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:
Feature | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 162.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm | 164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm | Mate 50 Pro is slightly smaller and thinner, potentially feeling more comfortable in hand; Red Magic 9S Pro is larger and bulkier. |
Weight | 205g | 229g | Mate 50 Pro is significantly lighter, easier to handle for longer periods. |
Build Quality | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Red Magic 9S Pro offers better screen scratch/shatter protection. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.74" | 6.8" | Very similar screen sizes; negligible difference in daily use. |
Resolution | 1212 x 2616 | 1116 x 2480 | Mate 50 Pro has a slightly sharper display, but both will appear very crisp to the eye. |
PPI | 428 | 400 | Mate 50 Pro has a slightly denser pixel count for sharper text and images. |
Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both technologies offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both displays will be smooth and fluid for scrolling and animations. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness data is missing, but both likely perform well in bright conditions. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4G) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Red Magic 9S Pro has a much more powerful chip for demanding tasks, while Mate 50 Pro uses an older, 4G only chipset |
AnTuTu Score | 1,022,043 | 2,369,542 | Red Magic 9S Pro is significantly faster in benchmarks and real-world performance; better for gaming and intensive apps. |
GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 750 | Red Magic 9S Pro has a newer, more powerful GPU for better gaming and graphics performance. |
Camera | |||
Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.57" Samsung GN5 | Mate 50 Pro has a slightly wider aperture and larger sensor; possibly better low-light performance. |
Front Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.0, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV16A1Q | Red Magic 9S Pro has a slightly higher resolution and wider aperture for better selfies. |
Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" OV64B | None | Mate 50 Pro provides zoom capabilities, while Red Magic 9S Pro relies on digital zoom. |
Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX688 | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | Red Magic 9S Pro has a significantly higher resolution and slightly wider aperture for wide-angle shots. |
Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Red Magic 9S Pro offers dedicated macro photography. |
Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Red Magic 9S Pro has much higher resolution video capabilities for capturing highly detailed videos. |
DXOMARK | Main: 149, Selfie: 145 | Not tested | Mate 50 Pro has proven camera performance, Red Magic 9S Pro is untested by DXOMARK |
Camera Features | OIS, Laser AF, PDAF, CDAF, RAW, Dual Front cam, Optical Zoom, many more | OIS, Gimbal, LAF, Under Display Camera, 8K Video, many more | Mate 50 Pro has optical zoom, RAW and dual front camera. Red Magic 9S Pro offers gimbal and under display camera. |
Battery Life | |||
Capacity | 4700mAh | 6500mAh | Red Magic 9S Pro has significantly larger capacity, likely offering much better battery life. |
Charging | 66W Fast, 50W Wireless, 7.5W Reverse Wireless | 80W Fast, | Red Magic 9S Pro has faster wired charging; Mate 50 Pro has added benefits of wireless and reverse wireless charging |
Software | |||
OS | Not specified | Android 14 | Red Magic 9S Pro has a modern Android OS, the Mate 50 Pro OS is not specified. |
Connectivity | |||
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Red Magic 9S Pro features faster and more efficient WiFi, better for networking. |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Similar Bluetooth capabilities, Red Magic 9S Pro additionally offers LE |
GPS | GPS L1+L5; Galileo E1+E5a; BeiDou B1, B2, GLONASS L1; QZSS L1+L5; NavIC System | GPS L1+L5; Galileo E1+E5a; BeiDou B1, B2, GLONASS L1; QZSS L1+L5; NavIC System; Beidou | Both have extensive satellite support; Red Magic 9S Pro supports additional Beidou system. |
SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM cards with dual standby functionality. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 256 GB or 512 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB | Both phones offer the same storage options; neither offers expandable storage. |
RAM | 8GB | 12GB or 16GB | Red Magic 9S Pro offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and gaming. |
Audio | |||
Quality | Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Red Magic 9S Pro offers a better audio setup with enhanced surround sound and improved voice capture. |
Security | |||
Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both have a basic fingerprint scanner. |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Mate 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:
- How important is raw performance and battery life to you?
- If absolutely critical, the Red Magic 9S Pro is the better choice.
- How much do you value camera flexibility, especially telephoto zoom?
- If you prioritize a versatile zoom camera system, the Mate 50 Pro stands out.
- 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.