1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.4 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.9 mm | Red Magic is taller, less wide, and thicker, leading to a slightly different in-hand feel; Red Magic is overall more bulky |
| Weight | 228g | 229g | Virtually identical weight; both feel substantial |
| Build Material | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Red Magic has confirmed screen protection, offering increased durability against scratches and minor impacts, iPhone is unknown |
Display
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Negligible size difference; both offer large viewing areas |
| Resolution | 1284x2778 | 1116x2480 | iPhone has higher pixel density, resulting in sharper text and images |
| PPI | 458 | 400 | iPhone display appears noticeably sharper due to higher pixel density; better for detailed content |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar display technology, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Red Magic provides much smoother scrolling and animations, making it more fluid to use |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone offers superior visibility in bright sunlight; Red Magic lacks confirmed information, likely not performing well in bright conditions |
Performance
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Red Magic has a newer and more powerful chipset; expect faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance compared to iPhone 12 Pro Max |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,121,803 | 2,369,542 | Red Magic performs significantly better in benchmarks, indicating superior overall performance; excellent for demanding apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) | Red Magic's Adreno 750 is likely to offer superior graphics performance, leading to better frame rates in games |
Camera
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, Sony IMX603, 1.70 µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.57", Samsung GN5, 1.00 µm pixel size | Red Magic has much higher resolution; iPhone has a wider aperture for better low-light performance; Red Magic sensor size may capture more light, but iPhone's larger pixel may give better single-pixel performance |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX514, pixel size (missing) | 16MP, f/2.0, 1/3.06", Omnivision OV16A1Q, 1.12 µm pixel size | Red Magic has a slightly higher resolution and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4", Sony IMX590, 1.00 µm pixel size | None | iPhone has a dedicated telephoto zoom lens for better zoomed-in photos; Red Magic lacks this feature. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/2.55", Sony IMX372, 1.40 µm pixel size | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64 µm pixel size | Red Magic has higher resolution and wider aperture for wide shots; iPhone has a larger sensor, which could lead to better low-light and dynamic range with larger pixels. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1, 1.75 µm pixel size | Red Magic has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots; iPhone lacks this feature. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Red Magic records in up to 8K resolution, while iPhone is capped at 4K. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 131, Selfie: 132 | Not Available | iPhone has a good camera rating, but the Red Magic was not tested. |
| Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, Ultra Stable Video, PDAF, RAW | OIS, Digital Image Stabilization, Gimbal, Laser Autofocus, Under display camera | Both have stabilization; iPhone has optical zoom and RAW capture, while Red Magic features a gimbal and laser autofocus. |
Battery
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3687mAh | 6500mAh | Red Magic has a significantly larger battery, likely offering much longer battery life, especially for gaming and heavy use. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 80W fast charging | Red Magic charges much faster, allowing for quicker top-ups; iPhone charging is slow in comparison |
| Battery Features | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi Wireless | None | iPhone offers wireless charging capabilities; Red Magic does not support wireless charging. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | iOS 14.1 (upgradable to 18) | Android 14 | Different operating systems; iOS is known for its ease of use and ecosystem, while Android is more customizable |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Red Magic offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC, SBC, AAC | Red Magic has a newer version with better audio codecs for better audio quality |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Red Magic has superior and more accurate GPS capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | iPhone supports eSIM for easy carrier switching; Red Magic uses dual physical SIM slots. |
| ### Storage, Audio, Security, Sensors |
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB | 256 GB / 512 GB | Both offer ample storage, but Red Magic starts with 256GB; No Expandable Storage for either device. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 12 GB / 16 GB | Red Magic has much more RAM, enabling better multitasking and smoother performance with demanding games and apps. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both have stereo speakers; iPhone focuses on immersive sound, while the Red Magic has advanced audio processing and better recording with 3 microphones |
| Security | Basic Security Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Red Magic has an additional basic fingerprint sensor for easy unlocking while iPhone has no physical sensor. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Red Magic includes a fingerprint sensor and Gravity Sensor. iPhone has a Barometer for environment detection, which is useful for specialized use cases that require altitude data. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density offer a more detailed and crisp viewing experience, better for reading text.
- Better Brightness: Significantly higher peak brightness (1200 nits) makes the screen much more usable under direct sunlight.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto camera allows for optical zoom without losing image quality.
- Established Ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Apple products and services; good support and software updates for years to come
- Wireless Charging: Supports convenient wireless charging, which is absent in Red Magic 9S Pro
- DXOMark Scores: Verified performance for both the main camera and selfie camera.
- Specific Sensors: Includes a Barometer, which may be beneficial to specific users
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: More powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and significantly higher AnTuTu score offer superior performance in all areas.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate results in a much more fluid and responsive experience, especially for gaming and scrolling.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Massive battery capacity (6500mAh) and ultra-fast 80W charging ensure all-day battery life and quick top-ups.
- Advanced Gaming Features: Built specifically for gaming with a high refresh rate, advanced cooling, and customizable controls.
- Higher Video Resolution: 8K video recording capability gives more options for professional-grade video content.
- Better Bluetooth Codecs: Supports LDAC, SBC and AAC for better audio quality over bluetooth headphones
- More Accurate GPS: Includes more satellite positioning systems, enhancing location tracking.
- Additional Sensors: Fingerprint sensor adds more options for secure unlocking, and gravity sensor allows for more gaming functionality
- Additional Camera Features: Includes a macro lens, laser autofocus, digital image stabilization and gimbal, and under-display camera
- Expandable Storage: Offers a 256 GB storage variant.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone: The smaller battery, lower refresh rate screen, and slower charging make it less suitable for intense gaming or prolonged use away from a charger.
- Red Magic: Lacks a telephoto camera, wireless charging, and confirmed screen brightness values, potentially compromising on camera versatility and screen visibility in bright light.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max:
- Ideal User: Users deeply integrated in the Apple ecosystem, preferring a balance of ease-of-use, camera versatility, good build quality and premium feel.
- Use Cases:
- Casual photography and videography where optical zoom is important.
- Users who prefer the iOS ecosystem.
- General-purpose use with an emphasis on a reliable and polished user experience.
- Users who value a brighter screen for outdoor visibility.
- Users who prioritize wireless charging.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro:
- Ideal User: Gamers and power users who prioritize performance, smooth visuals, battery life, and fast charging over camera versatility or brand ecosystem.
- Use Cases:
- Heavy gaming with demanding titles.
- Multi-tasking with resource-intensive applications.
- Users who need all-day battery life.
- Users who want to record 8K video or benefit from the Gimbal in the camera.
- Users who prioritize fingerprint unlocking
- Users who need more precise GPS tracking.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The price difference will greatly impact the value ratio for different consumers. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is an older flagship, while the Red Magic 9S Pro is a newer phone with better specs. However, that also means the Red Magic is likely to be more expensive than the iPhone. This is an important consideration for the value ratio of each of the phones.
4. Decision Framework
Here are key questions for buyers to consider:
Do you prioritize gaming or casual use?
- Gaming: The Red Magic 9S Pro is the clear winner with its high refresh rate, powerful processor, ample RAM, and long battery life.
- Casual Use: The iPhone 12 Pro Max excels with its display quality, general user experience, and reliable camera for casual use.
How important is camera versatility and outdoor screen visibility?
- Versatility: The iPhone's telephoto lens offers added versatility, while the Red Magic lacks zoom capabilities.
- Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone has much better brightness, offering better visibility in sunny conditions.
Do you prefer iOS or Android?
- iOS: The iPhone has a simpler user experience with a tightly controlled ecosystem, while the Red Magic is more customizable with the Android OS.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Mobile Gamer: The ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro is the best choice for you. Its raw power, high refresh rate, and large battery will provide a superior gaming experience.
- Casual User: The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is a good choice for you. Its sharper screen, ease of use, camera versatility, and brightness will serve most general needs.
- Budget-Conscious User: If the iPhone 12 Pro Max is significantly cheaper, then it might be a better option than the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro due to its low cost. If both phones are similarly priced, the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro is better value due to its specs.
- Power User: The ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro is the better choice for more demanding users as it provides better performance and power efficiency due to the better processor and bigger battery.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro. While the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a better display in terms of resolution and brightness and has a telephoto lens, the Red Magic 9S Pro excels in the areas that I find more important: performance and battery life.
I value the smoother 120Hz refresh rate for everyday use, and the significantly faster charging on the Red Magic is also very useful. I am also a power user and gamer, so the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is greatly preferred, in addition to the 12 GB or 16 GB of RAM available. Furthermore, the Red Magic provides a fingerprint sensor that the iPhone lacks. I am not heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, so the lack of seamless iOS integration is not a concern for me.
While the missing brightness value is a concern, the benefits I outlined outweigh its disadvantages. For my personal usage scenarios, the Red Magic is better suited for my needs.
