Smartphone Comparison: ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 vs. Realme 9 Pro+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-11 | 2022-02-21 | Realme 9 Pro+ is newer, likely with newer features and longer software support |
| Dimensions | 169.9 x 77.2 x 9.7 mm | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm | Red Magic 6 is larger, bulkier, less pocketable; Realme 9 Pro+ is more compact & comfortable |
| Weight | 220g | 182g | Realme 9 Pro+ is significantly lighter, better for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.4" | Red Magic 6 has a larger screen, better for gaming, media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; Both provide a FHD+ viewing experience |
| PPI | 387 | 411 | Realme 9 Pro+ has slightly sharper text/images due to higher pixel density |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical contrast, deep blacks, vibrant colors |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 90Hz | Red Magic 6 has a much smoother display; beneficial for gaming |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones lack any brightness information |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 888 generally offers better performance, especially for demanding tasks |
| AnTuTu Score | N/A | 496,970 | Realme 9 Pro+ has a decent benchmark score, but Red Magic 6 is expected to be significantly higher |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 660 is generally a more powerful GPU, better for high-end gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | N/A | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | Realme 9 Pro+ has a capable primary sensor, excellent for everyday photos |
| Selfie Camera | N/A | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | Realme 9 Pro+ has a decent front-facing camera for selfies and video calls |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355 | Realme 9 Pro+ includes a ultrawide lens for capturing more expansive scenes |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Realme 9 Pro+ has a macro lens for closeup shots |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, up to 240fps 1080p | 4K@30fps with EIS, up to 480fps 1080p with EIS | Red Magic 6 can record higher-resolution video, while Realme 9 Pro+ offers stabilization |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, OIS, EIS | Realme 9 Pro+ offers a complete suite of camera features | |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 0 mAh | 4500 mAh | Realme 9 Pro+ has a significantly larger battery, should offer a much longer usage time |
| Charging | Standard Charging | 60W fast charging | Realme 9 Pro+ supports much faster charging, reducing downtime |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradeable to 13) | Realme 9 Pro+ has a newer OS, more features, potentially longer updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | N/A | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Realme 9 Pro+ supports a newer Wi-Fi standard, faster speeds, more efficient |
| Bluetooth | N/A | 5.2 LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC | Realme 9 Pro+ has a newer Bluetooth version, better audio quality |
| GPS | N/A | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | Realme 9 Pro+ supports multiple satellite systems, better location accuracy |
| SIM | N/A | Dual SIM | Realme 9 Pro+ has Dual SIM support |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | N/A | 128GB/256GB | Realme 9 Pro+ offers more storage options |
| RAM | N/A | 6GB/8GB | Realme 9 Pro+ has more RAM, better for multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation | Realme 9 Pro+ has a more immersive audio experience |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic | basic | Both phones have basic fingerprint sensor for biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme 9 Pro+ has a more durable screen |
| Sensors | Basic | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Light sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Realme 9 Pro+ has a comprehensive set of sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Display Refresh Rate: 165Hz refresh rate is exceptionally smooth, giving it a major advantage in gaming and UI navigation.
- Potentially Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset and Adreno 660 GPU, should offer better performance in gaming and other intensive tasks, however, this claim lacks a direct benchmark comparison.
- Potentially Higher Video Recording Resolution: Can record up to 8K video, although it lacks image stabilization.
- Larger Display: 6.8" screen provides a more immersive viewing experience.
Realme 9 Pro+ Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched nearly a year later with a more modern software experience (Android 12, upgradeable to 13), better software support likely.
- Significantly Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for one-handed use and easier to carry.
- Significantly Larger Battery: 4500 mAh battery will provide much longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 60W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Better Camera System: A complete set of rear camera lenses with a capable primary sensor, image stabilization, and various camera features.
- More Comprehensive Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS standards.
- More Storage and RAM Options: More storage options with higher RAM variants available.
- Superior Audio Experience: With features like Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, and stereo speakers.
- More Advanced Sensors: A comprehensive set of sensors, including a heart rate sensor, and superior screen protection.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Red Magic 6 prioritizes raw performance and an ultra-smooth display, while sacrificing compactness, battery life, and camera versatility.
- The Realme 9 Pro+ offers a more balanced experience with a better camera system, battery life, and user experience features, but lacks the high refresh rate and potential raw performance of the Red Magic 6.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 Ideal User:
- Hardcore Mobile Gamers: Players who prioritize raw performance and a high refresh rate for competitive gaming.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate a larger screen for consuming videos and other media.
- Users Needing Maximum Processing Power: Individuals who need the raw power of a flagship processor for demanding applications.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive games like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, or PUBG at high frame rates.
- Watching movies and videos with immersive visuals due to the large screen and high refresh rate.
- Using demanding apps like video editors or CAD software.
Realme 9 Pro+ Ideal User:
- Everyday Users: Those who want a reliable and versatile smartphone for daily tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a good camera for taking quality photos and videos.
- Users Seeking a Balanced Smartphone: People who want a good mix of performance, battery life, and features.
- Users who value portability: Those who prefer a lighter and more compact smartphone.
Specific Use Cases:
- Taking photos and videos in various conditions with its versatile camera system.
- Browsing the web, social media, and using everyday apps.
- Long days without needing to worry about battery life and charging very quickly.
- Enjoying quality music playback with the Dolby Atmos system and Hi-Res audio support.
- A great device for business users due to its battery life, fast charging, and complete set of productivity features.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Realme 9 Pro+ is likely to offer a better price-to-value ratio for most users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your primary use case? Is it gaming, photography, or general everyday use?
- How important is battery life and charging speed? Do you need all-day battery life and fast charging?
- Do you value a larger screen or a more compact and portable design?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Hardcore Mobile Gamer - Choose the ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 for its higher refresh rate display, although the device may not be the best daily driver due to other compromises.
- Scenario 2: Casual Gamer/Everyday User - Choose the Realme 9 Pro+ for its balanced set of features, better battery life, and camera.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast - Choose the Realme 9 Pro+ for its better and more versatile camera system and features.
- Scenario 4: User Needing all day battery life and fast charging - Choose the Realme 9 Pro+ for its longer battery life and fast charging capabilities.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 9 Pro+ for my daily driver. While the ZTE Nubia Red Magic 6 offers superior gaming performance and a higher refresh rate, the Realme 9 Pro+ excels in more practical areas that matter to me more on a daily basis. The Realme 9 Pro+ offers superior battery life with its larger battery and fast charging, a more versatile camera system, a lighter and more compact design, and better general software support due to its newer launch date. The inclusion of features like Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, better WiFi and Bluetooth standards make the Realme 9 Pro+ a better all-around device that would meet more of my needs compared to the Red Magic 6, which is more of a niche device for gaming enthusiasts. While the difference in refresh rates is noticeable, it wouldn't be a deal breaker for everyday use in my opinion, and the advantages of the Realme 9 Pro+ in other key areas are far more beneficial.
