Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy A05s. We’ll break down the specs, highlight the real-world differences, and figure out which phone makes the most sense for different types of users.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | 168 × 77.8 × 8.8 mm | A05s is slightly larger and thicker, which might feel less comfortable in hand for some users. |
| Weight | 205g | 194g | A05s is a bit lighter, but the difference may not be very noticeable in daily use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.7" | Both have similar screen sizes; the Mate 50 Pro offers slightly more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1212x2616 | 1080x2400 | Mate 50 Pro's higher resolution results in sharper, more detailed images and text. |
| PPI | 428 | 393 | Mate 50 Pro has better pixel density, leading to a crisper display. |
| Technology | OLED | PLS LCD | Mate 50 Pro's OLED offers richer blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors than A05s’s LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Mate 50 Pro offers smoother scrolling, and better visuals in games with higher refresh rate compared to A05s. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. This is strange data, and will need to be tested. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mate 50 Pro's chip is significantly faster, resulting in smoother performance, especially in demanding apps and games. |
| Antutu Score | 1,022,043 | 260,000 | Mate 50 Pro offers a vastly superior performance for demanding tasks, whereas the A05s is geared towards basic usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 610 | Mate 50 Pro’s more powerful GPU will result in better graphics rendering, especially in 3D games and editing apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Mate 50 Pro's wider aperture allows for better low-light performance, larger sensor and pixel sizes can capture more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 13MP, f/2.0 | A05s has a slightly wider aperture for brighter selfies, but the Mate 50 Pro likely benefits from better image processing. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" Omnivision OV64B | None | Mate 50 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for zooming without losing quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX688 | None | Mate 50 Pro offers a wide-angle lens for more flexible photography. |
| Depth Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A05s has a dedicated depth lens that works with the main camera to give a portrait effect |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A05s has a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps HDR with EIS | 1080p@60fps | Mate 50 Pro offers much more flexibility and higher quality video recording with HDR and EIS support. |
| DxoMark Score | Mobile: 149, Selfie: 145 | Not Tested | Mate 50 Pro has better overall camera scores according to DxoMark, which translates to great photo quality across all scenarios |
| Camera Features | OIS, Laser AF, etc... | Autofocus, HDR, etc | Mate 50 Pro has advanced features like OIS, PDAF and more, delivering higher photo/video quality and advanced photo capabilities |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4700mAh | 5000mAh | A05s has a slightly bigger battery but the efficiency on the Mate 50 pro would balance that out. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless | 25W Fast Charging | Mate 50 Pro charges much faster (wired and wirelessly), reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging | None | Mate 50 Pro offers added conveniences such as the ability to charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | N/A | Android 13 | The Samsung Galaxy A05s runs a more recent version of Android out of the box. The Mate 50 pro comes with a software that has its own ecosystem. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 | Mate 50 Pro has faster Wi-Fi standards, leading to a better browsing experience and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LDAC, etc | 5.1, LE | Mate 50 Pro has newer Bluetooth version, with support for higher quality codecs for audio. |
| GPS | L1+L5, QZSS, etc | GPS, Beidou etc. | Mate 50 Pro has more GPS standards supported leading to better accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256/512 GB | 64/128 GB | Mate 50 Pro offers significantly more storage options, good for people who take a lot of photos and videos. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4/6 GB | Mate 50 Pro has more RAM for smoother multitasking, better gaming experience. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has the ability to expand storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | Mate 50 Pro has better sound quality and immersion through stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A05s has the side mounted fingerprint sensor, whereas the Mate 50 pro has a basic fingerprint sensor, most likely on the front. |
| Sensors | Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer | Mate 50 Pro has more sensors, allowing for more capabilities and a more seamless experience. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset provides a significant performance advantage, handling demanding apps and games effortlessly.
- Exceptional Display: The OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, higher resolution, and pixel density makes for a far more immersive and enjoyable viewing experience.
- Advanced Camera System: With a more sophisticated camera setup, wider aperture, OIS, laser focus, and versatile lenses (telephoto and wide-angle), the Mate 50 Pro excels in photo and video quality.
- Fast Charging & Wireless Convenience: Rapid wired and wireless charging, along with reverse wireless charging, adds significant convenience.
- Trade-offs:
- Size: It's slightly smaller and might not suit people looking for larger displays.
- Software: Lacks clear information on the operating system, which might be a concern for some people.
- Competitive Advantages: The Mate 50 Pro leads in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and charging technology.
Samsung Galaxy A05s:
- Strengths:
- Larger Battery: Offers slightly better battery life thanks to the larger capacity.
- Affordability: The A05s will likely be more budget-friendly, appealing to price-conscious consumers.
- Side Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient to use and a more modern option.
- Android 13: Ships with a more recent version of Android.
- Trade-offs:
- Basic Performance: The Snapdragon 680 is adequate for everyday tasks, but it won't provide the same smooth experience as the Mate 50 Pro, especially for heavy usage.
- Lower Display Quality: The PLS LCD panel lacks the vibrancy and contrast of the Mate 50 Pro's OLED display.
- Basic Camera Features: It lacks a telephoto and wide-angle lens. The main camera is decent for basic photography but lacks advanced features.
- Slower Charging: Wired charging is slower, and it lacks wireless charging options.
- Competitive Advantages: The A05s aims to offer essential features at an accessible price point with some minor strengths over the Mate 50 Pro.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Best For:
- Power Users: Individuals who require top-tier performance for demanding applications, gaming, and content creation.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a high-end camera system with advanced features and the best image quality.
- Tech-Savvy Individuals: People who value cutting-edge technology, high-resolution displays, and fast charging capabilities.
- Those who want a great audio experience: Stereo speakers provide a more immersive audio experience.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, professional photography, video editing, extensive multitasking.
Samsung Galaxy A05s:
- Best For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a reliable phone for basic tasks at an affordable price.
- Casual Users: Individuals who use their phones primarily for browsing, social media, messaging, and light entertainment.
- Everyday Users: People who need a reliable and simple phone with a long-lasting battery.
- Use Cases:
- Social media, browsing, everyday communication, light entertainment.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy A05s:
- How important is performance and speed for you?
- If you need a phone that can handle heavy gaming and demanding applications without breaking a sweat, the Mate 50 Pro is the way to go. For basic use, the A05s is acceptable.
- How important is the quality of the display and camera?
- If you value a high-quality viewing experience and want advanced camera features, including great video quality, the Mate 50 Pro is the obvious choice. The A05s is passable for basic tasks.
- What’s your budget, and what features are your must-haves?
- If you're on a strict budget and just need a phone for basic tasks with good battery life, the A05s is the more affordable option. If you want the best possible features and performance and are willing to pay for it, go for the Mate 50 Pro.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Gaming Guru
- Recommendation: Huawei Mate 50 Pro. Its high-end chipset, powerful GPU, higher refresh rate, and excellent display will offer an unparalleled mobile gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: The Everyday User
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A05s. It provides a good enough experience with all basic features.
- Scenario 3: The Photographer
- Recommendation: Huawei Mate 50 Pro. It has a much more versatile camera system, higher DxOMark scores, and a wider array of features, making it ideal for photography.
- Scenario 4: The Budget Shopper
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A05s. It’s the more affordable option.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. While both phones have their target market, the Mate 50 Pro's cutting-edge technology is hard to pass up. Its superior performance, stunning OLED display, versatile and high-quality camera system, and fast charging capabilities make it the superior choice for me. I frequently use my phone for photography, video, gaming, and multitasking, and the Mate 50 Pro’s strengths match my needs perfectly. The only drawback is the missing OS information, but hopefully, that will be addressed in the future. The added expense is worth the investment for the enhanced experience it provides.
