Motorola Moto G30 vs ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date March 17, 2021 November 23, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 113.8 cm³ 111.51 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.25 "/g 2.97 "/g
Weight 200 g 229 g
Height 165.2 mm 164 mm
Width 75.7 mm 76.4 mm
Thickness 9.1 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Phantom Black (Dark Pearl)
  • Pastel Sky
  • Sleet (Black)
  • Snowfall (Silver)
  • Cyclone (Transparent Black)

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.8 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1116 x 2480
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.6 % 89.1 %
Pixel Density 269 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 118.34 mAh/in² 140.57 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.94 mAh/cm³ 58.29 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 6500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Adreno 610 Adreno 750

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 3.2, Gen 2, OTG, DisplayPort, Accessory Connector

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 14
Maximum OS Version 12

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureMotorola Moto G30ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 ProPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm164 × 76.4 × 8.9 mmMoto G30 slightly taller; Red Magic 9 Pro slightly wider and thinner. Minimal difference in pocketability.
Weight200g229gMoto G30 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. Red Magic 9 Pro feels more substantial.
Build QualityScreen Protection: UnknownScreen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5Red Magic 9 Pro has superior screen protection against scratches and cracks, making it more durable.
Display
Size6.5"6.8"Red Magic 9 Pro offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming.
Resolution720x16001116x2480Red Magic 9 Pro display is significantly sharper, with much more detail and less pixelation.
PPI269400Red Magic 9 Pro has significantly higher pixel density, resulting in crisper images and text.
TechnologyIPS LCDAMOLEDRed Magic 9 Pro has superior display technology, offering deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors.
Refresh Rate90Hz120HzRed Magic 9 Pro provides a slightly smoother scrolling experience.
Brightness0 nits1600 nitsRed Magic 9 Pro has dramatically better outdoor visibility, much more readable in bright sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)Red Magic 9 Pro provides drastically superior performance, faster app loading, and smoother multitasking.
Antutu Score170,9682,020,000Red Magic 9 Pro scores vastly higher, indicating significantly better gaming performance and overall responsiveness.
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 750Red Magic 9 Pro offers a much better gaming experience and handles demanding graphical tasks more efficiently.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh6500mAhRed Magic 9 Pro has a larger battery, potentially offering longer usage between charges.
Charging15W fast charging, Li-Ion80W fast charging, Li-PolymerRed Magic 9 Pro charges much faster, minimizing downtime and allowing for quick top-ups.
FeaturesNon-removableBypass Charging, Non-removableRed Magic 9 Pro can be used while plugged in for extended periods without significantly degrading battery health.
Camera
Standard Lens Res64MP50MPMoto G30 has higher resolution standard camera, but Red Magic 9 Pro may still take better photos due to a larger sensor and better processing.
Standard Lens Aperturef/1.7f/1.88Moto G30 has wider aperture for slightly better performance in low light.
Selfie Lens Res13MP16MPRed Magic 9 Pro takes higher resolution selfies.
Selfie Lens Aperturef/2.2f/2.0Red Magic 9 Pro takes better low light photos than Moto G30.
Wide Angle Lens Res8MP50MPRed Magic 9 Pro captures significantly more detail in wide-angle shots.
Wide Angle Lens Aperturef/2.2f/2.0Red Magic 9 Pro has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance.
Portrait Mode (Depth) Lens2MPNot AvailableMoto G30 can take depth photos while the Red Magic 9 Pro can't.
Macro Lens2MP2MPBoth cameras have comparable macro cameras.
Video1080p@30/60fps8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fpsRed Magic 9 Pro offers much higher video recording capabilities, for a professional-grade video content creation.
Video FeaturesSlow-motion: 60 fpsSlow-motion: 240 fpsRed Magic 9 Pro records slow-motion footage at a much higher frame rate.
Camera FeaturesQuadruple camera, PDAF, RAWTriple camera, Digital Image Stabilization, Gimbal, Continuous autofocus, Manual Focus, Under Display CameraRed Magic 9 Pro provides better low light, gimbal, and manual video options and has an under display front facing camera.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (upgradable to 12)Android 14Red Magic 9 Pro runs a much newer version of Android, with better features, security patches and longer software support.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi802.11ac802.11be (Wi-Fi 7)Red Magic 9 Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering significantly faster and more stable connections.
Bluetooth5.05.3Red Magic 9 Pro has a newer version of Bluetooth, with improved range, stability and better audio codecs (LDAC, SBC, AAC).
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, GalileoA-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5)Red Magic 9 Pro has significantly better location accuracy.
SIMDual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM)Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM)Both support Dual SIM, allowing users to use two SIM cards simultaneously.
Storage
Internal64 GB or 128 GB256 GB or 512 GBRed Magic 9 Pro offers significantly more storage for apps, games, and media.
RAM4 GB or 6 GB8 GB, 12 GB or 16 GBRed Magic 9 Pro provides much smoother multitasking, especially for running demanding apps and games.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage.
Audio
QualityBasic Audio FeaturesDTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphonesRed Magic 9 Pro offers much better audio quality with its stereo speakers and surround sound.
Security
Featuresrear-mounted fingerprint sensorbasic fingerprint sensorBoth offer fingerprint sensors for biometric security, but specific implementation may differ slightly.
Sensors
SensorsAccelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, FingerprintAccelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, FingerprintRed Magic 9 Pro has additional sensors for compass and gravity.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:

  • Lighter Weight: At 200g, it's noticeably lighter, which can be more comfortable for prolonged use.
  • Wider Aperture Main Camera: f/1.7 aperture on the main camera allows for slightly better low-light performance.
  • Portrait Mode (Depth) Camera: Has a dedicated camera to capture depth information.
  • Lower Cost: Generally, the Moto G30 is much more budget-friendly.

Practical Implications: The Moto G30 is better for users looking for a lightweight, affordable phone with a decent camera and a comfortable in-hand feel.

ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro Advantages:

  • Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset provides exceptional performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
  • Much Better Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, brightness and refresh rate results in a superior visual experience.
  • Bigger Battery and Faster Charging: Longer battery life and much faster charging reduce downtime.
  • Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 offer faster and more reliable wireless connections.
  • Better Audio Quality: Stereo speakers and DTS:X audio provide a more immersive sound experience.
  • Higher Video Recording Capability: It can record 8K footage for professional use and captures higher frame-rate slow-motion video.
  • More Storage and RAM: Available in more generous RAM and storage options, for improved multitasking and future proofing.
  • More Accurate GPS: Supports more satellite systems for better accuracy.
  • More Advanced Camera Features: Digital image stabilization, gimbal, manual focus and more advanced camera software options.

Practical Implications: The Red Magic 9 Pro is a high-performance phone optimized for gaming, heavy multitasking, and media consumption. It also has a more advanced camera system.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • Moto G30: Sacrifices performance, display quality, and battery features for a lower price and lighter weight.
  • Red Magic 9 Pro: Significantly more expensive and heavier, but justifies it with superior features.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Motorola Moto G30 Ideal User:

  • Budget-Conscious Users: Prioritizing affordability over high-end specs.
  • Casual Users: Basic smartphone tasks (calling, texting, browsing) with minimal gaming.
  • Users Prioritizing Comfort: The lighter weight is ideal for those who use their phone for long durations.
  • Users wanting an older OS: If a user wants an older Android OS experience, the Moto G30 has Android 11.

Use Cases:

  • Everyday Communication: Calling, texting, social media, and light web browsing.
  • Basic Photography: Taking everyday photos, especially in well-lit environments.
  • Media Consumption: Watching videos and listening to music, without critical viewing or sound requirements.
  • Long Battery on light use: Can extend the already decent battery with very light use.

ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro Ideal User:

  • Gamers: Demanding the highest performance for smooth gameplay and immersive visuals.
  • Power Users: Multitasking between demanding apps and requiring extensive storage for large media files.
  • Tech Enthusiasts: Appreciating the latest technology and advanced features.
  • Users requiring better media: For users who watch video and listen to music and require better quality.
  • Content Creators: For users who want to take better video and photos.

Use Cases:

  • High-Performance Gaming: Playing graphically intense games at high refresh rates.
  • Heavy Multitasking: Running multiple apps simultaneously without performance issues.
  • High-Quality Media Consumption: Watching videos and playing music with vibrant visuals and immersive audio.
  • Content Creation: Shooting professional-grade 8K video.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • Moto G30: Good value for the price, focusing on core functionality.
  • Red Magic 9 Pro: Higher cost justified by its premium performance and features, offering better value for power users.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your primary use case? (Gaming, media consumption, basic use)
  2. What is your budget? (Affordable or high-end)
  3. How important is performance vs. comfort? (Raw power vs. lighter weight)

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Use: If you are a budget-conscious user needing a basic smartphone for everyday tasks, the Motorola Moto G30 is the better option.
  • Scenario 2: Gaming and High Performance: If you are a gamer who wants the best performance, graphics, and battery life, the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro is the obvious choice.
  • Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you are a user with more general use cases but want high quality video, audio and a better display but are not willing to pay as much, the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro is the better option.
  • Scenario 4: Comfort is the most important: If you prioritize a lightweight, comfortable in-hand phone, the Motorola Moto G30 will be better.

My Choice

Personally, I would choose the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro. While the price difference is significant, the Red Magic 9 Pro offers a vastly superior experience in almost every aspect that matters to me: the incredibly smooth display, the blazing-fast performance, the advanced camera, and the much-improved battery and charging speed, make it a far more compelling choice. I value the performance, responsiveness, and future proofing it provides which would be extremely useful for my use cases.

While I understand the appeal of a lighter phone like the Moto G30, especially when you are on a budget, the difference in performance and user experience with the Red Magic 9 Pro is too great to ignore. The investment, while higher, would be worth it for the significantly better features and experience I would get.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.