Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro. On paper, these two phones are aiming for slightly different audiences, but there's enough overlap to warrant a detailed look. I'll break it down as if we're chatting about these devices over coffee, focusing on what matters to you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, how they differ, and what they mean for day-to-day use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.9 mm | S21 FE is more compact and pocketable. Red Magic 9S Pro is larger, might feel bulky in hand. |
| Weight | 177g | 229g | S21 FE is significantly lighter, better for extended use. Red Magic 9S Pro is heavier, which some may prefer. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.8" | Red Magic 9S Pro offers a more immersive viewing experience; S21 FE is more convenient for single-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1116x2480 | Red Magic 9S Pro offers slightly sharper visuals but the difference in pixel density is negligible. |
| PPI | 403 | 400 | Both have excellent pixel density for clear visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 FE is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright conditions; the lack of a brightness spec for Red Magic is concerning. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Red Magic 9S Pro has a significantly more powerful, newer chipset, offering better performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 923,836 | 2,369,542 | Red Magic 9S Pro provides dramatically faster performance, smoother gaming and overall snappier experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | Red Magic 9S Pro is equipped with a more powerful GPU, providing a superior experience for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 6500mAh | Red Magic 9S Pro will likely last significantly longer on a single charge due to its larger battery. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Red Magic 9S Pro charges much faster, allowing you to get back to full power in less time. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Wireless Charging | Non-removable | S21 FE offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, which can be convenient. Red Magic focuses on raw performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera (Main) | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.88 | Red Magic 9S Pro has a higher resolution primary sensor but a smaller pixel size. S21 FE has a larger pixel size. |
| Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 FE offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.0 | S21 FE has a higher-resolution selfie camera and larger sensor but Red Magic has a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/2.0 | Red Magic has a dedicated Wide Angle lens, S21 FE uses it's Macro Lens as a wide angle. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Red Magic 9S Pro offers a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K/60fps | Up to 8K/30fps | Red Magic 9S Pro offers higher video resolution, allowing for professional-grade video creation. |
| DXoMark | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | No data | S21 FE's cameras have been tested with good marks. Red Magic's cameras are untested. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Optical Zoom, RAW | OIS, Gimbal, Laser AF, Under Display | Both have good cameras; S21 FE offers optical zoom and PDAF, Red Magic offers advanced features like Gimbal and Laser AF. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Up to 16) | Android 14 | Red Magic 9S Pro runs a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Red Magic 9S Pro supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Red Magic 9S Pro has a more modern Bluetooth standard, potentially better performance with compatible devices. |
| GPS | Multiple Standards | More Standards | Red Magic 9S Pro has a more comprehensive GPS setup, better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both offer dual SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Red Magic 9S Pro has higher storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12/16 GB | Red Magic 9S Pro has significantly more RAM, better for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | DTS / DTS X | Both have great audio; S21 FE offers Dolby Atmos and a noise cancellation microphone. Red Magic offers DTS / DTS X and 3 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 FE has better screen protection, more resistant to scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer | Gravity | S21 FE features a barometer while Red Magic includes a gravity sensor; both have a full sensor suite. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths: Its strengths lie in its more compact, lightweight design, a better screen for outdoor visibility, wireless charging, and a versatile camera system that's been tested by DXoMark. It's a well-rounded device with a focus on everyday usability and reliability.
- Competitive Advantages: The inclusion of wireless charging, a barometer, and a higher-rated screen protector are key advantages over the Red Magic. It has a DXoMark score and is a very refined device.
- Trade-offs: The older chipset, lower performance in games, lower battery capacity, and slower charging are trade-offs for this well-rounded device.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro:
- Strengths: This phone is a performance beast with its cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, massive RAM options, significantly larger battery, and much faster charging. It is built for gaming, and the features reflect this.
- Competitive Advantages: The key advantages include the much faster performance, better battery life, and dedicated gaming features like the advanced cooling system that is not listed here. This phone also features an under-display camera and an 8K recording capability, plus a wide angle lens.
- Trade-offs: The larger, heavier design, a potential lack of outdoor screen visibility given the brightness is not listed, no wireless charging, and untested cameras are significant drawbacks compared to the S21 FE.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: Best for users who value a balanced smartphone experience. This is for someone who wants a reliable daily driver with a good camera, great screen, wireless charging, and a sleek design. It's ideal for general use, social media, and some casual gaming. This phone is also great for travel and daily life, as it is easy to carry around.
- ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro: Ideal for mobile gamers, tech enthusiasts, and power users who prioritize raw performance above all else. This phone can handle the most demanding games, heavy multitasking, and will have long battery life. It is designed for maximum performance and will certainly excel in those specific use cases.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize raw performance and long battery life above all else? If yes, the Red Magic 9S Pro is the clear winner. If no, the S21 FE is a better option.
- Do you frequently use your phone in bright sunlight? If yes, the S21 FE's screen will perform better than the Red Magic. If this is not a big factor, Red Magic might be acceptable.
- Do you value a well-rounded, balanced smartphone with wireless charging and great camera scores? If yes, the S21 FE is the better choice. If raw performance is your focus, the Red Magic will still be a better option.
Scenario-based recommendations:
- The Gamer: Choose the Red Magic 9S Pro for its raw power and dedicated gaming features, including a larger screen and great battery life.
- The Everyday User: The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides a balanced set of features with wireless charging, a good screen, and great camera quality, making it better for general use.
- The Content Creator: The Red Magic 9S Pro will be able to handle larger video files and video editing and has 8K video. However, the S21 FE's cameras have a DXoMark score and could be a better option.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Here's why:
As a tech journalist, I need a phone that can handle a variety of tasks reliably throughout the day. The S21 FE's balanced approach to design, performance, and camera quality makes it a more versatile daily driver. While the Red Magic 9S Pro’s performance is impressive, the lack of brightness specs is a big concern, the added size and weight are a hassle for daily use, and not having a DXoMark score makes me question the image quality when it is not the core of the device.
The wireless charging and the lighter design and dimensions of the S21 FE fit much better into my lifestyle. I would need a device that has a great screen that can be used in bright sunlight as I am often working outside or traveling to see new tech, and the S21 FE delivers that better than the Red Magic 9S Pro. While I do value performance, I also value refinement and a cohesive user experience, which the S21 FE offers.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on individual priorities. If raw performance and gaming are the primary concerns, the Red Magic 9S Pro is an excellent choice. However, for a balanced and well-rounded smartphone experience, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is better.
