ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 vs Samsung Galaxy A53 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date March 11, 2021 March 24, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 127.23 cm³ 96.7 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.09 "/g 3.44 "/g
Weight 220 g 189 g
Height 169.9 mm 159.6 mm
Width 77.2 mm 74.8 mm
Thickness 9.7 mm 8.1 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Aurora
  • Eclipse Black
  • Black
  • Blue
  • White
  • Peach

Display

Screen Size 6.8 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.1 % 85.4 %
Pixel Density 387 PPI 405 PPI
Refresh Rate 165 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 630 nits N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 800 nits
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 109.21 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 39.69 mAh/cm³ 51.71 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5050 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Exynos 1280 (5 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 660 Mali-G68

Connectivity

USB Version 3.0 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.0, OTG, Accessory Connector USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 12
Maximum OS Version 16

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureZTE nubia Red Magic 6Samsung Galaxy A53 5GPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions169.9 × 77.2 × 9.7 mm159.6 × 74.8 × 8.1 mmRed Magic 6 is larger and bulkier, may be less pocketable and comfortable to hold for extended periods. A53 5G is more compact and thinner.
Weight220g189gRed Magic 6 is noticeably heavier (31g difference), potentially causing fatigue during long use. A53 5G is lighter and easier to handle.
Display
Size6.8"6.5"Red Magic 6 has a slightly larger screen, potentially better for media consumption. A53 5G is more compact.
Resolution1080x24001080x2400Both have the same resolution, resulting in similar sharpness.
Pixel Density387 PPI405 PPIBoth have similar pixel density, meaning a comparable level of detail.
TechnologyAMOLEDAMOLEDBoth use AMOLED, resulting in vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Refresh Rate165Hz120HzRed Magic 6 has a much smoother scrolling and animation experience, beneficial for gaming. A53 5G is still smooth, but not as much as the Red Magic 6.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsPeak brightness is unknown, so a comparison is not possible.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 888 5GExynos 1280Snapdragon 888 is generally more powerful, leading to better performance for demanding tasks. Exynos 1280 is a mid-range chip, good for general usage.
AnTuTu ScoreN/A475,448No AnTuTu score for Red Magic 6 is available, so a direct comparison is not possible.
GPUAdreno 660Mali-G68Adreno 660 is a higher-end GPU, expected to handle gaming better than Mali-G68, which is a mid-range GPU.
Camera
Standard CameraN/A64MP, f/1.8A53 5G has a main camera, Red Magic 6 is missing this. A53 5G's 64MP main camera offers good detail and low-light performance.
Selfie CameraN/A32MP, f/2.2A53 5G has a selfie camera, Red Magic 6 is missing this. A53 5G's 32MP front camera provides detailed selfies.
Wide Angle LensN/A12MP, f/2.2A53 5G has a wide-angle lens, Red Magic 6 is missing this. This lens allows for capturing more of the scene in a single shot, good for landscapes.
Portrait Mode (Depth)N/A5MP, f/2.4A53 5G has a dedicated depth sensor, Red Magic 6 is missing this. A53 5G can produce better bokeh effects for portraits.
Macro LensN/A5MP, f/2.4A53 5G has a macro lens, Red Magic 6 is missing this. Good for extreme close-up shots.
VideoUp to 8K@30fps, no stabilizationUp to 4K@30fps with EIS, slow-moRed Magic 6 can record higher resolution videos but lacks stabilization, potentially producing shaky footage. A53 5G has stabilization for smoother videos, also has slow-mo.
DXOMARKN/AOverall: 79, Photo: 98, Video: 45A53 5G is tested and shows good camera capabilities, Red Magic 6 is missing the information.
Features4K Video, Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timerA53 5G has a comprehensive set of camera features, Red Magic 6 is missing this. A53 5G offers a more versatile photography experience.
Battery
Capacity0 mAh5000mAhA53 5G has a significantly larger battery, implying much longer battery life. Red Magic 6 battery capacity is missing so no comparisons can be made.
ChargingStandard Charging25W Fast ChargingA53 5G supports 25W fast charging, enabling faster recharges. Red Magic 6 charging is not specified.
FeaturesStandard featuresNon-removable, No in box chargerA53 5G's battery cannot be replaced. A53 5G does not include a charger.
Software
OSAndroid 11Android 12, upgradable to 16A53 5G has a newer OS and longer update support. A53 5G will receive more future features and security updates.
Connectivity
WiFiNot specified802.11a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot, direct, displayA53 5G has more modern WiFi standards and features. A53 5G offers better network connectivity.
BluetoothNot specifiedBluetooth 5.1, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HOGP, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AACA53 5G has a more modern Bluetooth version and more codecs. A53 5G offers more flexible and feature-rich Bluetooth connections.
GPSNot specifiedGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GalileoA53 5G has more accurate and reliable GPS. A53 5G offers more reliable location tracking.
SIMNot specifiedDual SIM, Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM)A53 5G has dual SIM support for using two networks simultaneously.
Storage
InternalNot specified128 GB or 256 GBA53 5G provides more built-in storage. Red Magic 6 storage capacity is unknown.
RAMNot specified4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GBA53 5G offers more RAM. Red Magic 6 RAM capacity is unknown.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone has expandable storage.
Audio
QualityBasic audio featuresDolby Atmos, Stereo SpeakersA53 5G has better audio with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos for immersive sound. Red Magic 6 audio features are basic.
Security
Featuresbasic fingerprint sensorbasic fingerprint sensorBoth offer basic fingerprint sensor for security.
Build Quality
ProtectionUnknownCorning Gorilla Glass 5A53 5G has better screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 5, offering better resistance against scratches and impacts.
SensorsBasic sensorsFingerprint, Light sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic proximity virtualA53 5G provides a comprehensive set of sensors.

2. Key Differences Analysis

ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 Advantages:

  • Higher Refresh Rate: 165Hz refresh rate for extremely smooth visuals, particularly beneficial for gaming.
  • Potentially More Powerful Chipset: Snapdragon 888 is a high-end processor, which should handle demanding tasks better. (Note: performance comparison is limited by lack of specific benchmark data).
  • 8K Video Recording: Capable of recording 8K video, which may be required for professional use.

Practical Implications: The Red Magic 6 is geared toward mobile gamers and those who prioritize top-tier performance. The smoother display, combined with a potentially more powerful processor makes the device more responsive. However, the large size, heavier weight, and missing camera specs mean that it's more specialized.

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G Advantages:

  • Better Camera System: A versatile camera setup with a standard lens, selfie, wide-angle, portrait, and macro lens, combined with features such as OIS and video stabilization, offer a comprehensive photography experience.
  • Significantly Larger Battery and Fast Charging: 5000mAh battery and 25W fast charging means longer battery life and faster recharges.
  • Modern Software and Update Support: Comes with Android 12 with promise of up to Android 16, offering long-term software support.
  • Comprehensive Connectivity and Audio: Includes features like Dual SIM, modern WiFi and Bluetooth, Dolby Atmos, and Stereo Speakers.
  • Lighter and More Compact: A more comfortable design for handling and portability.
  • More Advanced Sensors: A comprehensive sensor suite for better functionality and features.

Practical Implications: The A53 5G is a well-rounded mid-range phone with a very good camera, great battery life, and the latest Android software and feature set. It’s a reliable everyday phone that will be more comfortable to use and easier to carry compared to the Red Magic 6.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • Red Magic 6: Lacks a modern camera system, battery details and charging speeds, software details, and detailed connectivity, as well as many sensors, and is larger and heavier. The performance might be better, but usability and convenience may suffer.
  • Samsung Galaxy A53 5G: Doesn't match the extreme refresh rate of the Red Magic 6 and it is not known how it compares in pure CPU and GPU performance.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal Users for ZTE nubia Red Magic 6:

  • Hardcore Mobile Gamers: Those who prioritize the highest possible refresh rate for the smoothest gaming and want to record in 8k.
  • Users who value pure performance above all else: Individuals who want the absolute fastest response from their device.

Specific Use Cases:

  • Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
  • Recording high-resolution videos.

Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A53 5G:

  • Everyday Users: Those who need a reliable smartphone for daily tasks and media consumption.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera system and good image quality.
  • Users who prioritize battery life: People who need a phone that lasts all day.
  • Users who prioritize a modern and updated device: Those who want long term software support with Android.

Specific Use Cases:

  • Daily social media usage and web browsing.
  • Taking photos and videos regularly.
  • Extensive media consumption.
  • Users looking for a reliable long term smartphone with the latest software.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G offers good value, with its well-rounded feature set, balanced performance, good camera and long battery life at a mid-range price point.
  • The ZTE Nubia Red Magic 6 has strong gaming performance, but sacrifices a lot in other areas, making it more niche. Its price-to-value ratio will depend heavily on specific user needs.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. Do you prioritize gaming performance and ultra-smooth visuals above all else? (If yes, the Red Magic 6 could be considered, if its price is appealing to you)
  2. Do you need a good, versatile camera system, with good battery and long term software support? (If yes, the A53 5G is the better choice)
  3. What factors are most important to you regarding size, weight and battery? (The A53 5G is lighter, more compact, and has better battery life)

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Hardcore Gamer: If you're a hardcore mobile gamer who needs the fastest display and a potentially more powerful chip, then the ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 may be considered if it's within your budget, provided that the missing camera features, battery, and modern connectivity specs are not important to you.

  • Scenario 2: Everyday User & Photography Enthusiast: If you’re an everyday user who needs a dependable, reliable phone with a good camera system, long-lasting battery, and modern software, then the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is the better all-around choice.

  • Scenario 3: Budget Conscious: If you have a very tight budget then you'd need to compare the latest prices for both phones as it can fluctuate. But in terms of features, the A53 5G offers much more.

What I Would Choose

Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G.

Reasons:

  1. Well-Rounded Package: It provides a much more complete and balanced feature set compared to the Red Magic 6. I prioritize a good camera system for daily use, long battery life, a modern design, and up-to-date software.
  2. Usability and Convenience: The lighter and more compact design of the A53 5G makes it more comfortable to use daily. The lack of a defined battery capacity and charging for the Red Magic 6 is a big drawback.
  3. Feature Set: The A53 5G's inclusion of a quad-camera setup, OIS, EIS, modern WiFi and Bluetooth standards, and a more comprehensive sensor suite makes it much more versatile and easier to use in a variety of scenarios. The Red Magic 6 is highly specialized for gaming and doesn't seem to prioritize these aspects.
  4. Long term software support: The A53 5G will be supported with software and feature updates up to Android 16, which is very important for me, while the Red Magic 6 software is much older.

While I acknowledge the Red Magic 6 has a potentially better processor and refresh rate, my daily usage leans towards needing a strong, reliable device that excels at daily tasks, and especially photography, more than extreme gaming performance. The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G simply offers a more complete, convenient, and well-rounded smartphone experience for my personal needs.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.