Xiaomi Redmi 10 vs ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date August 20, 2021 November 23, 2023
Release Year 2021 2023

Physical

Volume 108.86 cm³ 111.51 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.59 "/g 2.97 "/g
Weight 181 g 229 g
Height 162 mm 164 mm
Width 75.5 mm 76.4 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Carbon Gray
  • Pebble White
  • Sea Blue
  • Sleet (Black)
  • Snowfall (Silver)
  • Cyclone (Transparent Black)

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.8 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1116 x 2480
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 83.4 % 89.1 %
Pixel Density 405 PPI 400 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 1600 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 140.57 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.93 mAh/cm³ 58.29 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 6500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Mali-G52 MC2 Adreno 750

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 3.2, Gen 2, OTG, DisplayPort, Accessory Connector

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 14
Maximum OS Version

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison between the Xiaomi Redmi 10 and the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro. We're not just looking at numbers; we're trying to figure out which phone fits into your life.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here's a detailed look at the specs, broken down into categories, along with what they mean for you:

FeatureXiaomi Redmi 10ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 ProReal-World Implications
Design
Launch Date2021-08-202023-11-23Red Magic 9 Pro is significantly newer, meaning better tech.
Dimensions162 × 75.5 × 8.9 mm164 × 76.4 × 8.9 mmRed Magic 9 Pro is slightly taller; both are the same thickness.
Weight181g229gRedmi 10 is noticeably lighter, easier for prolonged use.
Display
Size6.5"6.8"Red Magic 9 Pro has a larger screen for more immersive experience.
Resolution1080x24001116x2480Red Magic 9 Pro offers slightly sharper visuals.
Pixel Density405 PPI400 PPIBoth very similar pixel density.
Technology-AMOLEDRed Magic 9 Pro has vibrant colors, deep blacks, better energy use in dark mode.
Refresh Rate90Hz120HzRed Magic 9 Pro has smoother scrolling and animation, particularly in games.
Brightness0 nits1600 nitsRed Magic 9 Pro is vastly superior for outdoor viewing in bright conditions.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Helio G88 (12 nm)Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)Red Magic 9 Pro has a significantly faster chipset, smoother everything from apps to games.
AnTuTu Score253,6002,020,000Red Magic 9 Pro is a performance beast, will fly through anything you throw at it.
GPUMali-G52 MC2Adreno 750Red Magic 9 Pro has superior graphics for smoother gaming and video.
Battery Life
Capacity5000mAh6500mAhRed Magic 9 Pro likely offers significantly longer battery life.
Charging18W80WRed Magic 9 Pro charges much faster.
FeaturesReverse ChargingBypass ChargingRedmi 10 can charge other devices; Red Magic 9 Pro can charge while gaming without heating the battery.
Camera
Main Camera Res50MP50MPBoth are 50MP; Red Magic 9 Pro uses a superior sensor and larger pixel size.
Main Camera SensorSamsung S5KJN1Samsung GN5Red Magic 9 Pro's sensor is larger (1/1.57" vs 1/2.76"), captures more light for better low-light photos.
Selfie Camera Resolution8MP16MPRed Magic 9 Pro takes higher-resolution selfies.
Wide Angle Camera Res8MP50MPRed Magic 9 Pro captures significantly more details in wide-angle shots.
Portrait ModeYesNoRedmi 10 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos.
Macro Lens Res2MP2MPBoth have similar macro cameras.
Video1080p@30fpsUp to 8K@30fpsRed Magic 9 Pro supports much higher video resolution for professional-quality videos.
Camera FeaturesQuadruple camera, RAWTriple camera, Gimbal, Under-display cameraRed Magic 9 Pro has a more advanced feature set, including stabilization and an under-display front camera.
Software
OSAndroid 11Android 14Red Magic 9 Pro has a more modern and up-to-date operating system.
Connectivity
WiFi802.11acWiFi 7 (802.11be)Red Magic 9 Pro uses the latest standard, for faster, more stable connection.
Bluetooth5.15.3Red Magic 9 Pro uses newer version with wider codec support.
GPSGPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1 + L5), NavIC SystemRed Magic 9 Pro offers more precise location tracking using more satellite systems.
SIMDual Nano SIMDual Nano SIMBoth support dual SIM cards.
Storage
Internal64 GB or 128 GB256 GB or 512 GBRed Magic 9 Pro offers significantly more built-in storage.
RAM4 GB or 6 GB8 GB, 12 GB, 16 GBRed Magic 9 Pro has way more RAM for serious multi-tasking.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage.
Audio
Audio QualityStereo SpeakersDTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphonesRed Magic 9 Pro has superior surround sound, better audio separation and immersion, better voice capture.
Security
Featuresside-mounted fingerprint sensorbasic fingerprint sensorRedmi 10 has a side-mounted sensor; Red Magic 9 Pro has a basic fingerprint sensor.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass 5Red Magic 9 Pro has a superior, more durable screen.
Sensors
SensorsFingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtualFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeBoth have the standard set, with minor differences.

2. Key Insights

Xiaomi Redmi 10 Strengths:

  • Lighter and More Ergonomic: Its lighter weight makes it comfortable for extended use.
  • Reverse Charging: It can act as a power bank for other devices, a handy feature on occasion.
  • Good Basic Camera: Decent for everyday photography in good lighting conditions.
  • More Affordable: Likely to be significantly cheaper than the Red Magic 9 Pro.

Xiaomi Redmi 10 Trade-offs:

  • Lower Performance: The chipset and GPU are significantly weaker for demanding tasks or gaming.
  • Basic Display: Lacks the vibrant colors and high brightness of an AMOLED screen.
  • Older Technology: Uses older operating system, WiFi and Bluetooth standards.
  • Slower Charging: The 18W charging is quite slow compared to modern standards.

ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro Strengths:

  • High-End Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is top-tier, providing blazing-fast speeds for all tasks, especially gaming.
  • Stunning AMOLED Display: The larger, brighter screen with a 120Hz refresh rate offers an amazing visual experience.
  • Superior Cameras: Captures higher quality photos, especially in low light, and supports high-resolution video.
  • Long Battery Life: Large battery paired with efficient charging makes it easy to last a full day.
  • Future-Proof: Has the newest technology in terms of chipset, operating system, WiFi and Bluetooth.
  • Gaming Focused: Features like bypass charging and advanced cooling systems enhance gaming performance.

ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro Trade-offs:

  • Bulkier Design: Heavier and slightly larger than the Redmi 10, and potentially less comfortable for long-term use.
  • Higher Price: Expected to be in a completely different price bracket compared to the Redmi 10.
  • Advanced Camera: It is more advanced and feature rich, but may require some learning.
  • Basic Fingerprint Sensor: Lacks the side-mounted sensor of the Redmi 10.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

Xiaomi Redmi 10 is best for:

  • Budget-Conscious Users: If you prioritize affordability and basic functionality.
  • Casual Smartphone Users: Great for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light media consumption.
  • Users Who Value Portability: The lightweight design is perfect for those who prefer something comfortable to carry around.

Use Cases:

  • Perfect for students or individuals looking for a functional daily driver without breaking the bank.
  • Ideal for someone who wants a simple phone for basic communication and media consumption, or those who value the ability to charge other devices.
  • Suitable as a secondary device.

ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro is best for:

  • Serious Gamers: The top-tier chipset, display, and battery features make it an ideal choice for heavy gaming.
  • Power Users: If you frequently use demanding apps and need a device that can handle multitasking.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: The advanced camera setup captures great photos and videos.
  • Tech Enthusiasts: If you are interested in the newest technology in smartphones.
  • Those Who Value Performance Above All: Willing to pay more for cutting-edge performance and features.

Use Cases:

  • Excellent for competitive mobile gaming and professional photography.
  • Perfect for users who need a device that can handle resource-intensive tasks like video editing or graphic design.
  • Ideal for tech enthusiasts who want the latest and greatest smartphone technology.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three questions to help you decide between these two phones:

  1. What's your primary use case?

    • Redmi 10: Basic daily tasks, web browsing, social media, occasional photos.
    • Red Magic 9 Pro: Heavy gaming, professional-quality content creation, multitasking, power-user tasks.
  2. What's your budget?

    • Redmi 10: If price is your main concern, this is the way to go.
    • Red Magic 9 Pro: Requires a much larger investment, but offers top-tier performance.
  3. How important are advanced features?

    • Redmi 10: Provides only basic features for those not demanding too much.
    • Red Magic 9 Pro: Advanced features such as top tier display, gaming performance, and camera are a priority here.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Student: Go with the Xiaomi Redmi 10; its affordability and decent everyday performance will suit your needs.
  • Scenario 2: Casual User: The Redmi 10 may be a good choice for its simplicity and portability, especially if you do not need the latest and greatest.
  • Scenario 3: Hardcore Gamer: The ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro is the obvious choice; its advanced performance and gaming features will enhance your gaming experience.
  • Scenario 4: Content Creator: Again, the Red Magic 9 Pro will serve you best with its high-end cameras and video capability, although with a much higher price.

Which Would I Choose?

Personally, I'd go with the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro. While it’s a much more expensive option, the technology it provides is a huge step up from the Redmi 10. For a tech journalist like myself, having access to the latest processor, display, and camera tech is essential. It allows me to experience and understand these technologies, which is crucial for delivering accurate reviews. The additional features for gaming are nice, but what really wins me over is the quality of the display, combined with the power that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip provides. It also has better storage, RAM, and a better overall software experience. The price is high, but for my needs the value is unbeatable.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.