Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. It's an interesting match-up, pitting a high-end smartphone against a mid-range tablet. This calls for a breakdown that really highlights the nuances of what each device brings to the table.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | 285.4 × 185.4 × 6.5 mm | The Mate 50 Pro is a typical smartphone size, while the Tab S9 FE+ is a large tablet, impacting portability significantly. |
| Weight | 205g | 627g | Mate 50 Pro is much lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use, while the Tab S9 FE+ is heavier, requiring a more deliberate two-handed grip. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard form-factor devices, no foldable or unique design |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 12.4" | Tab S9 FE+ provides a much larger screen area for content consumption, multitasking and creative work, while the Mate 50 Pro is more pocketable |
| Resolution | 1212x2616 | 1600x2560 | Tab S9 FE+ has a higher resolution screen, suitable for detail-rich content, but the PPI shows the real story |
| PPI | 428 | 243 | Mate 50 Pro has a significantly sharper display due to its higher pixel density, meaning text and images will appear crisper. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | Mate 50 Pro's OLED display offers richer blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors compared to the Tab S9 FE+'s LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Mate 50 Pro provides a smoother, more responsive display experience for scrolling and gaming, though both are good. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness, but actual values may vary - missing data here |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G | Exynos 1380 | Mate 50 Pro's Snapdragon chipset is significantly more powerful, offering faster app loading and smoother multitasking, particularly in demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 507,000 | Mate 50 Pro has double the benchmark score for raw processing power, meaning it will handle complex tasks like gaming more easily. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Mate 50 Pro's GPU is much more powerful, resulting in better graphics performance, particularly in gaming and graphic-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.4 | 12MP f/2.0 | Mate 50 Pro has a higher resolution main camera with a wider aperture, capturing more detail and performing better in low light. |
| Front Camera | 13MP f/2.4 | 8MP | Mate 50 Pro’s front camera is higher resolution offering more detailed selfies and video calls. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP f/3.5 | N/A | Mate 50 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities for detailed shots at a distance; the Tab S9 FE+ lacks this feature. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Mate 50 Pro’s wide angle lens is slightly higher resolution for capturing broader landscape and group photos |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS & more | 4K@30fps | Mate 50 Pro offers superior video recording, with higher frame rates, stabilization, and advanced slow-motion features. |
| DXOMark | Main: 149 Photo: 152 Video: 141 Selfie: Main: 145 Photo: 147 Video: 143 | N/A | Mate 50 Pro has been thoroughly tested by DXOMark, showing impressive camera scores; Tab S9 FE+ has not. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Laser AF, PDAF, RAW | Autofocus, HDR | Mate 50 Pro has a more advanced camera system with features like OIS, laser AF, and RAW capture, providing more control and quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4700mAh | 10090mAh | Tab S9 FE+ has a much larger battery, potentially offering much longer usage time between charges, though actual endurance depends on usage conditions. |
| Charging | 66W fast charging | 45W fast charging | Mate 50 Pro charges faster, meaning less time tethered to an outlet. |
| Charging Features | 50W wireless charging | Bypass Charging | Mate 50 Pro supports more versatile charging options, including faster charging and wireless charging, while the S9 FE+ is focused on wired usage. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 13 | Tab S9 FE+ provides a modern Android OS, but the Mate 50 Pro OS is not provided - this is missing data. | |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Both offer modern Wi-Fi connectivity, but Mate 50 Pro offers a Wi-Fi Hotspot |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Tab S9 FE+ has a more modern Bluetooth standard, which could translate to better performance with wireless peripherals. |
| GPS | Advanced | Basic GPS | Mate 50 Pro has a more sophisticated GPS system that includes support for multiple satellite systems, offering better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | None | Mate 50 Pro can use two SIMs at once |
| Internal Storage | 256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB | Mate 50 Pro has an option for more storage. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB or 12GB | Tab S9 FE+ has option for more RAM which helps with heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both do not support storage expansion. |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Tab S9 FE+ offers an immersive audio experience, with the addition of Dolby Atmos, enhancing spatial audio and overall clarity. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | The side-mounted fingerprint scanner on the Tab S9 FE+ is generally more convenient than a basic, under-screen fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Many | Basic Sensors | Mate 50 Pro has a comprehensive suite of sensors, making it better for various applications including gaming and augmented reality. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro: Strengths
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset provides much higher processing power than the Exynos 1380, which results in smoother performance across all tasks, from daily use to gaming.
- Exceptional Camera: The Mate 50 Pro boasts a top-tier camera system, earning high DXOMark scores. Its main sensor, telephoto lens, and wide-angle lens all offer high resolution and excellent features like OIS and laser AF for advanced image and video capture.
- Sharper Display: The OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and high pixel density (428 PPI) delivers vibrant visuals and extremely smooth animations.
- Faster Charging: The 66W fast charging, plus 50W wireless charging are considerably faster compared to the Samsung’s offering.
- Advanced GPS: Inclusion of numerous GPS satellites is fantastic for outdoorsy activities and for when your in the city.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+: Strengths
- Large Display: The 12.4-inch display offers an expansive canvas for media consumption, multitasking, and productivity.
- Superior Battery Life: Its massive 10090 mAh battery can offer significantly longer usage times, a big benefit for power users.
- Modern Bluetooth: With Bluetooth 5.3 the S9 FE+ has the newest version with the benefits it brings.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: It brings an impressive sound quality experience for users.
- Affordable Pricing: This tablet is in a lower price tier.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: This offers faster unlocking.
Key Trade-offs
- Portability: The Mate 50 Pro is much more portable.
- Display Technology: The OLED display of the Mate 50 Pro is preferable to the LCD in the Tab S9 FE+.
- Performance vs. Battery: The Mate 50 Pro prioritizes processing power, while the Tab S9 FE+ prioritizes battery life.
- Camera Quality vs Size: The Mate 50 Pro has a superior camera, but it’s in a much smaller device than the S9 FE+
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Mate 50 Pro is ideal for:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize top-notch camera performance for capturing photos and videos.
- Performance Seekers: Gamers and power users who need a phone that can handle demanding tasks without lag.
- Tech-Savvy Individuals: Those who appreciate the best in display technology and fast charging.
- On-The-Go Professionals: Users who need a powerful, high-performance smartphone that can perform work-related tasks.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Those who watch lots of videos, movies, and streaming content on the go.
- Students: Those that want a great value device for taking notes, research, and media consumption.
- Multitaskers: Users who need a large screen to work on multiple apps simultaneously.
- Long-Term Travelers: Users who require extended battery life for long trips or periods away from power sources.
- Budget Conscious Users: Those looking for a value device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
When deciding between these two devices, ask yourself these questions:
- What is my primary use case? Are you focused on content creation and photography (Mate 50 Pro), or content consumption and media (Tab S9 FE+)?
- Is portability or screen size more important to me? The Mate 50 Pro is highly portable; the Tab S9 FE+ is much larger.
- What is my budget and expectations? The Mate 50 Pro is a premium phone; the Tab S9 FE+ aims for mid-range value.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the mobile creative: If you need a device with a powerful camera and processing power for on-the-go photography and video editing, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the clear choice.
- For the digital nomad: If you need a device with a large screen for document work and content consumption, and are always on the go and away from power sources, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a better fit.
- For everyday all-rounders: If you want the best of both worlds, in a pocketable package, and you have a need for excellent performance, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the choice.
My Pick
For me, the choice is clear, I would pick the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. Although, I like the idea of the big screen of the tablet, the portability and top-tier camera, and vastly superior performance of the Mate 50 Pro make it a more compelling pick for me. I do a lot of photography while out and about, and I use my phone for gaming and day to day productivity. These requirements can only be fulfilled by the Mate 50 Pro. While I like the battery of the Samsung, and the side-mounted fingerprint reader, they are not deal breakers for me.
