Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Realme 12x. We'll look beyond the spec sheets and get down to what these numbers mean for your daily use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Realme 12x | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-28 | 2024-04-07 | Realme 12x is newer, benefiting from more recent tech. |
| Dimensions | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | 165.6 × 76.1 × 7.9 mm | Realme is slightly taller & slimmer, while Huawei is more compact. |
| Weight | 205g | 190g | Realme 12x is lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for longer periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.67" | Similar display sizes, a negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1212x2616 | 720x1604 | Huawei's screen is much sharper with significantly more detail. |
| Pixel Density | 428 ppi | 264 ppi | Huawei's display will look crisper, with sharper text and images. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Huawei's OLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have an identical peak brightness at 0 nits (data inconsistency) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4nm) | Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) | Huawei's chip is more powerful, for faster apps and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 442,599 | Huawei is significantly faster for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Huawei’s GPU will provide better graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4700 mAh | 5000 mAh | Realme has a slightly bigger battery, which might mean more time between charges. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Huawei’s phone charges much faster. |
| Battery Features | 50W wireless charging, Reverse charging | Non-removable | Huawei offers advanced wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56" | 50MP, f/1.8 | Huawei has a wider aperture and a larger sensor for better low-light shots. |
| Front Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.1 | Huawei has a higher resolution selfie camera, but Realme has a wider aperture for potentially brighter selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5 | Not Available | Huawei has an additional telephoto lens for better optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | Not Available | Huawei has a dedicated wide-angle lens for group shots and expansive scenes. |
| Portrait (Depth) | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme has a dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait mode. |
| Video | 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Huawei supports much higher resolution and advanced stabilization for better videos. |
| DXOMark (Main) | Main: 149, Photo: 152, Video: 141 | Not Available | Huawei's camera is significantly more capable, with top scores in DXOMARK tests. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | Main: 145, Photo: 147, Video: 143 | Not Available | Huawei's selfie camera is significantly more capable, with top scores in DXOMARK tests. |
| Camera Features | Advanced features (OIS, Laser AF, RAW, Night Mode) | Basic features | Huawei offers more advanced features and control over camera settings. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Unknown | Android 14 | Realme 12x has Android 14 out of the box, while Huawei's OS is not specified. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Huawei supports newer WiFi standards for faster and more stable internet. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LDAC, AAC | 5.2 LE | Both use 5.2 but have different audio codec support. |
| GPS | Advanced satellite systems | Basic GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Huawei supports more satellite systems for more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM for two numbers on one device. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256/512 GB | 256/512 GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB | Realme has more RAM for better multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | Not Supported | Not Supported | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo speakers | Realme has a slight advantage in audio quality with Hi-Res support |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Realme offers a more modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both have unknown screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer | Magnetometer | Huawei includes Barometer; Realme includes Magnetometer |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Strengths:
- Superior Display: Sharper, brighter, more vibrant display due to the OLED technology and high pixel density.
- Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip offers significantly more processing power for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Exceptional Camera System: A top-tier camera with excellent low-light performance, zoom capabilities, and advanced features.
- Fast Charging and Wireless Charging: Offers very fast 66W wired charging and advanced wireless charging capabilities, including reverse wireless charging.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and advanced GPS support.
- Trade-offs:
- Older Chipset: Though still powerful, it's an older chipset than what's available in current flagships.
- Heavier Build: A bit heavier and thicker.
- No Expandable Storage: Limited to built-in storage options.
Realme 12x:
- Strengths:
- Lighter and Slimmer: More comfortable for extended use due to its lighter and slimmer design.
- Larger Battery: Offers slightly longer battery life due to its bigger battery capacity.
- More RAM: 12GB RAM for improved multitasking capabilities.
- Hi-Res Audio: Supports High-Resolution Audio for superior sound quality.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 14 out of the box.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More ergonomic and faster.
- Trade-offs:
- Lower Display Quality: The IPS LCD display is not as vibrant or sharp compared to OLED.
- Less Powerful Chipset: Performance is significantly lower, which may affect gaming and demanding applications.
- Slower Charging: Only offers 15W fast charging.
- Basic Camera System: Less capable camera system with fewer features compared to the Mate 50 Pro.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Mate 50 Pro is best suited for:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who value top-tier performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want an excellent camera with advanced features, high-quality images, and 4K video recording.
- Gamers: Users who want powerful hardware for smooth, immersive gaming experiences.
- Professionals: Users who need reliable performance, advanced features, and excellent connectivity.
Realme 12x is best suited for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a good smartphone that is lighter and has a bigger battery at a lower price point.
- Everyday Users: Those who value a comfortable, lightweight device with a big battery for daily tasks.
- Casual Photographers: Users who take basic photos and videos for social media.
- Audio Lovers: Those who value high-resolution audio for an immersive experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between these two phones:
What's your priority: performance and camera, or a lighter device with a longer-lasting battery?
- If performance and camera are key, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the clear choice.
- If battery life and a lightweight design are more important, the Realme 12x fits the bill.
How much do you value display quality and advanced camera features?
- If you need a premium display and advanced camera features, go for the Mate 50 Pro.
- If these are less crucial, the Realme 12x provides a good enough experience.
What is your budget?
- The Huawei Mate 50 Pro is typically priced higher.
- The Realme 12x is more affordable, providing better value for budget-conscious buyers.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Mobile Photographer: Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the obvious choice with its top-tier camera system and advanced features.
- For the Power User: Huawei Mate 50 Pro offers the best performance with its powerful Snapdragon chip and superior display.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: Realme 12x offers excellent value with its large battery, lightweight design, and modern software.
- For the Casual User: Realme 12x is great for daily tasks, offering a lightweight design and good battery life.
- For the Audio Lover: Realme 12x is the better choice with its Hi-Res audio support.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would personally go with the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. While it's an older device and a bit bulkier, the sheer quality of the display, the top-notch camera system, and the powerful performance provided by the Snapdragon chip are too compelling to pass up. I appreciate the advanced features like fast wireless charging and excellent connectivity. As a tech journalist, I would value its capabilities for testing and content creation. The user experience will be noticeably better for the main features that I use every day.
However, I fully acknowledge that the Realme 12x offers fantastic value for its price and is the better choice for someone on a budget or if battery life is the biggest priority. It's just that the overall experience of the Mate 50 Pro is a cut above, making it worth the extra investment if your needs match its strengths.
