1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Oppo Find X3 Pro and ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro, focusing on their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Oppo Find X3 Pro | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2021-03-19 | 2024-07-09 | ZTE is much newer, potentially offering more modern features & better long-term software support |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74 x 8.3 mm | 164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm | ZTE is slightly larger and thicker, may feel more substantial in hand but less pocketable for some users. |
| Weight | 193g | 229g | Oppo is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. ZTE is heavier, which could impact long sessions. |
Display
| Feature | Oppo Find X3 Pro | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Negligible size difference in real-world use, both offer expansive viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1116x2480 | Oppo has a much sharper display with noticeably more detail, beneficial for media consumption and detailed work. |
| Pixel Density | 525 ppi | 400 ppi | Oppo offers significantly clearer text and images. ZTE display might appear slightly less crisp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, beneficial for gaming and general responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Oppo has a much brighter screen, much better visibility in direct sunlight. ZTE's brightness is missing - this might need further verification. |
Performance
| Feature | Oppo Find X3 Pro | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | ZTE has a significantly newer and more powerful processor, resulting in faster app launches and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 876,500 | 2,369,542 | ZTE boasts a significantly higher score, implying smoother performance in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | ZTE's GPU offers superior graphics performance, leading to higher framerates and smoother gameplay. |
Battery
| Feature | Oppo Find X3 Pro | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 6500mAh | ZTE offers significantly longer battery life, likely lasting a full day for heavy users. Oppo may require a top-up during the day. |
| Charging | 65W | 80W | ZTE charges slightly faster, reducing downtime and enabling quick top-ups when needed. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse | None | Oppo offers wireless charging and reverse charging capability. ZTE lacks these. |
Camera
| Feature | Oppo Find X3 Pro | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 50MP f/1.88, 1/1.57", Samsung GN5 | Oppo has a slightly larger sensor, potentially better low-light performance. Both have good main sensors. |
| Selfie | 32MP f/2.4, 1/2.74", Sony IMX615 | 16MP f/2.0, 1/3.06", Omnivision OV16A1Q | Oppo has higher resolution for more detailed selfies. ZTE has a wider aperture for potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto | 13MP f/2.4, 1/3.4", Samsung S5K3M5 | None | Oppo has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities, while ZTE relies solely on digital zoom, which can reduce clarity at higher zoom levels. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP f/2.2, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 50MP f/2.0, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | Oppo has a larger wide-angle sensor, potentially capturing more detail and better low-light performance. ZTE has a slightly wider aperture for low light performance. |
| Macro | None | 2MP f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1 | ZTE has a dedicated macro lens, allowing close-up shots. The Oppo lacks a macro lens so will not capture these types of shots with high quality. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS, Slow-motion 480 fps | Up to 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, EIS, Slow-motion 240 fps | ZTE offers higher resolution video recording (8K), suitable for pro users. Both offer EIS and slow motion recording but at different frame rates. |
| DXOMark | 128 total, 134 photo, 125 video | None | Oppo has been rated by DXOMark. This does not mean the ZTE is worse, it just means it has not been rated by DXOMark |
| Features | Optical Zoom, Quad Camera, PDAF, CDAF, RAW | 8K Video, Triple Camera, Gimbal, LAF, Under-display camera, Night Mode | Oppo has more zoom options and flexibility. ZTE has higher recording quality, better stabilization and an under-display camera. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Oppo Find X3 Pro Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Significantly higher resolution and pixel density, offering a clearer and more detailed viewing experience.
- Brighter Display: Much brighter screen, significantly better for outdoor visibility.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities.
- Wireless Charging: Supports both wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- DXOMark Score: Has been tested and rated by DXOMark
- Advanced Camera Features: PDAF and CDAF for quicker and more accurate autofocus. RAW capture for photographers, more camera lenses.
Practical Implications for Oppo:
- Ideal for users who prioritize a sharp, detailed display and good outdoor visibility.
- Better for users who utilize optical zoom and camera enthusiasts who prefer a versatile camera setup
- Better for users who prefer wireless charging options.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Much faster processor and GPU, offering better performance for demanding apps and games.
- Significantly Better Battery Life: Much larger battery, providing longer usage.
- Faster Charging: Faster wired charging.
- 8K Video Recording: Higher resolution video capture capabilities.
- More Modern Features: Newer device with potentially better long-term software support.
- Gaming Focused Features: Includes gimbal, LAF and other gaming features.
- Under Display Camera The selfie camera is under the screen and so is less visible
- DTS Audio: Enhanced audio performance.
- More Satellite Systems for GPS More accurate GPS tracking.
- Macro Lens Ability to capture very close up shots.
Practical Implications for ZTE:
- Ideal for gamers and power users who need the best performance and long battery life.
- Better for users who want to record high-quality video.
- Beneficial for people who want cutting edge phone technology.
Trade-offs:
- Oppo: Sacrifices performance and battery life for a better screen and more versatility in the camera department.
- ZTE: Sacrifices display clarity and wireless charging for significantly superior performance, battery, and specialized gaming features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Oppo Find X3 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize display quality and camera versatility,
- Users who use a wireless charging pad.
- Users who prefer a lighter phone and are willing to trade some performance for a better screen.
- Users who want the best quality main and wide-angle camera lenses.
Specific Use Cases for Oppo:
- Media consumption: Watching movies and shows in high resolution.
- Photography: Capturing varied types of images including with zoom, utilising RAW and the extra lens.
- General use: Everyday tasks where a lightweight, high-quality display is preferred.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro Ideal User:
- Gamers who need top-tier performance and long battery life.
- Power users who demand fast processing and are happy to trade some screen quality.
- Users who record videos frequently, specifically higher quality (8k).
- Users who enjoy taking macro shots.
- Users who like cutting edge technologies, such as under display cameras.
Specific Use Cases for ZTE:
- Gaming: Playing demanding games at high frame rates for extended sessions.
- Video Production: Recording and editing high-resolution video.
- Heavy Multitasking: Running multiple resource-intensive apps.
- Long Use days: Requiring an all day battery.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Oppo Find X3 Pro is an older model, it may be available for cheaper than the ZTE device. The ZTE will likely be more expensive due to being the newer device with more premium hardware.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is more important: screen quality, or performance and battery life?
- What is your primary use case for this phone (gaming, media, photography)?
- Are specific features like wireless charging, macro lens, or high-resolution video recording essential for you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gamer/Power User: Choose the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro. Its superior processor, GPU, and battery will greatly improve your gaming and multitasking experience.
- Scenario 2: Casual User with a focus on camera Choose the Oppo Find X3 Pro with its better display, brighter screen and versatile camera.
- Scenario 3: Media Consumer/Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Oppo Find X3 Pro for its sharper, brighter screen and versatile camera system. However, note the lack of battery life and performance.
- Scenario 4: Cutting edge user: Choose the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro for its under-display camera and new tech.
My Choice:
I would choose the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro.
While the Oppo Find X3 Pro has a noticeably better display and a more versatile camera, the ZTE's significantly superior performance, larger battery, and faster charging are more compelling for my typical usage. I value the smooth experience of high-performance computing and the peace of mind offered by a long battery life, especially when I'm away from a charger for extended periods. Additionally, the ZTE’s enhanced audio, macro and 8K video features are appealing. While the display might not be as crisp, the advantages in other areas outweigh this for my needs.
