Alright, let's break down the Huawei P50 Pro and the Motorola Edge (2022). I'll put on my tech journalist hat and try to give you a clear, insightful comparison that goes beyond just listing specs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications, presented in a way that highlights what each one means for real-world use:
| Feature | Huawei P50 Pro | Motorola Edge (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.8 x 72.8 x 8.5 mm, 195g | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm, 170g | Edge (2022) is taller and wider but lighter, P50 Pro slightly thicker. Affects pocketability and hand feel. |
| Build | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Motorola Edge(2022) offers more screen protection. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Identical screen size; no advantage in viewing area for either phone. |
| Resolution | 1228x2700 (450 PPI) | 1080x2400 (399 PPI) | P50 Pro has a noticeably sharper display. Text and images will appear clearer. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge (2022) offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in gaming. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of OLED displays. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 9000 (5nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6nm) | P50 Pro has more processing power, better app loading, and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 697,566 | 522,375 | P50 Pro scores 34% higher in benchmarks, offering slightly faster app loading, smoother operation. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP24 (Adreno 660) | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | P50 Pro has a more powerful GPU, better for demanding games and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | Comparable main camera performance, expected similar image quality in good lighting. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.4, 1/2" | None | P50 Pro offers better zoom capabilities and more detailed zoomed-in shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | 13MP, f/1.5 | Edge (2022) has wider apperture which means it lets in more light and can produce better images. |
| Black and White Lens | 40MP, f/1.6 | None | P50 Pro offers better black and white photography. |
| Macro Lens | None | 20MP, f/2.4 | Edge (2022) can take detailed close-up shots of small objects. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 32MP, f/2.45 | Edge (2022) will produce higher resolution and more detailed selfies. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | P50 Pro can record smoother 4K video due to the higher frame rate support. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 143 | N/A | P50 Pro's camera is highly rated and provides good quality images |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 144 | N/A | P50 Pro's selfie camera is highly rated and provides good quality images |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4360mAh | 5000mAh | Edge (2022) should offer longer battery life, especially with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 66W Wired, 50W Wireless | 30W Wired, 15W Wireless | P50 Pro charges much faster, both wired and wirelessly. |
| Features | Reverse Wireless Charging | Reverse Charging | P50 Pro can wirelessly charge other devices faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | N/A | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Edge (2022) offers a more standard and up-to-date Android experience. P50 Pro software is not specified. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards; P50 Pro has additional support of Wi-Fi MiMO for better speed and range |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.2, LE | P50 Pro supports more audio codecs for higher-quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | More systems supported | Fewer systems supported | P50 Pro offers potentially more accurate and reliable location tracking. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Edge (2022) offers the flexibility of using an eSIM for travel or multiple lines. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | P50 Pro offers a higher maximum storage option (512GB). |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8 GB | P50 Pro has more RAM, better for multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones, Noise Cancellation Microphone | Motorola Edge (2022) has better noise cancellation than Huawei P50 Pro |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Suite | More sensors | Less sensors | Huawei P50 Pro offers better sensor options compared to Motorola Edge (2022) |
2. Key Insights
Huawei P50 Pro:
- Strengths: Superior camera system (especially zoom), more processing power, faster charging (both wired and wireless), higher resolution display, more RAM, and Wi-Fi MiMO.
- Competitive Advantages: The camera is a standout feature, likely delivering exceptional image quality and versatility. The faster charging is also a significant convenience.
- Trade-offs: Software is a question mark (no specified OS), no macro lens, and screen protection is unknown.
Motorola Edge (2022):
- Strengths: Longer battery life, higher refresh rate display, more up-to-date Android version (12, upgradable to 13), and eSIM support.
- Competitive Advantages: The combination of battery life and a smooth, clean Android experience will appeal to many users. The macro lens is a nice addition for close-up photography.
- Trade-offs: Less powerful chipset, slower charging, lower resolution display, less RAM and no telephoto lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei P50 Pro: Best for photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system and power users who need a fast processor and quick charging. Also suitable for those who value a high-resolution display.
- Motorola Edge (2022): Ideal for users who prioritize battery life, a clean Android experience, and a smooth display. Good for everyday use, media consumption, and casual gaming.
Specific Use Cases:
- P50 Pro: Travel photography, detailed landscape shots, capturing fast-moving subjects, and demanding mobile games.
- Motorola Edge (2022): All-day productivity, watching videos, browsing social media, and capturing casual photos.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is camera quality to you? If photography is a top priority, the P50 Pro is the better choice.
- Do you value battery life or fast charging more? If you need all-day battery and don't mind slower charging, the Edge (2022) is preferable. But if you need fast charging, P50 Pro is the way to go.
- Do you prefer a clean Android experience or are you willing to potentially deal with a non-specified OS? The Edge (2022) offers a straightforward Android experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Avid Photographer: Choose the Huawei P50 Pro for its superior camera system.
- Scenario 2: On-the-Go Professional: The Motorola Edge (2022) is your choice.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer: The Huawei P50 Pro is your choice.
Which one would I choose?
Personally, I would lean towards the Huawei P50 Pro, but with a caveat. The lack of clarity on the software situation is a major concern. If I could confirm that it runs a stable and usable version of Android (or even HarmonyOS), the superior camera system, faster processor, and high-resolution display would make it worth the trade-offs. The camera system is such a unique advantage for photography, and I'm willing to take the risk.
