1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-11 | 2024-10-03 | The S24 FE is significantly newer, benefiting from newer technologies and software |
| Dimensions | 169.9 × 77.2 × 9.7 mm | 162 × 77.3 × 8 mm | The Red Magic 6 is taller and thicker, making it slightly bulkier; The S24 FE is more compact and easier to handle |
| Weight | 220g | 213g | The S24 FE is lighter, which will be more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.7" | Negligible difference, both provide large screen real estate |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Minimal practical difference in sharpness, both are Full HD+ |
| PPI | 387 | 385 | Both offer similar pixel density, resulting in comparable image clarity |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED technology for rich colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 120Hz | The Red Magic 6 offers a smoother visual experience, especially for gaming and fast scrolling |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1900 nits | The S24 FE is significantly brighter, offering much better visibility in direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Exynos 2400e (4 nm) | The S24 FE's newer 4nm chipset generally offers improved efficiency and performance |
| Antutu Score | N/A | 1,600,000 | S24 FE offers high level performance for demanding tasks |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Xclipse 940 | The S24 FE's Xclipse 940 generally offers better gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 0 mAh | 4700mAh | The S24 FE has a significantly larger battery, likely resulting in much longer battery life |
| Charging | Standard charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | The S24 FE charges much faster, which is a huge advantage |
| Features | Standard features | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable, 15W wireless charging | S24 FE offers more convenient charging options like wireless and reverse charging |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | N/A | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" Samsung GN3, 1.00 µm | The S24 FE has a capable standard camera, while the Red Magic 6 has no dedicated standard camera |
| Selfie Camera | N/A | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" Samsung S5K3J1, 1.22 µm | The S24 FE has a front-facing selfie camera; the Red Magic 6 does not have any |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.4, 1/4.4" Omnivision OV08A10, 1.00 µm | S24 FE offers optical zoom capabilities |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" Samsung S5K3L6, 1.12 µm | The S24 FE offers an additional perspective for photography |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; No stabilization | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@960fps; Yes; Slow-motion: Yes, 240 fps | The S24 FE offers better video recording with stabilization and slow-motion |
| DxOMark | N/A | Mobile: 133, Photo: 136, Video: 125 | S24 FE's camera is proven to perform better |
| Features | Night Mode 2.0, 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital/Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image/Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance, ISO, Exposure, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | S24 FE offers a wide array of versatile photography features | |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | The S24 FE has a much newer OS version, offering the latest features and security patches |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | N/A | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz/ac/WiFi 6/6E, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | The S24 FE supports newer, faster WiFi standards with more features |
| Bluetooth | N/A | Bluetooth 5.3 LE, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, LE, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, ANT+, APT-x, LDAC, SBC | The S24 FE features a newer Bluetooth version with more codecs for better audio |
| GPS | N/A | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | The S24 FE supports more satellite systems, improving location accuracy |
| SIM | N/A | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM / eSIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | S24 FE offers the convenience of Dual SIMs and eSIM support |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | N/A | 128/256/512 GB | S24 FE offers significantly more internal storage |
| RAM | N/A | 8 GB | S24 FE has significantly more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device allows for expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | S24 FE features noise cancellation and stereo speakers |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer standard fingerprint-based security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S24 FE offers much better screen protection from scratches and drops |
| Sensors | |||
| Basic sensors | Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Light sensor, Hall, Geomagnetic | S24 FE is packed with advanced sensors, enabling more features and a better experience |
2. Key Differences Analysis
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 Advantages:
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 165Hz refresh rate provides exceptionally smooth scrolling and gaming experience.
- Gaming Focus: Designed for gaming with possible additional features not listed.
Practical Implications:
- The higher refresh rate makes motion appear more fluid, a significant advantage for gamers.
- The gaming focus can come with specific software and hardware features designed for the best gaming experience.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Advantages:
- Newer Technology: Launched over 3 years later, featuring a more advanced chipset, OS, and features.
- Significantly Brighter Display: 1900 nits brightness allows excellent outdoor visibility in sunny conditions.
- Better Battery and Charging: Larger battery, faster charging, and wireless charging options provide much more convenience.
- Advanced Camera System: Features a comprehensive camera system with telephoto, wide-angle, and selfie lenses and OIS.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards for faster, more reliable connections.
- More RAM: Offers more RAM for better multitasking and more resource-intensive applications.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and noise-cancelling microphones provide improved audio experience.
- Superior Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ screen protection provides higher drop and scratch resistance.
- More Sensors: Better range of sensors to improve user experience and features.
Practical Implications:
- The S24 FE offers a much better all-around experience due to newer hardware, including much better performance, camera quality, and battery features.
- It is more versatile for various use cases, including photography, connectivity, and everyday tasks, and will perform better across a broader range of uses.
Trade-offs:
- The Red Magic 6 prioritizes a higher refresh rate over other aspects of display quality.
- The S24 FE, while much more versatile, might not match the gaming-focused design of the Red Magic 6 for dedicated gamers.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for ZTE nubia Red Magic 6:
- Hardcore Mobile Gamers: Users who prioritize high refresh rates for smoother visuals, possible additional gaming features and a low price.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for an older phone, but want the benefits of high refresh rate at a cheaper price.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing fast-paced competitive games where high refresh rate is beneficial.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S24 FE:
- General Smartphone Users: People seeking an all-around excellent smartphone with a solid display, reliable camera, great battery life, and solid performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile camera system with telephoto, wide-angle, and OIS.
- Users with Demanding Apps: Those who need a powerful device for multitasking and running resource-intensive applications.
- Users who work on-the-go: Those who benefit from a brighter display, wireless charging, dual-sim support and advanced connectivity.
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily driver use for social media, web browsing, and communication.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
- Multitasking between apps and performing demanding tasks.
- Using the phone outdoors in bright sunlight.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Red Magic 6, being older, will likely be more affordable, appealing to those on a budget who prioritize a high refresh rate.
- The S24 FE offers better value overall due to its significantly newer tech, all-around better performance, better battery and camera.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, daily use, etc.)
- How important is display quality, battery life, and performance?
- What is your budget?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Hardcore gamer on a budget: The Red Magic 6 could be a better choice.
- Scenario 2: All-around user seeking the best features and performance: The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Casual user with good needs for photography, battery and outdoor visibility: The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is a better fit.
Final Decision
My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
While the ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 has its advantages with its high refresh rate, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is a much more modern and capable device. The S24 FE offers a superior display (especially in outdoor brightness), a much better battery, much more convenient charging, and a more versatile and better-performing camera system, as well as newer hardware and software. The S24 FE is a much more versatile, well-rounded device that would serve a wider range of users better. Given the fact the Red Magic 6 is over three years older, the difference in usability and performance of the devices is significant.
The lack of information on the Red Magic 6 specs makes it hard to properly evaluate it, highlighting how critical having detailed specs are for making an informed decision, but even with that in mind the S24 FE seems like the superior choice, and given all the features, is the better pick.
