Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 and the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. These are two very different beasts, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and help you figure out which one might be a better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key specs, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.4 × 74.2 × 6.8 mm | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | Edge 30 is slimmer and more compact, Mate 50 Pro is taller, wider and thicker |
| Weight | 155g | 205g | Edge 30 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for long use |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 3 (screen) | Unknown (screen) | Edge 30 has a known screen protection. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Mate 50 Pro has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1212x2616 | Mate 50 Pro has a sharper, more detailed display |
| Pixel Density | 405 PPI | 428 PPI | Mate 50 Pro has a slightly crisper picture |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent colors and contrast |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 30 has smoother animations and scrolling |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4nm) | Mate 50 Pro offers significantly faster processing and better performance |
| Antutu Score | 609,900 | 1,022,043 | Mate 50 Pro has much better performance for demanding tasks |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 730 | Mate 50 Pro has superior graphics processing |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56" | Mate 50 Pro has a wider aperture for better low-light and depth, Edge 30 has a slightly larger sensor. |
| Front Camera | 32MP, f/2.25, 1/3.14" | 13MP, f/2.4 | Edge 30 has a higher resolution and wider aperture for selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" | Mate 50 Pro offers optical zoom, which the Edge 30 lacks |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2 | Mate 50 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Motorola Edge 30 has depth sensor for portrait mode |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | None | Motorola Edge 30 has a wide angle + macro lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@480fps | Mate 50 Pro can record higher quality and framerate video |
| DxoMark | N/A | Mobile 149, Selfie 145 | Mate 50 Pro has a professional camera rating, Edge 30 doesn't have a rating |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, HDR, RAW, Night Mode | OIS, PDAF, CDAF, LAF, HDR, RAW, Night Mode | Mate 50 Pro has more advanced camera focusing technologies. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4020mAh | 4700mAh | Mate 50 Pro has a larger battery for longer use |
| Charging | 33W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 66W fast charging, Li-Ion | Mate 50 Pro charges much faster |
| Wireless Charging | None | 50W | Mate 50 Pro supports wireless charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | - | Mate 50 Pro uses Huawei's own operating system |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both offer the latest standard of fast wi-fi |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE, aptX, LDAC | 5.2, LDAC | Edge 30 has more advanced Bluetooth codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Mate 50 Pro supports more satellite systems for precise location |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Mate 50 Pro offers up to 512GB of storage. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8 GB | Both offers good memory for multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither has expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Stereo Speakers | Edge 30 has enhanced audio features |
| Security | |||
| Biometric Security | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both provides standard biometric security |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Mate 50 Pro has more sensors for gaming and advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30:
Strengths:
- Lightweight and Slim: The Edge 30 is remarkably thin and light, making it very pocketable and comfortable for extended use.
- High Refresh Rate Display: The 144Hz refresh rate offers a noticeably smoother visual experience, great for gaming and scrolling.
- Competitive Price: Typically more affordable, it provides excellent value for the price point,
- Solid Selfie Camera: The 32MP selfie camera captures detailed and vibrant self-portraits.
- Complete Audio Experience The Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers enhance the audio experience and make it a compelling multimedia device.
Trade-offs:
- Mid-Range Performance: It uses a mid-range Snapdragon chip that is suitable for everyday tasks, but won't match the raw power of the Mate 50 Pro.
- Basic Camera System: Lacks features like a dedicated telephoto lens and wide-angle camera found in the Mate 50 Pro.
- Battery life: The smaller battery capacity can struggle under heavy use.
- Less Durable: The build quality is basic with the only screen protection being Gorilla Glass 3.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
Strengths:
- Top-Tier Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G chip provides exceptional performance for intensive apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Superior Camera System: Features a versatile triple-lens setup, including a telephoto and wide-angle lens, offering great flexibility for photography.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity provides more power and battery life.
- Fast Charging & Wireless Charging: 66W fast wired charging and 50W wireless charging ensures your phone will be charged quickly.
- Professional Camera: The Huawei Mate 50 Pro has a professional camera score from DxoMark.
- Advanced Sensor Suite: Offers a barometer for more complete sensor data.
Trade-offs:
- Heavier and Bulkier: The Mate 50 Pro is heavier and bulkier than the Edge 30, making it less portable.
- Software Ecosystem: It lacks access to Google apps and services, which can be a major disadvantage for some users.
- Higher Price: It is a higher-end smartphone which results in a more expensive purchase price.
- Slower Screen: While excellent, the 120Hz display is slightly slower than the Edge 30's 144Hz display.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30:
- Ideal For:
- Users who prioritize lightweight and sleek design.
- Gamers and those who enjoy a fast, fluid display.
- Casual photographers who don't require advanced telephoto capabilities, but appreciate great selfies.
- Value-conscious consumers seeking a solid mid-range experience with a complete multimedia experience.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Ideal For:
- Power users who need top-tier performance for demanding tasks.
- Photography enthusiasts who want the most versatile camera system.
- Users who value battery life and fast charging.
- Users who don't rely heavily on Google services.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you choose:
What do you value most: Lightweight and sleek design or top-tier performance and camera versatility?
- If you want a light and fast phone choose the Edge 30
- If you want a more powerful and comprehensive camera system then choose the Mate 50 Pro
How important is battery life and fast charging for your day-to-day?
- If you need long battery life and fast charging then choose the Mate 50 Pro
- If you are willing to sacrifice some battery life choose the Edge 30
How important is access to Google Services?
- If you rely heavily on Google apps (Gmail, Google Maps, etc), then the Motorola Edge 30 is the better option
- If you are familiar with the Huawei ecosystem and do not rely on Google apps, the Mate 50 Pro will suit your needs.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
The Casual User: If you need a phone for everyday tasks, social media, and occasional photography, the Motorola Edge 30 is a great value and well-rounded option that does not compromise on user experience.
The Photographer: If photography is your passion, then the Huawei Mate 50 Pro, due to its professional DxoMark scores and overall photography features is the clear winner.
The Gamer: Both phones offer a smooth gaming experience, but the Huawei Mate 50 Pro's superior performance and larger display gives it an edge and is well worth the money if performance is critical.
The Value Conscious Buyer: If you want a sleek and lightweight phone that will not compromise performance, the Motorola Edge 30 is the better option.
My Choice:
If I were to choose between these two devices, I would personally go with the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. As a tech journalist and someone who enjoys using technology to its limits, the Mate 50 Pro's superior performance, advanced camera system, and fast charging are features I value highly. While the Google app restrictions might be an issue for some, I am familiar with the Huawei ecosystem and do not rely heavily on Google services. Additionally, I like the added functionality of the larger screen, more advanced sensor suite, and higher storage capacity for my usage. However, I can see why someone would prefer the Motorola Edge 30's sleeker design and access to Google apps and services if the user experience is a priority. Ultimately, it comes down to a matter of personal priorities and preferences.
