Alright, let's dive into this comparison. We've got a fascinating matchup: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, a foldable marvel from 2021, and the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro, a gaming beast fresh off the production line in 2024. These two are as different as chalk and cheese, and their specifications tell a compelling story.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of key specs, focusing on what they mean for you in the real world:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | Fold3: Larger screen when open for immersive media, multitasking. Red Magic: More durable, simpler to pocket. |
| Dimensions | 158.2 × 128.1 × 6.4 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.9 mm | Fold3: Wider when open, thinner when folded. Red Magic: Taller and thicker, feels more solid. |
| Weight | 271g | 229g | Red Magic: Noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended gaming sessions and use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 7.6" | 6.8" | Fold3: Much larger display, akin to a small tablet. Red Magic: More typical smartphone size. |
| Resolution | 1768x2208 | 1116x2480 | Fold3: Sharper, more detail on the larger screen. |
| Pixel Density | 374 ppi | 400 ppi | Red Magic: Slightly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Red Magic: Vibrant colours, deep blacks, better contrast and efficiency for dark themes. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Red Magic: Much faster performance, better gaming experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 2,369,542 | Red Magic: Significantly smoother, faster app loading, better for multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | Red Magic: More powerful graphics for intensive gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.88) | Red Magic: Better detail and low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2) | 16MP (f/2.0) | Red Magic: Better for selfies in most lighting conditions. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP (f/2.4) | None | Fold3: Zooming capabilities for greater image flexibility. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.2) | 50MP (f/2.0) | Red Magic: Better wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Red Magic: Ability to capture detailed close-up images. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps | Red Magic: Professional-grade recording capabilities. |
| DXOMARK | Mobile: 120, Selfie: 83 | Not Tested | Fold3: Reputable mobile camera and selfie scores. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Laser AF | OIS, Gimbal, Continuous AF | Fold3: Great for everyday shots with added features. Red Magic: Superior stabilization and focusing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4400mAh | 6500mAh | Red Magic: Much longer battery life for heavy usage, especially for gaming. |
| Charging | 25W | 80W | Red Magic: Faster charging to quickly replenish the bigger battery. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging | None | Fold3: Added convenience with wireless and reverse charging. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 14 | Red Magic: Latest Android version, better software support and security out of the box. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Red Magic: Faster, more stable internet speeds for demanding tasks like online gaming. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (Advanced Features) | 5.2 (AAC, LDAC, SBC) | Fold3: More audio-related features and profile support. Red Magic: More codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, Galileo | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a) etc | Red Magic: More accurate and reliable location services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Fold3: Easier to switch carriers digitally. |
| Other | |||
| Storage | 256/512 GB | 256/512 GB | Plenty of space for apps and media on both. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12/16 GB | Red Magic: More RAM for heavy multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos | DTS/DTS X, 3 Microphones | Red Magic: Superior for audio recording and gaming. |
| Security | Side-mounted FP | Basic FP | Fold3: Better placement of the FP for easy unlocking. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Fold3: Superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Barometer | None | Fold3: Additional environment sensor. |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: This device is all about that foldable screen experience. It offers a unique form factor with a large display for media consumption, multitasking, and a more immersive feel. It has a decent camera, wireless charging, and an extra side fingerprint. However, it uses older hardware, and isn't for hard core gaming.
- ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro: This phone is a pure gaming powerhouse. It boasts top-tier performance, a massive battery, fast charging, an AMOLED screen, and 8K video capabilities. This is the phone if you want pure performance and an immersive gaming experience. It has a modern software, and the cameras have a lot of resolution, but it lacks features that the Fold has like wireless charging and extra sensors.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
- Best for: Media enthusiasts, multitaskers, and users who want a more tablet-like experience in a phone form factor.
- Use Cases: Watching movies, reading books, editing documents, and using multiple apps simultaneously.
- Why: The unique foldable screen provides a versatile experience.
- ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro
- Best for: Hardcore mobile gamers, power users, and those who prioritize performance above all else.
- Use Cases: Playing graphics-intensive games, recording high-resolution videos, and demanding multitasking.
- Why: The cutting-edge chipset, huge battery, and gaming-centric design make it a perfect choice for demanding users.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
Do you value a large, foldable screen or a more conventional design?
- If a unique, expansive screen experience is key, go with the Z Fold 3.
- If you prioritize a standard form factor with maximum durability, the Red Magic 9S Pro is better.
Is raw power or versatility your priority?
- If you need the absolute best performance for heavy gaming or demanding tasks, the Red Magic is superior.
- If you need a balance of productivity features like wireless charging, and versatility, the Z Fold3 is the better option.
What is your primary use case?
- If media consumption and multitasking are the main focus, the Fold 3 is a solid pick.
- If you're mainly a mobile gamer, the Red Magic is the only way to go.
My Choice and Why:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro. Here's why:
While I appreciate the innovation and unique form factor of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, the Red Magic 9S Pro's raw performance, superior camera capabilities, and massive battery are just too compelling.
As a tech journalist with an engineering background, I always look for devices that push the boundaries of what's possible. The Red Magic 9S Pro is a testament to mobile engineering at its finest, and that’s something I would be excited to have in my pocket. The cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset ensures that I will be able to use this phone for many years to come without any hiccups.
The bigger battery means that I would not need to worry about range anxiety during the day, and the 80W charging means that I can quickly get back into action. The AMOLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate means that the visual experience would be top notch as well.
Although the Z Fold 3 has unique features that I find exciting, the Red Magic 9S Pro is just a better experience overall, and it caters to the power user in me.
