ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 vs Samsung Galaxy A73 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date March 11, 2021 April 22, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 127.23 cm³ 94.68 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.09 "/g 3.7 "/g
Weight 220 g 181 g
Height 169.9 mm 163.7 mm
Width 77.2 mm 76.1 mm
Thickness 9.7 mm 7.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Aurora
  • Eclipse Black
  • White
  • Gray
  • Mint

Display

Screen Size 6.8 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.1 % 87 %
Pixel Density 387 PPI 393 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 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 39.69 mAh/cm³ 52.81 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5050 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 660 Adreno 642L

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 A73 5GPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions169.9 × 77.2 × 9.7 mm163.7 × 76.1 × 7.6 mmRed Magic 6 is larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for smaller hands and pockets.
Weight220g181gGalaxy A73 is significantly lighter, making it easier to hold for longer periods.
Display
Size6.8"6.7"Minimal difference, both provide large screens for immersive viewing.
Resolution1080x24001080x2400Identical sharpness; both offer crisp visuals.
PPI387393Similar pixel density; neither has a significant advantage here.
TechnologyAMOLEDAMOLEDBoth offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and energy efficiency.
Refresh Rate165Hz120HzRed Magic 6 offers noticeably smoother animations and scrolling, especially beneficial for gaming.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsPeak brightness is identical (though the value is unrealistically listed as 0). Assuming similar brightness levels, both should be readable outdoors.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)Snapdragon 888 in Red Magic 6 is a flagship chip, providing higher performance for demanding tasks like gaming. Snapdragon 778G in A73 5G is mid-range, suitable for most daily usage.
AnTuTu ScoreN/A575,551Cannot directly compare, but A73 score gives an idea of mid-range performance
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 642LAdreno 660 offers better graphics performance, especially for gaming.
Camera
Standard CameraN/A108MP, f/1.8A73 5G has a high-resolution main camera for detailed photos.
Selfie CameraN/A32MP, f/2.2A73 5G offers a high-resolution front-facing camera for quality selfies.
Wide Angle LensN/A12MP, f/2.2A73 5G allows capturing wider scenes with its wide-angle lens.
Portrait ModeN/A5MP, f/2.4A73 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for creating bokeh effects in portraits.
Macro LensN/A5MP, f/2.4A73 5G offers a macro lens to capture close-up details.
VideoUp to 8K@30fps, no stabilizationUp to 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EISRed Magic 6 allows 8K video capture, but lacks stabilization. A73 5G has stabilization for smoother videos.
FeaturesN/A4K Video, OIS, Autofocus, etcA73 5G offers a more comprehensive set of camera features.
Battery
Capacity0mAh5000mAhA73 5G has a large battery for all-day usage. Red Magic 6 battery capacity data is missing, but this is a major advantage for the A73.
ChargingStandard charging25W fast chargingA73 5G supports faster charging for quick power-ups.
FeaturesStandard featuresBypass Charging, Non-removableA73 5G has bypass charging, allowing users to game while plugged in without damaging the battery health.
Software
OSAndroid 11Android 12 (upgradable to 16)A73 5G has a newer Android version with longer update support.
Connectivity
WiFiNo dataWiFi 6A73 5G has modern Wi-Fi standards for faster and more reliable connections.
BluetoothNo dataBluetooth 5.0A73 5G has a newer Bluetooth version with a wider range of features and improvements in power efficiency.
GPSNo dataGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etcA73 5G supports multiple satellite systems for more accurate location tracking.
SIMNo dataDual SIMA73 5G has dual SIM capability, allowing you to use two lines on one device.
Storage
InternalNo data128 GB or 256 GBA73 5G has decent storage options.
RAMNo data6 GB or 8 GBA73 5G offers sufficient RAM for multitasking and gaming
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone has expandable storage.
Audio
QualityBasic audio featuresDolby Atmos, Stereo SpeakersA73 5G offers an enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
Security
Featuresbasic fingerprint sensorbasic fingerprint sensorBoth have fingerprint sensors.
Build Quality
ProtectionUnknownCorning Gorilla Glass 5A73 5G has a screen with better protection.
Sensors
SensorsBasic sensorsFingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, etc.A73 5G has a more comprehensive sensor package for advanced features and gaming.

2. Key Differences Analysis

ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 Advantages:

  • Higher Refresh Rate: 165Hz display provides an extremely smooth experience, especially beneficial for gaming and fast scrolling.
  • More Powerful Chipset: Snapdragon 888 offers significantly better processing and graphics performance, ideal for demanding games and applications.
  • Higher Video Recording Resolution: Can record videos at up to 8K, suitable for high-quality video content creation (though lack of stabilization is a significant drawback).
  • Built for gaming: While many details are missing, this phone was explicitly built as a gaming phone.

Practical Implications: The Red Magic 6 is built for demanding tasks, with a focus on gaming and content creation. The high refresh rate makes the screen look buttery smooth. However, the lack of detailed specs makes it hard to determine other daily practicalities.

Samsung Galaxy A73 5G Advantages:

  • Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable to hold and carry around.
  • Larger Battery: Significantly better battery life than the Red Magic 6 (based on provided data) for extended daily use.
  • Fast Charging: Quickly replenishes the battery.
  • Superior Camera System: Features a full suite of cameras (main, wide-angle, macro, depth) with features like OIS and EIS, resulting in more versatile and stable photos and videos.
  • More Modern Software: Ships with a newer Android version and guaranteed upgrades.
  • Better Connectivity: Features newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards for faster and more reliable connections.
  • Stereo Speakers & Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio experience.
  • Comprehensive Sensor Package: More sensors enables advanced features.
  • Better Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass provides superior screen protection.

Practical Implications: The Galaxy A73 is an all-around device suited for daily use, offering a balanced set of features including a great camera, long battery life, and a more modern software experience.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • Red Magic 6: Sacrifices camera versatility, battery capacity, modern software, and possibly some daily usability in favor of raw performance and a higher refresh rate.
  • Galaxy A73 5G: Prioritizes daily usage and better overall balance rather than raw power. Lacks the ultra-high refresh rate and might not perform as well in very demanding gaming.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal User for ZTE nubia Red Magic 6:

  • Hardcore Mobile Gamers: Players who prioritize smooth gameplay, high frame rates, and raw performance, and will tolerate sacrifices in other areas.
  • Users who value higher refresh rate: If the main priority is a very smooth screen for browsing or gaming, this could be appealing.
  • Content Creators Specifically for individuals who need to record videos in 8K resolution and are willing to compromise on stabilization.

Use Cases for Red Magic 6:

  • Playing graphics-intensive games at the highest settings.
  • Recording 8K video footage.
  • Enjoying an exceptionally smooth UI experience with the 165Hz display.

Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A73 5G:

  • Everyday Users: Those seeking a reliable, well-rounded smartphone for daily tasks, photography, and media consumption.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value camera versatility, image quality, and stabilization.
  • Users who prioritize battery life and comfort: Those wanting a device that lasts all day and is comfortable to handle and carry.
  • Multimedia consumers: Users who enjoy watching videos or consuming audio.

Use Cases for Galaxy A73 5G:

  • Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
  • Enjoying a long-lasting battery life throughout the day.
  • Browsing the web, using social media, and watching videos.
  • Using dual SIM cards.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • The Red Magic 6 is likely positioned as a gaming-focused device with a higher price tag due to its higher processing power, though this needs to be confirmed given the many missing specs. If so, it offers a niche value proposition for hardcore gamers willing to pay a premium.
  • The Galaxy A73 5G appears to offer a better overall price-to-value ratio for a wider audience, especially given the more complete set of features.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions to Consider:

  1. What is your primary use case? Are you mainly a gamer or a general user?
  2. What are your priorities? Is it maximum performance, camera quality, battery life, or screen smoothness?
  3. What features are non-negotiable? Do you need a great camera system or the ability to record 8K video, or is battery life more important?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: You are a hardcore gamer: If you prioritize raw power and the highest possible frame rates, and are OK with a less capable camera and shorter battery life, the ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 is more suitable given its powerful chipset and high refresh rate.
  • Scenario 2: You are a general user who needs a reliable daily driver: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is a better choice. It provides a well-rounded package with a great camera, good battery life, a modern OS, and a more comfortable design.
  • Scenario 3: You are a photography enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is the better option, offering a full suite of cameras with features like OIS and EIS, resulting in more versatile and stable photos and videos.
  • Scenario 4: You need a phone with long battery life and fast charging: The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G is clearly better, since the Red Magic 6's battery capacity isn't even listed.

My Choice

Based on the provided information, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G.

Here's Why:

While the Red Magic 6 may be a more tempting choice for its smooth screen, it lacks important specifications that would make it a good daily driver. The Samsung Galaxy A73 5G appears to offer a more balanced and practical smartphone experience for my needs. The A73 5G has a significantly larger battery and fast charging capabilities, which are crucial for all-day use. It also has a better and more versatile camera system, which I find essential for capturing everyday moments. Furthermore, the Galaxy A73 5G has a modern operating system, superior connectivity, a more comprehensive sensor package and enhanced audio.

While I do appreciate the appeal of a higher refresh rate for a smoother experience, the practical benefits of the A73 5G's all-around capabilities and detailed specifications outweigh the benefits of a 165Hz refresh rate, especially since the Red Magic 6's many missing details make it hard to recommend. The Red Magic 6 is primarily a gaming device, whereas I prioritize a well-rounded phone that can handle everyday tasks and capture high-quality photos.

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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