Alright, let's get into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei P50 Pro and the Realme 11 Pro. This is going to be a deep dive, translating specs into real-world usability.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up:
| Feature | Huawei P50 Pro | Realme 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.8 x 72.8 x 8.5 mm | 161.7 x 73.9 x 8.2 mm | P50 Pro is a bit more compact, potentially easier to handle one-handed. Realme 11 Pro is slightly taller and wider. |
| Weight | 195g | 183g | Realme 11 Pro feels slightly lighter in hand, which matters during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Minor difference; both offer immersive viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1228 x 2700 | 1080 x 2412 | P50 Pro has a sharper, more detailed display. Text and images will appear crisper. |
| PPI | 450 | 394 | Noticeable difference in sharpness. P50 Pro's higher pixel density results in finer details. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar technologies; expect vibrant colors and deep blacks from both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Realme 11 Pro is much better suited for outdoor use in bright sunlight due to its high brightness. Huawei's P50 Pro brightness not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Kirin 9000 should provide snappier performance for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 697,566 | 540,800 | P50 Pro demonstrates superior performance, indicating faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP24 (Adreno 660) | Mali-G68 MC4 (Mali-G68 MC4) | P50 Pro’s GPU is better for graphically intensive applications and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 100MP f/1.75, 1/1.8" | Realme 11 Pro has higher megapixel count but a smaller sensor. P50 Pro has a larger sensor which gathers more light, potentially better in low light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.4 | 16MP f/2.45, 1/3.1", 1.00µm | Similar performance; Realme 11 Pro offers slightly better selfie resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP f/3.4, 1/2", 0.70µm | None | P50 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoomed-in shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Realme 11 Pro allows for close-up macro photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | None | P50 Pro can capture wide-angle shots and macro photos with dedicated lens. |
| Black & White | 40MP f/1.6, 1/1.7", 1.00µm | None | P50 Pro has a dedicated Black & White camera. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps w/ EIS | Up to 4K@30fps w/ EIS | P50 Pro can shoot smoother 4K video at a higher frame rate. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 143, Selfie: 144 | N/A | P50 Pro's camera is highly rated by DXOMark. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4360mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 11 Pro should offer longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W wired, 50W wireless | 67W wired | Similar fast charging speeds; P50 Pro has the advantage of wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | N/A | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | Realme 11 Pro comes with a more modern version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 + MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 | P50 Pro’s Wi-Fi MiMO may offer slightly better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Realme 11 Pro has a more recent Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Both offer precise location tracking; Realme 11 Pro supports more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 128/256/512GB | Ample storage options on both. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8/12GB | Sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers microSD card support. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos | Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos | Immersive audio experience on both. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei P50 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density offer a visibly sharper image.
- Powerful Performance: Kirin 9000 chipset delivers faster and smoother performance, especially for demanding applications and gaming.
- Versatile Camera System: Dedicated telephoto lens, wide angle + macro, and high DXOMark scores make it a capable all-around photography tool.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging features.
Realme 11 Pro Strengths:
- Brighter Display: Excellent outdoor visibility thanks to the high brightness screen.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life to get you through the day.
- More Recent Software: Comes with a more up-to-date version of Android.
- Macro Lens: Macro lens adds versatility for close-up photography.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Huawei P50 Pro:
- Potentially older software experience depending on the availability of updates and Google services.
- Heavier and slightly thicker design.
- Realme 11 Pro:
- Lower display resolution and pixel density compared to the P50 Pro.
- Less powerful chipset and GPU.
- Lacks telephoto lens and wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei P50 Pro:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize a top-tier display, powerful performance, and a versatile camera system with zoom capabilities.
- Use Cases: Photography enthusiasts, mobile gamers, and those who consume a lot of high-resolution content.
- Realme 11 Pro:
- Ideal For: Users who value long battery life, a brighter screen for outdoor use, and a more up-to-date software experience at a potentially more accessible price point.
- Use Cases: Daily commuters, outdoor enthusiasts, and users who prefer a lighter phone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself these questions:
- How important is display quality? If you want the sharpest and most detailed display possible, the P50 Pro is the clear winner.
- Do you need a telephoto lens or wireless charging? If yes, the P50 Pro is your only option.
- Is battery life a major concern? The Realme 11 Pro's larger battery will likely provide better endurance.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Photography Pro: If photography is your passion, the P50 Pro's versatile camera system and high DXOMark rating make it the better choice.
- Budget-Conscious User: If getting the most value for your money is important, the Realme 11 Pro offers a good balance of features at a potentially lower price.
- Power User: If you need raw performance for gaming or demanding apps, the P50 Pro's Kirin 9000 chipset delivers a noticeable advantage.
- Outdoor Enthusiast: If you spend a lot of time outdoors, the Realme 11 Pro's brighter display will be easier to see in sunlight.
My Choice
If I were to choose between the Huawei P50 Pro and the Realme 11 Pro, I would lean towards the Huawei P50 Pro, despite its age. The primary reason is the superior display – the higher resolution and pixel density make a noticeable difference in daily use. As someone who consumes a lot of media and appreciates a crisp, detailed screen, this is a significant advantage.
Additionally, the camera system on the P50 Pro is more versatile with its dedicated telephoto lens and excellent DXOMark scores. While the Realme 11 Pro has a higher megapixel count on its main camera, the P50 Pro's larger sensor and additional lenses provide more flexibility in different shooting scenarios.
Finally, the added convenience of wireless charging is a nice-to-have feature that I value. While the Realme 11 Pro has a larger battery, the P50 Pro's 66W fast charging (plus wireless charging) helps to mitigate any potential battery life concerns. The processing power would be a nice bonus too!
Of course, this choice assumes that the software and Google services situation on the P50 Pro is manageable. If having the latest Android version and easy access to Google services is a must, the Realme 11 Pro might be a more practical option. However, for me, the display and camera advantages of the P50 Pro outweigh these concerns.
