The Huawei Mate 50 Pro is a premium flagship smartphone that represents the pinnacle of mobile photography, currently retailing in Pakistan for approximately Rs. 275,000 ($980). Designed for photography enthusiasts and power users who value build quality over native Google services, this device was officially announced on 6 September 2022. While it lacks pre-installed Google apps, it remains one of the most capable handsets available in the local market for those comfortable with AppGallery and GBox solutions.
Key details
- Announced: 6 September 2022
- Market Price: Rs. 275,000
- Display: 6.74-inch OLED, 120Hz
- Battery: 4700mAh, 66W charging
- Official Website: consumer.huawei.com/pk
Design & Build
This phone feels incredibly expensive in the hand. It features a symmetrical design with a circular camera module that Huawei calls the Space Ring. The front is protected by Kunlun Glass, which is significantly more drop-resistant than standard glass. It carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, ensuring it can survive submersion in up to 2 meters of water for 30 minutes. The curved edges provide a sleek profile, though it is quite slippery without a case.
Display
Equipped with a 6.74-inch OLED panel, the Mate 50 Pro offers a fluid 120Hz refresh rate. Colors are punchy, and the 1212 x 2616 pixel resolution makes text look razor-sharp. Whether you are gaming or watching high-definition media, the screen brightness is excellent even under direct sunlight in Pakistani summers. The notch is slightly larger than competitors to house the advanced 3D face unlock sensors, which work flawlessly in pitch black conditions.
Performance
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G chipset powers the device. Even though it is limited to 4G connectivity in Pakistan, the performance is blistering. Apps open instantly, and heavy multitasking is handled with ease. Gaming performance is stable, though the phone can get warm during extended sessions of high-graphic games. The absence of Google Mobile Services is mitigated by the Huawei AppGallery, which now hosts most popular local apps like banking and ride-hailing services.
Camera
This is the phone's strongest selling point. The 50MP primary sensor features a 10-stop physically adjustable aperture (f/1.4 to f/4.0), allowing for professional-grade bokeh. It is complemented by a 64MP periscope telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom and a 13MP ultrawide sensor. Photos are rich in detail with excellent dynamic range. In low light, the sensor captures light that other phones simply cannot see, making it a king of night photography.
Battery
With a 4700mAh battery, the Mate 50 Pro comfortably lasts a full day of heavy usage. In our testing, it consistently delivered 6 to 7 hours of screen-on time. The included 66W wired charger gets you from 0 to 100% in roughly 45 minutes, while the 50W wireless charging is a convenient luxury for office desks.
Verdict
The Huawei Mate 50 Pro is a masterpiece of hardware that is held back only by the software ecosystem constraints. If you are a mobile photography professional or a Huawei loyalist, this phone offers the best camera hardware in the industry. However, for the average user who relies heavily on Google Drive, Google Maps, and seamless cloud syncing, the workaround-heavy experience might be a hurdle. At Rs. 275,000, it is a niche luxury for those who prioritize camera quality above all else.