Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison. We've got the Huawei Mate 50 Pro, a flagship from late 2022, going head-to-head with the more budget-friendly Realme C61, released in mid-2024. On paper, they seem worlds apart, but let's get granular and see how they stack up in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table breaking down the key specs of both phones, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Realme C61 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | 167.3 × 76.7 × 7.8 mm | Realme is taller and wider, but thinner. Mate 50 Pro is slightly more compact but feels a touch thicker in hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 188g | Realme C61 is noticeably lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.74" | Both have large displays, great for media consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 1212x2616 | 720x1600 | Mate 50 Pro has a much sharper display. Text and images will appear significantly more detailed. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 428 | 260 | Mate 50 Pro's higher pixel density means a crisper viewing experience. The difference will be clearly visible. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Mate 50 Pro’s OLED panel will have richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast than the LCD of Realme C61. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Mate 50 Pro will feel smoother in daily use. Scrolling and animations appear more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical brightness, meaning there will be similar visibility under sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12nm) | Mate 50 Pro has a much more powerful, flagship-level processor. It will handle demanding apps and games with ease. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 252,597 | Mate 50 Pro demonstrates raw performance. It will load apps and games much faster and handle intense multitasking better. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 | Mate 50 Pro has a significantly superior graphics processing, giving it a big edge in gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.4 | 32MP f/1.8 | Mate 50 Pro will capture more detailed images, especially in low light, thanks to its wider aperture and larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.4 | 5MP f/2.0 | Mate 50 Pro captures significantly sharper selfies with more detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP f/3.5 | None | Mate 50 Pro can take crisp zoomed photos with its telephoto lens, something Realme lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | None | Mate 50 Pro offers creative flexibility with ultra-wide shots, a feature absent in the Realme. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Realme has a dedicated depth sensor to improve portrait mode. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR and EIS | 1080p@30fps | Mate 50 Pro can shoot much higher quality videos with better stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | 149 (Mobile) / 145 (Selfie) | Not Tested | Mate 50 Pro’s tested score indicates a far superior camera performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4700mAh | 5000mAh | Realme C61 has a slightly bigger battery, possibly resulting in slightly better battery life. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Mate 50 Pro charges significantly faster. |
| Features | 50W Wireless, Reverse Charging | None | Mate 50 Pro offers more flexibility with charging with faster and wireless option and it has reverse charging. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 14 | Realme C61 runs a more modern operating system version. | |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFI 5 | Mate 50 Pro has better WiFi capabilities that support newer standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 LE | Mate 50 Pro uses a newer Bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | Multi-Band GPS | Basic GPS | Mate 50 Pro offers superior GPS for location accuracy. |
| Internal Storage | 256/512GB | 64/128/256GB | Mate 50 Pro has more base storage. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both offer up to 8GB of RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither has a microSD card slot. |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Both have stereo speakers. |
| Security | basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | Realme has more modern biometrics placement. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both use unknown protection. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer | Mate 50 Pro offers more sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro: Strengths
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a powerhouse, making the Mate 50 Pro a beast for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Superior Display: The OLED panel with a high resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and great color reproduction offers a top-tier viewing experience.
- Exceptional Camera System: The main, telephoto, and ultra-wide cameras, combined with features like OIS and 4K video, make it a photography powerhouse. The DXOMark scores are very impressive.
- Fast Charging & Wireless Charging: The 66W wired and 50W wireless charging provide excellent flexibility and convenience.
- Premium Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, better Bluetooth, and multi-band GPS offer a superior connectivity experience.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro: Weaknesses
- Older Release Date: Released in late 2022, it's not the newest tech.
- No Expandable Storage: Limited to its built-in storage options.
Realme C61: Strengths
- Affordability: The Realme C61 is considerably cheaper, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
- Lightweight Design: It's significantly lighter than the Mate 50 Pro.
- Slightly Larger Battery: It has a slightly bigger battery which might translate to longer runtimes, but this will depend on usage.
- Android 14: Comes with a more modern version of Android.
Realme C61: Weaknesses
- Entry-Level Performance: The Unisoc T612 is adequate for basic tasks, but it will struggle with demanding games and multitasking.
- Lower-Resolution Display: The 720p display will not be as sharp or vibrant compared to the Mate 50 Pro.
- Basic Camera System: The camera, while decent for the price, lacks the advanced features and image quality of the Mate 50 Pro.
- Slower Charging and No Wireless Charging: Charging speed and no wireless charging are major drawbacks compared to Mate 50 Pro.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Mate 50 Pro is ideal for:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize image quality and camera versatility.
- Tech Lovers: Those who want the latest and greatest features and are willing to pay a premium.
- Media Consumers: People who enjoy watching videos and consume a lot of media.
Realme C61 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a capable smartphone at an affordable price.
- Basic Users: People who primarily use their phone for calls, social media, and light browsing.
- Those Prioritizing Portability: Users who appreciate a lightweight and comfortable phone for everyday use.
- First Time Smartphone Buyers: It can be a great device to dip your toes in and try Android for the first time.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
How important is performance to you?
- If you prioritize smooth, lag-free experiences and demanding tasks, the Mate 50 Pro is a clear winner. If basic tasks are all you need, the C61 is sufficient.
How much value do you place on camera quality?
- If high-quality photos and videos are critical, the Mate 50 Pro's superior cameras make it the better choice. For simple snapshots, the C61's camera is enough.
What's your budget?
- The Realme C61 is the clear winner if you're on a tight budget, it provides excellent value for the price. However, the Mate 50 Pro justifies its higher price with a markedly superior experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Photographer: Get the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. Its camera versatility, OIS, and excellent image quality make it the obvious choice.
- The Gamer: The Huawei Mate 50 Pro with its flagship performance, superior GPU, and smooth 120Hz display will give you the best gaming experience.
- The Budget Buyer: The Realme C61 provides excellent value for the money. It handles basic tasks well and is comfortable for everyday use.
- The Casual User: The Realme C61 is a solid choice for general use. It's a no-frills device that gets the job done at a reasonable price.
My Choice
Personally, I'd choose the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. While the Realme C61 is a very decent budget phone, my priorities lean towards performance and camera quality. As a tech journalist and analyst, I appreciate the advanced features and flagship-level experience the Mate 50 Pro offers. I enjoy photography, appreciate the benefits of smooth performance and display, and I'm willing to pay a premium for those features. The superior camera system and processing power make the Mate 50 Pro a device I'd love to use daily. The added benefits of fast and wireless charging also make it a convenient option. Although it may be older, it continues to be relevant due to the high caliber components. The benefits far outweigh the cost, in my opinion.
