The Huawei Mate 50 Pro, the latest smartphone offering from the Chinese tech giant, has officially been launched in South Africa. Here’s a closer look at the features and specifications of this new flagship device.
Display and design
The Mate 50 Pro comes equipped with a 6.8-inch OLED display, featuring a 1440×3200 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. These specifications are designed to enhance user experience in various applications, such as gaming and scrolling. The device’s design includes a glass back and a metal frame, making it both visually appealing and durable.
It also comes with IP68 dust and water resistance, providing added protection against the elements. The display is protected by Huawei’s Kunlun Glass, which offers enhanced scratch resistance and durability.
Processing power and OS
The smartphone is powered by Huawei’s own Kirin 9000 chipset, which promises impressive performance and energy efficiency.
The Mate 50 Pro runs on the HarmonyOS 2.0 operating system, the company’s response to restrictions on using Google’s Android operating system due to ongoing US sanctions. HarmonyOS 2.0 aims to provide a seamless user experience, with Huawei continually working to expand its app ecosystem and offer alternatives to popular Google apps and services.
Camera capabilities
The Mate 50 Pro boasts a quad-camera setup with a 108-megapixel main sensor, a 50-megapixel ultrawide lens, a 12-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, and a 3D depth-sensing camera. Huawei says this versatile configuration allows users to capture high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios, such as low-light conditions, wide-angle landscapes, and distant subjects.
The front-facing camera features a 32-megapixel lens, which should provide crisp selfies and clear video calls.
Battery and charging
Thanks to loadshedding, battery life is a big concern for South African smartphone users. The Mate 50 Pro addresses in several ways, starting with a 5000mAh battery, which should last for a full day of regular use.
The device also supports both 66W wired and 50W wireless fast charging, enabling users to recharge their phones quickly when needed. Additionally, the Mate 50 Pro offers reverse wireless charging, allowing it to charge other devices wirelessly, such as earbuds or compatible smartphones.
And the Low-Battery Emergency Mode helps users conserve power by limiting certain functionalities when the battery level is critically low, helping to ensure that essential communication features remain available.
Storage and connectivity
The Huawei Mate 50 Pro comes with various storage options, including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, with the possibility of expanding storage through Huawei’s Nano Memory Card. In terms of connectivity, the device supports 5G, 4G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC, ensuring users can stay connected in various environments and take advantage of fast data transfer speeds.
Security features
Huawei says it has made security a priority in the Mate 50 Pro, incorporating an in-display fingerprint sensor and facial recognition technology for secure and convenient device access. Additionally, the smartphone comes with a range of software-based security features, such as app encryption and secure file storage.
Availability and price The Huawei Mate 50 Pro will be available for purchase at various retail stores and online shopping platforms from 1 February 2023, starting at R24,999.
