Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro: A Practical Comparison
These two phones target very different audiences—one prioritizes productivity with a built-in stylus, while the other is a gaming powerhouse with flagship-tier specs. Let’s break down how they compare and who each device is best suited for.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.9 mm | The Moto is slightly taller and thicker, but the Red Magic is more compact—better for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 229g | The Moto is lighter, but the Red Magic’s extra weight comes from gaming-focused cooling and battery. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | The Red Magic offers better drop resistance. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Basic (likely under-display) | The Moto’s rear sensor may be faster, but the Red Magic’s is more modern. |
Takeaway: Both are large phones, but the Red Magic feels more premium with better protection, while the Moto is slightly lighter.
Display
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.8" | Identical screen sizes, but different tech. |
| Panel Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Red Magic has deeper blacks, better contrast, and power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Smoother scrolling and gaming on the Red Magic. |
| Brightness | Unknown | 1600 nits (peak) | The Red Magic is much better outdoors. |
Takeaway: The Red Magic’s AMOLED and 120Hz make it superior for media and gaming.
Performance
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 (8nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | The Red Magic is a flagship-tier processor—way faster. |
| AnTuTu Score | 171,000 | 2,020,000 | The Red Magic is 11.8x faster—better for gaming and multitasking. |
| RAM Options | 4GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB | The Red Magic can handle heavy gaming and apps; 4GB on the Moto is basic. |
| Storage | 128GB (non-expandable) | 256GB/512GB (non-expandable) | The Red Magic offers more storage for games/media. |
Takeaway: The Red Magic is in a different league—ideal for gamers, power users, and future-proofing.
Camera
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 50MP (f/1.88, Samsung GN5) | The Red Magic has a slightly better sensor. |
| Ultrawide | 16MP | 50MP | The Red Magic’s ultrawide is much sharper. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.0, under-display) | The Moto has higher resolution, but the Red Magic avoids a notch. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | The Red Magic supports pro-grade video. |
Takeaway: The Red Magic has better cameras overall, especially for video.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 6500mAh | The Red Magic will last significantly longer. |
| Charging Speed | 10W (slow) | 80W (super fast) | The Red Magic charges much faster. |
| Bypass Charging | No | Yes | The Red Magic can power the phone directly while gaming, reducing battery wear. |
Takeaway: The Red Magic wins in both endurance and charging speed.
2. Key Insights
Where the Moto G Stylus 5G Wins:
✅ Built-in Stylus – Great for note-taking, sketching, and productivity.
✅ Lighter Weight – More comfortable for daily use.
✅ Higher-Resolution Selfie Camera – Better for video calls and selfies.
Where the Red Magic 9 Pro Dominates:
🔥 Flagship-Level Performance – Blazing fast for gaming and multitasking.
🔥 Superior Display – AMOLED, 120Hz, and brighter for outdoor use.
🔥 Much Better Battery Life – 6500mAh with fast 80W charging.
🔥 Better Cameras – Higher-resolution sensors, 8K video support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G?
- Budget-conscious users who want a stylus for productivity.
- Casual users who don’t need high-end performance.
- Students or professionals who take notes or sketch frequently.
Who Should Buy the Red Magic 9 Pro?
- Mobile gamers who want top-tier performance.
- Power users who need speed, storage, and battery life.
- Photography/video enthusiasts who want 8K recording.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do you need a stylus? → Moto G Stylus 5G
- Do you prioritize gaming and performance? → Red Magic 9 Pro
- Do you care about battery life and fast charging? → Red Magic 9 Pro
Scenario-Based Picks:
- Gaming & Media: Red Magic 9 Pro
- Productivity & Stylus Use: Moto G Stylus 5G
- Future-Proofing & Speed: Red Magic 9 Pro
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d go with the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro.
While the Moto G Stylus 5G has a niche advantage with its stylus, the Red Magic is far superior in almost every other way—performance, display, battery, and charging speed. If gaming or power-user needs are a priority, the Red Magic is the clear winner.
That said, if you absolutely need a stylus, the Moto G Stylus 5G is still a solid budget-friendly choice—but expect compromises in speed and longevity.
For most users, the Red Magic 9 Pro is the better investment. 🚀
