1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-07-09 | The Red Magic is significantly newer (3 years 5 months newer), offering more modern tech. |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm | Red Magic is slightly larger and thicker, may be less comfortable for one-handed use, and bulkier in pockets. |
| Weight | 200g | 229g | S21+ is noticeably lighter, improving comfort for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.8" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1116x2480 | Red Magic has a slightly sharper display, though the difference is not very noticeable in normal use. |
| PPI | 394 | 400 | Both have similar pixel density, so the visual experience is nearly identical in terms of sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have excellent color reproduction and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ offers significantly better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. Red Magic's brightness is unknown which is concerning. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Red Magic's newer chipset provides significantly faster processing and better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 2,369,542 | Red Magic has much faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 750 | Red Magic's Adreno GPU offers superior graphics capabilities, resulting in better gaming experiences. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 6500mAh | Red Magic's much larger battery means longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Red Magic charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging, No charge in box | Non-removable | S21+ offers wireless charging and reverse charging, making it more convenient. Red Magic does not offer these features. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.57", 1.00µm | Red Magic captures more detail due to higher resolution, while S21+ has larger pixel size for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm | None | S21+ offers better zoom capabilities than the Red Magic which does not have a telephoto lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 16MP, f/2.0, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | Red Magic's selfie camera may perform slightly better due to higher resolution and larger aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Red Magic offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for landscape or group shots. S21+ does not. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Red Magic provides a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots. S21+ does not have a macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | None | S21+ offers a wide-angle with macro capabilities, offering more versatile shooting options. Red Magic does not. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both capture 8K video, providing high-resolution footage for creators |
| Features | OIS, PDAF, RAW | OIS, LAF, Gimbal, Under Display | Both have OIS. Red Magic has Gimbal, Laser AF and Under display camera, while S21+ offers PDAF and RAW photo capture. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 15 | Android 14 | Red Magic has a more up-to-date OS, with more features and longer support (in general). |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi MiMO | Red Magic has newer, faster WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Red Magic has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, offering better connection stability, efficiency, and some enhanced features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Red Magic provides better location accuracy thanks to more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | S21+ supports eSIM for digital carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB or 512GB | Red Magic has more storage capacity. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB or 16GB | Red Magic offers significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic | DTS / DTS X, 3 microphones | S21+ offers richer sound with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res, but Red Magic has 3 mics for better voice quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both have standard fingerprint sensors for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21+ uses superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | S21+ has additional environmental sensors for more advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and more Compact: More comfortable for extended use and easier to handle.
- Better Display Brightness: Significantly better outdoor visibility and easier to use under direct sunlight.
- Wireless and Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers more convenient ways to charge the phone or other devices.
- More Mature Software: While it uses an older version of Android, it has a more refined, stable, and user-friendly experience.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers a dedicated telephoto lens for zooming capabilities.
- eSIM Support: Allows for a digital SIM option and more convenient international travel.
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better protection than Gorilla Glass 5.
- More advanced audio features: Offers Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio.
- Barometer: Offers a dedicated barometer environmental sensor.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Much faster chipset and GPU for smoother gaming and overall performance.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Significantly longer battery life and quicker recharge times.
- More RAM and Storage: More RAM for multitasking and large storage capacity for games and media.
- Newer Android Version: More up to date software with better features and longer support.
- Superior connectivity: Newer WiFi and Bluetooth offering better speeds and connection quality.
- Dedicated Wide Angle and Macro Cameras: Provides more versatility for different shooting scenarios.
- Gimbal Stabilization: Improves video stabilization compared to phones with only OIS
- More accurate GPS: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+ trades performance and battery life for a lighter build, wireless charging, and brighter display.
- Red Magic 9S Pro trades some user comfort and camera versatility for significantly better performance and battery life. The brightness of the screen is also a concern as it is unknown.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Users who prefer a lighter and more manageable phone.
- Individuals who frequently use their phone outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Those who appreciate wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities.
- Users who value a more established, mature software experience and eco-system.
- People who want a versatile camera system, with a dedicated telephoto lens.
- Users who want a premium experience with enhanced audio features like Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio
Use Cases:
- General daily use, web browsing, social media, and photography.
- Frequent commuters or travelers who need consistent battery and screen visibility.
- Users who appreciate the Samsung ecosystem.
- Everyday photo capturing with varied zoom capabilities.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro Ideal Users:
- Hardcore mobile gamers who prioritize performance and battery life.
- Users who frequently multitask or use demanding apps.
- Users who prioritize latest and greatest performance and modern software.
- Content creators who need high-resolution videos and faster video transfer speeds.
- Users who need the longest possible battery life.
Use Cases:
- Intense gaming sessions, streaming, and video editing.
- Heavy multitasking and demanding application usage.
- Users needing maximum battery life throughout the day.
- Users requiring superior connectivity for online gaming.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21+ is older and can be found at a lower price, offering good value for its features.
- The Red Magic 9S Pro will likely be more expensive but offers cutting-edge performance for the price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance vs. Convenience? Do you prioritize top-tier gaming performance and battery life, or a lighter design with convenient charging and a more mature software ecosystem?
- Camera Needs? Do you need a versatile camera with telephoto and digital zoom, or do you need a dedicated wide angle and macro lens?
- Outdoor Visibility and Battery Life? Do you need a brighter display for outdoor use, or do you need the maximum battery life for extended use throughout the day?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1 (Casual User): If you mainly use your phone for social media, web browsing, and basic photography, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers a more user-friendly experience with a comfortable design and good display brightness for everyday use.
Scenario 2 (Gaming Enthusiast): If you are a hardcore gamer who prioritizes maximum performance and battery life, the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro is the clear winner with its superior processor, larger RAM, and long-lasting battery.
Scenario 3 (Traveler/Outdoors): If you spend a lot of time outdoors under bright sunlight, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is preferable due to its significantly brighter display. If you are more concerned with battery life, the Red Magic 9S Pro will offer more power throughout the day.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro. While the S21+ has its merits, the performance jump offered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is too significant to ignore, especially since I enjoy playing games. The larger battery also makes a big difference for me as I don't like charging my phone often. While the Red Magic might be a bit bulkier, I'm willing to trade a little comfort for the superior performance, and significantly faster charging. The unknown screen brightness is concerning and will affect how visible the phone screen is outside. However, I will prioritize the performance over the screen brightness in this case.
