Alright, let's break down the Huawei P50 Pro versus the OnePlus Nord 4. It's a classic matchup of brand prestige versus bang-for-buck, with some interesting tech nuances thrown in.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a head-to-head comparison, focusing on what matters to you as a user:
| Feature | Huawei P50 Pro | OnePlus Nord 4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.8 x 72.8 x 8.5 mm, 195g | 162.6 x 75 x 8 mm, 199.5g | P50 Pro is slightly more compact and lighter. Nord 4 is a bit taller and wider, which might be a factor if you have smaller hands. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" OLED | 6.74" AMOLED | Nord 4 has a marginally bigger screen, offering a slightly more immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 1228x2700 (450 PPI) | 1240x2772 (450 PPI) | Both are sharp, but the difference is negligible. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2200 nits | HUGE difference! Nord 4 will be much more visible outdoors in bright sunlight. This is a critical advantage for anyone who spends time outside. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | Nord 4’s Snapdragon is significantly faster according to AnTuTu scores (96% difference!). Expect snappier performance in apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 697,566 | 1,366,982 | This benchmark score means Nord 4 provides faster app loading, better multitasking, and a smoother gaming experience compared to the Huawei P50 Pro. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP24 (Adreno 660) | Adreno 732 | Nord 4's Adreno 732 is significantly faster than Mali-G78 MP24 (Adreno 660) of P50 Pro, which results in better graphics performance for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" | P50 Pro has a larger sensor, which generally means better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/3.4, 1/2" | None | P50 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Ultrawide | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" (Wide Angle + Macro) | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | P50 Pro has a telephoto lens and ultrawide lens while Nord 4 has a telephoto lens. |
| Black & White | 40MP, f/1.6, 1/1.7" | None | P50 Pro has a dedicated black and white lens. |
| Selfie | 13MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Similar selfie performance, slight edge to Nord 4 due to higher megapixel count. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Comparable video recording capabilities. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 143, Selfie: 144 | Not Tested | P50 Pro has established camera performance, but DXOMark scores aren't everything. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4360mAh | 5500mAh | Nord 4 has a significantly larger battery, likely translating to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W Wired, 50W Wireless | 100W Wired | Nord 4 charges much faster with 100W charging. P50 Pro offers wireless charging, which is a nice convenience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | - | Android 14, upgradable to 18 | Nord 4 has Android 14 and is upgradable to 18, potentially longer software support. |
| Other | |||
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, choose storage options wisely. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord 4 - Raw Power and Battery Endurance: The Nord 4 wins big on performance and battery. Its Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor is a significant upgrade over the P50 Pro's Kirin 9000, and the larger battery means you'll spend less time hunting for a charger. The brighter display also makes it far more usable outdoors.
Huawei P50 Pro - Camera Versatility and Premium Features: The P50 Pro excels in camera versatility, with its telephoto lens and dedicated black and white sensor. Wireless charging is a premium convenience feature the Nord 4 lacks. The DXOMark scores validate its camera prowess, though real-world results are always the best test.
Trade-offs: The P50 Pro is an older device (released in 2021), so it might not get as many future software updates as the Nord 4. Also, the lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS) on the Huawei device is a dealbreaker for many outside of China.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
OnePlus Nord 4:
- Gamers: The superior processor and larger battery make this ideal for mobile gaming.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: The super-bright display is a must-have for anyone who spends a lot of time in sunlight.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Offers flagship-level performance at a mid-range price.
Huawei P50 Pro:
- Photography Enthusiasts: The versatile camera system, with telephoto lens and black and white sensor, is appealing to those who prioritize mobile photography.
- Wireless Charging Advocates: If wireless charging is essential for you, the P50 Pro delivers.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is peak performance and battery life to you? If those are top priorities, the Nord 4 is the clear choice.
- Do you need a versatile camera system with optical zoom? If so, the P50 Pro is the better option.
- Are you heavily invested in the Google ecosystem? If so, the Nord 4 is the way to go.
- Scenario 1: "I need a phone for demanding games and long days out." Choose the OnePlus Nord 4.
- Scenario 2: "I want the best possible camera experience on a smartphone." Choose the Huawei P50 Pro.
- Scenario 3: "I want the best balance of performance, features, and value." Choose the OnePlus Nord 4.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the OnePlus Nord 4.
Here's why:
- Performance Matters: As a tech journalist, I frequently test and use various apps, often simultaneously. The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 offers a substantial performance boost, ensuring a smoother and more responsive experience.
- Battery Anxiety is Real: A larger battery means I can go through a full day of usage without constantly worrying about finding a charger.
- Display Visibility: I often work outdoors, and the brighter display on the Nord 4 is a significant advantage.
- Google Services: Seamless integration with Google services is crucial for my workflow.
While the P50 Pro has a compelling camera system, the Nord 4’s raw power, superior battery life, and brighter display, combined with the seamless Android experience, make it the more practical and well-rounded choice for my needs.
