Okay, let's break down the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the vivo X100, focusing on what really matters to you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | vivo X100 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-28 | 2023-11-21 | The vivo X100 is a newer device, incorporating more recent tech. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, not foldables. |
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm | 164.1 x 75.2 x 8.5 mm | Very similar dimensions, the vivo is just 2mm taller. Both will feel similar in hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 202g | Almost identical weights, both feel substantial but manageable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.78" | Negligible difference in screen size. Both will offer immersive viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1212 x 2616 | 1260 x 2800 | vivo X100 has a slightly sharper display, though in day-to-day usage it might not be noticeable to everyone. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 428 | 452 | vivo X100 offers slightly more crispness due to higher pixel density. Again, subtle. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both are high-quality display technologies providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | The vivo X100's vastly superior brightness will make it significantly more usable under direct sunlight. The Huawei's lack of specified brightness is a big disadvantage. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G | Dimensity 9300 | Different chipsets. The vivo's Dimensity 9300 is newer and significantly more powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 1,881,325 | The vivo X100 is significantly faster in benchmarks, offering better multitasking, smoother gaming, and faster app loading. A clear performance advantage. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | The vivo X100's GPU provides enhanced graphics processing for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera (Resolution) | 50MP | 50MP | Both have 50MP main cameras. The differences lie in the sensor and aperture. |
| Main Camera (Aperture) | f/1.4 | f/1.57 | Huawei's wider aperture (f/1.4) allows more light in, potentially better in low light. |
| Main Camera (Sensor) | 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | 1/1.31" Sony IMX920 | vivo X100's larger sensor should capture more light and detail. |
| Selfie Camera (Resolution) | 13MP | 32MP | The vivo X100 takes much higher resolution selfies. |
| Selfie Camera (Aperture) | f/2.4 | f/2.0 | The vivo X100's wider aperture will lead to better low light selfies. |
| Telephoto (Resolution) | 64MP | 64MP | Both have a 64MP telephoto lens. |
| Telephoto (Aperture) | f/3.5 | f/2.6 | The vivo X100’s wider aperture on its telephoto lens should be better for low light zooming. |
| Wide Angle (Resolution) | 12MP | 50MP | vivo X100 captures wider shots at a much higher resolution. |
| Wide Angle (Aperture) | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | The vivo X100’s wider aperture on its wide-angle lens should allow more light. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps w/ HDR, EIS | 4K Video w/ stabilization | Both offer high-quality video capture, with Huawei offering finer control over different FPS modes. |
| DxOMark Score (Mobile) | 149 | N/A | Huawei has a score of 149 from DxOMark, vivo does not have a score. |
| Camera Features | Laser AF, CDAF, Dual front camera | Gimbal, Flicker sensor, cinematic mode, noise reduction, ultra stable video | Huawei has additional autofocus features and Dual front camera, while vivo has additional software features and gimbal stabilization |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4700 mAh | 5000 mAh | vivo X100 has a slightly larger battery, likely leading to marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W fast charging | 120W fast charging | The vivo X100 charges much faster, which is a huge convenience. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W Wireless | None | Huawei offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. vivo does not |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 14 | Both phones run similar versions of Android | |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | vivo X100 has the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds and more efficient networking. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 LE | vivo X100 has the newer Bluetooth version and more codec support. |
| GPS | Comprehensive | More Comprehensive | vivo X100 has slightly better location accuracy due to additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both offer dual SIM capability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256/512GB | 256/512/1024GB | vivo X100 offers a 1TB option for more storage space. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12/16GB | vivo X100 offers more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | vivo X100 has Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio, providing a better listening experience. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown protection on both. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Huawei includes a barometer and Hall sensor, that the vivo doesn't. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro Strengths:
- Wider Aperture Main Camera: Its f/1.4 aperture on the main camera is a boon for low-light photography.
- Wireless Charging: Including 50W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging can be incredibly useful.
- More Sensors: It includes more sensors that enable additional features that the vivo X100 does not have.
- DxOMark Score: Has a very good camera score from DxOMark.
vivo X100 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 9300 chipset offers much better performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Brighter Display: The 3000 nits brightness makes it highly usable in direct sunlight.
- Better Cameras: Larger main sensor, wider apertures on telephoto and wide-angle lenses, and higher resolution selfie and wide-angle cameras.
- Faster Charging: 120W fast charging is a game-changer for topping up quickly.
- More RAM and Storage Options: More RAM and a 1TB storage option offer greater flexibility.
- Newer Tech: Benefits from being the newer device by over a year.
- Better Audio: Features like Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio for a richer listening experience.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for better wireless performance.
- Additional Camera Features: Gimbal stabilization, cinematic mode, noise reduction.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro: Its 4G-only chipset is a limitation in areas with widespread 5G, a considerably older chipset and display, weaker camera on almost all fronts, has a considerably lower brightness display, and a much lower benchmark score.
- vivo X100: Lacks wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Mate 50 Pro is best for:
- Users who prioritize low-light photography with its f/1.4 main camera and its DxOMark score.
- Users who prefer the convenience of wireless charging.
- Users who are primarily interested in camera quality with a known DxOMark score.
- Users that want more sensors in their phone.
vivo X100 is best for:
- Users who need the absolute best performance for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Users who need a bright display for outdoor use.
- Users who want the best camera versatility with multiple lenses at high resolution.
- Users who want the fastest charging speeds and most modern hardware.
- Users who prioritize audio quality and latest connectivity standards.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Questions to Ask Yourself:
- How important is the latest performance and future-proofing? If you want the cutting edge, the vivo X100 is the clear choice.
- Do you prioritize wireless charging or the convenience of fast charging? Huawei has wireless, vivo has wired super-fast charging.
- What are your priorities in the camera system? Do you want a great all around system with versatility or a great low light experience?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Power User: Choose the vivo X100 for its superior performance, faster charging, and enhanced features.
- The Photo Enthusiast (Low-Light Focus): If low-light photo performance is the priority, the Huawei is a good pick with its wider aperture but otherwise, the vivo X100 has a superior camera.
- The Casual User: The vivo X100 offers more future-proofing and an overall better experience.
- The User that values sensors: The Huawei will give you the additional sensors for use, as the vivo does not have them.
My Choice
Given the detailed breakdown, I would choose the vivo X100.
Why? While the Huawei Mate 50 Pro has some niche advantages, the vivo X100 represents a significant leap in overall performance, display quality, camera versatility, and charging speed. The Dimensity 9300 chipset offers a substantial performance edge, the brighter display is a real-world benefit, and the faster charging is more convenient in my daily usage. The camera system is also significantly better overall, even if it doesn't have a wider aperture on the main lens. Ultimately, the vivo X100 strikes the right balance between cutting-edge technology and practical user experience, making it the more future-proof and enjoyable device for my needs. It is also the newest phone of the two and that usually offers more support.
