The Huawei nova 6 and Realme X50 Pro Player represent compelling options in the mid-range flagship space, particularly as their prices have fallen since their initial release. Both devices aimed to deliver a premium experience without the top-tier price tag, but they took different approaches. The nova 6 relies on Huawei’s in-house Kirin 990, while the X50 Pro Player leverages the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme X50 Pro Player emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 865 chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage, especially in demanding tasks like gaming, and the 65W SuperDart charging is significantly faster than the nova 6’s 40W charging. While the nova 6 remains a capable device, the X50 Pro Player offers a more future-proof and powerful experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December. Released 2019, December | 2020, May 25. Released 2020, June 01 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Unspecified), glass back (Unspecified), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 162.6 x 75.7 x 8.6 mm (6.40 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 159 x 74.2 x 8.9 mm (6.26 x 2.92 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 197 g (6.95 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Unspecified |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.57 inches, 104.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.86 GHz Cortex-A76 & 2x2.09 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.86 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin 990 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MP16 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 10, EMUI 10, no Google Play Services | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.0 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Laser AF, Panorama, HDR, LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 40 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/1.7", PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 80mm (telephoto), 1/4.0", PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.4, 16mm (ultrawide) | - |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@960fps, (gyro-EIS) | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240/960fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
8 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, 29mm (standard), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) |
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 40W wired, 70% in 30 min | 65W wired, PD, 100% in 35 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4100 mAh, non-removable | 4200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red, Provence | Light Speed Silver, Phantom Black |
| Models | WLZ-AL10, WLZ-TL10 | RMX2072 |
| Price | - | About 350 EUR |
Huawei nova 6
- Sleek and stylish design (assumed)
- Huawei ecosystem integration
- Competitive 40W fast charging
- Kirin 990 chipset is outperformed by Snapdragon 865
- Potentially limited software updates due to geopolitical factors
Realme X50 Pro Player
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 865
- Ultra-fast 65W SuperDart charging
- More open software experience
- Design may be less refined than the nova 6 (subjective)
- Realme UI may not appeal to all users
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, but given their market positioning, both likely feature high refresh rate panels (90Hz or 120Hz). The Realme X50 Pro Player, being the slightly more premium offering, may have a marginally brighter panel. The absence of LTPO technology in either suggests both will rely on traditional refresh rate switching, potentially impacting battery life during variable refresh rate scenarios. Color accuracy will likely be similar, tuned for vibrant visuals common in this segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Realme X50 Pro Player, positioned as a gaming-focused device, likely prioritizes image processing for dynamic range and detail in fast-action shots. The Huawei nova 6, historically, emphasizes computational photography and AI scene recognition. Sensor size and lens apertures would be crucial differentiators, but without that data, we can assume both offer competent camera systems for everyday use. The inclusion of OIS on the main sensor would be a significant advantage for either device, improving low-light performance and video stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme X50 Pro Player’s Snapdragon 865 (7nm+) demonstrably outperforms the Huawei nova 6’s Kirin 990 (7nm). The Snapdragon 865 utilizes newer Cortex-A77 cores in its prime cluster (1x2.84 GHz) compared to the Kirin 990’s Cortex-A76 (2x2.86 GHz). This architectural advantage, coupled with the more efficient 7nm+ node, translates to better sustained performance and thermal management. The X50 Pro Player will excel in GPU-intensive tasks and maintain higher frame rates during prolonged gaming sessions. The Kirin 990 is still a capable chip, but it’s outmatched by the Snapdragon 865.
Battery Life
The Realme X50 Pro Player’s 65W SuperDart charging is a game-changer, achieving a full charge in just 35 minutes. The Huawei nova 6’s 40W charging, while respectable, takes longer, reaching 70% in 30 minutes. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the X50 Pro Player mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery. This means less downtime and more time enjoying the device, a critical benefit for power users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova 6 if you prioritize a sleek design and are deeply embedded within the Huawei ecosystem, potentially benefiting from seamless integration with Huawei accessories and services. Buy the Realme X50 Pro Player if you prioritize raw performance, faster charging speeds, and a more open software experience, particularly if you're a mobile gamer or frequently use demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 865 in the Realme X50 Pro Player handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 865 is more than capable of running Genshin Impact and other graphically intensive games at high settings. Its Adreno 650 GPU provides ample power, and the improved thermal management will help prevent throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Does the Huawei nova 6 support Google Mobile Services (GMS)?
The Huawei nova 6, released before significant restrictions, likely shipped with Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) instead of Google Mobile Services (GMS). This means you won't have native access to Google apps like the Play Store, Gmail, or YouTube without workarounds.
❓ How does the 65W charging on the Realme X50 Pro Player affect battery health over the long term?
While 65W charging is incredibly fast, Realme employs intelligent charging algorithms to minimize heat generation and prevent overcharging. These algorithms slow down the charging rate as the battery approaches full capacity, mitigating potential long-term degradation. However, all batteries degrade over time with use, regardless of charging speed.
