Alright, let's pit the Huawei P50 Pro against the Huawei nova 11. It’s a battle of photography prowess versus sleek design and newer tech. The P50 Pro is the seasoned veteran, launched in 2021, while the nova 11 is the fresh face from 2023. Let's break down what this means for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table to get us started:
| Feature | Huawei P50 Pro | Huawei nova 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.8 x 72.8 x 8.5 mm, 195g | 161.3 x 75 x 6.9 mm, 168g | P50 Pro is thicker and heavier, nova 11 is noticeably slimmer and lighter, making it easier to pocket and hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Slightly larger screen on the nova 11 offers a bit more immersive experience for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1228x2700 (450 PPI) | 1084x2412 (391 PPI) | P50 Pro has a sharper, more detailed display, especially noticeable when reading text or viewing high-resolution images. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Nova 11's display is much brighter, providing better outdoor visibility, crucial for using the phone under direct sunlight. |
| Technology | OLED, 120Hz | OLED, 120Hz | Both offer vibrant colors and smooth scrolling, making them great for gaming and watching videos. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | Kirin 9000 offers better overall performance, especially in graphically intensive tasks and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 697,566 | 587,561 | P50 Pro will feel snappier and more responsive, especially in demanding games and applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.55", OIS) | 50MP (f/1.9) | P50 Pro's larger sensor and wider aperture should provide slightly better low-light performance and shallower depth of field. |
| Telephoto | 64MP (f/3.4, 1/2", OIS) | None | P50 Pro offers significantly better zoom capabilities, allowing you to capture distant subjects with more detail. |
| Ultrawide | 13MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | P50 Pro's ultrawide lens captures more detailed and wider shots. |
| Black & White | 40MP (f/1.6) | None | P50 Pro has a dedicated black and white sensor, improving dynamic range and detail in monochrome photos. |
| Selfie | 13MP (f/2.4) | 60MP (f/2.4) | Nova 11's higher resolution selfie camera captures significantly more detailed selfies. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with EIS | Up to 720p@960fps with EIS | P50 Pro offers much higher quality video recording with better stabilization. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 143 | N/A | P50 Pro's camera performance is highly rated by DXOMark, suggesting excellent image quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4360mAh | 4500mAh | Both should offer similar battery life for typical usage, lasting a full day. |
| Charging | 66W wired, 50W wireless, reverse wireless | 66W wired, reverse charging | P50 Pro charges faster with wireless charging and can also wirelessly charge other devices. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer fast and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both offer modern Bluetooth capabilities for connecting to wireless devices. |
| GPS | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Both offer accurate and reliable GPS for navigation. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei P50 Pro: This phone is a powerhouse, especially in photography. Its camera system, with its multiple lenses and larger sensors, delivers exceptional image quality, zoom capabilities, and low-light performance. The Kirin 9000 chipset provides robust performance for demanding tasks. The inclusion of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging is a plus.
Huawei nova 11: The nova 11 shines with its sleek, lightweight design and brighter display. The 60MP selfie camera is a standout feature. While the Snapdragon 778G is a capable chipset, it doesn’t match the raw power of the P50 Pro's Kirin 9000.
Trade-offs:
- The P50 Pro is older, and its design is bulkier compared to the slim and modern nova 11.
- The nova 11 lacks the advanced camera features of the P50 Pro, such as a telephoto lens and wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
For the Photography Enthusiast (P50 Pro): If you prioritize camera quality above all else, the P50 Pro is the clear winner. Its versatile camera system, coupled with excellent processing, delivers stunning photos and videos in various conditions.
For the Style-Conscious User (nova 11): If you value a sleek, lightweight design and a fantastic selfie camera, the nova 11 is a great choice. It’s ideal for social media enthusiasts who prioritize aesthetics and portability.
Use Cases:
- P50 Pro: Professional photography, landscape photography, low-light photography, gaming, heavy multitasking.
- nova 11: Social media, selfies, everyday use, travel (due to its light weight), and users who prefer a modern design.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is camera quality to you? If it's your top priority, the P50 Pro is the better choice.
- Do you value a sleek and lightweight design? The nova 11 excels in this area.
- Are you a heavy user who needs maximum performance? The P50 Pro's Kirin 9000 chipset offers more processing power.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Vacation Photography
- P50 Pro: Its versatile camera system and excellent zoom capabilities make it ideal for capturing a wide range of subjects and scenes.
Scenario 2: Social Media Influencer
- nova 11: Its high-resolution selfie camera and sleek design make it perfect for creating engaging content on social media.
Scenario 3: Everyday User
- nova 11: It strikes a good balance between performance, design, and features, making it a great all-around phone for everyday use.
Final Thoughts
Both phones have their strengths and weaknesses. The Huawei P50 Pro is a photography beast with robust performance, while the Huawei nova 11 impresses with its sleek design and selfie capabilities.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd lean towards the Huawei P50 Pro. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and analyst, I like a phone that allows me to experiment and push the boundaries of what's possible with mobile photography. The P50 Pro's advanced camera system, with its larger sensors, telephoto lens, and dedicated black and white sensor, offers more creative possibilities. The additional performance from the Kirin 9000 is also a big plus for running various testing apps and editing photos on the go.
While the nova 11 is undoubtedly a stylish and capable phone, the P50 Pro's superior camera and performance make it a better fit for my needs.
