Huawei Mate 50 Pro

Overview & Display

The Huawei Mate 50 Pro presents a robust and premium design, incorporating IP68 dust and water resistance, allowing for immersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. Its dimensions of 162.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm and a weight of 205-209g suggest a substantial yet manageable feel in hand. The device boasts a vibrant 6.74-inch OLED display, offering a resolution of 1212 x 2616 pixels and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Protected by Huawei Kunlun Glass, this display promises durability alongside its impressive 91.3% screen-to-body ratio and 946 nits max brightness, ensuring an immersive multimedia experience with rich colors and sharp details.

Powering the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is a Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G chipset, paired with either 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage or 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. This configuration, utilizing UFS 3.1 storage, suggests a responsive and efficient performance for demanding applications and smooth multitasking. Running EMUI 13 (internationally) or HarmonyOS 3.0 (in China), the software experience promises a familiar and feature-rich interface, facilitating effortless navigation and daily use. Performance benchmarks indicate a strong showing, with AnTuTu scores reaching 979921.

Camera & Battery

The Huawei Mate 50 Pro’s camera system is quite versatile. The rear camera setup includes a 50MP wide lens with an impressive f/1.4-f/4.0 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS), a 64MP periscope telephoto lens offering 3.5x optical zoom and OIS, and a 13MP ultrawide lens. This combination allows for a wide range of photographic possibilities, from detailed landscapes to zoomed-in shots. Video recording capabilities extend to 4K resolution at 30/60fps, with a variety of frame rates available up to 720p at 3840fps, supported by gyro-EIS for stabilized footage. The inclusion of a color spectrum sensor hints at accurate color reproduction.

For selfies and video calls, a 13MP front-facing camera with an ultrawide lens and a TOF 3D sensor is available. This setup allows for wider group shots and potentially improved depth sensing for portrait mode effects. The device is equipped with a substantial 4700 mAh battery, promising extended usage throughout the day. Supporting 66W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and even 5W reverse wireless charging, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro offers convenient and speedy power replenishment options. Active use scores suggest a battery life of around 10:36 hours.

Who Should Buy This

The Huawei Mate 50 Pro is an excellent choice for users seeking a premium smartphone with a focus on photography and robust performance. Its versatile camera system, coupled with a powerful processor and ample storage, makes it well-suited for content creators, mobile gamers, and those who simply demand a high-quality smartphone experience. However, users who rely heavily on satellite messaging outside of China might find its BDS Satellite Messaging (sending only) limited, and those accustomed to a 3.5mm headphone jack will need to adapt. Ultimately, the Mate 50 Pro caters to users who prioritize a premium build, a vibrant display, and a top-tier camera experience.

Pros

• Durable build with IP68 water and dust resistance
• Vibrant 120Hz OLED display with Kunlun Glass protection
• Versatile triple-camera system with optical zoom
• Fast 66W wired and 50W wireless charging
• Powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor

Cons

• No 3.5mm headphone jack
• Shared SIM slot for Nano Memory card
• BDS Satellite Messaging limited to China
• No radio functionality
• Lacks expandable storage beyond Nano Memory

Verdict

The Huawei Mate 50 Pro delivers a compelling overall experience, combining a premium design, a vibrant display, and a powerful camera system. Its strong performance and fast charging capabilities make it a capable device for everyday use and demanding tasks. While the lack of a headphone jack and limited satellite messaging outside of China may be drawbacks for some, the Mate 50 Pro remains a solid choice for users seeking a high-end smartphone. The impressive camera features and robust build quality contribute to a satisfying and feature-rich experience. It's a well-rounded device with few compromises.