Okay, let's dive deep into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G73 and the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro. I'll break down the specs, explain what they mean for you, and help you figure out which phone is the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive table comparing the key specs of both phones, focusing on their real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G73 | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.4 × 73.8 × 8.3 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.9 mm | The Red Magic is larger and bulkier; the Moto G73 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 181g | 229g | The Moto G73 is significantly lighter and more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional smartphones, not foldable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | The Red Magic has a slightly larger display, which could be better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1116x2480 | The Red Magic has slightly sharper visuals; both displays will look crisp. |
| PPI | 405 | 400 | Virtually identical pixel density - both appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Red Magic will have deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both will feel smooth, particularly for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | No data is provided |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 930 (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | The Red Magic's chip is significantly more powerful; it handles demanding tasks with ease. |
| AnTuTu Score | 497,466 | 2,369,542 | The Red Magic has vastly superior performance for gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | IMG BXM-8-256 | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) | The Red Magic’s GPU will provide a superior gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.57" sensor) | Red Magic's larger sensor provides improved low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.4) | 16MP (f/2.0, 1/3.06" sensor) | The Red Magic's wider aperture should capture better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2) | 50MP (f/2.0, 1/2.76" sensor) | Red Magic has a much higher-resolution and wider angle lens |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Red Magic allows to take close-up macro shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Red Magic offers much better video capabilities for aspiring videographers. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Red Magic is more stable when recording videos in motion. |
| Camera Features | Dual camera, Ultra stable video, Front Flash | Triple camera, OIS, Gimbal, Under display camera, Laser Autofocus | Red Magic has more versatile camera setup including OIS and Gimbal for stable footage. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6500mAh | The Red Magic has a much bigger battery for longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Red Magic charges significantly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have standard non-removable batteries. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 13 | Android 14 | The Red Magic has a more up-to-date Android version; likely offering the latest features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | The Red Magic is capable of faster wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 LE Low energy consumption | Bluetooth 5.2 LE Low energy consumption | Motorola has a slightly newer Bluetooth version but both have common essential features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), NavIC System | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Red Magic has better GPS functionality |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support Dual SIM for managing two lines simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | The Red Magic offers more storage space, catering to heavy users. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12/16GB | The Red Magic's RAM provides better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports adding additional storage externally. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | The Red Magic could have slightly more immersive audio experiences thanks to DTS, and better voice recording due to the extra microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | The Motorola has a more convenient fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Red Magic screen is more resistant to scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Red Magic has a more advanced sensor suite for gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G73:
- Strengths: The G73 is lightweight, compact, and has a decent display. Its main advantage is its ergonomic design which makes it comfortable to use. The side-mounted fingerprint reader is more user-friendly, and it comes with Dolby Atmos.
- Weaknesses: It struggles in terms of raw performance, display technology, and camera capabilities, especially compared to the Red Magic. It has an inferior chipset, less impressive screen, and lower video recording capabilities.
- User Experience: Best for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and casual use. It is a balanced phone with focus on everyday use and portability.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro:
- Strengths: The Red Magic 9S Pro is a powerhouse with a top-tier Snapdragon chipset, a superior AMOLED display, a very high AnTuTu score, a large battery with fast charging, a much better camera system, and has a high-resolution wide-angle lens, along with video stabilization. It is a premium gaming device.
- Weaknesses: It is heavier and bulkier. Its design prioritizes performance over portability. While the screen is superior, the fingerprint reader is basic, and this might not suit some user's preferences.
- User Experience: Ideal for gaming, heavy multitasking, and media consumption. It delivers high performance and amazing camera experience.
Trade-offs:
- The G73 prioritizes portability and ease of handling, sacrificing performance and display quality.
- The Red Magic 9S Pro emphasizes extreme performance and screen quality, resulting in a heavier, bulkier design.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G73:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize portability, affordability, and good daily performance. Ideal for students, casual users, and those who need a reliable and light phone.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday browsing and social media
- Taking basic photos
- Casual mobile gaming
- Users who like side fingerprint sensors
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro:
- Best Suited For: Gamers, power users, and mobile photography enthusiasts who want the best possible performance. It is designed for maximum performance in all areas.
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming
- Demanding multitasking and video editing
- Capturing high-resolution photos and videos
- Power users who need long battery life
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:
- What is your priority: Performance or portability? If performance is everything, the Red Magic is the clear winner. For a light and convenient phone, the G73 might suit you better.
- Do you game heavily, or is it just occasional? The Red Magic is built for gaming. If you are a heavy mobile gamer, the Red Magic is the ideal choice.
- What are your main camera needs? If you need the best possible quality and video features, the Red Magic's superior camera system is the way to go.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: The Casual User
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G73
- Why: The G73 is perfectly suited for day-to-day tasks, is lightweight and will be comfortable to carry around.
Scenario 2: The Avid Gamer
- Recommendation: ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro
- Why: The Red Magic offers high-end gaming performance, a great display, and superior video capabilities.
Scenario 3: The Multimedia Enthusiast
- Recommendation: ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro
- Why: The Red Magic's AMOLED screen, impressive audio system, and fast charging will give you an immersive media experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go with the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro. As a tech journalist and someone who enjoys a smooth and seamless user experience, the Red Magic's combination of top-tier performance, superior display, advanced camera capabilities, and long battery life is incredibly compelling. Even though it is not as light as the Moto G73, the enhanced daily performance, coupled with the top tier hardware, would make the experience much more enjoyable for me. Plus, the improved camera capabilities, especially the wide-angle and high quality video recording features, are something that I use very often in my daily life.
While the Moto G73 is a fine mid-range device, the Red Magic's sheer power and enhanced features would fit my needs much better. The added weight of the Red Magic is a compromise that I am willing to make to get a significantly better user experience. The fact that the Red Magic has Gorilla Glass on the screen is a very nice added benefit, and the higher version of Android is also a plus.
