Alright, let's dive deep into the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy A35. These two phones represent very different approaches to the smartphone market, and understanding their strengths and trade-offs is key to making the right choice.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-28 | 2024-03-15 | The A35 is newer and has access to more recent software updates and features. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional, non-folding smartphones. |
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm | 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm | The Mate 50 Pro is a tad taller and thicker but narrower. The A35 is a bit shorter and thinner, but wider. Both are manageable in-hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 209g | Both are on the heavier side, but the difference is negligible in daily use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.6" | Mate 50 Pro offers slightly more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1212 x 2616 | 1080 x 2340 | Mate 50 Pro delivers crisper, sharper visuals due to the higher pixel count. |
| PPI | 428 | 390 | Mate 50 Pro provides a slightly more detailed picture than A35. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer excellent color vibrancy and deep blacks, differences in panels may offer slight color variations. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness, but the real world performance is unknown, this spec should be disregarded. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4nm) | Exynos 1380 (5nm) | The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the Mate 50 Pro is significantly more powerful, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 578,500 | The Mate 50 Pro has a much faster CPU and GPU. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Mate 50 Pro has a superior GPU better for graphics-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.4 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | 50MP f/1.8 1/1.96" Samsung GN8 | Mate 50 Pro excels in low-light situations with its wider aperture and larger sensor which results in better low-light photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.4 | 13MP f/2.2 | A35 has a slightly wider aperture which is better in low light situations. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP f/3.5 | N/A | Mate 50 Pro offers optical zoom, a notable advantage for capturing distant subjects. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Mate 50 Pro can capture wider scenes at higher resolution. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 5MP f/2.4 | A35 allows close-up photography, lacking in the Mate 50 Pro. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Both record good videos. Mate 50 Pro records 4K videos at up to 60fps, while the A35 is limited to 30 fps, additionally the Mate 50 Pro has a much wider array of options such as slow-motion. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 149 | 104 | Mate 50 Pro offers significantly better photo and video capabilities than the A35. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4700mAh | 5000mAh | A35 has slightly more battery capacity. |
| Charging | 66W fast, 50W wireless | 25W fast | Mate 50 Pro charges much faster and also supports fast wireless charging. |
| Features | Reverse charging | Non-removable | Mate 50 Pro can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Unknown | Android 14, Up to 18 | The Galaxy A35 offers a clear view of the android versions available. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | A35 offers a newer Bluetooth version with a more comprehensive list of profiles supported. |
| GPS | More | Less | The Mate 50 Pro uses dual band and more satellite systems, leading to a more accurate GPS. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | The Mate 50 Pro is available with more built-in storage. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6/8GB | Both come with 8GB RAM but the A35 also has a 6GB option. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | The A35 offers a more immersive and Hi-Res audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both offer standard fingerprint-based security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The A35 features significantly more screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Multiple | Basic | The Mate 50 Pro has a better range of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro: Strengths
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset provides a considerable edge in performance, ideal for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Exceptional Camera System: The Mate 50 Pro shines in photography, featuring a larger sensor, wider aperture, and a telephoto lens, it leads to outstanding low-light performance and zoom capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 66W wired and 50W wireless charging is much faster than the Samsung Galaxy A35.
- More Storage Options: The Mate 50 Pro comes with up to 512GB of storage.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro: Trade-offs
- Older Launch Date: Released almost two years ago means it may not be able to receive long term software updates.
- Unknown Screen Protection: The device may not be as resilient to damage.
- No Macro Lens: Misses out on close-up photography capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy A35: Strengths
- Newer Device: Benefits from newer software support and potentially future features.
- Slightly Larger Battery: May provide a marginal increase in battery life.
- Macro Lens: Offers creative possibilities for close-up photography.
- Enhanced Audio Features: Offers immersive audio experience through Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio.
- Superior Screen Protection: Features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Wider Aperture Front-Facing Camera The A35 has a slightly wider aperture front-facing camera which is better in low-light situations.
- Advanced Bluetooth Features: Supports the more recent bluetooth 5.3 standard with a plethora of supported profiles.
Samsung Galaxy A35: Trade-offs
- Lower Performance: The Exynos 1380 is not as powerful as the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, impacting gaming and multitasking.
- Inferior Camera Quality: The camera system isn't as advanced as that of the Mate 50 Pro.
- Slower Charging: The 25W charging is considerably slower.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Mate 50 Pro is best for:
- Power Users: Gamers, photographers, and anyone who needs top-tier performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize camera quality, especially in low light and when using zoom.
- Users Needing Fast Charging: Ideal for individuals that do not like long charge times and may need to use wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy A35 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a balance of features and price.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who need a reliable and feature-rich device for daily use.
- Users Focused on Audio Experience: Those who value immersive sound through Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio.
- Users who want a New Device: Those wanting the newest features and software support.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three crucial questions to guide the decision:
- Performance: Do you need top-tier performance for gaming or demanding apps? If so, the Mate 50 Pro is the clear choice.
- Camera: How important is high-quality photography, especially in low light and at a distance? The Mate 50 Pro is much better in these scenarios.
- Budget: Are you on a stricter budget, or willing to spend more for the extra power and features? The Samsung Galaxy A35 is a more affordable option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- For the hardcore gamer or mobile photographer: The Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the superior option due to its best-in-class performance, superb camera system, and faster charging speeds.
- For the everyday user: The Samsung Galaxy A35 offers a balance of features, a modern design, and a more recent operating system making it a good choice.
- For the budget-conscious user: The Samsung Galaxy A35 provides good value for money, but may not be suitable if you need performance or camera superiority.
Personal Choice:
If I were personally choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Huawei Mate 50 Pro, despite its age. My priorities are always centered around performance and camera capabilities. The Mate 50 Pro's superior processor ensures a snappy, lag-free experience, and its exceptional camera system provides the flexibility to capture amazing shots in any scenario. While the Samsung Galaxy A35 has its advantages like its newer Bluetooth and better screen protection, the Mate 50 Pro's raw power and photography prowess are just too compelling for my needs. The older launch date of the Mate 50 Pro is a concern, especially regarding long-term software support. However, in my case I prioritize immediate performance benefits.
