Huawei nova 12i vs ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date April 16, 2024 July 9, 2024
Release Year 2024 2024

Physical

Volume 102.47 cm³ 111.51 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.37 "/g 2.97 "/g
Weight 199 g 229 g
Height 163.3 mm 164 mm
Width 74.7 mm 76.4 mm
Thickness 8.4 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • White
  • Green
  • Design Sleet (Black Version)
  • Snowfall (Silver Version)
  • Cyclone (Transparent Black Version)
  • Frost (White Version)

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.8 "
Resolution 1080 x 2388 1116 x 2480
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.1 % 89.1 %
Pixel Density 391 PPI 400 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 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 111.38 mAh/in² 140.57 mAh/in²
Battery Density 48.8 mAh/cm³ 58.29 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 6500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) Octa-core (1x3.4 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Adreno 610 Adreno 750 (1 GHz)

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 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

Huawei nova 12i vs. ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro: A Deep Dive

Choosing the right smartphone involves more than just comparing numbers. It's about understanding how those specifications translate into real-world performance and meet your individual needs. Let's dissect the Huawei nova 12i and the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro, two seemingly similar "medium price" devices with vastly different personalities.

1. Specifications Breakdown

FeatureHuawei nova 12iZTE nubia Red Magic 9S ProReal-World Implications
Design
Dimensions163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4mm164 x 76.4 x 8.9mmRed Magic 9S Pro slightly larger, may feel less comfortable in smaller hands. Nova 12i potentially more pocketable.
Weight199g229gSignificant weight difference. Red Magic 9S Pro feels more substantial, but nova 12i offers better one-handed use for extended periods.
Display
Size6.7"6.8"Negligible difference in screen real estate.
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzAMOLED, 1B colors, 120HzRed Magic 9S Pro: Superior contrast, deeper blacks, vibrant colors, smoother animations thanks to AMOLED and higher refresh rate.
Resolution1080x23881116x2480Both offer sharp visuals; Red Magic 9S Pro slightly sharper due to higher pixel density.
Peak BrightnessN/A1600 nitsRed Magic 9S Pro excels in outdoor visibility, even in direct sunlight. Nova 12i's brightness is unknown but likely lower, impacting outdoor use.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 680 4GSnapdragon 8 Gen 3Massive performance gap. Red Magic 9S Pro designed for demanding gaming and multitasking; nova 12i for everyday tasks and light gaming.
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (1x3.4 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)Red Magic 9S Pro's flagship CPU offers significantly faster processing speeds and smoother performance across all applications.
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 750 (1 GHz)Red Magic 9S Pro's GPU delivers significantly better graphics performance for gaming and visually intensive tasks.
RAM8GB16GBRed Magic 9S Pro handles multitasking with ease and keeps apps readily available in memory. Nova 12i might experience occasional slowdowns.
Storage256GB512GBAmple storage on both, but Red Magic 9S Pro offers double the capacity for large files, apps, and media.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh6500mAhRed Magic 9S Pro offers significantly longer battery life, especially for demanding tasks like gaming.

Note: Camera specifications were not provided and thus are excluded from this comparison.

2. Key Insights

  • Performance Powerhouse: The Red Magic 9S Pro is a clear winner in performance, boasting a flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, ample RAM, and a powerful GPU. This translates to a buttery smooth experience even with demanding games and applications.
  • Everyday Efficiency: The nova 12i, with its Snapdragon 680, focuses on efficiency for daily tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. It's a reliable workhorse but not designed for heavy lifting.
  • Display Dynamics: The Red Magic 9S Pro's AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate delivers a visually stunning experience with vibrant colors and fluid animations. The nova 12i's 90Hz IPS LCD is respectable but noticeably less impressive.
  • Battery Endurance: The Red Magic 9S Pro's larger 6500mAh battery provides significantly longer usage time compared to the nova 12i's 5000mAh battery.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Red Magic 9S Pro: Ideal for mobile gamers, power users, and anyone who demands top-tier performance and a visually immersive experience. The robust battery ensures extended gameplay and productivity.
  • Huawei nova 12i: Suitable for budget-conscious users who prioritize essential tasks like communication, browsing, and casual media consumption. It offers good value for everyday use but compromises on high-end features.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Questions to Ask Yourself:

  1. What is your primary use case? Gaming, heavy multitasking, or everyday tasks?
  2. What is your budget? While both are mid-range, the Red Magic 9S Pro likely sits at the higher end.
  3. How important is display quality and battery life? If these are priorities, the Red Magic 9S Pro offers a significant advantage.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Gamer: Red Magic 9S Pro is the clear choice for its superior performance and display.
  • Student on a Budget: The nova 12i offers a balance of functionality and affordability.
  • Professional needing long battery life: The Red Magic 9S Pro's larger battery will likely last a full workday.
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.