Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. I'm going to break this down like we're sitting down for a coffee, making sure we cover all the angles.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on what the specs actually mean for you:
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm | 162 x 77.3 x 8 mm | Similar heights, Samsung is wider, Huawei slightly thicker. Affects one-handed feel. |
| Weight | 205g | 213g | Huawei is a touch lighter, may feel more comfortable over extended use. |
| Build | Unknown screen protection | Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S24 FE is more resistant to scratches and drops, enhancing durability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.7" | Both offer a large screen; negligible difference for most users. |
| Resolution | 1212 x 2616 | 1080 x 2340 | Huawei provides sharper visuals, impacting text clarity and image detail. |
| Pixel Density | 428 PPI | 385 PPI | Huawei's display looks crisper, especially for intricate content. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar technologies, both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animation performance. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1900 nits | S24 FE is much better in direct sunlight, making it more usable outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G | Exynos 2400e | Different processors; S24 FE benchmark scores higher, indicating better overall performance. |
| Antutu Score | 1,022,043 | 1,600,000 | S24 FE likely faster for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Xclipse 940 | S24 FE's GPU provides an edge for gaming and graphics-heavy tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | Huawei's wider aperture might perform slightly better in low light. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" | Huawei offers superior telephoto resolution and zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" | S24 FE offers a slightly higher wide-angle resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | Huawei has a higher resolution selfie camera for detail. |
| Video | 4K@60fps, multiple slow-mo modes | 8K@30fps, various rates | Samsung offers 8K video, Huawei excels in slow-motion. |
| DXOMark Score (Main) | 149 | 133 | Huawei's main camera setup is better than S24FE. |
| DXOMark Score (Selfie) | 145 | N/A | Huawei's front camera excels in photo and video quality. |
| Features | Laser AF, CDAF, LAF, Dual Front Camera | Night Mode 2.0, 8K Video | Each phone offers unique features, catering to different photography styles. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4700 mAh | 4700 mAh | Both have similar battery size, suggesting comparable endurance. |
| Charging | 66W wired, 50W wireless | 25W wired, 15W wireless | Huawei charges much faster, both wired and wirelessly, resulting in less downtime. |
| Features | 7.5W reverse charging | Bypass Charging | Huawei provides faster wireless charging and reverse wireless, S24 FE helps to avoid overcharging with its bypass charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | N/A | Android 14 | Samsung will provide software support while Huawei is more limited. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24 FE offers newer Wi-Fi standard, faster speeds, lower latency, and less interference. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S24 FE has newer Bluetooth with comprehensive profile support. |
| GPS | More Systems | More Systems | Both have access to accurate location data; Huawei has additional systems for better location. |
| SIM | Dual Nano-SIM | Dual Nano-SIM/eSIM | S24 FE offers more flexibility with eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Both offer the same maximum storage, S24FE has 128GB option available. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both should handle multitasking well. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Noise Cancellation, Stereo Speakers | S24 FE improves audio quality due to noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both provide basic fingerprint security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, etc. | Ultrasonic proximity, etc. | Both feature a suite of sensors, Huawei with fingerprint, proximity, gravity, Samsung with geomagnetic, ultrasonic virtual. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Camera: The Mate 50 Pro boasts a superior main camera with a wider aperture, excellent telephoto capabilities, and high DXOMark scores, making it a photographer’s delight.
- Fast Charging: The 66W wired and 50W wireless charging blows the S24 FE out of the water, ensuring minimal downtime.
- Display Resolution: Higher resolution for a sharper and more detailed screen experience.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Strengths:
- Performance Boost: The Exynos 2400e chipset provides a significant leap in performance, making it better for gaming and intensive tasks.
- Brighter Display: The 1900-nit brightness provides excellent outdoor visibility.
- Software and Connectivity: Up-to-date Android OS, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 offer a modern and reliable user experience.
- eSIM Support: Greater flexibility with digital carrier switching.
Trade-offs:
- Huawei: Lacks modern software and superior chipset, limited to 4G speeds.
- Samsung: Slower charging, lower telephoto resolution, lower DXOMark score and a lower screen resolution than the Mate 50 Pro.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Photography Enthusiast (Mate 50 Pro): If a top-tier camera experience is your priority, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro excels. It’s perfect for capturing detailed photos and leveraging a powerful zoom lens. Its quick charging is ideal for on-the-go shooting.
- For the Power User (Galaxy S24 FE): If you prioritize raw performance for gaming or running demanding apps, along with excellent outdoor visibility and modern connectivity, the Galaxy S24 FE is your better bet. The modern OS is also a major selling point.
- For the Everyday User (Both): Both phones offer a solid experience for everyday use with excellent displays, ample storage, and decent battery life.
- Price-to-Value: If you can find the S24 FE at a similar price or cheaper than the Mate 50 Pro, the better performance, brighter screen, and updated software make it a good value pick. However, the Mate 50 Pro offers a better camera and much faster charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself when making a decision:
- Do you need cutting-edge camera technology or is a good camera enough? If you live and die by your photos, the Huawei might be your choice, but if you do not need the top of the line camera features, then S24 FE can be a decent option.
- Is gaming or demanding app use a priority for you? If so, the S24 FE's superior processing power is a crucial factor.
- Do you need the best display outdoors or prefer a higher resolution? If outdoor visibility is essential, the S24 FE shines, otherwise, Mate 50 Pro offers better resolution for viewing content.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Travel Photographer: The Huawei Mate 50 Pro with its exceptional camera and rapid charging is the go to option.
- Mobile Gamer: The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is better due to its improved processing power.
- Casual User: The S24 FE is the stronger all-around package with its modern software and superior performance.
- Outdoor Professional: The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE has an outstanding display in direct sunlight which makes it the better option.
What would I choose and why?
For me, I'd personally lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. While the camera prowess of the Mate 50 Pro is truly impressive, especially with the wider aperture and better telephoto, the S24 FE strikes a better balance across the board. The improved processing power with the Exynos 2400e chipset will enhance daily usage for me for a more responsive experience. The brighter display is also a big plus as I am often outside with my phone. Plus, the future-proof software support, the modern connectivity options, and the eSIM flexibility give it the edge. While the slower charging is a trade-off, the rest of the S24 FE's offerings more than makes up for it.
However, if you were to prioritize photo and video capabilities, the Mate 50 Pro is a fantastic choice. It really depends on your priorities.
Alright, that's my deep dive into these two devices. Hope this helps!
