Alright, let's dive deep into the technical heart of these two devices. We're looking at the Huawei Mate 50 Pro, a flagship that landed in late 2022, and the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G, a mid-ranger from mid-2023. On paper, they're worlds apart, but let's see what that means in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table, diving into the specs and what they mean for everyday use:
| Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm | The Redmi 12 5G is a bit taller and thinner, while the Mate 50 Pro is slightly shorter and thicker. Not a massive difference in hand feel, but the Mate feels more substantial due to the extra thickness and weight. |
| Weight | 205g | 199g | The Redmi 12 5G is marginally lighter which can be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.74" | 6.79" | Barely a difference, both offer a large canvas for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1212 x 2616 | 1080 x 2460 | The Mate 50 Pro's higher resolution provides sharper images and text. The difference in clarity is definitely noticeable and especially beneficial when reading or watching videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 428 | 396 | The higher pixel density on the Mate 50 Pro means sharper images and text, reducing visible pixelation. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | The OLED panel on the Mate 50 Pro provides deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better viewing angles compared to the IPS LCD on the Redmi 12 5G. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The 120Hz refresh rate on the Mate 50 Pro results in smoother animations and a more fluid user experience compared to the 90Hz panel on the Redmi 12 5G. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | The numbers are not correctly shown, but brightness is crucial for visibility under sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | The Mate 50 Pro has a flagship-level chip while the Redmi 12 5G has a budget chipset. The Mate 50 Pro will feel significantly faster in all tasks, from daily use to gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 456,552 | The Mate 50 Pro scores over twice as high in benchmarks, translating to much faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The difference is enormous. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 613 | The Adreno 730 on the Mate 50 Pro offers a significant boost in graphics processing power, allowing for smoother gaming and more demanding graphics tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4700mAh | 5000mAh | The Redmi 12 5G has a slightly larger battery, though real-world battery life will also depend on power efficiency, and the Mate 50 Pro has better chip optimization that could give it a boost. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | The Mate 50 Pro's 66W fast charging will juice up the phone much faster than the Redmi 12 5G's slower 18W charging. |
| Battery Features | 50W Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | None | The Mate 50 Pro offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities, which the Redmi 12 5G lacks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.4, Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The Mate 50 Pro’s wider aperture (f/1.4) and higher sensor quality mean better low-light performance and overall image quality compared to the Redmi 12 5G. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.2 | The Mate 50 Pro captures significantly higher resolution selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, OV64B | None | The Mate 50 Pro’s telephoto lens allows for optical zoom, enabling users to get closer to their subjects without losing image quality, whereas the Redmi 12 5G relies on digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, IMX688 | None | The Mate 50 Pro's wide-angle camera offers expanded perspectives, whereas the Redmi 12 5G lacks a wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Redmi 12 5G includes a dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait mode photos. |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 1080p at 30fps | The Mate 50 Pro’s higher resolution and frame rate capabilities result in better video quality. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 149 Photo: 152, Video: 141, Selfie: 145 | Mobile: 63, Photo: 57, Video: 76 | DxOMark benchmarks show a massive difference in camera performance. The Mate 50 Pro vastly outperforms the Redmi 12 5G, particularly in still photos and video. |
| Camera Features | Extensive Features | Limited Features | The Mate 50 Pro offers more advanced camera modes and settings, including optical zoom, RAW, and manual controls, suitable for more serious photography. |
| Software | |||
| OS | N/A | Android 13 | Both phones run Android, but the Mate 50 Pro may have its own UI that could differ. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | The Mate 50 Pro supports the faster Wi-Fi 6 standard, offering improved performance in compatible network environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | The Mate 50 Pro comes with a newer Bluetooth for more reliable connection and a wider range of wireless audio options |
| GPS | Comprehensive | Basic | The Mate 50 Pro offers more precise GPS tracking due to better satellite systems support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB | The Mate 50 Pro offers more storage for apps, photos, videos, and other files. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4/6/8GB | Both phones can have 8GB of RAM but the Mate 50 pro is more efficient and better to run more tasks at a time. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via MicroSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | The Mate 50 Pro's stereo speakers provide better audio quality for music and videos. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Fingerprint | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | The Mate 50 Pro features a more standard fingerprint sensor while the Redmi 12 5G has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Redmi 12 5G offers slightly superior protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Extensive | Basic | The Mate 50 Pro features more sensors than the Redmi 12 5G. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate 50 Pro: Strengths
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers unmatched speed and performance compared to the budget-focused Redmi 12 5G.
- Superior Display: OLED technology, higher resolution, and a 120Hz refresh rate provide a superior viewing experience.
- Professional-Grade Camera: The versatile camera system with a wide aperture, telephoto lens, and wide-angle lens combined with its higher DxOMark score means it can handle any situation with ease.
- Faster Charging: The 66W fast charging and wireless charging capabilities are convenient and time-saving.
- Premium Features: The Mate 50 Pro boasts additional features like stereo speakers and advanced sensors.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G: Strengths
- Larger Battery: A slightly larger battery capacity may translate to longer battery life, though real-world battery efficiency is also determined by the chipset
- Newer OS: The phone comes with Android 13 out of the box, although it will be upgradable
- Affordable Price: The Redmi 12 5G is positioned as a budget-friendly phone, and its price is where the main value is.
Trade-offs
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro: It comes at a much higher price point, and lacks 5G connectivity.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G: It lacks the performance, display, camera quality, and extra features of the Mate 50 Pro.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei Mate 50 Pro
- Power Users: If you need the best possible performance, run demanding apps, or engage in heavy multitasking, the Mate 50 Pro is the clear winner.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The camera system is a clear step above and will give a satisfying experience for the user.
- Multimedia Consumers: Its OLED display and stereo speakers will make the experience of watching videos a lot more enjoyable.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G
- Budget-Conscious Users: If you want a functional 5G phone at a budget, and don't need high-end features, the Redmi 12 5G is an excellent choice.
- Everyday Users: It’s a good choice if you need a phone for basic tasks, like social media browsing, messaging, and streaming.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- What's Your Priority?: Is it raw power and camera performance, or budget friendliness and basic functionality?
- How Much Do You Value the Display?: Do you need a high-quality screen with vibrant colors and smooth animations, or is a basic display enough?
- What is Your Budget? The Mate 50 Pro comes at a higher price, which justifies its better capabilities.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance is King If you are a heavy gamer, video editor, or just someone who values top performance, the Mate 50 Pro is the obvious choice, despite it's lack of 5G.
- Scenario 2: Camera Matters Most: If photography and video are important, the Mate 50 Pro stands head and shoulders above the Redmi 12 5G, with more versatile lenses and a much higher DxOmark score.
- Scenario 3: Budget is Key: If price is the deciding factor, the Redmi 12 5G is the more sensible option, offering a good experience with its 5G connectivity and solid battery, all at an affordable price point.
- Scenario 4: A balance between quality and budget: if you need a reliable phone that does a little bit of everything, the Redmi 12 5G may offer a better experience than the Huawei Mate 50 pro because of 5G connectivity.
Personal Choice
If it were my money, I'd go for the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. While I acknowledge it's not the newest and does not have 5G, its superior performance, display, and camera capabilities are too compelling to ignore. As someone who values a seamless user experience and high-quality media, the Mate 50 Pro delivers in every important aspect. The difference in overall experience justifies the higher cost. Ultimately, though, the best choice hinges on individual needs and budget considerations, which the Xiaomi does quite well if budget is the main consideration.
