Alright, let's break down the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the nubia Red Magic 9 Pro. These two phones, while both from ZTE, target different user needs, and it shows in their specs. Let's get into the nitty-gritty and see how they stack up.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-05-13 | 2023-11-23 | Red Magic 9 Pro is much newer, benefitting from newer tech. |
| Size | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.9 mm | Axon 40 Ultra is slimmer and narrower, potentially more comfortable for smaller hands. Red Magic 9 Pro is bulkier. |
| Weight | 204g | 229g | Axon 40 Ultra is noticeably lighter, making it easier for extended use and carrying. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.8" | Identical display sizes provide an immersive experience for both. |
| Resolution | 1116x2480 | 1116x2480 | Both offer sharp and detailed visuals due to the same resolution. |
| PPI | 400 | 400 | Identical pixel density, resulting in equally sharp text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks for both; expect a quality viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both, essential for gaming and general use. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 1600 nits | Red Magic 9 Pro is slightly brighter, offering better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Red Magic 9 Pro's newer chip provides significantly faster processing and enhanced efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 2,020,000 | Red Magic 9 Pro offers dramatically higher performance - better for gaming and resource-intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 750 | Red Magic 9 Pro's newer GPU enables superior gaming and graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6500mAh | Red Magic 9 Pro has a significantly larger battery, potentially lasting much longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Red Magic 9 Pro charges faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Red Magic 9 Pro's bypass charging is ideal for gamers, allowing play while charging without excessive heat. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.6, 1/1.72", Sony IMX787) | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.57", Samsung GN5) | Axon 40 Ultra has higher resolution, but Red Magic 9 Pro has a larger sensor with bigger pixels. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.0, 1.22µm pixel size) | 16MP (f/2.0, 1.12µm pixel size) | Both have similar selfie cameras. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP (f/3.5, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B) | None | Axon 40 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 50MP (f/2.0, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1) | Red Magic 9 Pro offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for landscape photography. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Red Magic 9 Pro includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| ToF 3D sensor | 0.3MP | None | Axon 40 Ultra includes a ToF 3D sensor which can aid with depth perception. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP (f/2.3, 1/1.72", Sony IMX787) | None | Axon 40 Ultra combines wide and macro functionality in a single lens |
| Video | Up to 8K@120fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 8K@30fps, No EIS | Axon 40 Ultra boasts more video recording options and HDR/EIS features. |
| Features | OIS, PDAF, LAF, Quad Camera, RAW | Gimbal, Continuous AF, LAF, Triple camera | Axon 40 Ultra focuses more on image stabilization while Red Magic 9 Pro offers Gimbal and continuous auto focus features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Red Magic 9 Pro features a newer OS, potentially providing better security and functionality. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | Red Magic 9 Pro has the latest WiFi standard, offering faster speeds and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Red Magic 9 Pro has a more current Bluetooth version, enabling superior audio quality and pairing. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Red Magic 9 Pro supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | 256GB/512GB | Axon 40 Ultra has more maximum storage options and lower base option, while Red Magic has more consistent storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB/16GB/18GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB | Axon 40 Ultra goes up to 18GB of RAM. This will help users that do very intense multitasking and gaming sessions. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support expandable storage; be sure to pick the right storage option upon purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers, DTS / DTS X, 3 mics | Stereo Speakers, DTS / DTS X, 3 mics | Both offer comparable audio quality with the same basic configurations. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Red Magic 9 Pro offers screen protection using Corning Gorilla Glass 5. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Red Magic 9 Pro includes a compass. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Strengths:
- More Versatile Camera System: Boasts a telephoto lens, and higher resolution main camera, offering more flexibility in photography, OIS and EIS support.
- Lighter & Slimmer Build: A more comfortable, lighter design making it easier for extended use and travel.
- Higher RAM option: With 18GB max ram it will be better suited for those who multitask a lot.
- More Internal Storage Option: It has a 1TB option which will be helpful for those who need to store a lot of videos, pictures and files.
- Trade-offs:
- Older Chipset: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is less powerful compared to the Gen 3, affecting overall performance and efficiency.
- Smaller Battery: This can affect battery life and will require more charging sessions than the Nubia Red Magic 9 Pro.
- Older OS: It has Android 12 with an upgrade to 13 vs the Android 14 of the Nubia Red Magic 9 Pro.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro:
- Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers significantly higher performance, making it ideal for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Provides longer battery life and faster charging, minimizing downtime.
- Gaming-Centric Features: Features like bypass charging and a more powerful cooling system cater to serious gamers.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 14
- Better Connectivity: Offers WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3
- Improved Screen Protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection
- Trade-offs:
- Bulkier and Heavier: It’s less comfortable to carry and use for extended periods.
- Less Camera Variety: It lacks a dedicated telephoto lens and has a main camera with a lower resolution than the Axon 40 Ultra.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Best for: Users who prioritize a versatile camera system, a lighter and slimmer design, and need the highest amounts of RAM and Storage.
- Use Cases: Photography enthusiasts, users who appreciate a premium design, and those who do a lot of multitasking and require a large storage.
- Value: While it's an older phone, the features and lower price may make it a value choice for the right person.
- ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro:
- Best for: Gamers and power users who need top-tier performance, long battery life, and advanced gaming features.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, intensive multitasking, users who demand fast performance, and those who need the best connectivity options.
- Value: The higher price is justified by its superior performance, newer technology, and gaming-centric features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help decide between these phones:
- What do I value more: Camera versatility or raw performance? If photography is a priority, the Axon 40 Ultra is a better bet; if performance is critical, the Red Magic 9 Pro wins.
- How important is a slim design and low weight? If comfort and ease of carrying are crucial, go with the Axon 40 Ultra. If you don't mind the bulk, the Red Magic 9 Pro might fit your needs.
- How important is long battery life and new technology? If you prioritize having the latest technology and the longest lasting battery, the Red Magic 9 Pro is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual user who wants a decent camera and all-around performance: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is suitable due to its versatile camera system and lighter design.
- Scenario 2: Hardcore Gamer: The ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro is the best choice due to its cutting-edge performance, bigger battery, and gaming-centric features.
- Scenario 3: User who wants a premium experience and to do a lot of multitasking: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra because of the large RAM and storage options.
Which one would I choose?
Honestly, I'd choose the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro. As a tech journalist and someone who does a lot of mobile gaming and multitasking, the sheer performance jump offered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is too enticing to ignore. The better battery life and fast charging also address the needs of a heavy phone user like myself. While I appreciate the lighter design and camera flexibility of the Axon 40 Ultra, the performance and gaming features of the Red Magic 9 Pro align more closely with my daily usage and needs. Plus, the slightly brighter display and newer OS are welcome additions that add up to a more up-to-date and future-proof experience. The Red Magic 9 Pro represents a more significant leap in technology, which is more appealing.
