Huawei Mate 50 Pro vs ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 28, 2022 July 9, 2024
Release Year 2022 2024

Physical

Volume 104.03 cm³ 111.51 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.29 "/g 2.97 "/g
Weight 205 g 229 g
Height 162.1 mm 164 mm
Width 75.5 mm 76.4 mm
Thickness 8.5 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Silver
  • Black
  • Purple
  • Orange
  • Design Sleet (Black Version)
  • Snowfall (Silver Version)
  • Cyclone (Transparent Black Version)
  • Frost (White Version)

Display

Screen Size 6.74 " 6.8 "
Resolution 1212 x 2616 1116 x 2480
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 91.3 % 89.1 %
Pixel Density 428 PPI 400 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 1600 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 103.46 mAh/in² 140.57 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.18 mAh/cm³ 58.29 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4700 mAh 6500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) Octa-core (1x3.4 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Adreno 730 Adreno 750 (1 GHz)

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 3.2
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 3.2, Gen 2, OTG, DisplayPort, Accessory Connector

Software

Operating System N/A Android
Initial OS Version N/A 14
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's break down the Huawei Mate 50 Pro and ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro. We'll get into the nitty-gritty, but also focus on what these specs actually mean for you, the user.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here’s a detailed look at the specifications, with a focus on their real-world impact:

FeatureHuawei Mate 50 ProZTE nubia Red Magic 9S ProReal-World Implications
Design
Dimensions162.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mmMate 50 Pro is slightly smaller and thinner, potentially feeling more comfortable in hand; Red Magic 9S Pro is larger and bulkier.
Weight205g229gMate 50 Pro is significantly lighter, easier to handle for longer periods.
Build QualityUnknownCorning Gorilla Glass 5Red Magic 9S Pro offers better screen scratch/shatter protection.
Display
Size6.74"6.8"Very similar screen sizes; negligible difference in daily use.
Resolution1212 x 26161116 x 2480Mate 50 Pro has a slightly sharper display, but both will appear very crisp to the eye.
PPI428400Mate 50 Pro has a slightly denser pixel count for sharper text and images.
TechnologyOLEDAMOLEDBoth technologies offer vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth displays will be smooth and fluid for scrolling and animations.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsPeak brightness data is missing, but both likely perform well in bright conditions.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4G)Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Red Magic 9S Pro has a much more powerful chip for demanding tasks, while Mate 50 Pro uses an older, 4G only chipset
AnTuTu Score1,022,0432,369,542Red Magic 9S Pro is significantly faster in benchmarks and real-world performance; better for gaming and intensive apps.
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 750Red Magic 9S Pro has a newer, more powerful GPU for better gaming and graphics performance.
Camera
Main Camera50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56" Sony IMX76650MP, f/1.88, 1/1.57" Samsung GN5Mate 50 Pro has a slightly wider aperture and larger sensor; possibly better low-light performance.
Front Camera13MP, f/2.416MP, f/2.0, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV16A1QRed Magic 9S Pro has a slightly higher resolution and wider aperture for better selfies.
Telephoto Lens64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" OV64BNoneMate 50 Pro provides zoom capabilities, while Red Magic 9S Pro relies on digital zoom.
Wide-Angle Lens12MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX68850MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1Red Magic 9S Pro has a significantly higher resolution and slightly wider aperture for wide-angle shots.
Macro LensNone2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC02M1Red Magic 9S Pro offers dedicated macro photography.
VideoUp to 4K@60fpsUp to 8K@30fpsRed Magic 9S Pro has much higher resolution video capabilities for capturing highly detailed videos.
DXOMARKMain: 149, Selfie: 145Not testedMate 50 Pro has proven camera performance, Red Magic 9S Pro is untested by DXOMARK
Camera FeaturesOIS, Laser AF, PDAF, CDAF, RAW, Dual Front cam, Optical Zoom, many moreOIS, Gimbal, LAF, Under Display Camera, 8K Video, many moreMate 50 Pro has optical zoom, RAW and dual front camera. Red Magic 9S Pro offers gimbal and under display camera.
Battery Life
Capacity4700mAh6500mAhRed Magic 9S Pro has significantly larger capacity, likely offering much better battery life.
Charging66W Fast, 50W Wireless, 7.5W Reverse Wireless80W Fast,Red Magic 9S Pro has faster wired charging; Mate 50 Pro has added benefits of wireless and reverse wireless charging
Software
OSNot specifiedAndroid 14Red Magic 9S Pro has a modern Android OS, the Mate 50 Pro OS is not specified.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 7Red Magic 9S Pro features faster and more efficient WiFi, better for networking.
BluetoothBluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.2 LESimilar Bluetooth capabilities, Red Magic 9S Pro additionally offers LE
GPSGPS L1+L5; Galileo E1+E5a; BeiDou B1, B2, GLONASS L1; QZSS L1+L5; NavIC SystemGPS L1+L5; Galileo E1+E5a; BeiDou B1, B2, GLONASS L1; QZSS L1+L5; NavIC System; BeidouBoth have extensive satellite support; Red Magic 9S Pro supports additional Beidou system.
SIMDual SIM Dual StandbyDual SIM Dual StandbyBoth support dual SIM cards with dual standby functionality.
Storage
Internal256 GB or 512 GB256 GB or 512 GBBoth phones offer the same storage options; neither offers expandable storage.
RAM8GB12GB or 16GBRed Magic 9S Pro offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and gaming.
Audio
QualityStereo SpeakersDTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphonesRed Magic 9S Pro offers a better audio setup with enhanced surround sound and improved voice capture.
Security
Featuresbasic fingerprint sensorbasic fingerprint sensorBoth have a basic fingerprint scanner.
Sensors
SensorsBiometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: BarometerBiometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeMate 50 Pro features additional environmental sensors.
### 2. Key Insights

Huawei Mate 50 Pro:

  • Strengths:
    • Strong Camera System: Excellent main camera with a wide aperture and larger sensor, plus a dedicated telephoto lens. Offers great flexibility for photography, with some of the best low-light capabilities in the segment, and strong DXOMARK scores to back it up.
    • Premium Build & Design: Likely feels more comfortable and lighter for extended use, with some premium features like wireless charging.
    • Feature Rich: Has additional features such as Optical Zoom, Laser AF, PDAF, CDAF, RAW, Dual front camera, wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
  • Trade-offs:
    • Older Chipset & 4G Only: Significantly less powerful than the Red Magic, and lacks 5G connectivity.
    • Smaller Battery: May not last as long as the Red Magic on a single charge.
    • No expandable storage
    • Unknown screen protection: It is unknown what screen protection is used, versus the Gorilla Glass 5 on the Red Magic.
    • No Specified OS

ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro:

  • Strengths:
    • Top-Tier Performance: Cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset for extreme speed, perfect for gaming.
    • Massive Battery: Significantly larger battery capacity, ensuring much longer usage between charges.
    • Superior Screen Protection: Offers Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
    • Modern features: Includes 8K Video, Gimbal, Continuous autofocus, Under display camera.
    • Modern OS: Ships with Android 14.
    • Better Audio: features DTS / DTS X, 3 microphones.
    • Superior connectivity: Faster and more efficient WiFi thanks to support of the Wi-Fi 7 standard.
  • Trade-offs:
    • Bulky & Heavier: Less comfortable for everyday use due to its size and weight.
    • Camera Compromises: Lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, although the main and wide-angle sensors are strong.
    • No wireless charging.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
    • Ideal User: Photo enthusiasts who want a very capable camera system, and value a lighter, more ergonomic design. Users who do not need 5G connectivity.
    • Use Cases: General photography, videography, social media, content creation.
    • Why: Strong overall camera system with zoom capabilities and a comfortable design. Good for those who are less interested in high-performance gaming.
  • ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro:
    • Ideal User: Hardcore gamers who prioritize raw performance, battery life, and advanced audio, as well as users who would benefit from 8K recording.
    • Use Cases: High-end mobile gaming, graphic-intensive tasks, users who need extended battery life and higher quality video capabilities.
    • Why: Top-of-the-line chipset, significantly longer battery life, and superior audio make it ideal for demanding tasks.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three questions to help you decide:

  1. How important is raw performance and battery life to you?
    • If absolutely critical, the Red Magic 9S Pro is the better choice.
  2. How much do you value camera flexibility, especially telephoto zoom?
    • If you prioritize a versatile zoom camera system, the Mate 50 Pro stands out.
  3. How critical is physical comfort and portability?
    • If daily portability and light handling are key, the Mate 50 Pro is more suitable.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • The Power User: If you’re constantly running demanding apps, gaming extensively, and need the fastest possible performance with 5G, the Red Magic 9S Pro is the way to go.
  • The Photography Enthusiast: If you are more concerned about camera performance and prefer a lighter, more comfortable phone, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is a great choice.
  • The Balanced User: If you want a balance of good performance and good battery life, and a user who isn't in need of 5G or high-end gaming, the Mate 50 Pro would still serve you well. However, consider if the better performance of the Red Magic 9S Pro makes it worth the trade-offs in terms of comfort and portability.

My Choice

Personally, I would choose the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro. As a tech enthusiast, I value the cutting-edge performance that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers, especially when paired with its massive battery. While I appreciate the excellent camera system on the Huawei Mate 50 Pro, I would be more drawn to the faster processor, large battery, and superior connectivity on the Red Magic 9S Pro. I enjoy pushing phones to their limits, and the Red Magic 9S Pro seems better equipped to handle any task I throw at it, including gaming, graphic intensive apps, and higher quality video content. Also, with the lack of specified OS on the Huawei, this also tips the scales for me to choose the Red Magic 9S Pro with its modern Android 14 OS.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.