Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Sony Xperia 1 VI. Buckle up, because we're going deep into the specs, but I promise to keep it real-world and user-focused.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table breaking down the key specs of both phones, alongside their real-world implications:
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm | 162 x 74 x 8.2 mm | Similar size, but the Mate 50 Pro is slightly wider and thicker, may be slightly less comfortable in-hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 192g | Sony is noticeably lighter, better for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.5" | Mate 50 Pro has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1212 x 2616 | 1080 x 2340 | Mate 50 Pro is significantly sharper, better for text and details. |
| PPI | 428 | 396 | Mate 50 Pro has a slightly sharper screen than the Xperia. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both provide vibrant colours and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both will provide smooth scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both will be difficult to see outdoors given the 0 nits specification, perhaps it's a placeholder. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Xperia 1 VI will have substantially better performance in all tasks, it is a much newer and faster chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 2,110,000 | Xperia 1 VI is considerably faster, better for gaming and heavy tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 750 | Xperia 1 VI has a newer, more powerful GPU for better graphics. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4700mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia 1 VI has a slightly larger battery, which will result in slightly better battery life. |
| Charging | 66W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Mate 50 Pro charges much faster. |
| Charging Features | 50W wireless, 7.5W reverse | Bypass, Reverse Wireless | Mate 50 Pro has faster wireless charging, Xperia 1 VI has "Bypass" charging for better long-term battery health whilst gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard (Main) | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56" | 48MP, f/1.9, 1/1.4" | Mate 50 Pro has wider aperture for better low light, Xperia 1 VI has a larger sensor for better images. |
| Selfie | 13MP, f/2.4 | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.93" | Xperia 1 VI has a slightly wider aperture for better low light, along with a bigger sensor. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | 12MP, f/2.3, 1/3.5" | Mate 50 Pro has a significantly higher resolution, Xperia 1 VI has a wider aperture, Mate 50 Pro has a significantly larger sensor for less noisy images. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2 | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | Very similar. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps, many HDR options | 4K@120fps, many HDR, OIS & EIS | Both good video recording, but Xperia 1 VI excels with higher fps at 4k, OIS and EIS included in all video recording modes. |
| DXOMark (Main) | 149 | N/A | Mate 50 Pro has a very high DXOMark score, the Xperia 1 VI has yet to be scored. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 145 | N/A | Mate 50 Pro has a very high DXOMark score, the Xperia 1 VI has yet to be scored. |
| Software | |||
| OS | N/A | Android 14 | Xperia 1 VI has a more modern operating system and software. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Xperia 1 VI has better WiFi support, with faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 LE | Xperia 1 VI has a newer, more power efficient, Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | L1+L5, more options | L1+L5 | Mate 50 Pro has more satellite systems for location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Xperia 1 VI supports eSIM, more versatile with carriers, Mate 50 Pro supports two physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256/512GB | 256/512GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | Xperia 1 VI has more RAM, which means better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 1 VI has more features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint | Xperia 1 VI fingerprint sensor is more convenient and user friendly. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Xperia 1 VI has superior scratch protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | More Options | More Options | Both have all the sensors you would want, with both having different extras. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro Strengths:
- Higher Resolution Display: Offers a sharper visual experience with its higher resolution.
- Faster Charging: 66W wired and 50W wireless charging is significantly faster than the Sony.
- High DXOMark Scores: Top scores in both main and selfie cameras in previous tests, although we don't know how it compares to the Sony in recent tests.
- More GPS Satellites: Supports more satellite systems for location tracking, providing high levels of accuracy.
- More versatile Telephoto: Provides much more zoom and less noisy images.
Sony Xperia 1 VI Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers a substantial performance leap compared to the Mate 50 Pro's older chip.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 14, likely receiving longer software support.
- Better Battery Life: The slightly larger battery capacity may give it a slight edge in longevity.
- eSIM Support: Offers more carrier versatility.
- Better video: Higher FPS at 4K and stabilisation.
- Better RAM: Offers more RAM meaning better multitasking.
- Better Screen protection: Comes with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Mate 50 Pro: Lacks 5G support, less powerful chipset, older software, and no expandable storage.
- Xperia 1 VI: Slower charging, and its telephoto lens, whilst having a wider aperture, is inferior when it comes to zoom compared to the Huawei.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Mate 50 Pro is best for:
- Users who prioritize display sharpness and fast charging: The higher resolution screen makes viewing content enjoyable, while the faster charging means less time plugged into a wall.
- Photography and video enthusiasts: Its higher DXOMark scores and great photo sensors make this an attractive option, despite the unknown DXOmark results of the Sony.
- Users who need accurate GPS tracking: Its GPS capabilities are superior to those of the Sony Xperia 1 VI.
Sony Xperia 1 VI is best for:
- Performance Enthusiasts and Gamers: The latest chipset and extra RAM offers very high performance for demanding applications and gaming.
- Users who want long-term software support and features: Runs the latest Android and software and has access to better connectivity.
- Users who want a device with great video: The video recording capabilities are superior, alongside the stabilisation.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize peak performance and long-term software support or camera and charging speed? If you want the best speed and support, go with the Xperia 1 VI. If you prefer high quality photos and the fastest charge, go with the Mate 50 Pro.
- Is a high-resolution screen a must-have or is the resolution of the Sony acceptable? If you want the sharpest picture, go with the Mate 50 Pro. If you care more about better battery life and performance, the Sony is superior.
- Do you value fast charging and versatility or long term battery health whilst gaming? The Huawei charges incredibly fast, whilst the Sony has "Bypass" charging to maximise the battery's life during long gaming sessions.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Content Creator: The Mate 50 Pro's great cameras, high resolution and fast charge is great for content creation, it would provide an amazing picture for both photos and videos.
- The Mobile Gamer: The Xperia 1 VI's cutting-edge chip and ample RAM will provide the best experience, with "Bypass" charging, and better RAM.
- The Everyday User: The Xperia 1 VI offers superior everyday performance and software, with a more versatile camera than the previous Sony models.
- The Outdoor Adventurer: The Mate 50 Pro provides superior GPS tracking and accuracy, but it is heavier and may be less convenient for activities.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two, I'd lean towards the Sony Xperia 1 VI. Here's why:
- Future-Proofing: The significantly faster processor, newer software, and better Bluetooth and Wi-Fi ensure that the phone remains relevant for longer, along with the superior screen protection.
- Performance: As someone who runs a lot of apps and loves gaming, the superior processing power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 would be a huge benefit.
- Better Video: I like to capture great video and would like the best video output possible, which is why I prefer the Xperia.
- Practicality: The Xperia 1 VI’s lighter weight and side fingerprint sensor make it slightly more convenient for daily use.
While the Mate 50 Pro has its advantages, particularly in camera capabilities, GPS accuracy, and charging speed, the sheer performance and long-term usability of the Xperia 1 VI make it the more compelling option for me.
Ultimately, the "best" phone depends on your specific needs and preferences. I hope this analysis provides the insights you need to make a well-informed decision!
