Smartphone Comparison: ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 vs. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.9 × 77.2 × 9.7 mm | 161.7 × 76.3 × 8.5 mm | Red Magic 6 is taller and thicker, making it less pocketable and less comfortable for small hands. |
| Weight | 220g | 190g | Red Magic 6 is significantly heavier, leading to more fatigue during extended use. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a more durable screen, offering better scratch and impact resistance. |
Display
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Negligible difference in screen size, both offering immersive viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Similar sharpness, meaning neither will look substantially more detailed. |
| Pixel Density | 387 PPI | 395 PPI | Negligible difference, both will appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks for excellent viewing quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 120Hz | Red Magic 6 offers noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, particularly beneficial for gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is dramatically brighter, offering much better visibility in bright outdoor conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm) | Snapdragon 888 is older but high-end, might perform better in raw power for gaming. Dimensity 7350 Pro (4nm) is newer and should be more power efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | N/A | 805,721 | Unable to compare performance directly due to lack of score for Red Magic 6. Nothing Phone 2a has an Antutu score of 805,721. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G610 MC4 | Different GPUs, impacting graphics rendering capabilities. Actual performance will depend on specific games or apps. |
Camera
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | N/A | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" Samsung GN9 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a dedicated standard camera which provides better image clarity and detail in typical conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | N/A | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a dedicated selfie camera with more detail and clearer images. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers more versatile photo options with a wide-angle lens, suitable for landscape and group photos. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps, No Stabilization | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@120fps with EIS; Slow motion, EIS | Red Magic 6 offers higher resolution video (8K) but lacks stabilization. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has stabilization, producing smoother video. |
| Features | Extensive (OIS, PDAF, etc.) | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers more photo modes and features, allowing for more creative control and better quality in diverse conditions. |
Battery
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 0mAh | 5000mAh | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will likely have significantly longer battery life due to larger battery. Exact endurance depends on software optimisations |
| Charging | Standard | 50W fast charging | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Other | Standard features | Non-removable, No charger in box | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus uses a non-removable battery, and does not include a charger in the box. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 Advantages:
- Higher Refresh Rate: 165Hz display provides a more fluid visual experience, particularly beneficial for gaming and fast-paced content.
- Potentially Higher Raw Processing Power: The Snapdragon 888 chipset is a flagship chip from it's time which can still pack a punch.
- 8k Video Recording: Capable of recording videos at 8k@30fps
- Advanced Gaming Features: Designed specifically for gaming, the Red Magic 6 may have features that are specifically tailored for a gaming experience.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched more recently, so it benefits from modern technologies and optimizations.
- Brighter Display: Significantly brighter screen (1300 nits) makes it much more usable in direct sunlight.
- Better Cameras: Has a much more modern camera system, with better image processing, a wider range of features and OIS, resulting in better quality and versatility.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: 5000mAh battery and 50W charging results in much longer battery life and faster recharge times.
- More Feature-Rich: Includes additional features such as dual SIM support, enhanced connectivity features, better audio and more sensor options.
- Better connectivity: The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has significantly better WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS standards.
Trade-offs:
- Red Magic 6: Sacrifices camera quality, battery life and screen brightness for a higher refresh rate, potentially higher raw performance and 8k video recording.
- Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: Has a lower refresh rate than the Red Magic 6 but is better in almost every other aspect.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for ZTE nubia Red Magic 6:
- Hardcore Gamers: Users who prioritize the highest refresh rates and potentially higher raw processing power for competitive gaming.
- Video Content creators: Users who want the ability to record 8k videos.
- Users who prioritize higher performance over general usability: Users who value high performance more than general usability, and who may be able to look past the poorer features of the device.
Ideal User for Nothing Phone (2a) Plus:
- General Users: Users who want a well-rounded device with a balance of good display, cameras, battery life, and performance.
- Everyday Photography Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate a versatile camera system for capturing photos and videos in diverse conditions.
- Users who prioritize battery life and usability: Users who value a longer lasting battery life, and better screen usability in all conditions.
- Users who want to use newer technologies: Users who want access to modern WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS systems.
Use Cases:
- Red Magic 6: Excels in fast-paced competitive gaming and other activities which benefit from a higher refresh rate.
- Nothing Phone (2a) Plus: Ideal for everyday use, photography, social media, video consumption, and general productivity.
Price-to-Value:
- The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus seems to offer better value for the majority of users, with its more modern technology, feature set and design. Due to the lack of information, we cannot fully determine the price-to-value of the Red Magic 6.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (Gaming, photography, daily usage)
- How important is battery life and display brightness? (Outdoor use, long hours away from a charger)
- Do I require the highest possible refresh rate for gaming, or a more feature-rich, versatile phone? (Trade-offs between gaming-specific features and general usability)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Hardcore Gamer: If gaming is the top priority and the highest refresh rate is essential, and you can get the Red Magic 6 at a lower price point, the ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 may be more suitable. However, consider the compromises in other areas.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User: If you need a reliable all-rounder with great cameras, a bright display, and long battery life, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Photography enthusiast: If you enjoy taking photos with your phone and want a versatile device, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the clear winner.
My Choice
I would choose the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. Although the ZTE Nubia Red Magic 6 has a potentially higher performance, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus wins out in almost every other category. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the better phone for general usability due to it's better camera system, much longer battery life, much brighter display and more modern software. It's also a much more feature-rich and modern device, and would be the better choice for almost everyone. While the Red Magic 6 might be tempting for hardcore gamers, the average user would get much more out of the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.
