Motorola Moto S50 vs Huawei Pura 70: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Power

The Motorola Moto S50 and Huawei Pura 70 represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The S50 leverages MediaTek’s Dimensity 7300, while the Pura 70 boasts Huawei’s Kirin 9000S1. This comparison dissects their key differences, focusing on performance, charging capabilities, and the overall user experience to determine which device delivers the most value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and faster wired charging, the Motorola Moto S50 emerges as the winner. Its Dimensity 7300 chipset, built on a 4nm process, offers a slight edge in efficiency and gaming, while the 68W charging is quicker than the Pura 70’s 66W. However, the Pura 70’s reverse wireless charging adds a unique convenience.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto S50 Huawei Pura 70
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
5G bandsSA/NSA/Sub6SA/NSA - China only
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, September 052024, April 18
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, September 05Available. Released 2024, May 06
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back or silicone polymer (eco leather) backGlass front, aluminum frame
Dimensions154.1 x 71.2 x 8.1 mm (6.07 x 2.80 x 0.32 in)157.6 x 74.3 x 8 mm (6.20 x 2.93 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight170 g (6.00 oz)207 g (7.30 oz)
Display
Protection-Kunlun Glass 2
Resolution1272 x 2670 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)1256 x 2760 pixels (~460 ppi density)
Size6.36 inches, 103.5 cm2 (~94.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 105.5 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO P-OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 3000 nits (peak)LTPO OLED, 1B colors, HDR, 120Hz, 1440Hz PWM, 2500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm)Kirin 9000S1
GPUMali-G615 MC2-
OSAndroid 14EMUI 14.2 (International), HarmonyOS 4.2 (China)
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.5", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.0, 73mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, PDAF50 MP, f/1.4-4.0, 25mm (wide), 1/1.3", PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/3.4, 125mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS4K, 1080p, HDR, gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 0.7µm13 MP, f/2.4, (ultrawide)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fpsYes, HDR
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, L2HC
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a+E5b), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, DisplayPort 1.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging68W wired, 50% in 13 min 15W wireless66W wired 50W wireless 7.5W reverse wireless 5W reverse wired
Type4310 mAhLi-Po 4900 mAh
Misc
ColorsNautical Blue, Latte, PoincianaBlack, White, Blue, Pink
ModelsXT2309-5ADY-LX9, ADY-AL00, ADY-AL10
PriceAbout 280 EUR€ 699.95

Motorola Moto S50

  • Faster wired charging (68W)
  • More efficient 4nm chipset
  • Potentially better gaming performance

  • Lacks reverse wireless charging
  • Software updates may be slower

Huawei Pura 70

  • 50W wireless charging
  • Reverse wireless and wired charging
  • Potentially superior camera image processing

  • Chipset architecture details are unknown
  • Software ecosystem limitations

Display Comparison

While display specifications are missing for both devices, the market positioning suggests both will likely feature OLED panels. The absence of LTPO technology in either device is a notable omission, potentially impacting power efficiency during variable refresh rate usage. Bezels are expected to be minimal on the Pura 70, aligning with Huawei’s design language, while the Moto S50 will likely prioritize value over ultra-thin bezels. Color accuracy will be a key differentiator, with Huawei typically calibrating for more vibrant colors, while Motorola often aims for a more natural look.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are currently limited. However, the Pura 70, given Huawei’s strong camera reputation, is likely to prioritize image processing and computational photography. Sensor size will be crucial; a larger sensor on either device will capture more light, improving low-light performance. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is expected on the main sensor of both phones, mitigating handshake and improving image clarity. Lens apertures will also play a role, with wider apertures (lower f-number) allowing more light to reach the sensor. We anticipate the Pura 70 to excel in image quality due to Huawei’s software optimizations.

Performance

The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto S50’s Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4nm) utilizes a Cortex-A78 based core configuration, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. The Huawei Pura 70’s Kirin 9000S1, while octa-core, lacks detailed architectural information. However, given Huawei’s history, it’s likely a focus on AI-enhanced processing. The 4nm node of the Dimensity 7300 provides a thermal advantage, potentially leading to less throttling during sustained workloads like gaming. RAM speed (likely LPDDR4X or LPDDR5) is unspecified for both, but will impact multitasking performance.

Battery Life

Both devices offer competitive charging speeds. The Moto S50’s 68W wired charging promises a 50% charge in 13 minutes, while the Pura 70’s 66W is slightly slower. The S50 also includes 15W wireless charging, while the Pura 70 steps up to 50W wireless, a significant advantage for wireless charging users. The Pura 70 further adds 7.5W reverse wireless charging, allowing it to charge accessories, and 5W reverse wired charging, a unique feature. Battery capacity is unspecified, but the faster charging speeds on the S50 could offset a potentially smaller battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Moto S50 if you need a phone focused on gaming and fast-charging capabilities, and value a more open software experience. Its Dimensity 7300 provides a strong foundation for demanding tasks. Buy the Huawei Pura 70 if you prioritize a refined camera experience, appreciate the convenience of reverse wireless charging, and are comfortable with Huawei’s ecosystem and potential software limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Kirin 9000S1 chipset in the Pura 70 suffer from thermal throttling under heavy load?
Without detailed thermal testing, it's difficult to say definitively. However, given the lack of information regarding its manufacturing process and cooling solution, there's a potential for throttling during prolonged gaming sessions or video recording. The Dimensity 7300's 4nm process in the Moto S50 offers a theoretical advantage in thermal efficiency.
❓ How does the 15W wireless charging on the Moto S50 compare to the 50W on the Pura 70 in terms of real-world charging time?
The Pura 70’s 50W wireless charging will be significantly faster. Expect a full charge on the Pura 70 to take around 60-90 minutes, while the Moto S50’s 15W will likely require 2-3 hours. The difference is substantial for users who frequently rely on wireless charging.
❓ What software experience can I expect on the Huawei Pura 70, given the ongoing restrictions?
The Pura 70 will run on Huawei’s HarmonyOS, which lacks full Google Mobile Services (GMS) support. This means no pre-installed Google apps like Gmail, YouTube, or the Play Store. Users will need to rely on Huawei’s AppGallery and sideloading apps, which can be less convenient.
❓ Is the reverse wireless charging on the Pura 70 useful for everyday accessories?
Yes, the 7.5W reverse wireless charging is convenient for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. While not as fast as dedicated chargers, it provides a useful emergency charging option when a power outlet isn't available.