Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Huawei P50 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. We'll break it down into digestible chunks, highlighting what matters most for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Huawei P50 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.8 × 72.8 × 8.5 mm | 162 × 77.3 × 8 mm | P50 Pro is slightly more compact and potentially easier to handle with one hand. |
| Weight | 195g | 213g | P50 Pro feels noticeably lighter, better for extended use. |
| Build | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S24 FE likely more durable against drops and scratches. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" OLED | 6.7" AMOLED | S24 FE offers a marginally larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1228x2700 (450 PPI) | 1080x2340 (385 PPI) | P50 Pro's display appears sharper with finer details due to higher pixel density. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1900 nits | S24 FE display remains legible under direct sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide fluid scrolling and gaming experiences. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | Exynos 2400e (4 nm) | S24 FE with newer chipset handles demanding tasks faster and more efficiently. |
| AnTuTu Score | 697,566 | 1,600,000 | S24 FE offers significantly smoother performance, especially in gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | P50 Pro slightly larger sensor captures more light, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/3.4, 1/2" | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" | P50 Pro offers far superior zoom capabilities and detail in zoomed shots. |
| Ultrawide | 13MP | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" | S24 FE: Dedicated ultrawide lens offers wider perspective shots. |
| Black & White | 40MP | N/A | P50 Pro: Captures enhanced black and white images, but of limited general use. |
| Selfie | 13MP | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | P50 Pro may capture slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | S24 FE can record higher resolution videos, future-proofing your content. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 143 (Photo: 143, Video: 139) | 133 (Photo: 136, Video: 125) | P50 Pro excelled in image and video quality tests, according to DxOMark at the time of its release. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4360mAh | 4700mAh | S24 FE potentially offers slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W Wired, 50W Wireless | 25W Wired, 15W Wireless | P50 Pro charges significantly faster, both wired and wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | - | Android 14 | S24 FE has a modern, up-to-date operating system with guaranteed updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | S24 FE: Supports faster, less congested WiFi networks (if you have a compatible router). |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | S24 FE: Slightly improved connectivity and efficiency with newer standard. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei P50 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Camera System (on paper): The P50 Pro boasts an impressive camera setup, particularly excelling in zoom capabilities with its high-resolution telephoto lens. DxOMark scores also indicated strong photo and video performance at launch.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster wired and wireless charging ensures you spend less time tethered to a charger.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution screen provides a crisper viewing experience.
- Premium Design: The P50 Pro is lighter and more compact, making it comfortable for one-handed use.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Strengths:
- More Powerful Performance: The Exynos 2400e chipset delivers a substantial performance leap, ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming.
- Brighter Display: The S24 FE shines outdoors with a much brighter display, offering excellent visibility even in direct sunlight.
- Up-to-Date Software: Runs on Android 14, guaranteeing the latest features and security updates.
- Ultrawide Lens: Offers the flexibility of capturing wide-angle shots.
- Better Connectivity: Supports WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for enhanced connectivity.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Huawei P50 Pro:
- Software: The lack of software information is concerning. This could mean that you would be locked to older software and possibly unable to upgrade to future software.
- Older Device: Being a 2021 device, you miss out on newer features, software support, and potentially future updates.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 FE:
- Slower Charging: Slower charging speeds compared to the P50 Pro.
- Less Impressive Zoom Camera: Lower resolution telephoto lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei P50 Pro is best for:
- Photography enthusiasts who prioritize zoom capabilities and are comfortable with potential software limitations.
- Users who value fast charging and a compact design.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is best for:
- Performance-focused users who want a smooth, responsive experience in apps and games.
- Outdoor enthusiasts who need a bright, sunlight-readable display.
- Users who want a modern software experience with guaranteed updates.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- How important is peak performance to you? If you demand the best possible speed for gaming and demanding apps, the S24 FE is the clear winner.
- Do you prioritize camera zoom capabilities? If yes, the P50 Pro's telephoto lens offers superior zoom quality.
- How crucial is a modern, up-to-date software experience? If you want the latest features and security patches, the S24 FE is the safer bet.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- "I love taking photos, especially zoomed-in shots": Huawei P50 Pro. Its telephoto lens is superior.
- "I play a lot of demanding mobile games": Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. The faster processor provides a smoother gaming experience.
- "I need a phone that's reliable, with guaranteed updates": Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. The latest Android version ensures long-term software support.
My Choice
If I were making the decision today, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.
Here's why:
While the Huawei P50 Pro has some appealing aspects, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE simply offers a better overall experience. I prioritize performance and software, and while the camera is important it's not the absolute deciding factor for me. The chipset in the P50 Pro is outdated at this point and it seems there is no information about the software, which raises concerns about long-term usability. The Galaxy S24 FE may not have the superior zoom, the better brightness and more up-to-date software is much better than the Huawei P50 Pro.
