Smartphone Comparison: ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 vs. Cubot KingKong X
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Cubot KingKong X | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-11 | 2024-07-23 | Cubot is significantly newer, likely with more updated software and features. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
| Dimensions | 169.9 × 77.2 × 9.7 mm | 170.9 × 82.2 × 18.7 mm | Cubot is bulkier and thicker; Red Magic is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 220g | 388g | Red Magic is much lighter, better for extended use. Cubot is significantly heavier, less comfortable for holding long time. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.58" | Red Magic offers a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Negligibly different, both provide sharp visuals. |
| PPI | 387 | 401 | Negligibly different, both offer similar pixel density for sharp images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Red Magic has better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 120Hz | Red Magic provides significantly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same (unknown) peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 888 is generally more powerful, especially in graphics, but Dimensity 7050 is still capable. Actual performance data unavailable |
| Antutu Score | N/A | 545,000 | No comparison possible as score for Red Magic is not available. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 660 is generally more powerful, especially for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 0mAh | 10200mAh | Cubot has a much larger battery, promising significantly longer battery life. Actual battery life is unknown for both devices. |
| Charging | Standard charging | 33W Fast charging | Cubot charges much faster, allowing quicker top-ups. |
| Features | Standard features | Non-removable | Cubot's battery is non-removable, which may be a con to some users |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | N/A | 100MP f/1.89 | Cubot has a high-resolution primary camera; ZTE's main camera is not specified. |
| Selfie Camera | N/A | 32MP f/2.25 | Cubot has a high-resolution front-facing camera; ZTE's front camera is not specified. |
| Portrait Camera | N/A | 5MP f/2.4 | Cubot has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait shots; ZTE's portrait camera is not specified. |
| Macro Camera | N/A | 5MP f/2.4 | Cubot has a macro lens for close-up shots; ZTE's macro camera is not specified. |
| Video | Up to 8K, no stabilization | Up to 4K, with stabilization, slow motion | Red Magic offers higher-resolution video, but Cubot offers stabilization and slow-mo for better quality and effects. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Scene mode, Self-timer | Cubot offers more camera features | |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Cubot has a more modern Android version with updated features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | N/A | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Cubot supports WiFi 6, faster speeds and more features such as Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | N/A | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Cubot has a newer Bluetooth standard, offering improved energy efficiency and better transfer. |
| GPS | N/A | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Cubot supports more satellite navigation systems, ensuring more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | N/A | Dual SIM (Nano) | Cubot supports Dual SIM, beneficial for managing personal and work numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | N/A | 256GB or 512GB | Cubot offers considerably more storage for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | N/A | 16GB | Cubot has higher RAM, which helps for multitasking and smoother performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both offer similar audio quality |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Cubot offers a more modern side mounted fingerprint scanner |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Unknown | Unknown | No comparisson possible |
| Sensors | Basic sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Cubot offers a more comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with a 165Hz refresh rate offers a more visually engaging and fluid experience compared to the IPS LCD 120Hz on the Cubot.
- Potentially More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset is generally considered more powerful than the Dimensity 7050, particularly in gaming. However, without benchmark data this can only be a potential advantage.
- Higher Video Recording Resolution: 8K video recording capabilities, which can be beneficial for professional video content creators.
- Lighter Build: Significantly lighter (220g) making it easier to hold for extended periods compared to Cubot (388g).
- Slightly Smaller Footprint: Generally more pocketable than the Cubot because it's thinner
Cubot KingKong X Advantages:
- Massive Battery: 10200mAh battery offers substantially longer battery life compared to the unknown battery capacity of the Red Magic 6.
- Fast Charging: 33W fast charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.
- Superior Camera System: Complete set of front, back, portrait and macro cameras and a 100 MP primary lens
- More Camera Features: Cubot has more camera features, including autofocus, HDR, and panorama.
- Video Stabilization: Offers video stabilization and slow-motion capabilities for better video quality
- Newer OS: Runs on Android 14, offering the latest features and security enhancements.
- More RAM & Storage: More RAM and a large 256/512GB storage option
- Better Connectivity: Supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, and has a more comprehensive set of navigation systems, Dual SIM capability and newer Bluetooth version
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: A complete sensor suite for a wider variety of applications,
- Side mounted Fingerprint: A more modern and ergonomic security feature
Trade-offs:
- ZTE Red Magic 6: Sacrifices battery life, camera features and modern OS for display quality and potential performance.
- Cubot KingKong X: Sacrifices display technology and potential peak performance for better battery life, complete camera system and modern software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6:
- Ideal User: Hardcore mobile gamers, users who prioritize display quality for video streaming and general phone usage, those who need high resolution video capabilities,
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with 165Hz refresh rate.
- Consuming high quality media and demanding fast refresh rate
- High-resolution video recording for professional use cases
- Users that prioritize a slimmer profile over battery capacity.
- Price-to-Value: May be a good value for gamers who can find the older model at a good price and are not concerned with having the latest OS.
Cubot KingKong X:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life, camera capabilities, and ruggedness, users who require a modern OS and connectivity features and users who want a complete sensor suite.
- Use Cases:
- Outdoor enthusiasts needing long battery life and a robust device, users who don't have frequent access to power outlets.
- Users who capture lots of photos and videos on their smartphones.
- Users who require accurate location and navigation data
- Users who want a modern smartphone experience with dual SIM capability.
- Users who want a large amount of storage.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for those seeking a long lasting, well-rounded, and rugged smartphone with a high-resolution camera.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Battery Life vs Display Quality: Do you prioritize a longer-lasting battery or a superior, smooth display experience?
- Gaming & Performance vs. Practical Features: Do you require the best gaming performance, or do you prioritize features like camera quality, long battery, and modern software?
- Size & Weight: Do you prefer a lighter, more pocketable phone, or a larger phone with more features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Hardcore Gamer: If you are a dedicated gamer who needs high refresh rates and peak performance and the slightly smaller form factor, the ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 is better as it would provide the best gaming experience.
Scenario 2: Power User/Photographer: If you need a phone for daily use with a focus on long battery life, good camera features, and modern software and connectivity, the Cubot KingKong X is more suitable, due to its superior camera system, battery and modern OS and connectivity.
Scenario 3: Rugged Phone Enthusiast: If you need a phone with a long battery and comprehensive features while being durable, the Cubot KingKong X is better.
My Choice
Given the provided data, I would choose the Cubot KingKong X. While the ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 has an appealing display and potential performance advantage, the Cubot KingKong X's vastly superior battery, modern software, comprehensive camera system, modern connectivity and larger storage capacity make it the more practical and versatile choice for the majority of users in real-world use cases. The Red Magic is also a much older device, making software updates and support less likely. While I appreciate that the Red Magic is slimmer, I'm willing to trade that for the much more comprehensive set of features of the KingKong X. The massive battery, for example, is a huge advantage that the Red Magic cannot compete with.
