Apple iPhone 12 vs ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 23, 2020 March 11, 2021
Release Year 2020 2021

Physical

Volume 77.62 cm³ 127.23 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.72 "/g 3.09 "/g
Weight 164 g 220 g
Height 146.7 mm 169.9 mm
Width 71.5 mm 77.2 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 9.7 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • White
  • Green
  • Purple
  • Aurora
  • Eclipse Black

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.8 "
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.1 % 85.1 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 387 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 165 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 630 nits
HBM Brightness 625 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 75.65 mAh/in² 109.21 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.27 mAh/cm³ 39.69 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2815 mAh 5050 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Adreno 660

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 3.0, OTG, Accessory Connector

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 14.1 11
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 vs. ZTE nubia Red Magic 6

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 12ZTE nubia Red Magic 6Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm169.9 × 77.2 × 9.7 mmiPhone 12 is significantly more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. Red Magic 6 is larger and bulkier.
Weight164g220giPhone 12 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use.
Display
Size6.1"6.8"Red Magic 6 offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming.
Resolution1170x25321080x2400iPhone 12 has a slightly sharper display, but the difference might not be noticeable to everyone.
PPI460387iPhone 12 has a noticeably sharper display
TechnologyOLEDAMOLEDBoth offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; slight differences in color accuracy and power efficiency may exist, but are generally negligible.
Refresh Rate60Hz165HzRed Magic 6 provides significantly smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences.
Brightness1200 nits0 nitsiPhone 12 is much easier to view outdoors in bright sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Both are high-performance chipsets. A14 Bionic excels in optimized iOS performance. Snapdragon 888 is powerful, but might require more optimization.
AnTuTu Score1,083,947N/AUnable to compare benchmark scores directly, further information needed.
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)Adreno 660Both offer excellent graphics performance for gaming and demanding applications.
Camera
Standard Camera12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55", 1.4µmN/AiPhone 12 likely offers better low-light performance and image quality for standard photos.
Ultrawide Camera12MP, f/2.4N/AiPhone 12 captures wider scenes in photos.
Selfie Camera12MP, f/2.2N/AiPhone 12 offers selfie camera capabilities.
Video RecordingUp to 4K@60fps with HDRUp to 8K@30fpsRed Magic 6 can record in higher resolution, but iPhone 12's stabilization and overall video processing are likely superior.
DxOMark ScoreMobile: 117, Selfie: 132N/AUnable to compare. iPhone 12 camera scored.
Features4K Video, OIS, Night Mode, etc.iPhone 12 offers more comprehensive camera features for versatile photography.
Battery
Capacity2815mAh0mAhData Missing: Cannot compare, Red Magic 6 missing data
Charging20W Fast Charging, Wireless ChargingStandard ChargingiPhone 12 charges faster and offers wireless charging convenience.
FeaturesMagSafe, Qi Wireless ChargingiPhone 12 has MagSafe and Qi wireless charging for added convenience.
Software
OSiOS 14.1 (upgradable to 18)Android 11iOS is known for its ease of use and tight ecosystem integration. Android offers more customization and open-source flexibility.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6N/AiPhone 12 supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi.
Bluetooth5.1N/AiPhone 12 has a newer Bluetooth version for better performance and efficiency.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GalileoN/AiPhone 12 provides more accurate location tracking.
SIMDual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM)N/AiPhone 12 offers more flexibility with dual SIM support.
Storage
Internal64/128/256 GBN/AApple iPhone 12 storage capacity info, Red Magic 6 data missing.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone allows for expandable storage.
RAM4 GBN/AMissing Data, cannot compare.
Audio
QualityDolby Atmos, Stereo SpeakersBasic Audio FeaturesiPhone 12 offers a richer and more immersive audio experience.
Security
FeaturesBasic Security FeaturesFingerprint SensorRed Magic 6 offers a convenient fingerprint sensor for unlocking the phone.
Build Quality
ProtectionUnknownUnknownScreen protection info missing for both.
Sensors
SensorsProximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, BarometerBasic SensorsiPhone 12 has a more comprehensive set of sensors for enhanced functionality.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:

  • Compact and Lighter Design: Easier to handle and more pocketable.
  • Sharper Display: Higher pixel density for a more detailed image.
  • Superior Camera System: Excellent image quality, video stabilization, and feature set.
  • Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: More convenient charging options.
  • Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for a better audio experience.
  • Ecosystem Integration: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services.

Practical Implications: iPhone 12 is better for users who prioritize portability, camera quality, and a streamlined user experience within the Apple ecosystem.

ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 Advantages:

  • Higher Refresh Rate Display: Smoother animations and gaming visuals.
  • Potentially Lower Price (depending on market): Could offer a better price-to-performance ratio.

Practical Implications: Red Magic 6 caters to gamers who value a high refresh rate display for smoother gameplay.

Trade-offs:

  • iPhone 12: Smaller screen, potentially higher price.
  • ZTE nubia Red Magic 6: Larger size, inferior camera system, lacks ecosystem integration, and limited information on specs makes it hard to accurately analyze.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Apple iPhone 12:

  • Ideal User: Everyday users, photography enthusiasts, users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem.
  • Use Cases: General use, social media, photography, video recording, productivity, and seamless integration with other Apple devices.

ZTE nubia Red Magic 6:

  • Ideal User: Mobile gamers on a budget who prioritize high refresh rate displays.
  • Use Cases: Mobile gaming, watching videos.

4. Decision Framework

Consider these questions:

  1. What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, everyday use)
  2. How important is portability and one-handed use?
  3. Are you already invested in the Apple ecosystem?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • If you prioritize camera quality, portability, and seamless Apple integration: Choose the Apple iPhone 12.
  • If you prioritize gaming and a high refresh rate display on a budget: Consider the ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 (but be aware of the trade-offs in other areas).
  • If you value overall performance and data integrity: Wait for more accurate data on the ZTE Nubia Red Magic 6

My Choice

Given the information available, I would choose the Apple iPhone 12.

Reasons:

  1. Comprehensive Feature Set: The iPhone 12 excels in several crucial areas, including camera quality, display sharpness, and overall performance. The missing data from the Nubia Red Magic 6 makes it hard to trust.
  2. Ecosystem Integration: I am invested in the Apple ecosystem, and the seamless integration with other Apple devices and services is a significant advantage.
  3. Reliable Performance: The A14 Bionic chip is known for its efficient performance, and the iOS ecosystem is generally more optimized than Android.
  4. Portability: The iPhone 12's compact size and lighter weight make it more comfortable for everyday use and carrying around.

While the Red Magic 6's high refresh rate display is appealing for gaming, the iPhone 12 offers a more balanced and well-rounded experience for my overall needs. Additionally, the lack of complete specifications for the Red Magic 6 makes it a riskier choice.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.