Alright, let's break down the Huawei P50 Pro and the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro, two very different phones catering to different audiences. The P50 Pro is a camera-focused flagship, while the Red Magic 9S Pro is a gaming powerhouse. Let's get into the nitty-gritty.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table that not only lists the specs but also explains what they mean for you, the user, in real-world scenarios.
| Feature | Huawei P50 Pro | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.8 x 72.8 x 8.5 mm | 164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm | P50 Pro is more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use; Red Magic 9S Pro is larger, which might be better for gaming. |
| Weight | 195g | 229g | P50 Pro is lighter and easier to hold for extended periods. |
| Build Quality | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Red Magic 9S Pro offers better scratch and shatter resistance for the screen. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.8" | Red Magic 9S Pro provides a more immersive gaming and multimedia experience due to larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1228x2700 | 1116x2480 | P50 Pro offers a sharper and more detailed display. |
| PPI | 450 | 400 | P50 Pro delivers finer text and image clarity. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Data missing - cannot make a judgement on real world implications of brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Kirin 9000 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Red Magic 9S Pro offers significantly faster performance in demanding applications and games, more future-proof. |
| AnTuTu Score | 697,566 | 2,369,542 | Red Magic 9S Pro is dramatically faster, providing a smoother experience across the board. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP24 (Adreno 660) | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) (Adreno) | Red Magic 9S Pro delivers superior graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.57" | P50 Pro has a slightly larger sensor and wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.0, 1/3.06" | Red Magic 9S Pro captures brighter and more detailed selfies, especially in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/3.4, 1/2" | None | P50 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities for distant subjects. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" | Red Magic 9S Pro captures wider scenes with more detail. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Red Magic 9S Pro allows you to take extremely detailed close up photos. |
| Black & White Lens | 40MP, f/1.6, 1/1.7" | None | P50 Pro allows you to take sharp black and white photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Red Magic 9S Pro offers higher resolution video recording for professional-grade content creation. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 143, Selfie: 144 | N/A | P50 Pro is a proven camera performer with high scores in both mobile and selfie categories. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4360mAh | 6500mAh | Red Magic 9S Pro provides significantly longer battery life, ideal for extended gaming sessions. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Red Magic 9S Pro charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | None | P50 Pro offers convenient wireless charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Unknown | Android 14 | Red Magic 9S Pro runs on a more up-to-date Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Red Magic 9S Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds and better connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Red Magic 9S Pro offers better power efficiency with LE. |
| Storage | |||
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 12GB/16GB | Red Magic 9S Pro offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
2. Key Insights
- Huawei P50 Pro:
- Strengths: Exceptional camera capabilities (especially stills), more compact design, wireless charging, and a sharper display.
- Competitive Advantages: Superior camera performance (based on DXOMark scores and lens setup) for photography enthusiasts, more pocketable design.
- Trade-offs: Older chipset, lower benchmark scores, smaller battery, and lacks the latest Wi-Fi standard.
- ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro:
- Strengths: Blazing-fast performance, massive battery life, faster charging, larger display, and advanced connectivity (Wi-Fi 7).
- Competitive Advantages: Unmatched gaming performance, longer battery life, and future-proof connectivity.
- Trade-offs: Larger and heavier design, slightly lower display resolution, camera system not as versatile or highly-rated as the P50 Pro.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Huawei P50 Pro:
- Best Suited For: Photography enthusiasts who prioritize camera quality, users who prefer a more compact and lightweight device, and those who value wireless charging.
- Use Cases: Capturing high-quality photos and videos, everyday use with a focus on image clarity, and users who appreciate a premium design.
- Value: Given that the phone was released in 2021, the price should be considerably lower, making it a good value for its camera capabilities if found at a discount.
- ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro:
- Best Suited For: Mobile gamers, power users who demand peak performance, and those who need extended battery life.
- Use Cases: Intensive gaming sessions, video editing on the go, and users who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
- Value: A high-value proposition for gamers seeking top-tier performance at a competitive price.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Camera Quality vs. Performance: Do you prioritize exceptional camera capabilities or raw performance and gaming prowess?
- Size and Weight: Do you prefer a more compact and lightweight device or a larger and heavier one with a bigger screen and battery?
- Battery Life: Do you need extended battery life for long gaming sessions or are you okay with average battery life and the convenience of wireless charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Photographer: If you're primarily interested in taking photos and videos, the Huawei P50 Pro is the better choice due to its superior camera system and DXOMark scores.
- Scenario 2: Hardcore Gamer: If you're a serious mobile gamer, the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro is the clear winner with its faster performance, larger battery, and gaming-centric features.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User: If you're an average user who values a balance of performance, camera quality, and battery life, and you also want a more compact design, the Huawei P50 Pro might suffice, provided you can find it at a significant discount. However, consider that the lack of available support may impact your ability to use the phone.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally go for the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro. While I appreciate a good camera, the massive leap in performance offered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, coupled with the significantly larger battery and the promise of Wi-Fi 7, makes it a more compelling option for my needs. As someone who enjoys playing mobile games and often works on the go, the Red Magic 9S Pro's performance and battery life would be invaluable. Additionally, the longevity of phone support may be questionable on the older Huawei P50 Pro which may also impact my decision to go for a newer device. While the P50 Pro's camera is undeniably impressive, the Red Magic 9S Pro simply offers a more well-rounded package that aligns with my priorities.
