Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei P50 Pro and the Nothing Phone (1). Buckle up, because we're going deep, but I'll keep it relatable.
Huawei P50 Pro vs. Nothing Phone (1): A Tech Journalist's Perspective
These phones are interesting contenders. The Huawei P50 Pro is a powerhouse, while the Nothing Phone (1) brings a fresh design to the table. Let's break down the specs, see where they shine, and figure out who each phone is really for.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what each spec really means for you:
| Feature | Huawei P50 Pro | Nothing Phone (1) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Physical Size | 158.8 × 72.8 × 8.5 mm, 195g | 159.2 × 75.8 × 8.3 mm, 193.5g | Similar size and weight; Nothing Phone (1) is slightly wider. Comfortable in hand for most users. |
| Build Quality | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (1) should be more resistant to scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.55" | Negligible difference; both offer immersive viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1228x2700 (450 PPI) | 1080x2400 (402 PPI) | P50 Pro: Sharper text, finer details in images. Nothing Phone (1): Still crisp, but not as visually dense. |
| Technology | OLED, 120Hz | OLED, 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and vibrant colors on both. |
| Brightness | 0 nits (Spec Error?) | 1200 nits | Nothing Phone (1) will be much easier to see outdoors in bright sunlight. (The P50 Pro brightness is likely higher than 0 nits) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Kirin 9000 is theoretically more powerful; smoother multitasking and gaming, but software support varies. |
| AnTuTu Score | 697,566 | 624,253 | P50 Pro should feel snappier overall. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP24 (Adreno 660) | Adreno 642L | Mali-G78 MP24 offers higher graphic performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" (Omnivision OV50A) | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" (Sony IMX766) | P50 Pro captures slightly more light and detail due to sensor size. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.4, 1/2" (Omnivision OV64B) | None | P50 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, which are great for distance shots. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" (Omnivision OV13B10) | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" (Samsung S5KJN1) | Nothing Phone (1)'s ultrawide has higher resolution, but smaller pixel size. |
| Black & White Camera | 40MP, f/1.6, 1/1.7" (Omnivision OV40A) | None | Huawei P50 Pro offers a black and white sensor for a wider dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.13" (Sony IMX471 Exmor RS) | Nothing Phone (1) captures brighter selfies with wider angle and slightly better detail. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with HDR, EIS | Similar video capabilities; Nothing Phone (1) offers HDR video. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4360mAh | 4500mAh | Nearly identical, so expect similar all-day performance for typical use. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless Charging | 33W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless Charging | P50 Pro charges much faster, especially wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | EMUI (based on Android, but without Google Services) | Android 12 (upgradeable to 15) | Nothing Phone (1) offers a cleaner, more stock Android experience with guaranteed updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Similar Bluetooth capabilities; Nothing Phone (1) offers LE (Low Energy) |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256 GB | P50 Pro has a higher max storage option. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8/12 GB | Both offer ample RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards, so choose your storage carefully. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei P50 Pro:
- Strengths: Superior camera system (especially zoom), faster charging (wired and wireless), potentially more processing power, higher resolution display.
- Competitive Advantages: Camera performance and charging speed are top-tier.
- Limitations: Software (no Google Services), older phone model.
Nothing Phone (1):
- Strengths: Unique design (Glyph interface), clean Android experience with guaranteed updates, brighter display.
- Competitive Advantages: Distinctive design and software experience.
- Limitations: Less powerful chipset and slower charging compared to P50 Pro.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei P50 Pro: Best for users who prioritize camera quality above all else and are comfortable navigating the lack of Google services. A photographer who values zoom capabilities and fast charging will appreciate this phone.
- Nothing Phone (1): Ideal for users who want a stylish, unique phone with a clean Android experience. Great for social media enthusiasts and those who enjoy a visually distinctive design.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask yourself:
- How important is camera quality to you? If it's your top priority, the P50 Pro is the winner.
- Do you rely heavily on Google Services? If so, the Nothing Phone (1) is the better choice.
- Does a unique design matter to you? The Nothing Phone (1) stands out with its transparent back and Glyph interface.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Photography Enthusiast: Huawei P50 Pro
- For the Design-Conscious User: Nothing Phone (1)
- For the Average User Who Wants a Balanced Experience: Nothing Phone (1)
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd lean towards the Nothing Phone (1). Despite the P50 Pro having a more impressive camera setup, the lack of Google Services is a deal-breaker for me. I rely heavily on the Google ecosystem, and the hassle of sideloading apps and dealing with potential compatibility issues just isn't worth it.
The Nothing Phone (1), on the other hand, offers a clean, bloatware-free Android experience, guaranteed software updates, and a unique design that I find appealing. While the camera might not be as top-tier as the P50 Pro's, it's still more than capable of taking great photos for everyday use. Plus, the brighter display is a significant advantage for outdoor visibility.
