Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Huawei P50 Pro and the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G. I'll break down the specs, highlight the real-world implications, and help you figure out which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up:
Feature | Huawei P50 Pro | Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Launch Date | 2021-08-12 | 2022-03-23 | The Poco X4 Pro 5G is a newer device, which could mean more up-to-date software, features, and a longer support lifespan. |
Dimensions | 158.8 × 72.8 × 8.5 mm | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm | The P50 Pro is more compact (shorter and narrower), potentially making it easier to handle with one hand. The Poco X4 Pro 5G is thinner. |
Weight | 195g | 205g | The P50 Pro is slightly lighter, which could be noticeable during extended use. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.6" | 6.67" | Virtually the same screen size. |
Resolution | 1228x2700 | 1080x2400 | The P50 Pro has a significantly sharper display (higher pixel density) leading to more detailed images and text. |
PPI | 450 | 395 | Sharper images on the Huawei. |
Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both are excellent display technologies with vibrant colors and deep blacks. The difference is marginal. |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and enhanced gaming experiences. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The Poco X4 Pro 5G gets significantly brighter, making it much more usable in direct sunlight. Important note: The '0 nits' for the P50 Pro is almost certainly a data error. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | The Kirin 9000 is a significantly more powerful chip, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
AnTuTu Score | 697,566 | 395,978 | Confirms the Kirin 9000's superior performance. Expect a noticeable difference in demanding tasks. |
GPU | Mali-G78 MP24 (Adreno 660) | Adreno 619 | The Mali-G78 MP24 (Adreno 660) in the P50 Pro offers considerably better graphics performance. |
Battery Life | |||
Capacity | 4360mAh | 5000mAh | The Poco X4 Pro 5G has a larger battery, suggesting longer battery life. |
Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Charging speeds are virtually identical, meaning both phones will charge quickly. |
Features | 50W Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | None Listed | The P50 Pro offers wireless charging and the ability to wirelessly charge other devices (reverse wireless charging). |
Camera | |||
Standard | 50MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.9 | On paper, the Poco X4 Pro 5G has a higher resolution sensor, but the P50 Pro has a wider aperture. Huawei has additional B&W sensor too, which helps to improve the photos. |
Selfie | 13MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.4 | The Poco X4 Pro 5G has a slightly higher resolution front camera. |
Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.4 | None | The P50 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed-in shots. |
Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | The Poco X4 Pro 5G has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in the frame. |
Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Poco X4 Pro 5G has a dedicated macro lens for extreme close-up shots. |
Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP, f/2.2 | None | The P50 Pro has a Wide Angle + Macro camera. |
Black & White | 40MP, f/1.6 | None | The P50 Pro has a B&W camera. |
Video | Up to 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | The P50 Pro can record higher resolution video at higher frame rates with EIS support. |
DxOMark | Main: 143, Selfie: 144 | N/A | The P50 Pro's camera performance is highly rated by DxOMark. |
Software | |||
OS | N/A | Android 11 | The OS of Huawei is not specified, but the Poco X4 Pro 5G runs on Android 11. |
Connectivity | |||
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | The P50 Pro supports the newer, faster Wi-Fi 6 standard. |
GPS | More systems supported | Fewer systems supported | The P50 Pro has potentially more accurate GPS due to supporting more satellite systems. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 64/128/256 GB | The P50 Pro offers a larger maximum storage option (512GB vs 256GB). |
RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8 GB | The P50 Pro has more RAM options, especially the 12GB variant, for better multitasking. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
Audio | |||
Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The Poco X4 Pro 5G boasts Hi-Res Audio and dual microphones. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei P50 Pro: This phone is a powerhouse in terms of performance. The Kirin 9000 chipset blows the Snapdragon 695 out of the water. The camera system is also more versatile, offering telephoto, B&W lens and higher quality video recording. The higher resolution display is great for content consumption. It also has wireless charging.
Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G: The Poco X4 Pro 5G's main advantages are its larger battery and much better outdoor visibility due to its higher brightness display. The inclusion of a wide-angle and macro lens offers more creative options.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei P50 Pro: Best suited for users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and a premium user experience. Ideal for gamers, photographers, and those who demand the fastest possible performance from their phone.
Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G: Best suited for users who prioritize battery life, a bright display for outdoor use, and a good value-for-money proposition. Ideal for casual users, students, and those who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and multimedia consumption.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself to help decide:
- How important is performance to you? If you're a heavy gamer or use demanding apps, the P50 Pro is the clear winner.
- Do you spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight? If so, the Poco X4 Pro 5G's brighter display will be a significant advantage.
- What is your budget? Consider the price difference between the two phones and whether the extra features of the P50 Pro are worth the additional cost.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Performance Enthusiast: Choose the Huawei P50 Pro. The superior chipset and GPU will provide a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience.
- For the Battery Life Seeker: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G. The larger battery will keep you going longer on a single charge.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G. It offers a great balance of features and performance at a more affordable price point.
Which One Would I Choose?
I would choose the Huawei P50 Pro.
Here's why: As a tech journalist and analyst, I value performance and camera quality above all else. The Kirin 9000 chipset is a significant advantage, and the camera system's versatility, paired with its DxOMark scores, makes it a clear winner for me. While the battery capacity is smaller, the faster charging capabilities and wireless charging features compensate for this. I would consider it a worthy trade-off for the superior power, build and camera performance.