Huawei Mate 50 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy A55 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 28, 2022 March 15, 2024
Release Year 2022 2024

Physical

Volume 104.03 cm³ 102.25 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.29 "/g 3.1 "/g
Weight 205 g 213 g
Height 162.1 mm 161.1 mm
Width 75.5 mm 77.4 mm
Thickness 8.5 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Silver
  • Black
  • Purple
  • Orange
  • Navy
  • Iceblue
  • Lilac
  • Lemon

Display

Screen Size 6.74 " 6.6 "
Resolution 1212 x 2616 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 91.3 % 85.8 %
Pixel Density 428 PPI 390 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1000 nits
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 103.46 mAh/in² 114.78 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.18 mAh/cm³ 48.9 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4700 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) Exynos 1480 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) Octa-core (4x2.75 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 730 Xclipse 530

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System N/A Android
Initial OS Version N/A 14
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's break down the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A55. I've got my engineering hat on, and we're going to dig into the details to see which phone comes out on top for different types of users. I'm going to keep it real, technical, but also relatable, like we're chatting over coffee about these two interesting contenders.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here's a detailed look at the specs, what they mean in plain language, and how they play out in the real world:

FeatureHuawei Mate 50 ProSamsung Galaxy A55Real-World Implications
Design
Dimensions162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm161.1 × 77.4 × 8.2 mmMate 50 Pro is slightly taller and thicker; A55 is wider. Feel in hand is similar, but some might find A55 less comfortable in small hands.
Weight205g213gMate 50 Pro is slightly lighter; the difference is negligible for most users.
Display
Size6.74"6.6"Mate 50 Pro offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption and gaming.
Resolution1212x26161080x2340Mate 50 Pro has a noticeably sharper display, making text and images look clearer.
PPI428390Higher pixel density on the Mate 50 Pro results in a more refined, less grainy image.
TechnologyOLEDAMOLEDBoth offer great contrast and vibrant colors; very comparable viewing experience.
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth offer super-smooth scrolling and animations, key for modern usage and gaming.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsNote that this is not a real measure and is not included in this comparision.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm)Exynos 1480 (4 nm)Mate 50 Pro's Snapdragon is a higher-end chip, offering faster processing for demanding apps and smoother multitasking.
AnTuTu Score1,022,043713,393Mate 50 Pro significantly outperforms the A55 in benchmarks, indicating a substantial performance advantage.
GPUAdreno 730Xclipse 530Different GPU architectures; Mate 50 Pro has an edge in graphics for demanding games and multimedia.
Battery Life
Capacity4700mAh5000mAhA55 has a slightly larger battery, which might translate to longer battery life under identical usage patterns.
Charging66W fast, 50W wireless25W fastMate 50 Pro charges much faster, a significant advantage for users who need quick top-ups.
FeaturesReverse charging, 7.5W wireless reverseNoneMate 50 Pro has convenient wireless and reverse charging features.
Camera
Standard Lens50MP f/1.4, Sony IMX76650MP f/1.8, Sony IMX906Mate 50 Pro’s wider aperture should give better low-light performance and potentially more natural background blur.
Selfie Lens13MP f/2.432MP f/2.2, Sony IMX616, 1/2.8"A55 has a higher-resolution front-facing camera for more detailed selfies.
Telephoto Lens64MP f/3.5, OV64B, 1/2"NoneMate 50 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom photography.
Wide-Angle Lens12MP f/2.2, Sony IMX68813MP f/2.2, Sony IMX258, 1/3.06"Very similar on both, ultrawide capabilities should be close.
Macro LensNone5MP f/2.4The A55 offers macro photos for close-up shots, which the Mate 50 Pro lacks.
Video Recording4K@60fps, HDR, EIS, slow-motion 720p@3840fps4K@30fps, EIS, slow-motion 240fpsMate 50 Pro supports 4k60 and has a much more capable slow motion
DxOMark Mobile Camera149108Mate 50 Pro's camera scores are much higher, especially in photo and video quality
DxOMark Selfie Camera145N/AMate 50 Pro's selfie camera also scores very high, and is much more capable then the average smartphone
FeaturesOIS, Laser AF, PDAF, RAWOIS, All Pixel Omni-Directional PDAF, RAW 12 bitBoth offer OIS and RAW; A55 has advanced PDAF, while the Mate 50 Pro has laser AF for faster focusing. The A55 also provides 12 bit raw vs standard raw.
Software
OSAndroid 14A55 runs the latest Android; Mate 50 Pro OS is not included.
Connectivity
WiFiWi-Fi 6, MIMOWi-Fi 6, MIMOBoth offer the latest fast and stable WiFi standards.
Bluetooth5.2, LDAC, SBC, AAC5.3, LDAC, A2DP, etcA55 offers newer Bluetooth for potentially better audio, while both support high-quality audio codecs like LDAC.
GPSL1+L5, Galileo, etcGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GalileoMate 50 Pro supports more precise location due to additional GPS bands.
SIMDual Nano SIMDual Nano SIM + eSIMA55 offers more flexibility with eSIM, convenient for travel or managing multiple numbers.
Storage
Internal256/512 GB128/256 GBMate 50 Pro has the option for double the storage, crucial for media lovers; neither supports expandable storage.
RAM8 GB8/12 GBA55 offers higher RAM, an advantage for heavier multitasking and gaming.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone offers expandable storage, rely on internal storage and cloud services.
Audio
QualityStereo SpeakersDolby Atmos, Hi-Res, StereoA55 has superior audio with Dolby Atmos for an immersive experience; Both have stereo speakers.
Security
FeaturesFingerprintFingerprintBoth offer basic fingerprint security.
Build Quality
ProtectionUnknownCorning Gorilla Glass VictusA55 has the latest Gorilla Glass protection for added durability.
SensorsFingerprint, Proximity, etcFingerprint, etcBoth feature standard sensors; Mate 50 Pro includes: Proximity, Gravity, Hall; while the A55 includes: Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic proximity virtual; suitable for different advanced and gaming needs.

2. Key Insights

Huawei Mate 50 Pro:

  • Strengths: The Mate 50 Pro is a powerhouse with a significantly better chipset, display resolution, and camera setup, which includes a telephoto zoom lens. It also boasts fast charging (wired and wireless), and additional wireless features. The higher benchmark scores and better DXOMark numbers suggest real advantages in speed and image quality.
  • Competitive Advantages: Superior image quality, faster performance, very quick charging, and overall a flagship feel. This is a phone for those who value cutting-edge technology and want the best possible mobile experience.

Samsung Galaxy A55:

  • Strengths: The A55 balances the tech, boasting a larger battery, newer Bluetooth, eSIM capabilities, an improved selfie camera, macro lens, and the latest Gorilla Glass screen protection. It's a more practical, budget-friendly option with good audio and the latest Android OS.
  • Competitive Advantages: Practical features like eSIM and Gorilla Glass make the A55 more adaptable for everyday users who need a reliable device. The better selfie cam and macro lens provide more versatility in photos.

Trade-offs and Limitations:

  • Mate 50 Pro: No expandable storage, older OS. It might be overkill for basic users due to its high price point. The chipset, while powerful, lacks full 5G capabilities.
  • Galaxy A55: The performance might be slower than the Mate 50 Pro for demanding tasks. While it does have a macro, it doesn't have telephoto capabilities like the Mate 50 Pro.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

For the Tech Enthusiast (Mate 50 Pro):

  • Use Cases: Gamers, content creators, photographers, power users who need the best performance and camera quality.
  • Why: The Mate 50 Pro will keep up with demanding games and heavy multitasking while capturing stunning visuals. If you need the fastest processing, best camera, and cutting-edge features, this phone is the winner.

For the Everyday User (Samsung Galaxy A55):

  • Use Cases: Casual users who need a reliable phone for social media, photos, basic gaming, and daily tasks. Travelers who benefit from eSIM capabilities.
  • Why: The A55 strikes a good balance between price and features, providing a reliable experience for everyday tasks, along with useful features like an improved selfie camera, macro lens, and the latest OS.

For the Practical User (Samsung Galaxy A55):

  • Use Cases: Students, professionals, and consumers who seek the best battery life and durability without sacrificing the latest Android experience.
  • Why: The A55 with a larger battery, more RAM and up to date OS, it ensures lasting power and smooth day-to-day usage.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three practical questions to ask yourself before deciding:

  1. Do I need the very best camera and performance, or is good enough, enough?
    • If you need top-tier performance and imaging, the Mate 50 Pro is your choice. For general use and good photos, the A55 is sufficient.
  2. How important is long battery life vs. super-fast charging?
    • The A55 might last longer on a single charge, but the Mate 50 Pro charges much faster, making quick top-ups easier.
  3. What is my budget and the price-to-value I seek?
    • The Mate 50 Pro is the higher-end phone, but the A55 offers a good mix of useful features at a more affordable price.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Professional Photographer: If you need the best image quality and zooming capabilities, the Mate 50 Pro is the clear winner. The telephoto lens is invaluable.
  • Scenario 2: Casual Social Media User: If you prioritize selfies, battery life, and convenience, the A55 would make a better choice. The better selfie camera, macro, and eSIM are very beneficial.
  • Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer: If you need the smoothest gaming and app performance, the Mate 50 Pro would be the better device.
  • Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious User: If value for money is paramount, the A55 offers a great balance of quality and features without breaking the bank.

My Choice

If I had to pick one, I'd personally lean towards the Huawei Mate 50 Pro, even with the older software and lack of 5G. As someone who appreciates pushing the limits of technology, its incredible camera capabilities, superior performance, and fast-charging are too compelling to ignore. I value having the best photography tool in my pocket, and its powerful processor ensures a snappy, lag-free experience, no matter what I throw at it. I don’t mind trading off the eSIM for those gains. While the A55 is certainly an excellent all-rounder, the Mate 50 Pro represents the pinnacle of current mobile tech in these categories.

Ultimately, the “best” phone depends on individual needs and priorities. If you need the most versatile camera and cutting edge speed, the Mate 50 Pro is your answer; if you seek practical features and a modern Android experience at a more accessible price, the A55 would be your choice.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.