Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and the Xiaomi 13T. We'll break down the specs, translate them into real-world usage, and figure out which phone might be the best fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Xiaomi 13T | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm, 205g | 162.2 × 75.7 × 8.5 mm, 193g | Virtually identical in size; the Xiaomi 13T is slightly lighter. Small difference, might be noticeable during extended use. |
| Build | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The Xiaomi 13T’s screen is better protected against scratches and accidental drops, while the Huawei protection is unknown. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.67" | Very similar screen sizes; practically indistinguishable. |
| Resolution | 1212x2616 | 1220x2712 | Similar sharpness; the Xiaomi 13T is slightly sharper due to its higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 428 | 446 | Very similar pixel densities; very crisp images on both. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar quality displays; both produce vivid colors and deep blacks, AMOLED being a sub-type of OLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Xiaomi 13T has slightly smoother animations and scrolling; great for gamers or anyone who appreciates a fluid user interface. |
| Brightness | 0 nits (no data provided) | 2600 nits | The Xiaomi 13T will be much more usable in bright outdoor conditions thanks to its extremely high brightness. Huawei brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8200 Ultra (4 nm) | Different processors; the Mate 50 Pro uses a high-end Snapdragon, while the 13T uses a capable Dimensity. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 905,364 | Mate 50 Pro has better performance, offering noticeably faster performance than the 13T based on this benchmark. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 (Qualcomm Adreno 730) | Mali-G610 MC6 (Arm Mali-G610 MC6) | Different GPU architectures; performance differences will be more noticeable in graphically intense applications and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56", 1.00µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28", 1.22µm | Mate 50 Pro has wider aperture (f/1.4), better in low light, while the Xiaomi 13T has a larger sensor, allowing better light capture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | None | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.88", 0.61µm | The Xiaomi 13T includes a dedicated telephoto/portrait lens for more versatile photography. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2", 0.70µm | None | The Mate 50 Pro includes a dedicated telephoto lens for more versatile photography, while the 13T doesn't have. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | Xiaomi has slightly higher resolution sensor, both have same aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/2", 0.80µm | Xiaomi 13T has higher resolution and wider aperture for better selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps, various HDR/EIS modes | Up to 4K@30fps, various HDR/EIS modes | Both support 4K video, but the Huawei has more options and higher frame rates at 4K. |
| DxoMark Mobile Score | 149 (Photo: 152, Video: 141) | 123 (Photo: 121, Video: 132) | The Mate 50 Pro's cameras offer superior image quality, especially in photos, but both have a great camera. |
| DxoMark Selfie Score | 145 (Photo: 147, Video: 143) | No data | The Mate 50 Pro's selfies have superior image quality and video, while there's no data for Xiaomi 13T |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4700mAh | 5000mAh | Xiaomi 13T has a slightly larger battery, which may lead to marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W fast charging, Li-Ion | 67W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Both have very fast charging capabilities. The Xiaomi 13T uses Li-Polymer for potentially better longevity. |
| Additional Battery Features | 50W wireless charging, 7.5W wireless reverse charging, reverse charging | None | Huawei has more features such as wireless and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | No data provided | Android 13, Upgradable to 17 | Xiaomi 13T is based on Android, while there is no data for the Huawei. The Xiaomi 13T also will get future updates to 17. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), WiFi 6E | Xiaomi 13T has newer and more advanced Wi-Fi for faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | Xiaomi 13T has a newer Bluetooth for enhanced energy efficiency and features. |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Xiaomi 13T offers more global positioning options for enhanced accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Xiaomi 13T offers eSIM which is handy for traveling and other situations where you need to switch carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256 GB or 512 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB | Both phones offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Xiaomi 13T offers 12GB of RAM that is better for demanding tasks and apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The Xiaomi 13T provides a slightly better and more immersive audio experience with its Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have a similar fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Hall | Biometric: Fingerprint, Heart Rate; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both have comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming. Huawei has Barometer and Hall sensor, while Xiaomi 13T has a heart rate sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro
- Strengths: Superior camera performance with a wider aperture on the main lens, a dedicated telephoto lens, high DxOMark scores for both main and selfie cameras, and more advanced video recording. It also has wireless charging and reverse charging. The performance is faster with better Antutu score.
- Competitive Advantages: High-end performance with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Trade-offs: Unknown screen protection and missing modern connectivity features like Wi-Fi 7 and eSIM.
Xiaomi 13T
- Strengths: Excellent display brightness (2600 nits), a high 144Hz refresh rate, and the latest connectivity features (Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3), and eSIM.
- Competitive Advantages: More modern software with Android 13 (and future updates), better protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 5, brighter display, more RAM (12 GB option), and a dedicated telephoto/portrait lens.
- Trade-offs: Slightly lower benchmark performance compared to Mate 50 Pro, and no wireless charging capabilities.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Mate 50 Pro is best for:
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who prioritize top-tier image quality, versatile camera options (telephoto lens), advanced video recording, and don't mind missing wireless charging.
- Users needing performance: Users who need the fastest performance in their phone, regardless of other considerations.
- Power users needing wireless charging: Users who rely on wireless charging and reverse charging and don't mind lacking modern connectivity features.
Xiaomi 13T is best for:
- Multimedia lovers: Users who appreciate a smooth display with high brightness, excellent audio output with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res, and modern connectivity features.
- Gamers: Users who prioritize smooth performance, high refresh rates, and modern connectivity features.
- Tech-savvy individuals: Users who value the latest technologies, eSIM support, and more software updates.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
"How important is camera quality to me?"
- If your main priority is the best possible image and video quality, including great low-light performance and advanced video features, and wireless charging, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the better choice.
"Do I value a smooth, bright display and the latest connectivity features?"
- If you're after the latest in connectivity (Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3), a bright, high refresh rate screen, a long-term software support, and eSIM capabilities, the Xiaomi 13T is the way to go.
"How important are wireless charging, and do I need the absolute best performance?"
- If the best performance and wireless charging is a requirement, then the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the option for you.
Scenario-based Recommendations:
- "The Photographer": Choose the Huawei Mate 50 Pro for superior image quality, a telephoto lens, and advanced video.
- "The Mobile Gamer": Choose the Xiaomi 13T for smooth, high-refresh-rate display and modern connectivity features.
- "The Tech Enthusiast": Choose the Xiaomi 13T for more updated software, modern connectivity, and a super bright display.
- "The User Who Needs the Best Performance": Choose the Huawei Mate 50 Pro for superior benchmark scores and wireless charging.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two phones, I'd personally lean towards the Xiaomi 13T. Here's why:
As a tech journalist, I value staying on the cutting edge. The Xiaomi 13T offers a more modern suite of features: the latest Wi-Fi standard, the flexibility of eSIM, future Android updates, and a display that’s incredibly bright, making it excellent for all conditions. While the Mate 50 Pro offers an impressive camera and performance, the Xiaomi 13T’s well-rounded package caters better to my needs, focusing on connectivity, display, and future-proofing.
The slightly lower benchmark score doesn't concern me as much as the advantages in display technology and connectivity. The 144Hz refresh rate is buttery smooth and makes scrolling and gaming a great experience, the 2600 nits make outdoor usage a breeze, and the more modern software ensure future upgrades. Finally, the added telephoto/portrait lens gives additional photo versatility.
It's a matter of choosing what aligns best with individual priorities, and for me, the blend of modern tech and usability offered by the Xiaomi 13T makes it a more compelling choice.
