Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei P50 Pro and the Apple iPhone 13 Pro. I'll break down the specs in a way that's easy to understand, focusing on what really matters to you as a user.
Huawei P50 Pro vs. Apple iPhone 13 Pro: A Tech Journalist's Take
These two phones, launched within a month of each other in 2021, represent the pinnacle of smartphone technology from their respective ecosystems. Let's see how they stack up.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, presented in a way that highlights the practical implications for you:
| Feature | Huawei P50 Pro | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Physical Size | 158.8 × 72.8 × 8.5 mm | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.7 mm | P50 Pro is larger; might be less comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 195g | 204g | P50 Pro is a bit lighter. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.1" | P50 Pro offers a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1228x2700 | 1170x2532 | P50 Pro has slightly sharper visuals. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 450 | 460 | Virtually identical sharpness. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and gaming experience on both. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | iPhone 13 Pro is significantly brighter outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | A15 Bionic is a powerhouse, expect smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 697,566 | 1,325,768 | A15 Bionic provides noticeably better performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP24 | Apple GPU (5-core) | Apple GPU is optimized for iOS, delivering top-tier graphics. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB | P50 Pro potentially handles more apps in the background, with the 12 GB model. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 12MP, f/1.5 | P50 Pro captures more detail; iPhone excels in low light due to wider aperture and larger pixel size. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.4 | 12MP, f/2.8 | P50 Pro offers higher zoom resolution; iPhone has better low-light zoom performance. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 13MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/1.8 | P50 Pro ultrawide offers macro functionality; iPhone ultrawide excels in low light. |
| Black & White Lens | 40MP, f/1.6 | N/A | P50 Pro captures more detail; iPhone has better low light performance |
| ToF 3D Sensor | N/A | 12MP | iPhone has better depth sensing and augmented reality capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Both offer excellent selfie capabilities; iPhone has slightly better low-light performance. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Both offer high-quality video recording with stabilization. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 143 | 141 | P50 Pro has an edge in photo quality; iPhone excels in video quality. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 144 | 134 | P50 Pro captures more detail; iPhone has better low light performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4360mAh | 3125mAh | P50 Pro should offer longer battery life due to larger capacity (real world performance may differ). |
| Charging | 66W wired, 50W wireless | 20W wired, 15W MagSafe | P50 Pro charges much faster, especially wirelessly. |
| Software | EMUI | iOS 15+ | iOS offers seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem; EMUI requires getting used to (no Google Services). |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Fast and reliable wireless connections on both. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | P50 Pro supports newer Bluetooth with LDAC for higher-quality audio. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | iPhone offers eSIM convenience; P50 Pro allows two physical SIMs. |
| Storage | 128/256/512GB | 128/256/512/1024GB | iPhone offers a 1TB option for heavy users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS / DTS X, Noise cancellation microphone, 3 microphones | iPhone has a slight edge in audio features offering enhanced spatial audio, enhanced surround sound, enhanced surround sound, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, better voice capture |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor | FaceID | Both offer basic security features |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Compass, Gravity, Hall, RGB | Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Huawei P50 Pro includes additional biometric sensors; Huawei P50 Pro additionally features: Fingerprint, Compass, Gravity, Hall, RGB; Comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming |
2. Key Insights
Huawei P50 Pro:
- Strengths:
- Camera Versatility: Boasts a more diverse camera system with higher resolution sensors and dedicated black and white lens.
- Fast Charging: Offers blazing-fast 66W wired and 50W wireless charging.
- Larger Display: Provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Superior charging speeds and battery capacity
- More flexible camera system (although not necessarily "better")
Apple iPhone 13 Pro:
- Strengths:
- Performance: Unrivaled performance thanks to the A15 Bionic chip.
- Display Brightness: Excellent outdoor visibility with a significantly brighter display.
- Ecosystem Integration: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Superior Performance
- Better optimized video recording (DxOMark)
Trade-offs:
- Huawei P50 Pro:
- Lacks Google Services which can be a deal-breaker.
- EMUI interface might not appeal to everyone, particularly those used to stock Android or iOS.
- Apple iPhone 13 Pro:
- Less impressive charging speeds and smaller battery capacity.
- Price can be a barrier for some users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei P50 Pro:
- Ideal for: Photography enthusiasts who want camera versatility, users who prioritize fast charging, and those who enjoy a larger display.
- Use Cases: Mobile photography, media consumption, gaming (despite the chipset being weaker, it can handle it), and users who don't heavily rely on Google Services.
- Apple iPhone 13 Pro:
- Ideal for: Users who demand top-tier performance, value a seamless user experience within the Apple ecosystem, and need excellent outdoor display visibility.
- Use Cases: Professional video recording, graphics-intensive tasks, users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, and those who prioritize a smooth and responsive user experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is raw performance to you? If you need the absolute fastest performance, the iPhone 13 Pro is the clear winner.
- How reliant are you on Google Services? If you heavily rely on Google apps, the P50 Pro's lack of full Google support will be a significant issue.
- Which ecosystem are you more invested in? If you own multiple Apple devices, the iPhone's integration will be a big plus.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Photographer: Huawei P50 Pro for camera flexibility.
- Mobile Gamer: Apple iPhone 13 Pro for raw performance.
- Apple Ecosystem User: Apple iPhone 13 Pro for seamless integration.
- Budget-Conscious User: Neither; there are better value options in 2024.
Personal Choice and Rationale
If I were choosing between these two phones today, I'd lean towards the Apple iPhone 13 Pro.
Reasoning:
While I appreciate the P50 Pro's camera versatility and fast charging, the lack of Google Services is a non-starter for me personally. As a tech journalist, I need access to all the latest apps and services, and the convenience of the Google ecosystem is something I rely on daily. The iPhone 13 Pro's superior performance and seamless integration with my other Apple devices make it a more practical choice for my workflow.
Now, if I were a dedicated photographer who wasn't as tied to the Google ecosystem, the P50 Pro would be a more compelling option. But for my specific needs, the iPhone 13 Pro strikes a better balance.
Keep in mind this is my perspective in 2024 and many other great options are available at this point in time.
