1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Huawei P50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm | 158.8 x 72.8 x 8.5 mm | S20 FE 5G is slightly wider, potentially affecting one-handed use for some. P50 Pro is slightly shorter. |
| Weight | 190g | 195g | Negligible difference. Both are relatively lightweight. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | S20 FE 5G provides known scratch resistance. P50 Pro screen durability is uncertain. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Very minor difference. Visually almost identical. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1228x2700 | P50 Pro has noticeably sharper text and images. |
| PPI | 407 | 450 | P50 Pro provides a slightly crisper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Very similar; expect vibrant colors and deep blacks from both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and gaming experiences. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | S20 FE 5G will be significantly more visible in direct sunlight. The P50 Pro display brightness value is missing, making comparison difficult. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 865 5G (7nm+) | Kirin 9000 (5nm) | Kirin 9000 is generally more efficient due to smaller process size, but performance difference in real-world use is marginal. |
| AnTuTu Score | 623,000 | 697,566 | P50 Pro has slightly better performance in benchmarks |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G78 MP24 | Both capable GPUs for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | P50 Pro captures more detail and potentially better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.55" | P50 Pro has a slightly larger sensor, which can improve light gathering and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto Resolution | 8MP | 64MP | P50 Pro provides significantly more zoom detail. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | Yes | No | S20 FE 5G can capture wider scenes. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes | P50 Pro can take close-up shots of small objects. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 13MP | S20 FE 5G has a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| DXOMark | - | Mobile: 143, Selfie: 144 | P50 Pro's camera is highly rated by DXOMark. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4360mAh | Similar battery life expected. |
| Charging | 25W | 66W | P50 Pro charges significantly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 50W | P50 Pro supports much faster wireless charging. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 4.5W | Yes | Both can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Unknown | S20 FE 5G: Known Android experience with updates. P50 Pro: Software experience and update support are unknown. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | P50 Pro has a 512GB option for users needing more storage. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports microSD cards. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | P50 Pro offers more RAM, potentially improving multitasking. |
| Other | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | P50 Pro uses the newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | P50 Pro supports more GPS systems for enhanced accuracy. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer | P50 Pro includes a barometer for measuring air pressure. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility, making it easier to use in direct sunlight.
- Wide Angle Lens: Offers the flexibility to capture wider scenes in photos and videos.
- Known Software and Updates: Runs Android with a clear update path, providing a familiar and reliable experience.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides known scratch and impact resistance.
Practical Implications: The S20 FE 5G is better suited for users who frequently use their phone outdoors or prioritize wide-angle photography. The established Android ecosystem ensures app compatibility and a smooth user experience.
Huawei P50 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution sensors and a dedicated macro lens offer greater versatility and image quality. DXOMark scores confirm this.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster wired and wireless charging capabilities reduce downtime.
- More RAM: 8GB or 12GB options provide smoother multitasking and improved performance with demanding apps.
- Higher Resolution Display: Noticeably sharper screen for enhanced viewing experience.
- More Internal Storage Options: Available with up to 512GB of internal storage.
- More GPS Systems: The phone supports more GPS systems giving it better location accuracy.
Practical Implications: The P50 Pro excels in photography, offering more detailed and versatile images. The faster charging and larger RAM options cater to power users who need their phone to keep up with demanding tasks.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S20 FE 5G: Lacks the advanced camera features and fast charging of the P50 Pro.
- P50 Pro: The software experience and update situation are uncertain which can be a major drawback for some users. The missing brightness value is also a concern.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G Ideal User:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Needs a bright screen for outdoor visibility.
- Android Purists: Prefers a familiar Android experience with reliable updates.
- Social Media Sharers: Wide-angle lens is useful for group photos and landscape shots.
- Value-Conscious Buyers: Seeking a balance of features and affordability.
Use Cases:
- Taking photos and videos while hiking or traveling.
- Navigating outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Using popular Android apps without compatibility issues.
Huawei P50 Pro Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Demands top-tier camera quality and versatility.
- Power Users: Requires fast charging and ample RAM for multitasking.
- Content Creators: Benefits from high-resolution video recording and ample storage.
Use Cases:
- Capturing professional-quality photos and videos.
- Playing graphics-intensive games.
- Working with large files and applications.
- Needs better location accuracy
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions to determine the best choice:
- How important is camera quality to you? The P50 Pro offers a superior camera system, while the S20 FE 5G is still very capable.
- Do you prioritize a bright screen for outdoor use? The S20 FE 5G has a significantly brighter display.
- What is your budget? The S20 FE 5G is generally more affordable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User, Budget-Conscious: The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G provides a good balance of features and value, with a reliable Android experience.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast: The Huawei P50 Pro offers a top-tier camera system.
- Scenario 3: Power User, Needs Fast Charging: The Huawei P50 Pro has much faster charging capabilities.
My Choice
If the Huawei P50 Pro had full Google support or came guaranteed with an alternative way to download apps reliably and had a brightness number that was in the 1000+ range, I would pick the Huawei P50 Pro. The camera system and faster charging are major advantages for my use case. It also offers a slightly smoother performance due to the better antutu score. Since I like to take photos and videos, having the slightly better camera is very important to me.
If the Huawei P50 Pro did not have those features, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G due to the brightness level which helps make it more visible in the sun. The Huawei P50 Pro does not have a brightness number, meaning it is most likely bad and would impact user experience. Also, I value the assurance of reliable software and updates. This phone is not bad either with a pretty good camera system with the brighteness level being a major advantage.
