Alright, let's break down the Huawei P50 Pro and the vivo iQOO 12. It's a bit of an apples-to-oranges comparison since the P50 Pro is a couple of years older, but let's see how they stack up based on the specs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Huawei P50 Pro | vivo iQOO 12 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.8 × 72.8 × 8.5 mm, 195g | 163.2 × 75.9 × 8.1 mm, 198.5g | iQOO 12 is slightly larger and negligibly heavier. P50 Pro is a bit thicker. |
| Build | Unknown | Unknown | Durability and in-hand feel. Missing info. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.78" | Slightly larger screen on the iQOO 12 offers a more immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 1228x2700 | 1260x2800 | iQOO 12 has a slightly sharper display, though hard to notice. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Virtually identical; vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | iQOO 12 feels smoother, especially for gaming and fast scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | iQOO 12 is significantly brighter, offering much better visibility outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | iQOO 12 is significantly faster and more power-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 697,566 | 2,020,000 | iQOO 12 handles demanding tasks and games with ease, less likely to lag. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP24 | Adreno 750 | iQOO 12 offers superior graphics performance, crucial for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.3" | iQOO 12 gathers more light and is generally better in low light. |
| Ultrawide | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" | iQOO 12 captures wider and more detailed ultrawide shots. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/3.4, 1/2" | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2" | iQOO 12's brighter telephoto lens delivers better zoom quality. |
| Selfie | 13MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.1" | iQOO 12 takes slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Black & White | 40MP, f/1.6, 1/1.7" | N/A | Unique monochrome shots on the P50 Pro. |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps | iQOO 12 captures higher resolution video. |
| DXOMARK | 143 (Mobile), 144 (Selfie) | N/A | P50 Pro has proven camera capabilities based on DXOMARK scores. iQOO 12 untested. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4360mAh | 5000mAh | iQOO 12 offers longer battery life, lasting through a full day of heavy use. |
| Charging | 66W wired, 50W wireless | 120W wired | iQOO 12 charges much faster. P50 Pro offers wireless charging convenience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Unknown | Android 14 | iQOO 12 has a more up-to-date Android version and support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | iQOO 12 supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.4 | iQOO 12 has a newer Bluetooth version with improved efficiency and range. |
| Storage | 128/256/512GB, No Expandable | 256/512/1024GB, No Expandable | iQOO 12 offers more storage options, beneficial for media hoarders. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei P50 Pro Strengths:
- Proven Camera Performance: Achieved high scores in DXOMARK testing.
- Unique Monochrome Camera: Offers a distinct creative option.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient feature missing on the iQOO 12.
vivo iQOO 12 Strengths:
- Blazing-Fast Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a powerhouse.
- Stunningly Bright Display: Excellent outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: 120W charging drastically reduces downtime.
- Up-to-Date Software: Android 14 ensures modern features and security.
- Future-Proof Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
Trade-offs:
- P50 Pro: Older chipset, potentially limited software support.
- iQOO 12: No wireless charging, unproven camera performance (no DXOMARK score).
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei P50 Pro: Best for users who prioritize a proven camera system with unique features (like the monochrome lens) and value wireless charging, but are less concerned about having the absolute latest performance and software.
vivo iQOO 12: Ideal for gamers, power users, and anyone who demands top-tier performance, a vibrant display, and fast charging. Also a good choice for those who want the latest Android experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself these questions:
- How important is cutting-edge performance to you? (If it's crucial, iQOO 12 is the clear winner.)
- Do you rely on wireless charging? (If yes, the P50 Pro is your only option.)
- Are you comfortable with an older device, or do you prefer the newest software? (Newer software equals better support & iQOO 12 wins again.)
Which would I choose?
For me, it's a no-brainer: I'd choose the vivo iQOO 12.
Here's why:
- The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a game-changer. As someone who uses their phone for a mix of productivity, gaming, and content creation, the sheer processing power of the iQOO 12 is too tempting to pass up.
- The brighter display makes a real difference. I spend a lot of time outdoors, and having a screen that's actually visible in sunlight is a huge plus.
- Fast charging is addictive. Once you've experienced the convenience of charging your phone from near-empty to full in under 30 minutes, it's hard to go back.
- The P50 Pro is quite old now.
While the P50 Pro has its merits, particularly the wireless charging and proven camera performance, the iQOO 12 simply offers a more compelling overall package with its superior performance, display, and battery technology. The lack of DXOMARK scores is a bit of a gamble, but the sensor details are impressive.
