Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison between the Motorola Edge (2022) and the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro. These two phones take different approaches to the smartphone experience, and understanding those nuances will help you decide which one is right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Edge (2022) | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-07-09 | The Red Magic is significantly newer, with more recent tech. |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm | 164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm | Red Magic is slightly larger, might feel bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 170g | 229g | Edge is noticeably lighter, better for one-hand use and extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.8" | Red Magic provides a slightly larger screen for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1116x2480 | Red Magic offers a slightly sharper display with more pixels. |
| Pixel Density | 399 ppi | 400 ppi | Both have nearly identical pixel density, so sharpness is similar. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant displays, with AMOLED being a slightly more advanced version. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge has a smoother, more fluid feel, especially during gaming and fast scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness data is missing from the source, so there is not a fair comparison in brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Red Magic has a significantly more powerful and energy-efficient chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 522,375 | 2,369,542 | Red Magic is substantially faster, providing a much smoother experience for multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Adreno 750 | Red Magic's GPU is much more powerful, resulting in higher frame rates and better graphics in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.55") | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.57") | Edge has a slightly larger sensor, while Red Magic has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.45) | 16MP (f/2.0) | Edge boasts more megapixels, while the Red Magic has a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/1.5) | 50MP (f/2.0) | Red Magic has much higher resolution, while the Edge has a much wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 20MP (f/2.4, 1/2.83") | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5") | Edge has much higher resolution and a larger sensor. |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | Red Magic offers more robust video options, including 8K recording. |
| Features | PDAF, OIS | Gimbal, Laser AF | Red Magic has more sophisticated features for image stabilization and focusing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6500mAh | Red Magic has a much larger battery, translating to potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W | 80W | Red Magic charges much faster, allowing for quicker top-ups. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse | None | Edge offers wireless and reverse charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (max 13) | Android 14 | Red Magic offers a more up-to-date Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | Red Magic offers a more future proof WiFi connection |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE + LDAC, SBC, AAC | Red Magic has more codecs to improve audio quality |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Red Magic offers more options for more accurate GPS tracking |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | The Edge offers an eSIM, where the Red Magic uses two physical nano SIMs |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Red Magic offers more storage, beneficial for media-heavy users. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12/16 GB | Red Magic has more RAM, leading to better multitasking and smoother performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge (2022) Strengths:
- Lighter and More Comfortable: At 170g, it’s noticeably lighter than the Red Magic, making it more comfortable for one-handed use.
- Smoother Display (144Hz): The 144Hz refresh rate offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: Convenient for topping up other devices and charging without cables.
- Better Macro Camera and Wider Angle Aperture: The Edge provides better macro and wider angle photos with better light capture.
- eSIM Support: Can have two numbers on one phone.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip provides significantly faster processing and gaming performance.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: The 6500mAh battery and 80W fast charging offer much longer battery life and faster top-ups.
- Higher Resolution Display: The Red Magic has a slightly larger, sharper display for media consumption.
- Advanced Video Capabilities: It supports 8K video recording, ideal for content creators.
- Up-to-date OS: The Red Magic comes with Android 14 for the newest software experience.
- Wi-Fi 7: Faster and more reliable connection to home and work WiFi connections.
- More RAM and Storage: This will increase the longevity of the phone.
- Better Main Sensor: The Red Magic has a newer main sensor.
- Gimbal and Laser AF: This has better features for capturing photos and videos.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- Motorola Edge (2022): The weaker chipset limits its gaming performance, and it lacks the more modern connectivity of the Red Magic.
- ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro: It's significantly heavier and bulkier, which may not be ideal for all users. It also misses out on wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge (2022):
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize a lightweight phone with a smooth display and essential features like wireless charging.
- Use Cases: Daily productivity, media consumption, casual gaming, and users who want a comfortable phone for everyday use.
- ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro:
- Ideal For: Gamers and power users who require maximum performance and long battery life.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-performance multitasking, content creation, and users who want a flagship experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to consider:
- How important is gaming and performance?
- If high-performance gaming and demanding apps are your priority, the Red Magic is the clear winner.
- Do you prefer a lighter, more comfortable phone?
- If a lighter phone with wireless charging is important, the Edge is the better option.
- Do you need the latest software and connectivity features?
- If an updated Android OS and Wi-Fi 7 is needed, then the Red Magic is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User: Prioritizes everyday use, comfort, and reliability - Motorola Edge (2022) is a suitable option.
- Scenario 2: Gamer/Power User: Needs maximum performance, long battery life, and cutting-edge features - ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro is the ideal pick.
- Scenario 3: Media Enthusiast: Wants a great screen, good audio, and reasonable battery - ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro offers a sharper display and better video capabilities.
- Scenario 4: Photography focused user Both phones are comparable, however, the Motorola will have better macro shots and wider angle shots in lower light, and the Red Magic has a better main sensor and more video functionality.
Conclusion
Both of these phones have their own unique strengths. The Motorola Edge (2022) is a balanced and comfortable phone, perfect for everyday tasks. However, the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro is the better phone for users who desire top tier performance, latest connectivity and software, and impressive media capabilities.
Which would I choose?
I'd choose the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro. While I appreciate the Edge’s comfort and wireless charging, the Red Magic offers a huge leap in performance with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, making it better for the future. As a tech enthusiast, I like pushing my phone to its limits, and the Red Magic's larger battery, sharper screen, and 8K video recording capabilities make it the more compelling option for my needs. Plus, I value future-proofing my devices, and the newer Android version, newer WiFi standard, and increased storage space are a significant plus. Even though it is heavier, the substantial improvements in other categories win me over.
