Apple iPhone X vs ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date November 3, 2017 November 23, 2023
Release Year 2017 2023

Physical

Volume 78.4 cm³ 111.51 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 2.97 "/g
Weight 174 g 229 g
Height 143.6 mm 164 mm
Width 70.9 mm 76.4 mm
Thickness 7.7 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Space Gray
  • Silver
  • Sleet (Black)
  • Snowfall (Silver)
  • Cyclone (Transparent Black)

Display

Screen Size 5.8 " 6.8 "
Resolution 1125 x 2436 1116 x 2480
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.1 % 89.1 %
Pixel Density 458 PPI 400 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 625 nits N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 1600 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 80.74 mAh/in² 140.57 mAh/in²
Battery Density 34.64 mAh/cm³ 58.29 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2716 mAh 6500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A11 Bionic (10 nm) Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPU Hexa-core 2.39 GHz (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Apple GPU (three-core graphics) Adreno 750

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 11.1.1 14
Maximum OS Version 16.7.7

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's dive into a user-centric analysis of the Apple iPhone X and the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro. Instead of just reciting specs, we'll explore what these differences mean for your daily life.

Design and Usability Assessment:

CategoryApple iPhone XZTE nubia Red Magic 9 ProUser Experience Impact
Interface DesigniOS 11.1.1, focused on simplicity and gesturesAndroid 14, with gaming-centric customizationsiPhone X: Intuitive, user-friendly, but older design. Red Magic: Customization options for gamers, potentially less intuitive for casual users.
Interaction FlowSmooth transitions, focus on gesture navigationPrioritizes responsiveness with high refresh rateiPhone X: Fluid user flow but not very high refresh rate. Red Magic: Super smooth and fast navigation, optimized for gaming.
Accessibility FeaturesStandard iOS accessibility featuresStandard Android accessibility features, customizable gaming settingsiPhone X: Reliable accessibility suite. Red Magic: Offers more fine-tuned customization options for gamers with specific needs.
Design ErgonomicsCompact, premium feel, slightly lighterLarger, heavier, designed for performance and coolingiPhone X: Fits well in hand for most users. Red Magic: More unwieldy for prolonged use but ensures better thermal management.

Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Imagine two different users:

1. Sarah, the Everyday User:

Sarah uses her phone for social media, emails, photos, and occasional video calls. She values a phone that's easy to use and fits comfortably in her hand. For Sarah:

  • iPhone X: The iPhone X, with its compact form and familiar iOS interface, is a good fit. She loves how easy it is to navigate and how well it integrates with other Apple devices. Its sleek design fits comfortably in her purse, and the camera is great for capturing everyday moments.
  • Red Magic 9 Pro: The Red Magic 9 Pro is too bulky for her needs. She doesn't need the high refresh rate, and the gaming-focused features feel unnecessary. While the battery life is attractive, the sheer size of the device makes it less convenient for daily use.

2. Alex, the Mobile Gamer:

Alex is a passionate mobile gamer who spends hours playing graphic-intensive games. He needs top-tier performance, a responsive screen, and excellent battery life. For Alex:

  • iPhone X: The iPhone X struggles with today's demanding mobile games. Alex notices lag and frequent battery drains. The smaller screen is not ideal for gaming.
  • Red Magic 9 Pro: The Red Magic 9 Pro is perfect for Alex. The large AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate provides a smooth, immersive gaming experience. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset breezes through demanding games, and the 6500mAh battery keeps him gaming for hours. The 80W fast charging ensures minimal downtime. The added cooling system prevents overheating during intense gaming sessions.

Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

  • For Visually Impaired Users:
    • iPhone X: Standard iOS accessibility options provide great screen readers and magnifications.
    • Red Magic 9 Pro: Standard Android screen reader is present along with specific customizations for contrast and font size.
  • For Users with Limited Hand Dexterity:
    • iPhone X: The smaller size may be easier to hold for some but may require more precise movements.
    • Red Magic 9 Pro: The larger size could be challenging to hold, but a bigger screen with larger interface elements may be easier to interact with.
  • For Users with Hearing Impairment:
    • iPhone X: Offers standard iOS hearing enhancements.
    • Red Magic 9 Pro: Offers standard Android enhancements with multiple audio codecs.

Design-Centric Decision Framework:

FeatureiPhone XRed Magic 9 ProDecision Insight
Display5.8" OLED, 60Hz, 458 PPI6.8" AMOLED, 120Hz, 400 PPI, 1600 nits brightnessRed Magic: Superior for multimedia and gaming with higher refresh rate, better brightness, and larger screen. iPhone X has higher pixel density for a sharper display.
PerformanceApple A11 Bionic (10nm), AnTuTu 597,700, Apple GPUSnapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm), AnTuTu 2,020,000, Adreno 750Red Magic: Significantly more powerful, making it better for demanding tasks and gaming. iPhone X is older.
Battery2716 mAh, Li-Ion6500 mAh, Li-Polymer, 80W Fast Charging, Bypass ChargingRed Magic: Far better battery life and fast charging for less downtime. iPhone X will require more frequent charging.
Camera12MP Dual, 7MP Selfie, Optical Zoom, OIS50MP Triple, 16MP Selfie, 50MP Wide, 2MP Macro, Gimbal, Laser Autofocus, Under Display CameraRed Magic: A more versatile set of lenses, better for photography in different scenarios, and 8K video. iPhone X has the benefit of optical zoom and OIS.
SoftwareiOS (older versions)Android 14Red Magic: More modern software with the latest features, better customization. iPhone X offers a simpler, more streamlined experience within its version.
ConnectivityOlder Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, Single SIMNewer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, Dual SIMRed Magic: Better connectivity and supports two sim cards.
AudioBasic featuresDTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphonesRed Magic: Enhanced audio quality and capture.

Final Recommendation:

I would choose the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro.

Here’s why:

The Red Magic 9 Pro isn't just a phone; it's an experience, particularly if you prioritize performance, multimedia consumption, and gaming. Its advantages are:

  • Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset is a massive leap over the older A11 Bionic, offering significantly faster processing speeds, smooth multitasking, and exceptional graphics.
  • Gaming Prowess: The combination of a large 120Hz AMOLED display, a robust cooling system, and a long-lasting battery makes it perfect for intensive gaming sessions.
  • Enhanced Battery Life: The 6500mAh battery with 80W fast charging ensures you spend less time plugged into the wall and more time enjoying your phone.
  • Feature-Rich Camera System: The versatile camera setup with multiple lenses (wide, macro) provides options for various shooting scenarios and provides the option to record in 8K.
  • Advanced Connectivity: The latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards ensure faster connections, and dual SIM support is a major advantage.
  • Modern OS: The latest version of Android brings the most current features, better customization, and better security features.

While the iPhone X has its merits (compact size, great display clarity, simple user experience), the Red Magic 9 Pro offers a far more modern, powerful, and versatile experience, especially for users who enjoy gaming and need a device that can handle demanding tasks. It pushes the limits of mobile technology, making it a clear winner for those seeking a high-performance powerhouse.

The Red Magic 9 Pro is for the user who prioritizes experience above all, providing cutting-edge features and performance. It's designed for the user who wants to be at the forefront of mobile technology, pushing the boundaries of what a smartphone can do.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.