Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro vs ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date February 18, 2022 November 23, 2023
Release Year 2022 2023

Physical

Volume 101.21 cm³ 111.51 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.3 "/g 2.97 "/g
Weight 202 g 229 g
Height 164.2 mm 164 mm
Width 76.1 mm 76.4 mm
Thickness 8.1 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Star Blue
  • Graphite Gray (Stealth Black)
  • Polar White (Phantom White)
  • Sleet (Black)
  • Snowfall (Silver)
  • Cyclone (Transparent Black)

Display

Screen Size 6.67 " 6.8 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1116 x 2480
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 86 % 89.1 %
Pixel Density 395 PPI 400 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 700 nits N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits 1600 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 112.39 mAh/in² 140.57 mAh/in²
Battery Density 49.4 mAh/cm³ 58.29 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 6500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 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-G57 MC2 Adreno 750

Connectivity

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

Okay, let's dive into a user-centered comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro and the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro, focusing on how these technical specifications translate into real-world experiences.

The Tale of Two Phones: A User-Centric Comparison

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

Feature CategoryXiaomi Redmi Note 11 ProZTE nubia Red Magic 9 ProUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignClean, familiar Android interface; Focus on ease of use; MIUI customization.Gaming-centric interface; Customized UI for enhanced performance and visuals, less traditional look.Redmi offers a familiar, user-friendly experience for everyday use; Red Magic aims for gamers with a more aggressive design aesthetic; UI is designed to support gaming.
Interaction FlowSmooth navigation; Intuitive gestures; User-friendly menu layout.Complex navigation to cater to customization; Gamified menus; Designed for quick access during games.Redmi designed to be accessible and intuitive; Red Magic prioritizes performance and customization with a gaming focused navigation.
Accessibility FeaturesStandard Android accessibility tools; Large text options, screen readers, color correction.Standard Android accessibility features; additional controls for gaming.Both provide standard accessibility features; Red Magic adds control to support gamers with disabilities.
Design ErgonomicsSlim, lightweight design; Comfortable in hand for most users; Side-mounted fingerprint sensor.Slightly thicker, heavier design; Feels solid and premium; Basic fingerprint sensor.Redmi offers comfortable usability; Red Magic feels premium but less comfortable for everyday use, better grip for gamers.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

The Display Story:

Imagine yourself on a sunny beach. You pull out your phone to capture the stunning sunset. With the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro's 1200 nits brightness, the screen is visible, but you're squinting a bit. Now, picture the same scene with the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro's 1600 nits brightness. The display is vibrant and crisp, making it significantly easier to see, enhancing your viewing experience under bright conditions. It's not just about numbers, it's about experiencing the world without being hindered by technology.

The Performance Story:

Picture a gamer in the heat of a battle. On the Redmi, there might be the slightest lag, an occasional stutter in the graphics and the app takes more time to load. It is perfect for everyday use, but not made for heavy gaming. Now, on the Red Magic, the graphics are smooth, the action is lightning-fast, and the game loads in a flash. It feels like having a high-powered gaming PC right in your pocket because of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and the Adreno 750 GPU. The Red Magic is designed for a seamless, powerful gaming experience, a true game-changer for those who demand peak performance.

The Battery Story:

Envision a day out, navigating through a busy city. The Redmi's 5000mAh battery is enough to get you through the day, but you might find yourself reaching for the charger at the end of a long day. With the Red Magic 9 Pro's 6500mAh battery, you will probably not need to worry about recharging, even with the demanding gaming sessions. The larger battery with 80W fast charging gives you the freedom to enjoy your phone without constantly being tethered to a power outlet, while also having bypass charging, this shows that this is a gamer's phone that is built to last.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

For the Tech Enthusiast:

  • The Red Magic 9 Pro with its cutting-edge processor, advanced cooling, and high-refresh rate display will certainly be the choice of tech enthusiasts. It’s designed for gaming, with its gaming interface and faster charging.

    For the Everyday User:

  • The Redmi Note 11 Pro offers a smooth, intuitive experience for everyday tasks, with its familiar user interface and comfortable design. Its camera is also good for everyday pictures and videos.

    For the Photographer:

  • While the Redmi Note 11 Pro has a higher resolution main camera, the Red Magic 9 Pro offers better quality photos in general due to a larger pixel size.
  • The Red Magic 9 Pro also offers better quality video and video recording.

    For the User with a Limited Budget:

  • The Redmi Note 11 Pro is an older phone, so it will probably be more budget friendly than the Red Magic. It is good enough for everyday use, and is a great value phone.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

CriteriaXiaomi Redmi Note 11 ProZTE nubia Red Magic 9 ProRecommendation
Primary UseEveryday use; balanced performance; casual gamingDemanding gaming; high-performance needs; power user.If your priority is gaming, the Red Magic offers unmatched performance; If you're an average user who needs a reliable, user-friendly phone, the Redmi is a better choice.
Display PriorityGood display for general use.Excellent display for immersive experiences, high brightness.The Red Magic's superior brightness makes it a clear winner for those who value viewing experience, especially in outdoor conditions.
Performance NeedsSuitable for everyday tasks, light to moderate gaming.Top-tier performance, demanding apps, and high-end gaming.Red Magic is the go-to for gamers who want the best performance; Redmi is suitable for those who value a balance between performance and affordability.
Battery LifeGood battery life for most users.Superior battery life for extended usage, and faster charging.For users who need their phone to last all day, the Red Magic is the superior option; Redmi is still a reliable option, but might require a mid-day recharge for heavy use.
Camera QualityDecent camera for everyday photos and videos.Good camera quality with superior video capability.Both offer adequate camera quality, but Red Magic excels in video recording and low light; Redmi is okay for everyday casual pictures, but will not be the best camera on the market.
Budget SensitivityMore budget-friendly due to being an older device.More premium due to its high performance and newer features.For budget-conscious users, the Redmi is a smart choice. If your budget allows it, the Red Magic's capabilities might make the extra cost worthwhile.

Final Thoughts: My Choice

If I were to choose, I would select the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro. While I appreciate the Redmi Note 11 Pro's balance and affordability, the Red Magic 9 Pro's exceptional display, unmatched performance, longer battery life and better video capture features make it a superior choice for me. As a technology enthusiast, I value seamless performance, and I often find myself gaming and needing to take high quality videos, therefore the Red Magic is the better choice for me. The Red Magic’s narrative of raw power and top-tier performance, packaged in a design that looks as good as it performs, is compelling.

This choice is driven by a desire to experience the most advanced technology, and for users like me, the Red Magic is the phone that delivers a more complete experience. It highlights how design choices directly impact user interaction and how technology can enhance our daily lives, which aligns perfectly with my user-centric communication mission.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.