Alright, let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi 12 and the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. Both phones pack a serious punch, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. Let’s break it down with a focus on how these specs translate to real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | The Xiaomi 12 is more compact and pocketable, while the Mate 50 Pro feels more substantial, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 179g | 205g | The Xiaomi 12 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to handle. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12 has superior screen protection, which offers better resistance against scratches and cracks. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.28" | 6.74" | The Mate 50 Pro's larger display is better for media consumption and multitasking, while the Xiaomi 12's smaller screen is more manageable for some. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1212x2616 | The Mate 50 Pro's higher resolution provides a crisper and more detailed image, especially noticeable with text and high-resolution photos. |
| Pixel Density | 419 PPI | 428 PPI | Both are very sharp; differences won't be noticeable under normal usage. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks and high contrast, the difference is negligible. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both displays offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Xiaomi 12 is significantly brighter for outdoor use, which provides better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | Both chipsets are powerful, but the 8+ Gen 1 offers slightly better efficiency and sustained performance. It is important to note, the Huawei version is 4G only. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,150,831 | 1,022,043 | Xiaomi 12 has a higher score, indicating better overall performance in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 | Both have the same GPU, which delivers smooth graphics for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.88 | 50MP, f/1.4 | The Mate 50 Pro has a wider aperture allowing more light to reach the sensor which translates to better low light performance and natural bokeh. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14" | 13MP, f/2.4 | The Xiaomi 12 has a higher resolution for sharper selfies, while the Mate 50 Pro may have better overall image quality in challenging lighting due to aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.5 | The Mate 50 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for better optical zoom capabilities, while Xiaomi 12 doesn't have one. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.4 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Both offer wide-angle shooting, with slightly different apertures. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Xiaomi 12 has dedicated macro lens which can produce detailed images of very small objects. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@60fps | The Xiaomi 12 can record higher resolution videos, while the Mate 50 Pro offers better video quality with its more advanced features. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | 113 | 149 | The Mate 50 Pro’s significantly higher score suggests superior camera performance, particularly in photos and videos. |
| DxOMark Selfie Score | Not Available | 145 | The Huawei Mate 50 Pro’s selfie camera has been tested to deliver high quality pictures and videos compared to other devices. |
| Camera Features | Many | Many | Both offer extensive photography options, but Huawei’s laser autofocus and dual front camera add more versatility. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4700mAh | The Mate 50 Pro has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly better battery life. |
| Charging | 67W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | The Xiaomi 12 has slightly faster wired charging capabilities |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | 50W | Both support 50W wireless charging; Both devices can be charged very quickly without plugging them into a wire. |
| Reverse Charging | 10W | 7.5W | Both can be used to charge other devices wirelessly, with Xiaomi 12 providing a slightly faster reverse charging. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Not Specified | Xiaomi 12 runs on Android 12; the OS of Huawei device was not specified which makes the comparison more difficult. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 8GB | Xiaomi 12 has more options for RAM for enhanced multitasking and better futureproofing, although it also depends on the specific model purchased. |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB or 512GB | Huawei Mate 50 Pro offers more storage for users with larger media libraries. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi 12 has enhanced audio features for better quality listening experience |
| GPS | Many | Many | Xiaomi 12 supports more satellite systems for precise location tracking. |
| Connectivity | WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | Both offer similar connectivity options. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12:
- Strengths: This phone shines with its compact design, making it highly pocketable and comfortable for single-handed use. It also boasts a brighter display, which is a huge plus for outdoor visibility. The Xiaomi 12 also includes faster wired and reverse charging and enhanced audio features. Finally, the 12GB of RAM offers better multitasking capabilities than the 8GB on the Huawei counterpart.
- Competitive Advantages: Its slightly higher benchmark scores and higher resolution selfie camera provide an edge for performance enthusiasts and those who value front-facing camera quality. Additionally, it has a macro lens and support for 8K video recording, features that are missing in the Huawei.
- Trade-offs: Its camera system, while competent, falls short of the Huawei in overall image quality as seen in the DXOMark results.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Strengths: The Mate 50 Pro has a superior camera system with exceptional low-light performance and a very good optical zoom thanks to the telephoto lens, as proven by the high DXOMark score. Its larger display is also a plus for media consumption and multitasking. Finally, it offers more internal storage out of the box.
- Competitive Advantages: The device stands out with its telephoto lens, its wider aperture on the main camera, and additional photography features like laser autofocus for better focus speed.
- Trade-offs: It's larger and heavier than the Xiaomi 12 and the display might not be as bright as the Xiaomi in direct sunlight. It also doesn't have 8K recording capabilities and its chipset is a 4G version of the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi 12:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize compact design, excellent display brightness, and strong day-to-day performance.
- Use Cases: Great for on-the-go users, content creators who want to shoot 8K video, or those who value quick charging capabilities.
- Value: Offers a compelling balance of premium features at a more affordable price point compared to the Mate 50 Pro.
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Ideal for: Photography enthusiasts who want the best camera performance, a larger display for media consumption, and don’t mind a larger device.
- Use Cases: Perfect for users who prioritize image quality over all else, whether that is in general photography or zoomed-in scenarios.
- Value: A premium device with a top-tier camera and an expanded storage configuration, but it does come at a higher cost.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Do you prioritize a compact form factor and better outdoor visibility, or a bigger screen and top-tier camera performance?
- If compact size and display brightness matter most, the Xiaomi 12 is a better fit.
- If a superior camera system and a larger display take priority, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro should be your go-to.
- Is top-tier camera performance (including great zoom and low-light performance) crucial, or do you value good overall performance, 8K video recording and faster charging capabilities?
- If the camera is your focus, the Mate 50 Pro with the higher DXOMark scores and telephoto lens is a clear winner.
- If overall performance, video quality and faster charging is key, the Xiaomi 12 provides a better overall package for daily usage.
- Does expandable storage matter to you?
- If expandable storage is a key feature for you, this will be an important thing to consider, as neither devices offers external storage options.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Casual User: The Xiaomi 12 is a good, more affordable all-rounder that will do everything well with no major compromises.
- The Photography Enthusiast: The Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the better choice, due to the significantly better camera performance.
- The Mobile Gamer: The Xiaomi 12 will provide better performance in terms of benchmarks, however the Adreno 730 GPUs in both devices are good for heavy gaming.
My Choice:
If I were to choose between these two, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi 12. While the Huawei Mate 50 Pro has a stunning camera and a larger screen, the Xiaomi 12's combination of a more compact size, brighter screen, faster charging, and similar performance makes it the more practical daily driver for me. As someone who values portability and a great viewing experience, these are factors that outweigh a superior camera system. I also appreciate the 8K recording capabilities, more satellite systems for GPS and enhanced audio features that the Xiaomi 12 offers.
Of course, if I were a photography enthusiast, the Mate 50 Pro’s camera would be hard to ignore. But for my specific needs and typical user scenario, the Xiaomi 12 strikes the right balance between performance, usability and practicality.
