Smartphone Comparison: ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 vs. Nothing Phone (1)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 169.9 × 77.2 × 9.7 mm | 159.2 × 75.8 × 8.3 mm | Red Magic is larger and bulkier, making the Nothing Phone (1) more comfortable to hold and carry. |
| Weight | 220g | 193.5g | Nothing Phone (1) is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.55" | Red Magic has a slightly larger screen, which may be preferred by some users for media consumption or gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness; the larger Red Magic screen has slightly less PPI |
| PPI | 387 | 402 | Similar sharpness; the Nothing Phone (1) is marginally sharper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both technologies provide vibrant colors and good contrast, with minor differences in panel calibration. |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 120Hz | Red Magic provides a noticeably smoother scrolling and gaming experience due to its higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Nothing Phone (1) has vastly superior outdoor visibility and can handle bright sunlight conditions significantly better. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325-AE Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | The Red Magic's chipset is generally more powerful for demanding tasks and gaming, but the Nothing Phone (1)'s chipset is more power-efficient for everyday tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 642L | Red Magic's GPU will provide higher graphics performance, particularly in gaming, while the Nothing Phone (1)'s GPU is more power efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | N/A | 624,253 | Nothing Phone (1) has a decent score, but the Red Magic score is unknown, which makes it hard to determine the performance difference. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | N/A | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766) | Nothing Phone (1) has a high-quality main camera with OIS, while the ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 lacks one. |
| Selfie Camera | N/A | 16MP (f/2.2, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471) | The Nothing Phone (1) has a front-facing camera, while the Red Magic does not. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 50MP (f/2.2, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1) | The Nothing Phone (1) includes a wide-angle camera that also functions as a macro camera. The Red Magic does not have this camera. |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; No stabilization | 4K@30fps with HDR, EIS; 1080p@30/60fps with HDR, EIS; Slow-motion: 120 fps | Red Magic supports higher resolution video but lacks stabilization. Nothing Phone (1) provides stabilization for smoother videos and slow-motion capture. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, OIS, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Nothing Phone (1) has a robust set of camera features while Red Magic lacks these. | |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 0 mAh | 4500 mAh | Nothing Phone (1) has a significantly larger battery, implying better battery life, but the actual battery life would depend on usage. ZTE Nubia Red Magic 6 is unknown. |
| Charging | Standard charging | 33W fast charging, 15W wireless, 5W reverse wireless | Nothing Phone (1) supports fast, wireless, and reverse wireless charging, offering more versatility in how it's charged. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 15) | Nothing Phone (1) comes with a newer OS version and promised future updates, while Red Magic is on an older version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MIMO | Nothing Phone (1) offers a more modern Wi-Fi standard and extra features | |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Nothing Phone (1) has a more modern Bluetooth version, with additional audio codecs | |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, L1+L5, E1+E5a, NavIC | Nothing Phone (1) supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy | |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Nothing Phone (1) allows for two active SIM cards | |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | Nothing Phone (1) offers more storage options, whereas the Red Magic does not specify. | |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | Nothing Phone (1) provides more RAM for better multitasking performance. | |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has an SD card slot. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio Features | Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Nothing Phone (1) offers a better audio experience, including stereo sound and better noise cancellation for calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both devices offer the basic biometric security with a fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (1) provides better screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Basic sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Light, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | Nothing Phone (1) includes a more comprehensive sensor suite for a wider range of applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 Advantages:
- Higher Refresh Rate: 165Hz refresh rate offers incredibly smooth visuals, particularly noticeable in gaming and fast-scrolling scenarios.
- Potentially More Powerful Chipset: Based on the Snapdragon 888, it likely delivers higher performance in graphics-intensive tasks.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers a significantly higher video recording resolution that could be beneficial for professional content creation.
Practical Implications:
- The Red Magic is better for demanding mobile gaming where frame rates and smoothness are critical.
- Its higher resolution video recording capability may be useful for a very niche group of users who need that level of video quality.
Nothing Phone (1) Advantages:
- Significantly Brighter Display: 1200 nits brightness dramatically improves outdoor visibility.
- More Advanced Camera System: Offers a main, wide-angle, and selfie camera with features like OIS, EIS, slow-motion video, and more robust camera features.
- Modern Features: Includes fast charging, wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and a more up-to-date OS with planned updates.
- Significantly Larger Battery: The capacity is listed at 4500 mAh compared to an unknown battery on the Red Magic.
- Better Connectivity: Supports a more modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth version.
- Improved Audio: Features stereo speakers and three microphones for better audio capture and playback.
- Better Build Quality: The inclusion of Gorilla Glass 5 improves the survivability of the Nothing Phone (1).
- Better Sensor Suite: Includes a more comprehensive set of sensors
Practical Implications:
- The Nothing Phone (1) is much better for everyday usage scenarios where you want a good camera, decent battery life, and a screen that is usable in sunlight.
- The additional features like wireless charging and better audio provide more versatility and comfort of use.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- Red Magic: Sacrifices camera quality, convenience features, and everyday usability for raw gaming power and niche recording capabilities. The brightness is not known, and given that it is not listed, this is likely not great. The overall battery life and the fact it has no wireless charging is also concerning.
- Nothing Phone (1): While being good for most tasks, may not deliver the peak performance that a dedicated gaming phone can offer.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for ZTE nubia Red Magic 6:
- Hardcore Mobile Gamers: Users who prioritize peak gaming performance and responsiveness above all else.
- Mobile Videographers: Users who need high-resolution recording capabilities even though there is no stabilization.
- Users who do not need modern conveniences: Users who do not mind not having wireless charging, good battery life, and a good camera.
Use Cases for ZTE nubia Red Magic 6:
- Competitive gaming, particularly in esports where the higher refresh rate can offer a competitive edge.
- 8K Video recording, with external stabilization.
- Use of its specific features, such as customizable triggers or cooling solutions (not listed in the provided spec sheet, but commonly found on Red Magic phones).
Ideal Users for Nothing Phone (1):
- General Smartphone Users: Individuals who need a reliable all-rounder with good camera, battery, and display performance for daily use.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate good camera quality and versatile camera features with OIS/EIS.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Individuals who value a unique design and user experience.
Use Cases for Nothing Phone (1):
- Daily tasks, such as browsing, social media, and communications.
- Taking photos and videos in various environments.
- Consuming multimedia content (videos, music).
- On-the-go use, thanks to the bright display and convenient charging options.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Without pricing information, it is hard to say which is better in this department. However, the Nothing Phone (1) offers more features and modern conveniences, making it potentially better for everyday users, while Red Magic 6 caters to a more niche audience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, general use)
- How important is outdoor visibility and battery life?
- Do you prioritize raw performance over camera quality and modern conveniences?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Heavy Gaming): If your primary focus is gaming, consider the Red Magic if its overall performance matches or exceeds the Nothing Phone (1) and you are willing to sacrifice other aspects. Otherwise, the Nothing Phone (1) is a decent alternative.
- Scenario 2 (Everyday Use): If you need a well-rounded phone for daily use, the Nothing Phone (1) offers a much better user experience thanks to its better features.
- Scenario 3 (Photography/Videography): The Nothing Phone (1) is the clear winner for general photography and videography, due to its better camera and image stabilization.
My Choice
Based on the information provided, I would choose the Nothing Phone (1).
Reasoning:
While the Red Magic 6 might offer slightly better peak performance in gaming due to its chipset and refresh rate, the Nothing Phone (1) is a far more versatile and complete device for everyday use. Here's why:
- Usable Display: The 1200 nits brightness makes it usable even in bright sunlight, which is important for a device I carry around every day. The Red Magic 6 has an unknown brightness.
- Superior Camera System: The inclusion of OIS, EIS, a functional selfie camera, and a dedicated wide-angle/macro lens makes the Nothing Phone (1) far more appealing for my everyday use. The Red Magic has no information about its camera, which is concerning.
- Modern Conveniences: The wireless charging and better audio of the Nothing Phone (1) are huge advantages over the basic features of the Red Magic 6.
- Battery: While battery life is not known for the Red Magic, we know it does not have features like wireless charging, which would make it inconvenient in daily use.
As a daily driver, the Nothing Phone (1) simply offers a better and more convenient experience than the Red Magic 6 for me. Although the Red Magic 6 may be a more powerful device for gaming, my primary use cases are not gaming. The benefits of the Nothing Phone (1) outweigh the performance advantages for my specific needs.
