The Huawei P50 is a fascinating device that arrives at a time when the smartphone market is more competitive than ever. Despite the challenges Huawei has faced in recent years, the P50 proves that the company still knows how to craft a premium smartphone with cutting-edge technology. From its striking design to its powerful camera system, the P50 is a device that demands attention. But how does it stack up in daily use? Let’s dive into the details.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Huawei P50 is undeniably sleek. The phone features a minimalist yet premium design with a glass back and an aluminum frame, giving it a solid feel in the hand. The rear camera module is housed in two large circular cutouts, a design choice that stands out without being overly flashy. The device is available in several color options, including Golden Black and Cocoa Gold, both of which exude sophistication. Weighing in at 181 grams and measuring 7.92mm thick, the P50 strikes a good balance between heft and portability. The IP68 rating ensures dust and water resistance, adding to its durability.

Display

The Huawei P50 sports a 6.5-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2700 x 1224 pixels, resulting in a crisp and vibrant viewing experience. The screen supports a 90Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations feel smooth, though it’s worth noting that some competitors have moved to 120Hz. Colors are rich and accurate, thanks to the P3 wide color gamut, and the peak brightness of 1300 nits ensures visibility even under direct sunlight. The curved edges of the display add to the phone’s aesthetic appeal, though they may not be everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to practicality.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Huawei P50 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 4G chipset—yes, you read that right, it’s the 4G variant due to the ongoing restrictions Huawei faces. While the lack of 5G might be a dealbreaker for some, the Snapdragon 888 still delivers flagship-level performance. Paired with 8GB of RAM, the phone handles multitasking and demanding apps with ease. However, the software side is where things get tricky. The P50 runs on HarmonyOS 2.0, Huawei’s in-house operating system. While it’s smooth and well-optimized, the absence of Google Mobile Services (GMS) means you’ll need to rely on Huawei’s AppGallery and third-party solutions for apps, which can be a hurdle for some users.

Camera System

The camera setup is where the Huawei P50 truly shines. The rear array includes a 50MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, a 12MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens. The results are nothing short of impressive. Photos taken with the main sensor are detailed, with excellent dynamic range and accurate colors. The periscope lens allows for stunning zoomed-in shots without significant loss of quality, and the ultra-wide lens captures expansive scenes with minimal distortion. Low-light performance is also outstanding, thanks to Huawei’s advanced computational photography algorithms. The 13MP front-facing camera delivers sharp and well-balanced selfies, making it a great choice for video calls and social media.

Battery Life and Charging

The Huawei P50 is equipped with a 4100mAh battery, which is decent but not class-leading. With moderate usage, the phone can easily last a full day, though heavy users might need to top up before bedtime. The device supports 66W wired fast charging, which can take the battery from 0 to 100% in about 45 minutes. Unfortunately, wireless charging is absent, which is a notable omission for a flagship device in this price range.

Audio and Additional Features

The P50 comes with stereo speakers that deliver clear and balanced audio, though they lack the depth and bass of some competitors. There’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, so wireless or USB-C headphones are the way to go. On the plus side, the phone includes an under-display fingerprint sensor that’s fast and reliable, as well as facial recognition for added convenience. The lack of expandable storage might be a downside for some, but with 128GB or 256GB options available, most users should have enough space.

Final Verdict

The Huawei P50 is a compelling flagship that excels in design, display quality, and camera performance. However, the lack of 5G and Google Mobile Services may deter some potential buyers, especially outside of China. If you can overlook these limitations, the P50 offers a premium experience with a standout camera system and a sleek design. It’s a testament to Huawei’s ability to innovate despite the challenges it faces.

Huawei P50 Full Specifications:

Dimensions: 156.5 x 73.8 x 7.92 mm

Weight: 181 grams

Build: Glass front and back, aluminum frame

Display: 6.5-inch OLED, 2700 x 1224 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate

Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 4G

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 128GB/256GB (non-expandable)

Rear Cameras: 50MP main (f/1.8), 12MP periscope telephoto (5x optical zoom), 13MP ultra-wide (f/2.2)

Front Camera: 13MP (f/2.4)

Battery: 4100mAh, 66W wired fast charging

OS: HarmonyOS 2.0

IP Rating: IP68

Colors: Golden Black, Cocoa Gold