Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 22, 2023 July 9, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 97.64 cm³ 111.51 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 2.97 "/g
Weight 201 g 229 g
Height 160.9 mm 164 mm
Width 77.8 mm 76.4 mm
Thickness 7.8 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Yellow
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Pink
  • Design Sleet (Black Version)
  • Snowfall (Silver Version)
  • Cyclone (Transparent Black Version)
  • Frost (White Version)

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.8 "
Resolution 1290 x 2796 1116 x 2480
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 88 % 89.1 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 400 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1000 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 2000 nits 1600 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 97.64 mAh/in² 140.57 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.89 mAh/cm³ 58.29 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4383 mAh 6500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.46 GHz Everest + 4x2.02 GHz Sawtooth) Octa-core (1x3.4 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Apple GPU (5-core graphics) Adreno 750 (1 GHz)

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort 1 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort USB Type-C 3.2, Gen 2, OTG, DisplayPort, Accessory Connector

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 17 14
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 15 PlusZTE nubia Red Magic 9S ProPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mmRed Magic 9S Pro is slightly larger and thicker.
Weight201g229gRed Magic 9S Pro is noticeably heavier.
BuildGlass front/back, aluminum frameMissing InformationBuild materials impact durability and premium feel. Lack of information for Red Magic makes comparison incomplete.
Display
Size6.7"6.8"Negligible difference in screen real estate.
TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDAMOLEDBoth offer excellent color accuracy and deep blacks.
Resolution1290 x 27961116 x 2480iPhone 15 Plus has a sharper display (460 ppi vs 400 ppi).
Refresh RateMissing Information, presumed 60Hz120HzRed Magic 9S Pro offers smoother scrolling and animations thanks to the higher refresh rate.
Peak Brightness2000 nits1600 nitsiPhone 15 Plus will be more visible in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetApple A16 Bionic (4 nm)Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)Both are flagship chipsets offering top-tier performance. Cross-platform comparisons are difficult, but benchmarks suggest the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 may have a slight edge in certain areas.
CPUHexa-coreOcta-coreCore count doesn't directly translate to performance; architecture and optimization are key.
GPUApple GPU (5-core)Adreno 750Gaming performance likely favors the Red Magic 9S Pro with its more powerful GPU, but real-world testing is needed.
RAM6GB16GBRed Magic 9S Pro's significantly higher RAM allows for more aggressive multitasking and smoother performance with demanding applications.
Storage256GB/512GB512GBComparable high-end storage options.
Battery
Capacity4383 mAh6500 mAhRed Magic 9S Pro offers significantly longer battery life.
Other
OSiOS 17Android 14Preference-based; iOS is known for simplicity and security, while Android offers more customization.
Charging SpeedMissing InformationMissing InformationCharging speed significantly impacts usability. This information is crucial for a complete comparison.

2. Key Differences Analysis

iPhone 15 Plus Advantages:

  • Brighter Display: Better visibility outdoors.
  • Higher Resolution Display: Sharper images and text.
  • Potentially Better Optimization: Apple's tight integration of hardware and software often leads to better efficiency and performance in specific tasks.

Red Magic 9S Pro Advantages:

  • Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother animations and scrolling.
  • Significantly Larger Battery: Much longer usage time between charges.
  • More RAM: Superior multitasking and handling of demanding apps and games.
  • More Powerful GPU: Likely better for gaming and graphically intensive tasks.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

iPhone 15 Plus: Users who prioritize a premium, refined experience with a bright, sharp display and seamless ecosystem integration. Ideal for everyday tasks, content consumption, and casual gaming.

Red Magic 9S Pro: Users who demand top-tier performance, especially for gaming, multitasking, and extended battery life. Suitable for power users, mobile gamers, and anyone who needs a phone that can last all day on a single charge.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your primary use case? (Gaming, everyday tasks, content consumption, etc.)
  2. How important is battery life?
  3. Do you prefer iOS or Android?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Heavy gamer: Red Magic 9S Pro
  • Average user prioritizing ease of use and battery life: Red Magic 9S Pro
  • User deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem: iPhone 15 Plus

My Choice: ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro

While the iPhone 15 Plus offers a polished experience and a brighter, sharper display, the Red Magic 9S Pro's significantly larger battery, higher refresh rate display, more powerful GPU, and larger RAM make it a more compelling device for me. The longer battery life and superior performance for demanding tasks outweigh the benefits of the iPhone's display in my personal use case. I value the responsiveness of a 120Hz display and the ability to multitask heavily without slowdowns. While I acknowledge the subjective preference for iOS, the objective advantages of the Red Magic 9S Pro in terms of performance and battery are decisive factors in my decision.

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.