Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the OnePlus 10 Pro and the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. Buckle up, because we're going to get granular, but I promise to make it relatable.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table breaking down the key specs, along with what they mean for you:
| Feature | OnePlus 10 Pro | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | The Mate 50 Pro is slightly wider, which might affect one-handed use. Both are similarly sized and weighted, so in hand feeling will be similar |
| Weight | 201g | 205g | Virtually identical, negligibly different when holding it in your hand. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | OnePlus has superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus. Mate 50 Pro's screen protection is unspecified, a bit concerning considering how much we use our screens. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.74" | Practically the same, both screens are large and immersive. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1212x2616 | OnePlus offers a noticeably sharper display; text and images will be clearer with its higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 525 | 428 | The OnePlus screen will look crisper due to the higher pixel density. This is a significant difference you might notice in daily use, especially for text and videos. |
| Technology | OLED | Huawei offers more vibrant colors and deeper blacks thanks to OLED. OnePlus display technology is not specified, this might be a concern. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus is much better for outdoor visibility and use in bright conditions due to its high brightness capabilities. Huawei's brightness is concerning. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | Huawei uses the slightly newer and slightly more powerful 8+ Gen 1 but it is 4G only. OnePlus has the 8 Gen 1, still very capable. |
| AnTuTu Score | 900,491 | 1,022,043 | Huawei is marginally faster in benchmarks. Real world performance differences might be difficult to notice in daily usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Both phones use the same GPU, so graphics performance will be similar. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Huawei has a slightly higher MP count. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.4 | Huawei's wider aperture allows more light, which means it's better in low-light scenarios. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.43" | 1/1.56" | OnePlus has a slightly larger sensor, which can impact image quality, particularly in dynamic range and low light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 13MP | OnePlus offers much higher resolution for selfies. |
| Telephoto Camera Resolution | 8MP | 64MP | Huawei offers much higher telephoto resolution, meaning better zoom detail. |
| Telephoto Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/3.5 | The OnePlus telephoto lens is brighter, it may perform slightly better in low-light conditions. |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 50MP | 12MP | OnePlus has higher resolution for its ultra wide lens, which will give better detail in ultra wide shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | OnePlus allows for higher resolution video recording, useful for serious videography. |
| Camera DXOMARK Score (Mobile) | Main: 122 (Photo:124, Video:119) | Main: 149 (Photo:152, Video:141), Selfie (Photo: 147, Video:143) | Huawei scores significantly higher across the board, suggesting better image and video quality. Huawei’s selfie score is also quite high. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | OnePlus has a slightly larger battery, potentially giving it a small edge in longevity. |
| Charging | 80W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 66W fast charging, Li-Ion | OnePlus charges slightly faster, and uses a Li-Polymer battery which is generally more efficient. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | 50W | Both offer equally fast wireless charging. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | Yes | 7.5W | OnePlus offers reverse wireless charging capability. Huawei is limited to 7.5W for reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 14) | OnePlus runs a more updated operating system which will result in a more current user experience. Huawei's OS is unspecified. | |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 7 | WiFi 6 | OnePlus has better WiFi connectivity, allowing for faster WiFi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.2, LDAC, SBC, AAC | OnePlus has more advanced bluetooth protocols and features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Huawei features more satellite systems which will help with location accuracy. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB | 256 GB / 512 GB | Both offer generous storage, but the OnePlus has a 128GB option which might be more affordable. |
| RAM | 8 GB / 12 GB | 8 GB | OnePlus has an option for more RAM which is better for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus 10 Pro Strengths:
- Display Clarity: The higher resolution and pixel density provide a sharper visual experience.
- Brightness: Significantly higher brightness for better outdoor visibility.
- Video Recording: Capable of recording up to 8K video, which is great for creators.
- Faster Charging: 80W fast charging is quicker.
- Upgraded Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 LE, A2DP and APT-x for better audio connection.
- More RAM: An option for 12GB of RAM allows for more multitasking.
- More Storage Options: 128GB option is available for those looking for a more affordable price.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Camera: The DXOMARK scores confirm that it's a better all-around camera phone, especially for photos and videos, and selfies.
- Low-Light Performance: Wider aperture on the main lens is advantageous in low light.
- Telephoto Zoom: Superior 64MP telephoto camera with bigger sensor.
- Latest Chipset: 8+ Gen 1 Chipset provides a slight performance increase.
- More GPS Satellites: Higher GPS coverage for better location accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 10 Pro: Lower camera scores, no OLED display.
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro: Lower resolution display, less bright screen, lower Bluetooth connectivity, 4G only.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- OnePlus 10 Pro is best for:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who value cutting-edge display and fast charging technology.
- Mobile Videographers: The 8K recording will be appreciated.
- Power Users: Those who want the most performance and prefer a sharper display.
- Multitaskers: An option for 12GB of RAM is available for multitasking.
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro is best for:
- Photography Buffs: The camera excels in all areas, making this a good option for mobile photographers.
- Low Light Shooters: The wider lens aperture and better sensors are an advantage.
- Users Prioritizing GPS: More satellite systems are supported.
- Users looking for the best selfie experience: It has a high selfie score.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is the camera to you?
- If it's critical, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro's significantly better DXOMARK scores should be a major factor.
- Do you spend a lot of time outdoors in bright light?
- If so, the OnePlus 10 Pro's higher brightness is a big advantage.
- What are your needs for multi-tasking and gaming?
- If you need the best possible performance for multitasking, the OnePlus 10 Pro offers 12GB of RAM.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Creative Professional: You're likely to choose the OnePlus 10 Pro with its video recording capabilities.
- The Photography Lover: The Huawei Mate 50 Pro would be your ideal choice.
- The Daily Driver: If you spend a lot of time outdoors, the OnePlus 10 Pro's screen is great and will be easy to see in bright light.
My Personal Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I would personally go with the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. Despite the slightly less crisp display and limited brightness, the camera is truly exceptional. As a tech journalist and analyst, I value high-quality image capture for my work. The significant advantage in low-light performance and telephoto capabilities is something that I will benefit from, more than a slightly brighter screen. The impressive selfie score also cannot be ignored. I am less likely to spend long periods under direct sunlight and I would rather have a better camera than a brighter screen. However, I would probably not recommend this phone if you really need the extra RAM offered by the OnePlus or if you need that 8K video recording capability.
Ultimately, both are fantastic devices but the Huawei Mate 50 Pro aligns better with my priorities.
