Smartphone Comparison: ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 vs. Honor Magic5 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Honor Magic5 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 169.9 × 77.2 × 9.7 mm | 162.9 × 76.7 × 8.8 mm | The Red Magic 6 is slightly taller and thicker, which may impact one-handed use. The Magic5 Pro is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 220g | 219g | Negligible difference in weight; both feel similarly substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.81" | Virtually identical screen size; no practical difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1312x2848 | The Magic5 Pro's higher resolution provides a noticeably sharper and more detailed image. |
| PPI | 387 | 460 | The higher pixel density of the Magic5 Pro makes text and images appear crisper, reducing pixelation. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent color reproduction and deep blacks; minimal practical difference. |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 120Hz | The Red Magic 6 offers smoother scrolling and animations, particularly noticeable in gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1800 nits | The Magic5 Pro's significantly higher brightness improves outdoor visibility, making it much easier to see the screen in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | The Magic5 Pro’s newer chip offers faster processing, better power efficiency, and improved graphics, leading to smoother performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | N/A | 1,406,562 | The Honor Magic5 Pro demonstrates significant benchmark superiority (AnTuTu) over the ZTE, where benchmark data is unavailable. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 | The Magic5 Pro's more advanced GPU delivers better gaming and graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 0 mAh | 5100mAh | The Magic5 Pro's larger battery offers potentially much longer battery life, especially with the more power-efficient processor. |
| Charging | Standard charging | 66W fast charging | The Magic5 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime and increasing convenience. |
| Features | Standard features | Wireless charging 50W, Silicon-carbon battery, Reverse Charging 5W | The Magic5 Pro offers versatile charging options and potentially longer battery lifespan due to silicon carbon technology. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | N/A | 50MP, f/1.6, 1/1.12" | The Magic5 Pro has a high-quality primary camera with a large sensor for better low-light performance, while the Red Magic 6 has none listed |
| Telephoto + Portrait | N/A | 50MP, f/3.0, 1/2.51" | The Magic5 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait shots, whereas the Red Magic 6 has none listed |
| Selfie Camera | N/A | 12MP, f/2.4 | The Magic5 Pro has a front-facing camera for selfies and video calls, while the Red Magic 6 has none listed. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | N/A | 0.3MP | The Magic5 Pro has a ToF sensor, which enhances portrait mode depth mapping |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2" | The Magic5 Pro has an ultrawide lens for capturing more in a shot and macro photos, while the Red Magic 6 has none listed |
| Video Recording | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps No stabilization | 4K@60fps w/ HDR, EIS, Slow-mo | The Red Magic 6 supports 8K recording, but it lacks stabilization. The Magic5 Pro offers smooth, stable, high-quality video recording. |
| DxOMark Scores | N/A | Main: 152, Selfie: 123 | The Magic5 Pro demonstrates clear camera performance superiority with its DxOMark scores |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Laser AF, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Dual front camera, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | The Honor Magic5 Pro offers comprehensive professional-grade camera options, enabling advanced image capture techniques | |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 (upgradeable to 14) | The Magic5 Pro has a newer OS with improved features, security, and better long-term support, it also has a promise of a next OS upgrade |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be | The Magic5 Pro supports the latest WiFi standards for better speed and reliability, while ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 has no WiFi specification listed | |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | The Magic5 Pro has a newer Bluetooth standard with better battery efficiency and audio options, while ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 has no Bluetooth specification listed. | |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The Magic5 Pro offers much better GPS accuracy and reliability using more satellite options, while ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 has no GPS specification listed | |
| SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | The Magic5 Pro offers dual SIM support, including eSIM, providing more connectivity options, while ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 has no SIM specification listed | |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | The Magic5 Pro offers significantly more storage options. | |
| RAM | 8/12/16 GB | The Magic5 Pro offers more RAM for better multitasking and smooth performance. | |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | The Magic5 Pro offers enhanced audio quality with DTS/X technology and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer basic biometric security with a fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Basic sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Honor Magic5 Pro has a comprehensive set of sensors suitable for advanced use cases. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones use similar screen protection technology |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 Advantages:
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 165Hz display provides an exceptionally smooth visual experience, which is particularly beneficial for gamers.
- Video Recording: Supports 8K video recording (though without stabilization).
Honor Magic5 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution, brightness, and pixel density result in a clearer, more vibrant display, especially in bright sunlight.
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: The newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip offers superior processing power, graphics, and overall performance.
- Much Improved Camera System: It has a complete multi-lens camera system with a high-quality standard lens, telephoto, wide-angle, and selfie camera.
- Better Battery: A significantly larger battery and fast-charging capabilities ensure longer usage and less time plugged in.
- More Advanced Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse charging, and a silicon-carbon battery.
- Newer OS & Better Long-term support: The phone ships with Android 13 and is expected to get Android 14, which means it is more secure and feature-rich.
- Better Connectivity: Support for WiFi 7, better Bluetooth, and GPS for improved overall connectivity.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers with DTS/X support for a better audio experience.
- Better Camera scores: The Honor Magic5 Pro has better camera scores according to DxO mark.
- More Camera Features: The Honor Magic5 Pro has a more comprehensive camera feature set.
Trade-offs:
- The Red Magic 6 prioritizes refresh rate for gaming, but it compromises in display quality, brightness and battery life.
- The Magic5 Pro offers a superior all-around experience but does not have the same level of refresh rate as the Red Magic 6
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6:
- Ideal User: Hardcore mobile gamers who prioritize high refresh rates above all other features.
- Use Cases:
- Competitive gaming requiring low latency and smooth visuals.
- Users who prioritize performance above all else.
Honor Magic5 Pro:
- Ideal User: General users who want a premium all-around smartphone with a good display, great performance, superior camera system, and long battery life.
- Use Cases:
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Users who need a reliable phone for productivity, media consumption, and occasional gaming.
- Users who need high outdoor visibility.
- Power users who use their phone heavily for a variety of tasks.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize gaming with a super-smooth screen? If yes, the Red Magic 6's 165Hz refresh rate is compelling.
- Do you value camera quality, display sharpness and brightness, and battery life? If yes, the Honor Magic5 Pro is the superior choice.
- Do you need the latest Android OS with long-term support and cutting-edge connectivity? If yes, the Honor Magic5 Pro is the clear winner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Hardcore gamer: If gaming performance is your absolute top priority, the Red Magic 6's higher refresh rate might be preferred, despite its other shortcomings.
- Scenario 2: General user wanting a premium phone: The Honor Magic5 Pro is the better all-around phone due to its superior display, camera, battery, and performance.
- Scenario 3: Budget-conscious buyer: If price is the most important factor, then the price to value of both phones needs to be considered. As the Red Magic 6 is an older phone, it may be cheaper at this point.
What I would choose and Why:
I would choose the Honor Magic5 Pro. While the 165Hz refresh rate of the Red Magic 6 is appealing for gaming, the Magic5 Pro offers a much more well-rounded and superior overall experience. The significant advantages in display quality (resolution and brightness), performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), camera system, battery life, OS, connectivity and overall feature set make it the better choice for most users. The Magic5 Pro is a premium phone that excels in virtually every aspect, whereas the Red Magic 6 prioritizes a niche feature (refresh rate) while sacrificing in key areas. The Magic5 Pro is also better suited to my daily needs, which include high-quality photography, media consumption, and reliable performance.
