Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei P50 Pro and the Huawei nova 11 Pro. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and give you my honest take on which phone might be a better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specs, with a focus on what they mean for real-world use:
| Feature | Huawei P50 Pro | Huawei nova 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.8 × 72.8 × 8.5 mm, 195g | 164.3 × 74.4 × 7.9 mm, 188g | P50 Pro is more compact and slightly heavier, Nova 11 Pro is larger but lighter; impacts pocketability and one-handed use. |
| Build Quality | Unknown Screen Protection | Unknown Screen Protection | Durability is a question mark. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.78" | Nova 11 Pro has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1228x2700 (450 PPI) | 1200x2652 (429 PPI) | Both are sharp, P50 Pro has a minor edge in sharpness but you may not notice. |
| Technology | OLED, 120Hz | OLED, 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and vibrant colors on both. |
| Brightness | 0 nits (Spec Error) | 950 nits | Nova 11 Pro is significantly brighter, much better for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | Kirin 9000 is more powerful, better for demanding games and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 697,566 | 592,297 | P50 Pro offers snappier overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP24 (Adreno 660) | Adreno 642L (Adreno 642L) | P50 Pro handles graphically intensive tasks better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" OV50A | 50MP, f/1.9 | P50 Pro has a slightly wider aperture, better for low-light. Sensor size on P50 Pro also suggests potentially better image quality. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/3.4, 1/2" OV64B | None | P50 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, a significant advantage for distant subjects. |
| Ultrawide/Macro | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" OV13B10 | 8MP, f/2.2 | P50 Pro captures more detailed ultrawide shots. |
| Black & White Lens | 40MP, f/1.6, 1/1.7" OV40A | None | P50 Pro excels in black and white photography and potentially improves overall image processing. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 60MP, f/2.4, 1/2.8" OV60A | Nova 11 Pro takes far more detailed selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps (EIS) | Up to 720p@960fps (EIS) | P50 Pro records higher quality videos with better stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 143, Selfie: 144 | N/A | P50 Pro's camera performance is highly regarded. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4360mAh | 4500mAh | Both should offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 66W wired, 50W wireless | 100W wired | Nova 11 Pro charges significantly faster via cable, P50 Pro offers wireless charging convenience. |
| Features | Reverse Wireless Charging | Reverse Charging | P50 Pro can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Other | |||
| Software | EMUI | EMUI | Same Huawei interface experience. |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, Advanced GPS | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 LE, GPS | Both have modern connectivity options, P50 Pro has more advanced GPS. |
| Storage | 128/256/512GB, No Expandable Storage | 128/256/512GB, No Expandable Storage | Choose storage carefully, as you can't add more later. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 6/8/12GB | 12GB RAM ensures smoother multitasking. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | P50 Pro has potentially better audio quality with Dolby Atmos. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei P50 Pro:
- Strengths: Superior camera system (telephoto lens, black and white lens, better main sensor, higher-quality video), more powerful processor, wireless charging, and better audio with Dolby Atmos.
- Competitive Advantages: Flagship-level camera performance, robust processing power, and premium features like wireless charging.
- Limitations: Older model, potentially lower availability, and possibly a higher price point.
Huawei nova 11 Pro:
- Strengths: Significantly brighter display, faster wired charging, and a higher resolution selfie camera.
- Competitive Advantages: Exceptional selfie quality, better outdoor visibility, and rapid charging capabilities.
- Limitations: Less powerful chipset, no telephoto lens, and lacks wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei P50 Pro: Best for users who prioritize camera performance, particularly versatility (telephoto, black and white), and require a powerful processor for demanding tasks. Ideal for photography enthusiasts and power users.
- Huawei nova 11 Pro: Suited for selfie lovers, social media enthusiasts, and users who value a bright display for outdoor use. The faster charging is a plus for those who are always on the go.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is camera versatility to you? If you need optical zoom and a top-tier camera system, the P50 Pro is the clear winner. If you primarily take selfies, the Nova 11 Pro is a strong contender.
- Do you need wireless charging and Dolby Atmos audio? If so, the P50 Pro is your only choice.
- How much do you value a bright display and fast charging? If these are priorities, the Nova 11 Pro excels.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Photography Enthusiast: Huawei P50 Pro
- Selfie and Social Media Lover: Huawei nova 11 Pro
- Budget-Conscious User: Huawei nova 11 Pro (likely to be more affordable)
- Outdoor User: Huawei nova 11 Pro
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Huawei P50 Pro. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who values a great camera, the P50 Pro's camera system is simply more compelling. The inclusion of a telephoto lens and the overall image quality, particularly in diverse shooting conditions, outweighs the benefits of the nova 11 Pro for my needs. Also, that chip is still snappy even compared to chips released today.
While the nova 11 Pro's brighter screen and faster charging are definitely appealing, the camera versatility of the P50 Pro is more valuable to me. Plus, that price might have gone down. I would always prefer saving money!
