Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei P50 Pro and the Motorola Edge 20 Pro. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and help you figure out which one might be the better fit for you.
Huawei P50 Pro vs. Motorola Edge 20 Pro: A Detailed Comparison
Here’s a structured breakdown, focusing on real-world implications:
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Huawei P50 Pro | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Physical Size | 158.8 x 72.8 x 8.5 mm, 195g | 163 x 76 x 8 mm, 190g | P50 Pro is more compact and slightly heavier, feels denser in hand. Edge 20 Pro is taller/wider, but lighter – might feel less substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Edge 20 Pro gives you a tiny bit more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1228x2700 (450 PPI) | 1080x2400 (385 PPI) | P50 Pro has a noticeably sharper display. Text and images will appear crisper. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 20 Pro offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, although the difference might not be very noticeable unless you're a hardcore gamer. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Assuming this is a data error, in reality, both phones will likely have comparable brightness levels suitable for outdoor viewing. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Motorola provides better screen protection, crucial for avoiding scratches and minor impacts. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Edge 20 Pro's Snapdragon 870 has a slight edge in benchmarks, so it might handle demanding tasks and games a bit better. |
| AnTuTu Score | 697,566 | 813,800 | Confirms the Snapdragon 870's slightly better performance. Expect a smoother experience overall, especially with graphically intensive apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP24 (Adreno 660) | Adreno 650 | Edge 20 Pro is a good performer but the P50 Pro offers a more powerful graphical unit. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 12GB | Both will handle multitasking without breaking a sweat, but the extra RAM in the 12GB models ensures smoother performance with many apps open. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | Edge 20 Pro's high resolution could mean more detail in good light, but the P50 Pro's wider aperture and larger sensor often result in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 32MP, f/2.3 | Edge 20 Pro will likely capture sharper selfies with more detail, especially in well-lit conditions. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.4, 1/2" | 8MP, f/3.4 | P50 Pro's telephoto lens will produce significantly sharper zoomed-in photos. A big win if you use the zoom feature frequently. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | 16MP, f/2.2 | Edge 20 Pro might offer slightly more detailed wide-angle shots, but the difference might be minor. |
| B&W Camera | 40MP, f/1.6, 1/1.7" | None | The P50 Pro's dedicated B&W sensor can enhance monochrome photography and improve overall image detail in certain lighting conditions. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Edge 20 Pro supports 8K video recording for future-proofing, but 4K is still the sweet spot for most users due to storage constraints and editing capabilities. |
| DXOMark | 143 (Mobile), 144 (Selfie) | Not Available | P50 Pro has excellent scores, suggesting top-tier camera performance in both stills and video. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Laser AF, Quad Camera | 8K Video, Triple Camera | P50 Pro's OIS and laser AF contribute to sharper photos and videos, while the Quad Camera system offers greater versatility. Edge 20 Pro provides more details with 8k. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4360mAh | 4500mAh | Both should offer similar battery life, lasting a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 66W Wired, 50W Wireless | 30W Wired | P50 Pro charges much faster, especially with wireless charging. This is a huge convenience factor. |
| Features | Reverse Wireless Charging | Reverse Charging | P50 Pro can wirelessly charge other devices, while both can charge other devices via a cable. |
| Software | |||
| OS | " " | Android 11 | This is a crucial point. If the P50 Pro lacks full Android support and Google services, it could be a deal-breaker for many users. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards for fast and reliable wireless connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | P50 Pro has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, which might offer marginally better range and efficiency. |
| GPS | Comprehensive GPS Suite | Comprehensive GPS Suite | Both have excellent GPS. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB | P50 Pro offers a larger 512GB option for users with extensive storage needs. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards, so choose your storage option wisely at purchase. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | P50 Pro provides a more immersive audio experience for music, movies, and gaming. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Motorola's side-mounted sensor is generally faster and more convenient than a basic in-display sensor. |
| Sensors | Barometer, etc. | Basic Suite | P50 Pro's barometer can provide altitude data and weather information. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei P50 Pro:
- Strengths: Superior camera system (especially zoom and low-light), faster charging (wired and wireless), potentially better audio, more compact design, and a potentially higher resolution display.
- Trade-offs: Uncertain software situation (no Google Services?), basic fingerprint sensor, and slightly less processing power than the Edge 20 Pro.
Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Strengths: Reliable Android experience (with Google services), smoother performance, Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection, 8k video recording.
- Trade-offs: Inferior camera zoom capabilities, slower charging, larger size, less immersive audio.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei P50 Pro: Ideal for photography enthusiasts who prioritize image quality above all else, especially in low-light conditions. Also a good choice for users who value fast charging and a more compact design. However, only recommended if you are comfortable with the potential software limitations.
Motorola Edge 20 Pro: Best suited for users who want a reliable, smooth Android experience with the convenience of Google services. A solid all-around phone for everyday use, with a decent camera and 8K video capabilities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
How important is camera quality and zoom capabilities to you? If photography is your top priority, the P50 Pro is the better choice.
Is having a reliable Android experience with Google services essential? If yes, the Edge 20 Pro is the safer bet.
Do you value fast charging and a more compact design? The P50 Pro excels in these areas.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Photography Pro: Choose the Huawei P50 Pro.
- The Everyday User: Choose the Motorola Edge 20 Pro.
My Choice
If I had to pick between the two, I would lean towards the Motorola Edge 20 Pro, but with a huge caveat on the P50 Pro.
Here's why: I value a smooth, reliable Android experience above all else. I rely heavily on Google services, and the potential lack of those on the P50 Pro is a major deal-breaker for me. While the P50 Pro's camera is undeniably impressive, the Edge 20 Pro's camera is still very capable for everyday use, and the reassurance of a full Android experience outweighs the camera advantage for me personally.
However, if the Huawei P50 Pro could run a full Android experience with support for the Google Play Store (maybe by flashing a custom ROM), I would instantly choose the P50 Pro due to its superior camera system. The P50 Pro provides much better photography capability and much faster charging.
