ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 vs Apple iPhone 13 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date March 11, 2021 September 24, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 127.23 cm³ 80.77 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.09 "/g 3.51 "/g
Weight 220 g 174 g
Height 169.9 mm 146.7 mm
Width 77.2 mm 71.5 mm
Thickness 9.7 mm 7.7 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Aurora
  • Eclipse Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Pink
  • Starlight
  • Midnight

Display

Screen Size 6.8 " 6.1 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1170 x 2532
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.1 % 87.1 %
Pixel Density 387 PPI 460 PPI
Refresh Rate 165 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness 630 nits N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 800 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 1200 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 109.21 mAh/in² 87.07 mAh/in²
Battery Density 39.69 mAh/cm³ 40.12 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5050 mAh 3240 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Hexa-core (2x3.23 GHz Avalanche + 4x1.82 GHz Blizzard)
GPU Adreno 660 Apple GPU (4-core graphics)

Connectivity

USB Version 3.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.0, OTG, Accessory Connector Lightning 2.0

Software

Operating System Android iOS
Initial OS Version 11 15
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

Smartphone Comparison: ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 vs. Apple iPhone 13

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureZTE nubia Red Magic 6Apple iPhone 13Practical Impact
Design
Launch Date2021-03-112021-09-24iPhone 13 is newer by ~6 months, potentially having slightly more modern features/software.
FoldableStandardStandardBoth are standard slab phones; no folding capabilities.
Dimensions169.9 x 77.2 x 9.7 mm146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mmRed Magic 6 is significantly larger and thicker, less pocketable and comfortable for small hands.
Weight220g174giPhone 13 is lighter, more comfortable for extended use and carrying.
Display
Size6.8"6.1"Red Magic 6 offers a larger screen for more immersive gaming and media; iPhone 13 is more compact and easier to handle.
Resolution1080x24001170x2532iPhone 13 has a slightly sharper display, offering marginally better clarity for text and images.
PPI387460iPhone 13's higher pixel density results in a noticeably sharper and more detailed screen.
TechnologyAMOLEDOLEDSimilar quality displays offering vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Refresh Rate165Hz60HzRed Magic 6 provides much smoother scrolling and animations, a notable advantage for gaming.
Brightness0 nits1200 nitsiPhone 13's significantly higher brightness is superior for outdoor use, especially in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 888 5GApple A15 BionicDifferent architectures; benchmark comparison not available; A15 is known for its powerful and efficient performance.
Antutu ScoreN/A1,256,049No direct comparison available, but the iPhone 13 has a very high benchmark, suggesting high performance.
GPUAdreno 660Apple GPU (4-core graphics)Different GPU architectures; iPhone's GPU is known for its integration with its chipset.
Battery
Capacity0mAh3240mAhiPhone 13 has a significantly larger battery; actual battery life also depends on other factors, not available for Red Magic 6
ChargingStandard Charging20W Fast ChargingiPhone 13 supports faster charging, reducing downtime.
FeaturesStandard featuresMagSafe, Qi Wireless ChargingiPhone 13 offers more convenient wireless charging options.
Camera
Standard CameraNot specified12MP, f/1.6, Sony IMX603iPhone 13 has a primary rear camera; the ZTE does not have a standard rear camera listed.
Selfie CameraNot specified12MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX514iPhone 13 has a front-facing camera; the ZTE does not have a front facing camera listed.
Wide Angle LensNot specified12MP, f/2.4, Sony IMX372iPhone 13 has an ultrawide camera; the ZTE does not have an ultrawide camera listed.
Video Recording8K@30fps, etc. No stabilization4K@60fps, etc. with stabilizationRed Magic 6 can record higher resolution videos, but the iPhone 13 offers significantly better stabilization.
Camera Features4K Video, Digital zoom, etc.iPhone 13 has a rich feature set, offering more control and advanced modes for photography.
Software
OSAndroid 11iOS 15Different operating systems; Android is more customizable, iOS is known for its ease of use and ecosystem.
Max VersionNot SpecifiediOS 18iPhone 13 receives long-term software updates.
Connectivity
Wi-FiNot specifiedWiFi 6, Dual band, MIMOiPhone 13 has a newer Wi-Fi standard for better speed and efficiency.
BluetoothNot specifiedBluetooth 5.0 LEiPhone 13 has a newer Bluetooth standard, offering efficiency improvements.
GPSNot specifiedGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc.iPhone 13 supports more satellite systems for precise location tracking.
SIMNot specifiedDual SIM, eSIMiPhone 13 offers more flexibility with dual SIM and eSIM support.
Storage
Internal StorageNot specified128/256/512 GBiPhone 13 offers multiple storage options, while no storage options are listed for the Red Magic.
RAMNot specified4 GBiPhone 13 has 4GB of RAM; No RAM is listed for the Red Magic 6.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage.
Audio
QualityBasic audio featuresDolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, etc.iPhone 13 offers a richer audio experience with better sound quality and features.
Security
FeaturesFingerprint SensorBasic Security FeaturesRed Magic 6 has a basic fingerprint sensor for enhanced security.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionUnknownUnknownProtection unknown for both phones
Sensors
SensorsBasic SensorsProximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, BarometeriPhone 13 includes a wide array of sensors for improved functionality.

2. Key Differences Analysis

ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 Advantages:

  • Significantly Higher Refresh Rate (165Hz): Provides a much smoother visual experience, especially beneficial for gaming.
  • Potentially Higher Resolution Video Recording: Supports 8K recording for professional-grade footage, but lacks stabilization.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: Offers an easy and reliable method of biometric security

Apple iPhone 13 Advantages:

  • Brighter Display (1200 nits): Offers much better visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Sharper Display (Higher PPI): Provides clearer text and images with more detail.
  • Significantly Better Camera System: Includes a standard camera, wide-angle lens and selfie camera, with advanced features like OIS, and a variety of video and photography modes.
  • Superior Video Recording Features: Offers stabilization, HDR video, and slow-motion recording, resulting in smoother and more versatile video output.
  • Faster Charging and Wireless Charging Options: 20W fast charging and MagSafe/Qi wireless charging provide more convenient power options.
  • More Powerful and Efficient Chipset: A15 Bionic is known for its excellent performance and power efficiency.
  • Better Ecosystem: iOS offers a seamless user experience and a strong ecosystem with other Apple devices.
  • Better Connectivity: Includes more modern WiFi and Bluetooth standards, and supports more satellite navigation systems.
  • More Storage Options: Comes with options up to 512 GB.
  • Better Audio: Enhanced audio experience through Dolby Atmos support
  • Better Selection of Sensors Includes a full suite of Proximity, Motion and Environmental sensors

Trade-offs:

  • The Red Magic 6 prioritizes gaming performance with a high refresh rate but lacks in camera and display brightness compared to the iPhone 13.
  • The iPhone 13 excels in display quality, camera capabilities, and overall user experience but has a lower refresh rate compared to Red Magic 6.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal User for ZTE nubia Red Magic 6:

  • Hardcore Gamers: Benefit from the 165Hz refresh rate for smoother gameplay.
  • Budget-Conscious Buyers: It's often priced lower than the comparable iPhones.
  • Users who Prioritize High-Resolution Video Recording: Those looking for 8K video capture for professional content creation.

Use Cases for ZTE nubia Red Magic 6:

  • Playing fast-paced mobile games requiring smooth visuals.
  • Recording high-resolution videos even without the benefits of stabilization.

Ideal User for Apple iPhone 13:

  • Photography Enthusiasts: Benefit from a versatile camera system with excellent image quality.
  • Everyday Users: Desire a balance of performance, ease of use, and a seamless ecosystem.
  • Users who value screen brightness: Those who frequently use their phone outdoors or in well-lit environments.
  • Users who value audio and video quality: Those who prioritize high quality media playback and recording

Use Cases for Apple iPhone 13:

  • Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
  • Daily use for communication, social media, and browsing with smooth performance.
  • Using a phone with long-term software support
  • Users who prefer the ecosystem integration with other Apple devices

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions to Consider:

  1. What is my primary use case (Gaming vs. Everyday Use)? A gamer might lean towards the Red Magic 6 due to the higher refresh rate, while a casual user may prefer the well-rounded experience of the iPhone 13.
  2. How important is camera quality and video capabilities? If photography and videography are crucial, the iPhone 13 is the clear winner.
  3. What are your preferences regarding Software and ecosystem? Do you prefer the customizability of Android or the simplicity of iOS? Are you heavily invested in Apple's ecosystem?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Gamer: Choose the ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 for its gaming-focused features at a potentially lower price.
  • Scenario 2: Casual User/Content Creator: Opt for the Apple iPhone 13 for its superior display, camera system, and overall user experience.
  • Scenario 3: Outdoor User: The significantly brighter screen of the iPhone 13 makes it a better option for users frequently in bright outdoor settings.

Personal Decision

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Apple iPhone 13.

My reasoning is based on the following factors:

  1. Balanced Performance: While the Red Magic 6 excels in gaming with its high refresh rate, the iPhone 13 provides a more balanced experience across all areas. The A15 Bionic chip offers excellent performance for all tasks and applications.
  2. Superior Camera System: For everyday use and capturing memories, the iPhone 13's camera system is superior due to its stabilization, dedicated sensors, and array of software features.
  3. Screen Brightness and Quality: The significantly brighter display on the iPhone 13 is more practical for various lighting conditions and offers higher pixel density for a sharper screen.
  4. Ecosystem & Software: I prefer the seamless user experience provided by iOS and the integration with other Apple devices, which I use on a daily basis.
  5. Feature Set: The iPhone offers a greater array of features that enhance the user experience, such as fast charging, wireless charging, and a superior audio system.

While I acknowledge that the ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 might be ideal for hardcore gamers and those seeking 8K video recording, the iPhone 13's balanced performance, superior camera, better display, and overall user experience align better with my needs. For me, the iPhone 13 offers the best overall value, while the Red Magic 6 serves a niche market better.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.