1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-11 | 2022-01-07 | S21 FE is newer, potentially with longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 169.9 × 77.2 × 9.7 mm | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | Red Magic 6 is larger and thicker, less pocketable; S21 FE is more compact. |
| Weight | 220g | 177g | S21 FE is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.4" | Red Magic 6 has a larger screen, better for media consumption; S21 FE more comfortable for one-hand use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both have similar sharpness; no major difference in visual clarity. |
| PPI | 387 | 403 | Very similar pixel density; negligible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; similar display quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 120Hz | Red Magic 6 offers significantly smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | S21 FE is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Both use the same high-end chip, offering similar performance for everyday tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | N/A | 923,836 | S21 FE has available benchmark data; Red Magic 6's performance is unknown. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 | Both offer very similar gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | N/A | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", Sony IMX555 | S21 FE has a capable main camera; Red Magic 6 details not provided. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | N/A | 8MP, f/2.0, Hynix HI-847 | S21 FE has a dedicated zoom lens; Red Magic 6 details not provided. |
| Selfie Camera | N/A | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616 | S21 FE has a high-resolution front camera for selfies and video calls; Red Magic 6 details not provided. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", Sony IMX258 | S21 FE offers more versatile camera setup; Red Magic 6 details not provided. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps, No stabilization | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | Red Magic 6 has higher resolution recording but lacks stabilization; S21 FE offers stabilized 4K video. |
| DxOMark | N/A | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | S21 FE has objectively tested and known camera performance; Red Magic 6 is unknown |
| Camera Features | N/A | OIS, Autofocus, HDR, etc. | S21 FE includes advanced camera features such as OIS and a comprehensive set of shooting modes; Red Magic 6 details not provided. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 0 mAh | 4500 mAh | S21 FE has a reasonably sized battery; Red Magic 6's capacity is unknown. |
| Charging | Standard charging | 25W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless, Reverse Wireless | S21 FE has fast wired and wireless charging; Red Magic 6 is basic. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | S21 FE has a more recent version of Android and is expected to receive more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | N/A | Wi-Fi 6 | S21 FE has modern Wi-Fi for faster and more reliable connections. Red Magic 6 details not provided. |
| Bluetooth | N/A | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | S21 FE has a more advanced Bluetooth version, offering better efficiency and range. Red Magic 6 details not provided. |
| GPS | N/A | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | S21 FE has more accurate positioning with multiple satellite systems. Red Magic 6 details not provided. |
| SIM | N/A | Dual SIM Dual Standby | S21 FE offers dual SIM capability. Red Magic 6 details not provided. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | N/A | 128GB/256GB | S21 FE offers more storage space with two options. Red Magic 6 details not provided. |
| RAM | N/A | 6GB/8GB | S21 FE offers more RAM options for better multitasking. Red Magic 6 details not provided. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device allows storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation | S21 FE offers more advanced audio features for better sound quality and calls; Red Magic 6 offers basic. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both use a basic fingerprint sensor for security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | S21 FE has significantly better screen protection; Red Magic 6 details not provided. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Basic sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S21 FE has a comprehensive sensor suite, useful for many apps and scenarios. Red Magic 6 details not provided. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 Advantages:
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 165Hz display provides smoother animations, beneficial for gaming and fluid UI experience.
- Larger Display: The 6.8" screen is better for immersive media consumption.
- Potentially higher video resolution: Offers 8k video recording.
Practical Implications: The Red Magic 6 is geared towards gaming and media consumption, emphasizing display performance. Its size, however, might be less practical for daily use and portability.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Advantages:
- Better Brightness: The 1300 nits display makes it easily viewable outdoors.
- More Versatile Cameras: Includes a standard, telephoto, wide-angle, and selfie camera with more features and stabilization.
- Comprehensive Camera Features: Includes OIS, autofocus, HDR, and more shooting modes.
- Fast and Wireless Charging: Includes 25W wired and 15W wireless charging, plus reverse wireless charging.
- More Robust Software Support: Runs a newer version of Android, with more updates guaranteed.
- Lighter and More Compact: More portable and comfortable for long use.
- Better Connectivity: More modern and complete suite of Wifi and Bluetooth capabilities.
- Better audio quality: Better speakers and features such as Dolby Atmos.
- Better build quality: Superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- More comprehensive sensor suite: Comprehensive sensor suite for more features.
Practical Implications: The S21 FE is a more balanced phone, excelling in general-purpose tasks, photography, and daily use, with a focus on convenience and reliability.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Red Magic 6 lacks information on key specifications: The main drawback of the Red Magic 6 is the lack of availability on the majority of its specifications.
- Red Magic 6 lacks camera capabilities: The Red Magic 6 has less versatile camera options and features.
- Red Magic 6 lacks fast and wireless charging: It has standard charging capabilities vs the S21FE which has 25W fast charging, 15W wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Red Magic 6 lacks software updates: The S21FE has a much more robust software support with a newer version of Android.
- Red Magic 6 has a larger screen, which can be more difficult to use with one hand.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for ZTE nubia Red Magic 6:
- Hardcore Gamers: Those who prioritize a high refresh rate display for competitive gaming.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize a large screen for watching videos and playing games.
- Users less concerned with portability: Users who do not mind the larger size of the device.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing fast-paced competitive games benefiting from the 165Hz refresh rate.
- Watching movies or streaming video content on the larger display.
- Users who need the highest video recording resolution.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- General Users: Those who need a well-rounded device for daily tasks, photography, and media consumption.
- Casual Photographers: Those who want versatile cameras for capturing everyday moments.
- Users who prioritize portability: Those who value a lighter and more compact device.
- Users who prefer a reliable software experience: Those who prioritize newer software versions and updates.
Specific Use Cases:
- Taking photos and videos in various situations, thanks to its multiple cameras.
- Using the phone outdoors, benefiting from the bright display.
- Daily tasks and productivity thanks to its convenient size and more reliable software.
- Users who require a more versatile and feature-rich device for daily usage.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is the display refresh rate and size to you? (Gaming vs. general use.)
- How important is camera quality and versatility? (Comprehensive capabilities vs. higher resolution video).
- Do you prioritize portability, fast charging, and software updates, or are you ok with a larger device? (Convenience vs. Specific use case)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming is Your Top Priority - If gaming is your sole focus and the lack of details is not an issue, the Red Magic 6's 165Hz display might be worth the trade-offs. Otherwise, the S21 FE is still a good gaming device with its powerful chipset and display.
- Scenario 2: You need a Reliable All-Around Phone - The S21 FE is the superior choice, offering a balanced set of features with excellent camera capabilities, battery life, better build quality, and longer software support.
- Scenario 3: You want to capture high-resolution videos with your device - The Red Magic 6 might be a better option since it has higher video resolution at 8k@30fps.
- Scenario 4: You prioritize a more versatile and feature rich device - The S21 FE is superior in many ways, from the camera to build quality, audio, charging and more.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. While the ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 offers a higher refresh rate screen, the S21 FE is a much more well-rounded device, offering a superior overall user experience. The S21 FE offers a balance of performance, camera quality, battery life, modern features, and build quality that makes it a better daily driver. Its reliable software support, superior camera setup, brighter screen, better connectivity, and fast charging options make it a much more versatile and practical phone for most users. The lack of information for the Red Magic 6 makes the S21 FE the clear choice. While the Red Magic 6 might be a good gaming device, the S21 FE is still a capable gaming device but also much more well rounded.
