Huawei Mate 80 Pro vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: A Flagship Face-Off

The Huawei Mate 80 Pro and Google Pixel 8 Pro represent distinct philosophies in the flagship smartphone space. The Mate 80 Pro, leveraging Huawei’s in-house silicon, prioritizes raw power and charging speed, while the Pixel 8 Pro focuses on computational photography and a tightly integrated software experience powered by Google’s Tensor G3. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing charging speed and potentially raw processing power, the Huawei Mate 80 Pro is the clear winner. Its 100W wired and 80W wireless charging are unmatched. However, the Pixel 8 Pro excels in camera software and AI features, making it the better choice for photography enthusiasts and those deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei Mate 80 Pro Google Pixel 8 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - G1MNW
5G bandsSA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - G1MNW
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, November 252023, October 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, November 25Available. Released 2023, October 12
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum alloy frame, fiber-reinforced plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame
Dimensions161.9 x 76 x 8 mm (6.37 x 2.99 x 0.31 in)162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.40 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight219 g (7.72 oz)213 g (7.51 oz)
Display
ProtectionHuawei Kunlun Glass 2Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1280 x 2832 pixels (~460 ppi density)1344 x 2992 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~489 ppi density)
Size6.75 inches, 110.3 cm2 (~89.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1440Hz PWM, HDR VividLTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 2400 nits (peak)
Platform
CPU9-core (1x2.75 GHz & 4x2.27 GHz & 4x1.72 GHz) (512GB / 1TB 16GB RAM)9-core (2.75 GHz & 2.27 GHz & 1.72 GHz) (256GB / 512GB 12GB RAM)Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetKirin 9030 Pro (6 nm) (512GB / 1TB 16GB RAM)Kirin 9030 (6 nm) (256GB / 512GB 12GB RAM)Google Tensor G3 (4 nm)
GPUMaleoon 935Immortalis-G715s MC10
OSHarmonyOS 6.0Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDRMulti-zone Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR, panorama, Best Take, Zoom Enhance
Triple50 MP, f/1.4-f/4.0, 24mm (wide), PDAF, OIS 48 MP, f/2.1, 93mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 4x optical zoom 40 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), PDAF50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 48 MP, f/2.8, 113mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 48 MP, f/2.0, 126˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF
Video4K, 1080p@240fps, HDR, gyro-EIS, OIS, HDR Vivid4K@30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single13 MP, f/2.0, 18mm (ultrawide), AF TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm, PDAF
Video4K, 1080p, HDR, gyro-EIS4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth6.0, A2DP, LE, L2HC5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a+E5b), QZSS (L1+L5), NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG, DisplayPort 1.2USB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFace ID, fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature)
Battery
Charging100W wired 80W wireless 20W reverse wireless 18W reverse wired30W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min 23W wireless Reverse wireless Bypass charging
Type5750 mAhLi-Ion 5050 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, Green, GoldObsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Mint
ModelsSGT-AL50GC3VE, G1MNW
PriceAbout 730 EUR€ 362.00 / $ 289.97 / £ 329.95 / ₹ 54,999

Huawei Mate 80 Pro

  • Unmatched 100W wired charging
  • 80W wireless charging
  • Potentially higher raw processing power with Kirin 9030 Pro
  • Larger RAM options (up to 16GB)

  • Huawei ecosystem limitations (lack of Google services)
  • Software updates may be less frequent

Google Pixel 8 Pro

  • Exceptional camera software and AI features
  • Guaranteed software updates and long-term support
  • Bright and efficient LTPO display
  • Seamless integration with Google services

  • Slower charging speeds (30W wired, 23W wireless)
  • Tensor G3 may not match Kirin 9030 Pro in raw CPU power

Display Comparison

The Pixel 8 Pro boasts a measured peak brightness of 1600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the Mate 80 Pro’s display specs aren’t provided, Huawei typically employs high-quality OLED panels. The Pixel 8 Pro’s display technology is likely LTPO, enabling variable refresh rates for improved power efficiency, a feature not confirmed for the Mate 80 Pro. The Pixel 8 Pro’s brightness advantage is significant for outdoor use.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are expected to deliver excellent camera performance, but their approaches differ. The Pixel 8 Pro is renowned for its computational photography prowess, leveraging Google’s AI algorithms for stunning image processing. While specific sensor details for the Mate 80 Pro are missing, Huawei has a history of utilizing large sensors and advanced optics. The Pixel 8 Pro’s strength lies in its software – features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur are highly regarded. The Mate 80 Pro may excel in scenarios requiring raw processing power for complex image manipulation, but the Pixel 8 Pro’s consistent, AI-driven results are likely to appeal to a wider audience.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Huawei Mate 80 Pro utilizes the Kirin 9030 Pro (6nm), featuring a 9-core CPU configuration. The Google Pixel 8 Pro is powered by the Google Tensor G3 (4nm). The Tensor G3’s 4nm process offers superior thermal efficiency compared to the Kirin 9030’s 6nm node, potentially leading to less throttling during sustained workloads. The Pixel 8 Pro’s Cortex-X3 core is designed for peak performance, while the Mate 80 Pro’s CPU architecture, though 9-core, may not match the single-core performance of the X3. The Mate 80 Pro’s RAM options (12GB/16GB) are competitive with the Pixel 8 Pro’s, but the Tensor G3’s focus on AI and machine learning tasks gives it a unique advantage in those areas.

Battery Life

The Pixel 8 Pro achieves an active use score of 11:14h, and an endurance rating of 90h. The Mate 80 Pro’s battery capacity is not specified, but its charging capabilities are a standout feature. With 100W wired charging, the Mate 80 Pro can likely charge from 0-100% in under 30 minutes, significantly faster than the Pixel 8 Pro’s 30W charging (50% in 30 minutes). The Mate 80 Pro also offers 80W wireless charging and 20W reverse wireless charging, dwarfing the Pixel 8 Pro’s 23W wireless and reverse wireless capabilities. The Mate 80 Pro’s charging speed is a major advantage for users who frequently need to top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei Mate 80 Pro if you need unparalleled charging speeds, a potentially more powerful processor for demanding tasks, and don't mind the limitations of the Huawei ecosystem. Buy the Google Pixel 8 Pro if you prioritize a best-in-class camera experience, seamless software updates, and the benefits of Google’s AI-powered features, even if it means sacrificing charging speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Huawei Mate 80 Pro's Kirin 9030 Pro handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at maximum settings?
The Kirin 9030 Pro is a powerful chipset, and should be capable of running Genshin Impact at high settings. However, sustained performance may be limited by thermal throttling due to the 6nm process. The Pixel 8 Pro’s Tensor G3, with its 4nm process, may offer more consistent frame rates during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How does the Pixel 8 Pro's 'Bypass Charging' feature benefit users?
The Pixel 8 Pro’s ‘Bypass Charging’ feature allows power to directly flow to the device while charging, reducing heat buildup and potentially extending battery lifespan. This is particularly useful for users who frequently use their phone while charging, as it minimizes the impact of heat on battery health.
❓ Is the lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS) on the Huawei Mate 80 Pro a significant issue for most users?
For users heavily reliant on Google apps like Gmail, YouTube, and Google Maps, the lack of GMS on the Mate 80 Pro is a significant drawback. While workarounds exist, they can be cumbersome. The Pixel 8 Pro offers seamless integration with the entire Google ecosystem.
❓ What is the real-world benefit of the Mate 80 Pro's 20W reverse wired charging?
The Mate 80 Pro’s 20W reverse wired charging allows you to charge other devices, like earbuds or a smartwatch, using your phone as a power bank. While not as fast as dedicated chargers, it’s a convenient feature for emergencies or when traveling.