The Huawei P50 Pro is a premium flagship device designed for photography enthusiasts who value hardware excellence over software convenience. Initially announced on 29 July 2021, this device currently retails in the Pakistani market for approximately Rs. 165,000, which translates to roughly $590 USD depending on current import duties and exchange rates. While it lacks native Google Mobile Services (GMS), its hardware remains among the most sophisticated ever released by the brand.

Key details

- Announced: 29 July 2021
- Price in Pakistan: Rs. 165,000
- Price in USD: $590
- Display: 6.6-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Camera: 50MP main sensor with OIS
- Battery: 4,360 mAh with 66W charging
- Official Website: consumer.huawei.com/pk

Design & Build

The Huawei P50 Pro feels incredibly premium in the hand, featuring a dual-matrix camera design that sets it apart from competitors. It utilizes a combination of glass and aluminum, weighing 195g, which gives it a substantial, high-end feel. The IP68 rating ensures protection against dust and water, making it robust for daily use. The curved edges on the front and back meet a thin metal frame, creating a seamless aesthetic that is both beautiful and slippery.

Display

The 6.6-inch OLED panel is a visual treat, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. With a resolution of 1228 x 2700 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling and animations are exceptionally smooth. The screen supports 1 billion colors, making it excellent for content consumption. Under direct sunlight, the brightness levels are sufficient, ensuring that the screen remains legible even in the bright outdoor conditions frequently found in cities like Karachi or Lahore.

Performance

Equipped with the Snapdragon 888 4G chipset, the P50 Pro handles heavy multitasking and gaming with ease. Despite the lack of 5G connectivity, the 8-core CPU and Adreno 660 GPU ensure that high-end games run at high frame rates without significant heating. It is important to note that the device relies on Huawei's AppGallery and Petal Search; while most apps function, banking and Google-dependent applications require workarounds like GBox or GSpace.

Camera

This is the phone's primary selling point. The quad-camera system features a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 64MP periscope telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom, a 13MP ultrawide, and a 40MP monochrome sensor. The color accuracy is industry-leading, thanks to the Huawei XD Optics system. Whether capturing portraits or long-range shots, the detail retention is impeccable. Video recording supports 4K at 60fps, providing stable and cinematic footage.

Battery

The 4,360 mAh battery is modest by modern standards but provides a solid day of moderate usage. The 66W wired charging is a highlight, allowing the phone to go from 0 to 100 percent in roughly 45 minutes. It also supports 50W wireless charging, which is a convenient feature for those who prefer a clutter-free desk. However, power users might find themselves reaching for the charger by the evening.

Verdict

The Huawei P50 Pro is a specialized tool for mobile photographers who are willing to navigate the complexities of a non-Google ecosystem. If you prioritize camera quality, build, and display over seamless app integration, this remains one of the most capable devices you can buy. For the average user, however, the lack of native Google services and 5G connectivity makes it a tough recommendation in 2024, despite its stunning hardware.