OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro: A Practical Comparison
These two phones cater to very different audiences—one is a mid-range all-rounder, while the other is a gaming powerhouse. Let’s break down how they compare and who should choose which.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.9 mm | Nord is slimmer & lighter (170g vs. 229g), easier for one-handed use. Red Magic is bulkier but built for gaming grip. |
| Weight | 170g | 229g | Nord is better for pocketability, Red Magic feels substantial but heavy. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | Red Magic has better drop protection, Nord’s durability is unclear. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.8" AMOLED | Red Magic has a bigger screen (better for gaming/media), but Nord is more compact. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Red Magic feels smoother in games & scrolling, though Nord’s 90Hz is decent. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | Unknown (likely lower) | Nord is far better in sunlight, Red Magic may struggle outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | Red Magic is a beast—vastly better for gaming, AI tasks, and longevity. |
| Antutu Score | 385,000 | 2,369,542 | Red Magic is 6x faster—future-proof for years. Nord struggles with heavy multitasking. |
| RAM/Storage | 6-12GB / 128-256GB | 12-16GB / 256-512GB | Red Magic dominates—better for heavy apps, games, and storage needs. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 6500mAh | Red Magic lasts significantly longer, Nord struggles with heavy usage. |
| Charging Speed | 30W | 80W | Red Magic charges way faster (0-100% in ~35 mins vs. ~1hr for Nord). |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79) | 50MP (f/1.88, larger sensor) | Nord wins in daylight with higher resolution, but Red Magic has better low-light performance. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP (weak) | 50MP (stronger) | Red Magic’s ultrawide is far superior. Nord’s is just passable. |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | Red Magic is better for videographers, Nord is fine for casual clips. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths:
✅ Lighter & more compact – Better for daily carry.
✅ Brighter display – Easier to use outdoors.
✅ Good enough camera – Decent for social media.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro Strengths:
🎮 Gaming performance king – Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 + 16GB RAM.
🔋 Huge battery & fast charging – All-day endurance.
📷 Better ultrawide & video – More versatility.
Trade-offs:
- Red Magic is bulky & heavy – Not ideal for small hands.
- Nord’s performance is dated – Struggles with demanding tasks.
- Red Magic’s outdoor visibility is weak – Hard to use in sunlight.
3. Who Should Buy Which?
OnePlus Nord CE 5G is Best For:
- Casual users who want a lightweight, easy-to-use phone.
- Budget-conscious buyers who don’t need extreme performance.
- Outdoor users who need a bright display.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro is Best For:
- Hardcore gamers who want peak performance & cooling.
- Power users who need long battery life & fast charging.
- Content creators who value 8K video & better cameras.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Do I play demanding mobile games frequently? → Red Magic.
- Do I prioritize portability & outdoor visibility? → Nord CE 5G.
- Do I need the longest battery life & fastest charging? → Red Magic.
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
I’d pick the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro.
Why?
- The performance gap is too large—the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ensures this phone stays fast for years.
- Battery life & charging are game-changers—6500mAh + 80W is unbeatable.
- Gaming & multitasking are flawless—16GB RAM means no slowdowns.
The Nord CE 5G is a good budget option, but it’s three years older and simply can’t match the Red Magic’s power and future-proofing. If you can handle the extra weight, the Red Magic is the clear winner.
