |
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | Mate 50 Pro is slightly wider, while the 12 Pro+ is a bit thicker; both are quite similar in size and feel in the hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 196g | Realme 12 Pro+ is slightly lighter, which can be more comfortable for long periods of use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.7" | Both screens are nearly identical in size, with minimal difference. |
| Resolution | 1212x2616 | 1080x2412 | Mate 50 Pro offers a sharper, more detailed image with significantly more pixels. |
| PPI | 428 | 394 | Mate 50 Pro provides slightly higher pixel density, potentially resulting in clearer text and images. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both use top-tier display tech with deep blacks and vibrant colors, though AMOLED is generally more power-efficient. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, ideal for gaming and social media. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not provided, making it difficult to compare performance under direct sunlight. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 | Mate 50 Pro has a more powerful flagship-level chipset, offering faster processing and superior gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 1,022,043 | 603,400 | Mate 50 Pro is significantly faster, better for demanding tasks and high-end games. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 710 | Mate 50 Pro has a more capable GPU, providing better graphics rendering, crucial for gaming. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 4700mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12 Pro+ has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer usage. |
| Charging | 66W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Both offer rapid charging, with similar capabilities. |
| Battery Features | 50W wireless, 7.5W reverse | Non-removable | Mate 50 Pro supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, providing convenience. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.4 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Mate 50 Pro has a wider aperture, which allows more light and can result in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 32MP, f/2.4 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a significantly higher resolution for sharper selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5 | 64MP, f/2.6 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a wider aperture on the telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | N/A | Mate 50 Pro has a dedicated ultra-wide lens for more flexible photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a dedicated wide + macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video | 4K@60fps HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps EIS | Mate 50 Pro has higher recording options. |
| DxOMark | 149 (Mobile) 145(Selfie) | Not Available | Mate 50 Pro’s camera performance is very highly rated, the Realme 12 Pro+ has not yet been tested. |
| Camera Features | Advanced options | Standard options | Mate 50 Pro offers more advanced features such as laser autofocus, manual focus, contrast detection autofocus, and a dual front camera. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Unknown | Android 14 | The Realme 12 Pro+ runs the most recent version of Android, while the Mate 50 Pro's OS version is unknown. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support modern WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 LE | Both support latest bluetooth versions, Realme has some extra features. |
| GPS | Advanced options | Basic options | Mate 50 Pro has a more comprehensive GPS suite for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both offer dual SIM functionality. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 256/512GB | 128/256/512GB | Both offer a maximum of 512GB, Realme gives you an option for a 128GB model. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8/12GB | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a 12GB RAM option, potentially better for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res | Realme 12 Pro+ has an enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection technologies are unknown. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Extensive Sensors | Basic Sensors | Huawei Mate 50 Pro includes more environmental sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro Strengths:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and Adreno 730 GPU provide superior processing power and graphics for demanding apps and games.
- Display: Higher resolution and pixel density offer sharper, more detailed visuals.
- Camera System: The main camera's wider aperture, along with an ultra-wide lens and advanced features like laser autofocus, provides more versatile and high-quality photos, confirmed by the DxoMark scores.
- Battery Features: Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging add convenience.
- GPS: More comprehensive GPS support allows for better location accuracy.
- Sensors: Additional environmental sensors for better user experience.
Realme 12 Pro+ Strengths:
- Newer Device: Benefit from the latest software and technological advancements
- Battery: Slightly larger battery may result in longer run time
- Selfie Camera: The 32MP selfie camera and the wider telephoto lens is a nice feature.
- RAM: An optional 12GB RAM provides an advantage for multitasking.
- Audio: Enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support
- Software: Comes with the latest version of Android.
- Price: Given the chipset, this phone will probably be less expensive.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- The Mate 50 Pro, despite its strengths, is an older model, and the lack of information on the OS version is not ideal.
- Both phones don't feature expandable storage.
- Realme 12 Pro+ might struggle with very demanding gaming or intensive tasks compared to the Mate 50 Pro.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Mate 50 Pro is Best For:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who demand top-tier processing power for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Lovers: Those who want a versatile camera system with top-of-the-line capabilities.
- Feature-Rich Users: Users who appreciate additional features like wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and extensive GPS support.
Realme 12 Pro+ is Best For:
- Everyday Users: Those who want a reliable phone for daily use without breaking the bank.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who appreciate a great display and enhanced audio for streaming and watching videos.
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Users who want high-quality selfies and a user-friendly camera.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Key Questions:
- How important is top-tier performance to you? If you’re a heavy gamer or power user, the Mate 50 Pro has a clear advantage.
- Do you prioritize camera quality or advanced features? If yes, the Mate 50 Pro's main camera with wider aperture and more features will benefit you, otherwise, the Realme with its telephoto and selfie camera could be a better fit.
- How important is having the latest software and other features? If the most recent version of Android is important, and you need the extra features of the Realme 12 Pro+, that would be a better fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance User: If you play graphics-intensive games and use demanding applications, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the clear winner.
- Scenario 2: Casual Photographer: The Mate 50 Pro is slightly better thanks to the wider aperture and advanced features, but the Realme 12 Pro+ has the 32 MP selfie camera that is better for selfie lovers.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Buyer: If the price is a major factor and you prefer more up-to-date software, the Realme 12 Pro+ provides a great balance of features and performance at a probably lower price point.
Final Choice
If I were choosing, I would likely lean toward the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. Despite being an older device, its superior performance, camera system, and additional features such as wireless charging and reverse wireless charging make it a compelling option for a power user like me. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset's processing power is a significant draw, along with the advanced GPS and sensor suite that make it a top-tier choice. While the Realme 12 Pro+ has some nice upgrades, particularly the RAM and selfie camera, my use case would require the better performance of the Mate 50 Pro.
