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

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date April 29, 2022 July 9, 2024
Release Year 2022 2024

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
  • Design Sleet (Black Version)
  • Snowfall (Silver Version)
  • Cyclone (Transparent Black Version)
  • Frost (White Version)

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-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x3.4 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU IMG8322 Adreno 750 (1 GHz)

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

Let's dive into a user-centered comparison of the Nokia C21 Plus and the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro. Instead of a dry recitation of specs, we'll explore how these devices translate into real-world experiences for different users.

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

Feature CategoryNokia C21 PlusZTE nubia Red Magic 9S ProUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignStandard Android 11 SkinCustom Gaming-Focused UI with Android 14Red Magic: Potentially overwhelming for non-gamers, but exciting for enthusiasts. C21: Familiar, simple.
Interaction FlowBasic, utilitarianOptimized for speed and responsivenessRed Magic: Designed for quick actions and intense gaming. C21: Everyday tasks, less demanding applications.
AccessibilityStandard Android Accessibility FeaturesPotentially limited due to gaming focusC21: Likely more accessible for users with diverse needs.
Design ErgonomicsLightweight (178g), comfortable for one-hand useHeavier (229g), potentially less comfortableC21: Easier to hold for extended periods, especially for users with smaller hands.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario: Imagine a student needing a phone for online classes and casual photography. The C21 Plus offers a familiar Android experience, long battery life (4000mAh), and a lightweight design, making it easy to carry around campus. While the camera is basic (13MP), it's sufficient for everyday snapshots.

Now, picture a passionate mobile gamer. The Red Magic 9S Pro's powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 120Hz AMOLED display, and advanced cooling system deliver a console-like gaming experience. The 6500mAh battery ensures extended playtime, and the shoulder triggers provide a competitive edge. However, its weight and gaming-centric design might not be ideal for everyday use.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

  • Senior Users: The C21 Plus's simplicity and lighter weight might be preferable for seniors who prioritize ease of use and comfortable handling. The Red Magic's complex features could be overwhelming.
  • Users with Disabilities: The C21 Plus aligns better with standard Android accessibility features. The Red Magic's custom UI might pose challenges for visually or motor-impaired users.
  • Budget-Conscious Users: The C21 Plus is significantly more affordable, making it accessible to a wider range of users.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

The choice boils down to user priorities and lifestyle. The C21 Plus prioritizes simplicity, affordability, and ease of use, making it ideal for users seeking a reliable device for everyday tasks. The Red Magic 9S Pro caters to power users and mobile gaming enthusiasts, prioritizing performance, speed, and immersive visuals.

My Choice:

As Sophia Rodriguez, focusing on user-centered communication and design, I would choose the Nokia C21 Plus for its broader accessibility and user-friendly design. While the Red Magic 9S Pro boasts impressive specifications, its gaming-centric design and complexity could alienate a significant portion of users. The C21 Plus embodies a more inclusive approach to technology, ensuring a positive experience for a wider range of individuals, aligning with my mission to make technology accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Its simplicity doesn't sacrifice functionality for everyday needs, striking a balance between usability and performance. For the average user, the C21 Plus delivers a more intuitive and less overwhelming experience.

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.