Huawei Mate 50 review
The Huawei Mate 50 Series has made its debut, but often, the non-Pro variant takes a backseat in reviews. I'm excited to shine some light on the standard Mate 50, which offers impressive value for its price tag of RM3499 - a whopping RM800 less than the Pro model. With a flat display, same-resolution cameras as the Pro, and a battery that's still fast-charging capable, this mid-range device is worth exploring. In this review, I'll delve into its performance, camera capabilities, design, and more to see if it's truly a good deal.
Build Quality and Design
The Huawei Mate 50 Series has been making waves in the tech world, with many enthusiasts eager to get their hands on this latest flagship device. As a reviewer, I had the privilege of trying out the standard version of the Mate 50, and I must say that it's an impressive package. In this review, I'll take a closer look at the build quality and design of this device. One of the first things you'll notice about the Mate 50 is its premium build quality. The device feels sturdy in your hand, with a solid weight to it. The matte silver finish on the back is smooth to the touch and resists smudges well, making it a joy to hold. The stainless steel frame that runs along the sides of the phone is equally impressive, with a subtle chrome finish that adds a touch of class to the overall design. Speaking of design, I must say that the Mate 50 has a unique look to it. While some may prefer the curved design of the Mate 50 Pro, I find the flat display and matte finish of this device to be quite appealing. The chamfered edges and subtle curves give the phone a sophisticated feel, while the lack of sharp corners makes it comfortable to hold. One aspect that really impressed me was the attention to detail in the design process. The buttons are well-placed and easy to press, with a satisfying click to them. The power button is also strategically located on the right side of the phone, making it easy to access without having to navigate through menus. Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed with the build quality and design of the Huawei Mate 50. This device feels like a premium product from every angle, with a solid weight and attractive finish that's sure to turn heads. While some may prefer other designs, I think this phone is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a well-built and stylish device.
Battery Life
In my review of the Huawei Mate 50, I wanted to highlight one aspect that often gets overlooked in favor of more flashy features: battery life. While the phone's camera capabilities and display have been well-covered, I'd like to delve into how the Mate 50 performs in this regard. The Mate 50 has a slightly smaller battery compared to its Pro counterpart, with a capacity of around 4500mAh. However, my experience suggests that this difference is negligible in real-world use. The phone's power management is efficient, and I found myself reaching for a charger after about two days of moderate usage, which is still respectable given the demands of modern smartphones. One notable aspect of the Mate 50's battery life is its charging speed. With support for fast 66W charging, topping up the battery from zero to 100% takes just over an hour. This is quick enough that you can easily top up your phone during a long day or before heading out on a trip. Overall, I'm impressed with the Mate 50's battery life, considering its relatively modest capacity compared to some other flagships. While it may not set new records in this department, it provides reliable performance and quick charging, making it well-suited for everyday use.
Display
The Huawei Mate 50 Series was recently launched, and I had the opportunity to get my hands on all three devices. While many reviews focus on the Pro model, I wanted to give some love to the standard Mate 50, which I believe offers a lot of value for its price. One of the key differences between the Mate 50 and its Pro counterpart is the display. The Mate 50 features a flat display with a resolution that's comparable to the Pro model. However, it only has a refresh rate of 90Hz, whereas the Pro model boasts 120Hz. While some may notice a difference in smoothness, I found the Mate 50's display to be quite snappy and responsive. To be honest, Huawei did a great job with this display. It's not as flashy as the curved screen on the Pro model, but it gets the job done. The colors are vibrant, and the dynamic range is impressive. While I would have loved to see 120Hz on this device, I didn't notice any significant issues with smoothness. The flat design of the Mate 50's display is also a plus for gamers who prefer not to have a curved screen getting in the way of their fingers while playing games. In terms of design, I personally think the Mate 50 looks great. The stainless steel finish gives it a premium feel, and the matte silver color doesn't attract fingerprints like other devices with chrome frames do. For its price of rm3499, which is significantly cheaper than the Pro model, I believe you're getting a lot of value for the Huawei Mate 50. While some may want the extra resolution or curved display of the Pro model, I think this device is well worth considering.
Camera
In my recent hands-on experience with the Huawei Mate 50, I was pleasantly surprised by its camera capabilities. While it may not have the same high-resolution Periscope lens as its Pro sibling, the Mate 50 still manages to deliver impressive results. The primary sensor on the Mate 50 is a 15-megapixel variable aperture unit, which is identical to that found on the Mate 50 Pro. This means you can expect similar levels of detail and dynamic range in your photos. I was particularly impressed by the camera's ability to capture stunning night shots, with well-balanced exposure and minimal noise. The Ultra Wide sensor on the Mate 50 is also the same as that used on the Mate 50 Pro, producing crisp and clear images with minimal fringing or distortion. Whether you're capturing expansive cityscapes or intimate indoor moments, the Ultra Wide lens delivers consistently impressive results. While the Periscope lens on the Mate 50 has a lower resolution than its Pro counterpart (64 megapixels vs 48 megapixels), it still offers an impressive five times optical zoom. During my testing, I was able to capture detailed shots of distant subjects, such as planes in flight, with good color and texture rendition. In terms of overall camera performance, the Mate 50 holds its own against more expensive flagship devices. While it may not offer the same level of resolution or feature-set as some of its rivals, it still manages to deliver a satisfying photographic experience that's well-suited to everyday use. At RM3499, the Mate 50 represents an attractive value proposition for those seeking a capable camera phone without breaking the bank. While there are certainly more expensive options available with even greater camera capabilities, the Mate 50 is definitely worth considering for its impressive performance and affordable price tag.
Price and Value
In the world of smartphones, it's easy to get caught up in the hype surrounding flagship devices. However, for those looking for a balance between performance, features, and affordability, mid-range options are often overlooked. The Huawei Mate 50 is one such device that offers exceptional value for its price. Priced at RM3499, the Huawei Mate 50 is a significant Rs800 less than its Pro counterpart. Considering the similarities in specs, this makes it an attractive option for those who don't require the top-of-the-line features of the Pro model. One of the standout aspects of the Mate 50 is its camera setup. Although not as high-resolution as the Pro's Periscope lens, the Mate 50's own Periscope lens still provides impressive zoom capabilities and excellent image quality. The presence of a variable aperture also makes it an appealing choice for those who value manual control over their photography. The display on the Mate 50 is another area where it shines. Although with a lower refresh rate than its Pro counterpart, it still offers smooth performance and is perfect for gaming or video streaming. In terms of design, the Mate 50's stainless steel look and matte finish are both premium and stylish. It also features a durable construction that can withstand minor mishaps, such as accidental drops. Overall, the Huawei Mate 50 offers exceptional value at its price point. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the Pro model, it still delivers impressive performance, great camera capabilities, and a stunning design. For those who want a solid mid-range option without breaking the bank, the Mate 50 is definitely worth considering. At RM3499, you get a lot more than just a smartphone – you get a dependable companion that can keep up with your daily needs. Whether it's for work or play, the Huawei Mate 50 is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable mid-range option.
Performance
In my week-long testing of the Huawei Mate 50, I was pleasantly surprised by its performance. Despite being an "entry-level" device in the Mate series, it held its own against more premium options. One of the standout features is its display. While it's a flat panel with a 90Hz refresh rate (compared to the 120Hz on the Pro model), I found it to be surprisingly smooth and responsive. Navigation was seamless, and even demanding apps ran without issue. The camera performance is another highlight. Although the Mate 50 doesn't have the same level of detail as the Pro model, its primary sensor still produces excellent results in good lighting conditions. The variable aperture system allows for a nice balance between bokeh and image sharpness, making it ideal for portrait shots. Additionally, the ultra-wide camera delivers crisp and clear images with minimal noise. The Periscope lens, although lower resolution than on the Pro model, provides a decent five times optical zoom. While not as impressive as the 3.5 times zoom on the Pro model, it's still sufficient for capturing distant subjects. In terms of performance, I didn't experience any lag or stuttering during my testing period. Apps loaded quickly, and multitasking was effortless. Overall, I'm impressed by the Mate 50's performance considering its lower price point compared to the Pro model. While it may not match the premium device's capabilities in all areas, it's a strong contender in its own right. If you're looking for a reliable and capable mid-range smartphone without breaking the bank, the Huawei Mate 50 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
1. The Huawei Mate 50 provides a lot of value for your money.
2. The flat display is very smooth, even with a 90Hz refresh rate.
3. The camera performance is great, especially in night shots and bokeh mode.
4. The ultra-wide sensor produces very clean images with minimal noise.
5. The Periscope lens provides five times optical zoom, which is still good despite the lower resolution.
6. The display is very premium and does not carry any smudges.
7. The build quality is excellent, with a matte silver design that looks very good.
8. The price of rm3499 is 800 Ringgit cheaper than the Huawei Mate 50 Pro.
Cons
1. The refresh rate is only 90Hz, which may not be perfect for gaming.
2. The display does not have the same level of smoothness as some other nautical displays with 120Hz.
3. The Periscope lens has a lower resolution than the Mate 50 Pro.
4. Some users may prefer the design of the Mate 50 Pro or the vegan leather version.
5. The device may be dropped without cracking, but this is not necessarily a con.
6. There are no major concerns mentioned in the review, making it more of a neutral point.
7. No issues were found with the lighthouse feature and Google Apps integration.
8. No other significant cons were mentioned in the review.