Alright, let's break down the Huawei P50 Pro versus the Realme 12x. It's a classic case of an older flagship squaring off against a newer mid-range contender. The P50 Pro is a bit of a veteran, launching back in 2021, while the Realme 12x is fresh off the production line in 2024. Let's get into the details to see which one comes out on top for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, along with what they mean for your day-to-day use:
| Feature | Huawei P50 Pro | Realme 12x | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.8 x 72.8 x 8.5 mm | 165.6 x 76.1 x 7.9 mm | P50 Pro is more compact; Realme 12x is thinner and taller, potentially less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 195g | 190g | Negligible difference in weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.67" | Virtually identical screen size. |
| Resolution | 1228x2700 | 720x1604 | P50 Pro's display will be noticeably sharper and clearer for reading text, watching videos, and viewing photos. |
| PPI | 450 | 264 | Higher PPI on P50 Pro means sharper images and text. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | OLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors compared to LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and gaming experience. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 9000 (5nm) | Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) | Kirin 9000 offers significantly better performance for demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 697,566 | 442,599 | P50 Pro will feel faster and more responsive overall. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP24 | Mali-G57 MC2 | P50 Pro has a more powerful GPU, better for graphically intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Similar main camera specs, but image processing will likely differ. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.1 | P50 Pro has higher resolution, Realme 12x has wider aperture for slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.4 | None | P50 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme 12x has dedicated depth sensor for enhanced portrait mode |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2 | None | P50 Pro provides ultra-wide angle shots. |
| Black & White Lens | 40MP, f/1.6 | None | P50 Pro has dedicated B&W lens |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | P50 Pro can record higher resolution videos. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 143 | N/A | P50 Pro has been tested, and it's a flagship-level performer |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 144 | N/A | P50 Pro has been tested, and it's a flagship-level performer |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4360mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 12x should offer longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W wired, 50W wireless | 15W wired | P50 Pro charges much faster, especially with wireless charging. |
| Software | N/A | Android 14 | Realme 12x offers a modern Android experience out of the box. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512GB | 256/512GB | Similar storage options, but no expandable storage on either. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 12GB | Both should handle multitasking well, but Realme 12x has only 12GB variant |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos | Hi-Res Audio | Both phones offer a stereo speaker setup. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme 12x has better security because of side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
2. Key Insights
Huawei P50 Pro: This phone is all about the premium experience. It boasts a superior display (OLED, higher resolution, and PPI), a much more powerful chipset, and a versatile camera system with telephoto, wide-angle, and black-and-white lenses. Its charging is also significantly faster, both wired and wireless. The downside? It's an older device, the software experience might not be as seamless as on newer Android phones, and it lacks 5G connectivity in some regions.
Realme 12x: The Realme 12x focuses on affordability and practicality. It offers a larger battery, a more modern Android version, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. However, it compromises on display quality, performance, and camera versatility. The slower charging speed is also a drawback.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei P50 Pro: Ideal for users who prioritize camera quality, display sharpness, and overall performance. It's a great choice for photography enthusiasts and those who consume a lot of multimedia content. If you don't need the latest software features and can live without 5G, this phone offers excellent value.
Realme 12x: This is a solid option for budget-conscious users who value long battery life and a modern Android experience. It's suitable for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and casual gaming. If you're not too demanding when it comes to camera performance or processing power, the Realme 12x is a reliable choice.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is camera quality and versatility to you? If you want a top-tier camera system with zoom capabilities and advanced features, the P50 Pro is the clear winner.
- Do you prioritize battery life and a modern Android experience? The Realme 12x offers better battery endurance and the latest version of Android.
- What is your budget? The Realme 12x is likely to be more affordable, making it a better option if you're on a tight budget.
Which One Would I Choose?
Personally, I'd lean towards the Huawei P50 Pro. While it's an older phone, the superior display, performance, and camera system are hard to ignore. As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst who values these aspects, the P50 Pro offers a more enjoyable and capable experience overall. The lack of 5G isn't a deal-breaker for me, and I'm confident I can manage the software experience. The trade-off is worth it for the quality you're getting in other areas.
