Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison between the Huawei P50 Pro and the OnePlus Nord 3. We'll break down the specs, analyze what they mean for you, and help you decide which phone fits your needs best.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Huawei P50 Pro | OnePlus Nord 3 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.8 x 72.8 x 8.5 mm, 195g | 162 x 75.1 x 8.2 mm, 193.5g | P50 Pro is slightly more compact. Nord 3 is a bit taller and wider, but nearly the same weight. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.74" | Nord 3 has a slightly larger screen, which may be better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1228x2700 | 1240x2772 | Very similar sharpness. The difference is negligible. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1450 nits | Nord 3 will be much more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Essentially the same high-quality display technology. Expect vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm) | Nord 3's chipset is newer and more efficient, likely offering better performance and power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 697,566 | 1,103,441 | Nord 3 is significantly faster in benchmarks, which translates to snappier performance and better gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP24 (Adreno 660) | Mali-G710 MC10 (Mali-G710 MC10) | Nord 3 has a newer GPU, which should provide better graphics performance in games and other demanding applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | P50 Pro has a slightly larger sensor which could translate into better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.4, 1/2" | None | P50 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" (Wide + Macro) | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Nord 3 has a dedicated ultra-wide lens. P50 Pro combines it with a macro lens |
| Black & White Camera | 40MP, f/1.6, 1/1.7" | None | P50 Pro has a dedicated Black & white camera |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Nord 3 has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Nord 3 has a slightly higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Both offer similar video recording capabilities. |
| DXOMark Score | 143 (Mobile), 144 (Selfie) | N/A | P50 Pro has a rated camera quality by DXOMark. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4360mAh | 5000mAh | Nord 3 has a larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W Wired, 50W Wireless | 80W Wired | Nord 3 charges faster via wired connection. P50 Pro offers wireless charging. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB | P50 Pro offers a 512GB option for users who need maximum storage. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8/16GB | Nord 3 offers a 16GB RAM option, which is great for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Software | Android 13, OxygenOS | Nord 3 offers a more up-to-date Android experience with the OxygenOS skin. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Nord 3 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei P50 Pro:
- Strengths: Excellent camera system with telephoto lens and great image processing, wireless charging, and a slightly more compact design.
- Competitive Advantages: The Telephoto lens and wireless charging set it apart. The Black & white camera, which could translate into better low-light performance.
- Trade-offs: Older chipset, potentially less battery life, and lack of Google services (depending on region).
OnePlus Nord 3:
- Strengths: Significantly faster performance, larger battery, brighter display, up-to-date software, and faster wired charging. Has a dedicated ultra-wide camera.
- Competitive Advantages: Superior performance for gaming and multitasking, better outdoor visibility, and a cleaner, more modern Android experience.
- Trade-offs: No wireless charging and lacks a dedicated telephoto lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei P50 Pro:
- Best For: Photography enthusiasts who value optical zoom and wireless charging, and don't mind the older chipset and potentially limited software support.
- Use Cases: Excellent for capturing detailed photos at varying distances, convenient wireless charging at home or in the office, and a more compact design for one-handed use.
OnePlus Nord 3:
- Best For: Users who prioritize performance, battery life, and a modern Android experience. Great for gamers, multitaskers, and anyone who spends a lot of time on their phone.
- Use Cases: Smooth gaming, long-lasting battery for all-day use, bright display for outdoor visibility, and a clean software experience with regular updates.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is camera zoom to you? If you need a good zoom lens, the Huawei P50 Pro is the better choice. If you prefer ultra-wide shots, the OnePlus Nord 3 has that covered.
- Do you value performance and battery life over everything else? The OnePlus Nord 3 offers significantly better performance and battery life than the Huawei P50 Pro.
- Is wireless charging a must-have feature for you? Only the Huawei P50 Pro offers wireless charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Mobile Gamer: Choose the OnePlus Nord 3 for its superior performance, larger battery, and brighter display.
- The Photography Enthusiast: The Huawei P50 Pro is the better option due to its versatile camera system with a Telephoto lens and great image processing.
- The Everyday User: The OnePlus Nord 3 provides a balanced package of performance, battery life, and software, making it a great all-around choice.
My Pick
If I were choosing, I would go with the OnePlus Nord 3. While the Huawei P50 Pro has a more versatile camera system, the Nord 3's performance advantage, longer battery life, brighter display, and modern software experience make it the better choice for my needs. I also don't use zoom lenses very often.
The Dimensity 9000 chipset in the Nord 3 is a beast, and the larger battery means I wouldn't have to worry about running out of juice during a busy day. Plus, the OxygenOS software is clean, fast, and bloatware-free, which is a huge plus in my book. Ultimately, the Nord 3 offers a more complete and modern smartphone experience.
