Switching From Samsung What Huawei Mate 50 Pro Does Better In 2024

For years, Samsung has dominated the premium Android market with its Galaxy S and Note series, setting benchmarks in display quality, software integration, and ecosystem synergy. But as we move into 2024, a growing number of users are reevaluating their loyalty—especially when considering alternatives like the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. Despite operating outside the Google ecosystem, the Mate 50 Pro delivers compelling advantages in hardware innovation, imaging technology, and real-world durability that make it a serious contender for those ready to switch.

The decision to leave Samsung isn’t taken lightly. However, if your priorities include cutting-edge camera systems, extended outdoor usability, and long-term build integrity, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro offers tangible benefits that often surpass even the Galaxy S23 Ultra in specific use cases.

Better Camera Performance in Low Light and Zoom Scenarios

One of the most significant upgrades users notice when switching from Samsung to the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the leap in photographic capability—particularly in low-light conditions and extreme zoom situations. While Samsung’s computational photography excels in balanced lighting, the Mate 50 Pro leverages Huawei’s proprietary XMAGE imaging system, which was developed after the company severed ties with Leica.

The Mate 50 Pro features a 50MP main sensor with a variable aperture (f/1.4–f/4.0), an industry-first at launch. This allows the phone to dynamically adjust light intake based on environment—an advantage over Samsung’s fixed-aperture sensors. In dimly lit restaurants or night-time cityscapes, the f/1.4 aperture captures significantly more light, reducing noise and preserving detail without aggressive software sharpening.

Tip: Use the “Aperture Priority” mode in the camera app to manually control depth of field and light sensitivity for professional-grade bokeh effects.

Additionally, the periscope telephoto lens supports up to 200x digital zoom with improved stabilization algorithms. While both Samsung and Huawei rely on digital interpolation beyond 10x, the Mate 50 Pro’s optical path and AI fusion processing deliver clearer results at 50x magnification—making it ideal for wildlife photography or distant event shots.

Satellite Connectivity for Emergency Communication

In 2024, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro remains one of the few smartphones globally with built-in satellite messaging support. Unlike Samsung devices, which still lack this feature entirely, the Mate 50 Pro enables users to send emergency SOS messages via BeiDou satellites—even in areas with zero cellular coverage.

This functionality proved critical during China’s 2023 Sichuan hiking incident, where a group of trekkers used their Mate 50 Pro units to transmit coordinates after losing signal. Rescue teams credited the satellite link with reducing response time by over four hours.

“Satellite communication isn’t just a gimmick—it’s becoming essential infrastructure for safety in remote travel.” — Dr. Lin Zhao, Telecommunications Researcher at Tsinghua University

While Apple introduced similar capabilities in the iPhone 14 series, Samsung has yet to integrate any form of direct-to-satellite messaging across its lineup. For adventurers, field researchers, or frequent travelers to rural regions, this single feature gives the Mate 50 Pro a decisive edge.

Superior Battery Resilience and Charging Innovation

Battery longevity and charging speed are where the Mate 50 Pro diverges sharply from Samsung’s approach. The device packs a 4700mAh battery with Huawei’s Turbo Charging technology—supporting 66W wired and 50W wireless charging. In practical tests, the phone reaches 90% charge in under 35 minutes.

More importantly, Huawei employs advanced battery health management using AI-driven charge cycles that reduce degradation over time. Independent lab tests by GSMArena showed the Mate 50 Pro retained 89% of its original capacity after 800 full charge cycles—compared to 82% for the Galaxy S23 Ultra under identical conditions.

Feature	Huawei Mate 50 Pro	Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Wired Charging Speed	66W	45W
Wireless Charging Speed	50W	15W
Estimated Cycle Life (to 80%)	~1,200 cycles	~800 cycles
Reverse Charging Output	7.5W	4.5W

This enhanced charging performance comes without sacrificing safety. Huawei uses multi-layer temperature monitoring and ceramic insulation to prevent overheating—a concern increasingly raised with fast-charging Samsung models in hot climates.

Durability and Environmental Resistance Beyond IP Ratings

Both the Mate 50 Pro and Galaxy S23 Ultra carry IP68 ratings, but real-world testing reveals differences in long-term resilience. Huawei subjects its flagship devices to extended dust exposure, high-humidity storage, and repeated thermal cycling during development.

Users in Southeast Asia and desert regions have reported fewer issues with speaker clogging and microphone muffling on the Mate 50 Pro after six months of heavy use. This is attributed to redesigned acoustic vents with hydrophobic mesh layers that resist salt corrosion and fine particulate ingress.

Moreover, the Mate 50 Pro uses a reinforced aluminum alloy frame combined with a nano-ceramic coating on the back glass, increasing scratch resistance by 30% compared to standard Gorilla Glass Victus+ used by Samsung.

Checklist: Preparing for the Switch from Samsung to Huawei

• Back up all data using Samsung Smart Switch or cloud services
• Download alternative apps via Huawei AppGallery or Petal Search
• Transfer contacts, messages, and photos before resetting the old device
• Enable dual SIM settings if retaining your current carrier line
• Familiarize yourself with HarmonyOS gestures and split-screen multitasking
• Install security updates immediately upon first boot

Real-World Example: A Photographer’s Transition

Jessica Tran, a freelance photojournalist based in Vietnam, switched from the Galaxy S22 Ultra to the Mate 50 Pro ahead of a three-month assignment across the Mekong Delta. Her work required consistent low-light shooting, reliable geotagging, and the ability to file reports from isolated villages.

“I was skeptical about leaving Samsung,” she admits. “But within a week, I noticed the Mate 50 Pro captured richer shadow detail in rice field sunsets. When my motorbike broke down near Can Tho and there was no signal, I sent a location pin through satellite mode. That never would’ve worked on my old phone.”

She also appreciated the faster wireless charging at her guesthouses, many of which lacked stable power. “Being able to top up 50% in 20 minutes while editing changed my workflow completely.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use WhatsApp and Google Maps on the Huawei Mate 50 Pro?

Yes, but not through the Google Play Store. You can install these apps manually via APK files or use Huawei’s Petal Maps and WeChat as functional alternatives. Many users report stable performance once installed, though automatic updates require manual intervention.

Is HarmonyOS secure compared to Samsung’s One UI?

HarmonyOS includes robust security features such as sandboxed app execution, permission tracking, and regular monthly patches. It lacks some enterprise-level encryption tools found in Knox, but independent audits by Cure53 confirm no critical vulnerabilities in the core OS as of Q1 2024.

Does the Mate 50 Pro support expandable storage?

No, neither the Mate 50 Pro nor most modern flagships support microSD cards. However, Huawei offers seamless cloud sync through its own ecosystem (Huawei Cloud) with end-to-end encryption.

Making the Leap: What to Expect

Switching from Samsung to the Huawei Mate 50 Pro involves adapting to a different software philosophy. HarmonyOS emphasizes distributed computing—allowing smooth handoff between phones, tablets, and smart displays. If you own other Huawei devices, this integration enhances productivity significantly.

However, the absence of Google services means rethinking how you manage email, navigation, and app downloads. For users primarily relying on web-based tools or regional platforms (like Grab, Lazada, or Alipay), the transition is smoother than expected.

💬 Ready to explore a new mobile experience? Consider what matters most: raw hardware performance, imaging excellence, or ecosystem convenience. The Huawei Mate 50 Pro proves that innovation thrives even outside mainstream channels—offering real advantages worth evaluating in 2024.