Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus Nord vs. Huawei P50 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus Nord | Huawei P50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.3 × 73.3 × 8.2 mm, 184g | 158.8 × 72.8 × 8.5 mm, 195g | Negligible size/weight difference in daily use. The P50 Pro is slightly heavier, which some users might perceive as more premium, others as less comfortable. |
| Build Quality - Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus Nord uses superior screen protection. This reduces risk of scratches and cracks from everyday use, increasing the long-term durability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.44" | 6.6" | Slightly larger screen on P50 Pro provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming, though the difference isn't drastic. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1228x2700 | Sharper image on P50 Pro, resulting in finer details and potentially better text clarity, especially noticeable when viewing high-resolution photos or videos. |
| PPI | 408 | 450 | The higher pixel density on the P50 Pro results in a slightly sharper and more detailed display, although the difference may not be noticeable to everyone. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar display quality. Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Smoother scrolling and animations on the P50 Pro, leading to a more fluid and responsive user experience, particularly noticeable in fast-paced games and scrolling content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Not known, can't conclude anything from zero nits. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | The Kirin 9000 is a more powerful chipset, but the Antutu scores are similar so in practice, the user won't notice the difference. |
| Antutu Score | 714,400 | 697,566 | Both will handle everyday tasks smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Mali-G78 MP24 | Differing GPU configurations will handle graphics differently. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | Similar main camera specs, so photo quality should be comparable in good lighting, but sensor size is so similar that the difference won't be obvious. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.4, 1/2" | P50 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities for better zoomed photos, while the Nord relies on digital zoom which can degrade image quality. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 8MP, f/2.25, 1/2.8" | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" (Wide Angle + Macro) | Both have ultrawide lenses. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/2.74" | 13MP, f/2.4 | The Nord has a higher resolution selfie camera for potentially more detailed selfies, but real-world quality also depends on image processing. |
| Black & white | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | 40MP, f/1.6, 1/1.7" | The Huawei P50 Pro black and white camera, resolution, and aperture make for better photography. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | The P50 Pro can record higher frame rate 4K video for smoother, more professional-looking footage. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, etc. | OIS, PDAF, LAF, etc. | P50 Pro has more advanced autofocus and more diverse shooting modes. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Mobile: 143, Selfie: 144 | P50 Pro has a significantly better camera. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4360mAh | Similar battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless, Reverse Wireless | P50 Pro has faster charging and more charging options (wireless and reverse wireless) for added convenience. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | |
| Other | |||
| Storage | N/A | 128/256/512 GB | P50 Pro provides higher internal storage options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so users should choose a storage option that meets their long-term needs. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus Nord Advantages:
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5
- Noise cancellation microphone: This results in better audio recording.
Practical Implications:
- The noise cancellation microphone allows better phone calls, better audio when recording videos, and better audio when using the phone's microphone for other purposes.
- The Huawei P50 Pro's display is more fragile.
Huawei P50 Pro Advantages:
- Larger, Higher Resolution Display: Immersive viewing experience.
- More powerful Chipset: Higher processing and graphics power.
- Telephoto Lens: Versatile zoom capabilities for photography.
- Wireless and Reverse Wireless Charging: Convenient charging options.
- Higher Base Storage Options: Less need to worry about running out of space.
Practical Implications:
- The larger, higher-resolution display and higher refresh rate on the P50 Pro make it better for media consumption, gaming, and general use.
- The telephoto lens on the P50 Pro allows for better zoom photos.
- The P50 Pro's wireless charging and reverse wireless charging add convenience for users.
Trade-offs:
- The Huawei P50 Pro is negligibly heavier.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus Nord Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who want a reliable phone with good overall performance.
- Users who prioritize durability.
- Users who value expandable storage.
Use Cases:
- Everyday communication (calls, texts, social media).
- Casual photography and videography.
- Light gaming.
Huawei P50 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who demand a high-end camera experience.
- Users who value premium design and features.
- Users who are willing to pay more for top-tier performance.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Mobile gaming.
- Media consumption.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is my budget?
- How important is camera quality to me?
- Do I need wireless charging or reverse wireless charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is a major concern. Choose the OnePlus Nord.
- Scenario 2: Camera quality is paramount. Choose the Huawei P50 Pro.
- Scenario 3: A balance of price and performance. Choose the OnePlus Nord.
- Scenario 4: A premium user looking for every advantage. Choose the Huawei P50 Pro.
What I Would Choose
I would choose the Huawei P50 Pro.
Here's why:
- Superior Camera: The P50 Pro's camera system, with its telephoto lens, larger image sensors, and higher DXOMark scores, offers a significantly better photography experience. This is a priority for me.
- Premium Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, the superior CPU, and a larger, higher-resolution screen all contribute to a more enjoyable and convenient user experience.
- Future-Proofing: While the Antutu scores are similar, a more powerful CPU and high refresh rate can offer improvements over time.
While the OnePlus Nord is a solid device, the Huawei P50 Pro's strengths in key areas (camera, performance, display) outweigh its minor drawbacks. The P50 Pro offers a more well-rounded and premium smartphone experience.
