Alright, let's break down the Huawei P50 Pro and the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. I'll put on my tech journalist hat and give you the lowdown, balancing the specs with what they actually mean for you in everyday life.
Huawei P50 Pro vs. ZTE nubia Z50S Pro: A Deep Dive
Here’s a detailed look at these two smartphones, designed to give you a clear understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and who each phone is best suited for.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Huawei P50 Pro | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.8 × 72.8 × 8.5 mm | 163.9 × 76.3 × 8.3 mm | The ZTE is noticeably larger and might be less comfortable for one-handed use. The P50 Pro is more compact. |
| Weight | 195g | 228g | The P50 Pro is significantly lighter, making it easier to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.8" | The ZTE offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience due to the larger screen, great for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1228x2700 | 1260x2800 | The ZTE has a slightly sharper display, though the difference is minimal and likely not noticeable in everyday use. |
| PPI | 450 | 452 | Practically identical sharpness, both offering crisp visuals. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, though AMOLED is generally known for slightly better power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and fluid animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 0 nits (Data Missing) | 1500 nits | The ZTE wins hands down here. The P50 Pro's data is missing, but the ZTE's 1500 nits brightness ensures excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. This is huge for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 (4 nm) | The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 is a significantly more modern and powerful chip. Expect faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the ZTE. The Kirin 9000 is still capable, but shows its age. |
| AnTuTu Score | 697,566 | 1,579,720 | The ZTE boasts more than double the benchmark score, confirming its superior performance. This difference will be noticeable in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP24 (Adreno 660) | Adreno 740 (719 MHz) (Qualcomm Adreno 740) | The Adreno 740 in the ZTE is a much more capable GPU, offering better graphics performance for gaming and other GPU-intensive applications. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4360mAh | 5100mAh | The ZTE's larger battery capacity suggests longer battery life, especially given its more efficient chipset. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless Charging | 80W Fast Charging | The ZTE charges faster with its 80W charging, but the Huawei offers the convenience of wireless charging. |
| Features | Non-removable, Reverse wireless charging | Non-removable | Huawei's reverse wireless charging is a niche but useful feature for charging accessories on the go. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.00 µm pixel size | 54MP, f/1.6, 1/1.49", 1.00 µm pixel size | The ZTE's main camera has a slightly higher resolution and wider aperture, which should translate to better low-light performance, but image processing plays a huge role here. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/3.4, 1/2", 0.70 µm pixel size | None | The P50 Pro boasts a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed-in shots, a feature missing on the ZTE. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12 µm pixel size | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.88", 0.61 µm pixel size | ZTE offers a dedicated ultrawide lens. |
| Black & White | 40MP, f/1.6, 1/1.7", 1.00 µm pixel size | None | Unique to Huawei. |
| Selfie | 13MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.5, 1/3.06", 1.00 µm pixel size | Marginally higher resolution on the ZTE. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, 960fps slow-mo | Up to 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps, 480fps slow-mo | The ZTE supports higher resolution video recording and frame rates, offering more creative options. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 143, Selfie: 144 | Not Tested | DXOMark scores suggest excellent camera capabilities for the P50 Pro, but this data is missing for the ZTE, making a direct comparison difficult. |
| Features | Quad Camera | Triple Camera | Each offers OIS, digital zoom and additional common settings. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android with Huawei's EMUI | Android 13 | The ZTE offers a more modern Android experience. Huawei's EMUI is feature-rich but may lack some Google services depending on your region. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | The ZTE supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds and better performance on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Slightly newer Bluetooth version on the ZTE, offering minor improvements in efficiency and connectivity. |
| GPS | Extensive support | Extensive support | Both offer comprehensive GPS support for accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 256/1024 GB | The ZTE offers a massive 1TB option, ideal for users who need a lot of storage for photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 12/16 GB | More RAM on the ZTE allows for smoother multitasking and handling of demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | Both offer good audio experiences with stereo speakers. Dolby Atmos on the Huawei and DTS/DTS:X on the ZTE provide immersive sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Standard biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Suite | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | The P50 Pro has a barometer, which can be useful for weather enthusiasts or anyone working at varying altitudes. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro Strengths:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 chipset offers significantly better performance than the Kirin 9000.
- Display Brightness: The 1500 nits brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility.
- Battery Life: Larger battery and efficient chipset should provide longer battery life.
- Storage Options: 1TB option is a significant advantage for storage-heavy users.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and newer Bluetooth version offer better future-proofing.
- Video Recording: 8K video recording.
Huawei P50 Pro Strengths:
- Camera Versatility: The telephoto and black & white lens provide additional creative options.
- Wireless Charging: Offers both fast wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Compact Design: More manageable size and weight for one-handed use.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Huawei P50 Pro:
- Older chipset may struggle with demanding games and multitasking compared to the ZTE.
- Software limitations may impact access to Google services depending on the region.
- ZTE nubia Z50S Pro:
- Lacks a dedicated telephoto lens.
- Larger size and weight may be less comfortable for some users.
- Huawei P50 Pro:
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro:
- Power Users: Gamers, video editors, and anyone who needs top-tier performance.
- Media Consumers: Ideal for watching videos and playing games due to the larger, brighter screen and excellent audio.
- Storage Enthusiasts: The 1TB option caters to users who need a lot of space for media and files.
Huawei P50 Pro:
- Photography Enthusiasts: The versatile camera system with dedicated telephoto and monochrome lenses offers unique creative possibilities.
- Users Who Value Design and Portability: The more compact design and lighter weight make it comfortable for everyday use.
- Ecosystem Users: If you're already invested in the Huawei ecosystem, the P50 Pro might be a good fit.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is raw performance to you?
- If you need the fastest possible performance for gaming or demanding apps, the ZTE is the clear choice.
- How much do you value camera versatility?
- If you want a dedicated telephoto lens and a unique monochrome sensor, the Huawei might be a better option.
- Do you need a lot of storage?
- If you require more than 512GB, the ZTE's 1TB option is a significant advantage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer - Choose the ZTE for its superior performance and smooth gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Photography Lover - Choose the Huawei if you prioritize creative camera features and are okay with slightly older hardware.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User - Consider your priorities: if battery life and performance are key, go with the ZTE; if you prefer a more compact design and wireless charging, choose the Huawei.
My Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd lean towards the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. Here's why:
- Future-Proofing: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 chipset and Wi-Fi 7 support mean it will stay relevant and performant for longer.
- Brightness: The brighter display is a game-changer for outdoor use, something I value highly.
- Battery Life: I prioritize long battery life, and the combination of a larger battery and efficient chipset makes the ZTE a winner.
While I appreciate the P50 Pro's camera versatility and design, the performance difference is too significant to ignore. For me, having a phone that can handle any task I throw at it without breaking a sweat is paramount. The ZTE strikes the best balance of performance, battery life, and modern features, making it the better choice in my book.
