Huawei Mate 50 review
The Huawei Mate 50 Series was launched about a week ago, and I'm excited to share my thoughts on the standard version of this device. While most reviews focus on the Pro model, I believe the non-Pro variant deserves some love. At RM3499, it offers tremendous value for its price. Compared to the Mate 50 Pro, the main differences lie in the display (flat vs curved) and refresh rate (90Hz vs 120Hz). However, the flat display on the Mate 50 is surprisingly smooth, making it a great option for those who don't need the higher refresh rate. The camera setup is also identical to the Pro model, with a 15-megapixel primary sensor, an Ultra-Wide sensor, and a Periscope lens that offers five times optical zoom. In my testing, I was pleased to find that the Mate 50's cameras performed exceptionally well, producing stunning photos, especially in low-light conditions. The Ultra-Wide sensor delivered crisp and clear images with minimal noise. While the Periscope lens may have lower resolution than its Pro counterpart, it still provided great results. The Mate 50 also boasts a beautiful design, with a premium stainless steel finish that resists smudges. The phone's build quality is impressive, making it feel like a high-end device. Overall, I believe the Huawei Mate 50 is an excellent choice for those who want a powerful smartphone without breaking the bank. Its value proposition is hard to beat, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable device with great cameras and a smooth user experience.
Build Quality and Design
In my recent hands-on experience with the Huawei Mate 50, I was impressed by its build quality and design. While some may argue that it's not as flashy as its Pro counterpart, the Mate 50's matte silver finish exudes a sense of understated sophistication. The device's premium feel is undeniable, with a sturdy stainless steel body that resists fingerprints and smudges. The chrome frames on either side add a touch of elegance without compromising durability. When compared to other devices in its class, the Mate 50's design is refreshingly straightforward, avoiding unnecessary embellishments or gimmicks. One notable aspect of the Mate 50's build quality is its exceptional durability. I tested this by intentionally dropping it (don't try this at home!), and was pleasantly surprised that it survived with only minor cosmetic damage. This kind of ruggedness is a testament to Huawei's commitment to building devices that can withstand daily wear and tear. While some users may prefer the more striking design of the Mate 50 Pro or its vegan leather variant, I believe the Mate 50's subtle charm has a lot to offer. For those seeking a reliable mid-range device with a premium feel, the Mate 50 is an excellent choice. In conclusion, the Huawei Mate 50's build quality and design are significant strengths that set it apart from other devices in its class. While not as flashy as some of its competitors, this understated champion deserves attention for its exceptional craftsmanship and value proposition.
Battery Life
The Huawei Mate 50 is an impressive device that packs a punch in terms of features and performance. One aspect that often gets overlooked is battery life, but I'm here to give it some well-deserved attention. The Mate 50 boasts a smaller battery compared to its Pro counterpart, with a capacity of around 4,500mAh. However, this doesn't necessarily mean it's short on juice. In my experience, the device has been able to last a full day with moderate usage, which is impressive considering its size and feature set. In real-world use, I've found that the Mate 50 can easily make it through a day of heavy use without needing to be recharged. The fast 66W charging system also ensures that you can top up your device quickly if you do need to. While it may not have the same battery capacity as its Pro sibling, the Mate 50's smaller battery is well-optimized for everyday usage. It's a testament to Huawei's engineering prowess and a great example of how to get the most out of a smaller battery. In conclusion, the Huawei Mate 50's battery life is a pleasant surprise, offering a full day's use without needing to be recharged. While it may not be the longest-lasting device on the market, its compact size and efficient power management make it an excellent choice for those who want a great smartphone without breaking the bank. 4/5 stars
Display
The Huawei Mate 50 is a mid-range smartphone that has garnered attention for its impressive features at an affordable price point. One aspect that deserves special mention is the display. While it's often overshadowed by the Pro version, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Mate 50's flat display offers a seamless user experience. The screen resolution on both devices is similar, but the refresh rate differs significantly. The Mate 50 boasts a 90Hz display, whereas the Pro version has a 120Hz panel. In my hands-on experience, I found the Mate 50's display to be surprisingly smooth and responsive. Navigating through menus and scrolling through content was a breeze, even without the higher refresh rate of the Pro. Huawei deserves credit for optimizing the display to compensate for the lower refresh rate. The result is a viewing experience that is almost indistinguishable from its pricier counterpart. While gaming enthusiasts might still prefer the 120Hz option, casual users will find the Mate 50's display more than sufficient. In terms of design, the flat display fits nicely with the phone's overall aesthetic. The matte silver finish gives it a premium feel, and the chrome frame on the sides adds a touch of elegance. Overall, I was impressed by the display quality and its seamless integration with the rest of the device. At RM3499 (approximately $800 cheaper than the Pro version), the Mate 50 offers an incredible value proposition for those seeking a solid mid-range smartphone experience. While some might still prefer the higher refresh rate of the Pro, the Mate 50's display is more than capable of delivering a satisfying user experience.
Camera
In my recent hands-on experience with the Huawei Mate 50, I was pleasantly surprised by the camera capabilities of this mid-range device. While it may not offer the same level of refinement as its Pro counterpart, the Mate 50 still manages to deliver impressive results in various lighting conditions. One of the standout features is the main sensor, which produces stunning night shots that rival those taken with the more expensive Pro model. The variable aperture also allows for precise control over the amount of bokeh, making it a great tool for photographers who prefer a more manual approach. Additionally, the Mate 50's dynamic range and color reproduction are excellent, resulting in vibrant and lifelike images. The ultra-wide sensor is another area where the Mate 50 shines, producing clean and crisp images with minimal noise. The lack of fringing on the edges is also noteworthy, making it a great option for capturing expansive landscapes or architecture shots. While the Periscope lens may have a lower resolution compared to the Pro model, it still offers five times optical zoom, which is impressive given its price point. I was able to capture detailed images of distant objects, such as planes flying overhead, with ease. Although the resolution might not be on par with the Pro's, the results are still very satisfying. In terms of camera software and features, the Mate 50 runs smoothly and efficiently, making it easy to navigate and use the various modes and settings. I particularly appreciate the ability to run Google Apps, including Google Photos, which syncs seamlessly across devices. Overall, the Huawei Mate 50's cameras are a pleasant surprise, delivering solid performance in various lighting conditions while still offering some impressive features. At its price point of RM3499, it offers an excellent value proposition for those looking for a capable camera phone without breaking the bank.
Price and Value
The Huawei Mate 50 Series was launched recently, with the non-Pro version often being overlooked in favor of its more expensive sibling. However, I believe that the Mate 50 is a great device that offers a lot of value for your money. Priced at RM3499, the Mate 50 is significantly cheaper than the Mate 50 Pro, which costs RM4499. Despite the price difference, the Mate 50 still packs a punch with its impressive specs and features. In fact, I think it's one of the best deals in the mid-range segment. The Mate 50 has a flat display with a 90Hz refresh rate, which may not be as smooth as the Mate 50 Pro's 120Hz refresh rate, but still provides a great viewing experience. The camera setup is also impressive, with a 15-megapixel main sensor and an Ultra-wide lens that produces excellent results. One of the key selling points of the Mate 50 is its price. At RM3499, it offers a lot more value than other devices in its class. While you may not get all the bells and whistles that come with the Mate 50 Pro, I believe that the Mate 50 is still an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable smartphone. In conclusion, the Huawei Mate 50 is a great device that offers a lot of value for your money. Its affordable price, impressive specs, and good camera performance make it a compelling choice in the mid-range segment.
Performance
The Huawei Mate 50 Series has been making waves in the tech world, but often overshadowed by its Pro counterpart is the standard model. In this review, I'll focus on the performance aspect of the Huawei Mate 50, and I must say, it's a real gem. While the display resolution is the same as the Pro model, the refresh rate is only 90Hz compared to 120Hz. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth the display performed in everyday use. The flat design also makes it easy to navigate and interact with the phone. The camera system on the Mate 50 is impressive, with a 15-megapixel variable aperture sensor that delivers excellent results in various lighting conditions. The ultra-wide sensor is equally good, producing clean and crisp images with minimal noise. While the Periscope lens has a lower resolution compared to the Pro model, it still provides five times optical zoom, which is more than sufficient for everyday use. The battery size is slightly smaller than its Pro counterpart, but I didn't experience any significant drain during my testing period. The phone performed well even with heavy usage, and I was able to get through a day without needing to recharge. In conclusion, the Huawei Mate 50's performance is impressive considering its price point. While it may not match the Pro model in some areas, it's still a formidable device that offers excellent value for money. If you're looking for a reliable and feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank, the Mate 50 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
1. The Huawei Mate 50 offers a lot of value for its price, being RM3499 compared to RM5499 for the Pro version.
2. The camera performance is excellent, with stunning photos and great low-light capabilities, although it's not as good as the Pro version.
3. The display is smooth and seamless, despite only having a 90Hz refresh rate.
4. The ultra-wide camera takes very clean images with minimal noise and no fringing on the sides.
5. The Periscope lens provides five times optical zoom and still delivers great results, even if it's not as good as the Pro version.
6. The design is premium and looks great, with a stainless steel look that doesn't smudge or pick up fingerprints easily.
Cons
1. The refresh rate on the Mate 50 is only 90Hz, which may be noticeable for some users who prefer smoother performance.
2. The camera resolution is lower than the Pro version, although it still takes great photos and has good low-light capabilities.
3. The display is not curved, which may be a drawback for some gamers or those who prefer a more immersive experience.