Nokia C21 Plus vs ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date April 29, 2022 November 23, 2023
Release Year 2022 2023

Physical

Volume 107.57 cm³ 111.51 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.66 "/g 2.97 "/g
Weight 178 g 229 g
Height 164.8 mm 164 mm
Width 75.9 mm 76.4 mm
Thickness 8.6 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Dark Cyan
  • Warm Gray
  • Sleet (Black)
  • Snowfall (Silver)
  • Cyclone (Transparent Black)

Display

Screen Size 6.52 " 6.8 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1116 x 2480
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 82.1 % 89.1 %
Pixel Density 269 PPI 400 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 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 118.79 mAh/in² 140.57 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.95 mAh/cm³ 58.29 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5050 mAh 6500 mAh
NFC Support No Yes
Chipset Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU IMG8322 Adreno 750

Connectivity

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

Software

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

Comparison Summary

Nokia C21 Plus vs. ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro: A Tale of Two Experiences

As a technology communications specialist, my goal isn't just to compare specs, but to paint a picture of how these devices fit into your life. The Nokia C21 Plus and ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro represent two distinct philosophies, targeting different user needs and priorities.

1. Design and Usability Assessment

FeatureNokia C21 PlusZTE nubia Red Magic 9 ProUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignBasic Android 11Gaming-focused Android 14Red Magic offers a more visually stimulating and customizable experience, but could feel overwhelming for some.
Interaction FlowSimple, straightforwardFeature-rich, potentially complexC21 Plus prioritizes ease of use; Red Magic offers depth but requires a learning curve.
AccessibilityStandard Android accessibilityGaming-centric features may hinderC21 Plus likely more accessible to users with diverse needs.
ErgonomicsLighter, easier to holdHeavier, largerC21 Plus offers better one-handed usability for extended periods.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration

Scenario 1: A Day at the Park

Imagine using your phone to capture photos of your children playing. The C21 Plus offers a simple point-and-shoot experience, perfect for quick snapshots. The Red Magic 9 Pro, with its advanced camera system, allows you to capture stunning, professional-quality photos and videos, but might be overkill for casual use. Its superior brightness ensures clear visibility even in direct sunlight.

Scenario 2: Multitasking Mania

Need to switch between work emails, social media, and video editing? The Red Magic 9 Pro's powerful processor and ample RAM handle demanding tasks with ease. The C21 Plus, while capable of basic multitasking, might struggle with resource-intensive applications. Its longer battery life, however, could be crucial for a full day of unplugged use.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation

User 1: Senior Citizen The C21 Plus's simplicity and lighter weight would likely be more appealing to a senior citizen who prioritizes ease of use and comfortable handling.

User 2: Gamer The Red Magic 9 Pro's high refresh rate display, powerful processor, and gaming-focused features make it the clear choice for a mobile gaming enthusiast.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework

The C21 Plus embodies a minimalist design philosophy, prioritizing simplicity and affordability. It's ideal for users who value ease of use, reliability, and long battery life.

The Red Magic 9 Pro represents a performance-driven approach, catering to power users and gamers who demand cutting-edge technology and a visually immersive experience.

My Choice:

While I appreciate the raw power of the Red Magic 9 Pro, I would choose the Nokia C21 Plus. My personal philosophy aligns with its user-centered design prioritizing simplicity and accessibility. I value a device that seamlessly integrates into my life without demanding a steep learning curve or compromising on comfort. The C21 Plus offers a reliable and intuitive experience, perfectly suited for my everyday needs. While I may not be a hardcore gamer or a heavy multitasker, I appreciate a phone that focuses on the essentials and delivers a dependable performance without unnecessary complexity. Its lighter weight and potentially longer battery life significantly enhance daily usability. For me, technology should empower, not overwhelm. The C21 Plus embodies this principle.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.