1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-11 | 2023-05-01 | Poco F5 is newer, likely with better software support. |
| Dimensions | 169.9 x 77.2 x 9.7 mm | 161.1 x 75 x 7.9 mm | Red Magic 6 is larger and bulkier; Poco F5 is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 220g | 181g | Poco F5 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | Red Magic 6 has slightly larger screen; Poco F5 is slightly more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; both offer crisp visuals. |
| PPI | 387 | 395 | Very similar pixel density; virtually indistinguishable sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks on both phones. |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 120Hz | Red Magic 6 offers smoother animations and scrolling; Poco F5 is still very fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Missing Data - Peak brightness is unavailable for comparison |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 | Poco F5 has a newer architecture with potentially better efficiency. Snapdragon 888 is a flagship chipset from 2021, while the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 is a powerful upper mid-range chip from 2023. |
| AnTuTu Score | N/A | 1,134,558 | Poco F5 has confirmed high performance; Red Magic 6 score unavailable for direct comparison |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 725 | Poco F5 has a newer GPU, offering better graphics performance and efficiency |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | N/A | 64MP, f/1.79 | Poco F5 has a capable standard camera; Red Magic 6 data not available. |
| Selfie Camera | N/A | 16MP, f/2.45 | Poco F5 has a selfie camera; Red Magic 6 data not available. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2 | Poco F5 has a wide-angle lens for versatile shooting; Red Magic 6 data not available. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Poco F5 has a macro lens; Red Magic 6 data not available. |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps (No Stabilization) | 4K@30fps (EIS) | Red Magic 6 supports higher 8K recording but lacks stabilization, while Poco F5 has 4K with EIS for smoother videos. Poco F5 has slow-mo video recording which the Red Magic 6 lacks. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, OIS, Autofocus, Touch focus, etc. | Poco F5 offers a lot more camera features | |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 0 mAh | 5000 mAh | Missing Data - Red Magic 6 battery capacity is unknown; Poco F5 has a significantly larger battery capacity than the Red Magic 6 which has a value of 0 mAh |
| Charging | Standard charging | 67W Fast Charging | Poco F5 charges much faster, leading to significantly less charging time. |
| Features | Standard features | Non-removable | Poco F5 has a non-removable battery |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 (Upgradable to 14) | Poco F5 offers a more recent version of Android, with more features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | N/A | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), dual-band | Poco F5 offers faster and more stable Wi-Fi, with a wider array of features. |
| Bluetooth | N/A | Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE, etc. | Poco F5 offers better Bluetooth connectivity with more modern version and feature set. |
| GPS | N/A | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | Poco F5 supports more satellite systems leading to better location accuracy. |
| SIM | N/A | Dual SIM (Nano) | Poco F5 supports dual SIM cards |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | N/A | 256 GB | Poco F5 offers a generous amount of storage; Red Magic 6 has unknown storage. |
| RAM | N/A | 8 GB or 12 GB | Poco F5 provides options for more RAM; Red Magic 6 has unknown RAM |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Poco F5 has significantly better audio features |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Poco F5 provides a more convenient and faster fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Poco F5 has better screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Basic sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, etc. | Poco F5 has a much more comprehensive suite of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 Advantages:
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: 165Hz provides extremely smooth visuals, ideal for hardcore gamers, although difference from 120 Hz may be subtle for some users.
- Higher Video Recording Resolution: The 8K video capability could be valuable for users needing that resolution, but lacks stabilization for practical use.
Xiaomi Poco F5 Advantages:
- Newer and More Efficient Chipset: Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 offers excellent performance and efficiency gains over the older Snapdragon 888, leading to better battery life and thermals.
- Significantly Lighter and More Compact: The Poco F5 is much easier to carry and use single-handed.
- Superior Camera System: Includes standard, wide, macro and selfie camera, and additional camera features.
- Modern Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and more GPS satellite systems for future-proof connectivity.
- Fast Charging: 67W fast charging is a significant advantage, enabling faster recharge times.
- Better Software Support: Ships with Android 13 (upgradeable to 14) compared to the Red Magic 6's Android 11.
- Better Battery: The Poco F5 has a capacity of 5000mAh, making it likely to have longer battery life
- Better Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers, offering improved audio experience.
- Better Screen Protection: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for better durability.
- More Comprehensive Sensors: Includes essential sensors for enhanced functionality.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Red Magic 6: Loses out in almost every category besides the higher refresh rate and 8k video capture which lacks stabilization, and suffers from being an older device.
- Poco F5: Loses the extremely high 165 Hz refresh rate of Red Magic 6
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for ZTE nubia Red Magic 6:
- Hardcore Gamers: Prioritizes the highest possible refresh rate and is willing to compromise in other areas for that.
- Video Creators Needing 8K: Needs to capture high-resolution footage and can live without video stabilization.
- Users on a Strict Budget: May find the Red Magic 6 cheaper due to its age, if available. Use Case: A competitive gamer who plays fast-paced action games and wants the smoothest possible visual experience, even if it means compromising on other areas.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Poco F5:
- General Users and Gamers: Wants a balance of performance, camera quality, and modern features.
- Everyday Photographers: Values versatile camera setup with good image quality and stabilization.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life and Fast Charging: Needs the phone to last a full day and recharge quickly. Use Case: A casual gamer who also needs a reliable device for everyday tasks, photography, and media consumption.
Price-to-Value: The Poco F5 generally offers a better price-to-value ratio considering its modern features, performance, and overall usability.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, photography, everyday use, etc.)
- How important is the display refresh rate vs. battery life and convenience?
- How crucial are modern connectivity features, software updates and future-proofing?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you are primarily a gamer who values the highest refresh rate above all else, the Red Magic 6 could be considered, but with knowledge of its age and other drawbacks.
- Scenario 2: If you want a modern all-rounder with a good balance of features and great software support, the Poco F5 is a better option.
- Scenario 3: If you prioritize a good camera, better battery life, and fast charging alongside excellent performance for a wide array of tasks, the Poco F5 is superior.
Conclusion:
The Poco F5 wins in almost all relevant categories, despite losing out on the 165hz refresh rate. The Red Magic 6 is an older device that falls short in nearly all other aspects and would only be recommended to those who prioritize the 165hz refresh rate above all else.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco F5. The Poco F5 offers a better balance of modern features, performance, camera capabilities, and battery life, all while being lighter and more convenient to use. The significantly newer chipset, faster charging, superior camera system and up-to-date software make it a better overall package, even if it lacks the higher refresh rate of the Red Magic 6. The Poco F5 also provides a much more comprehensive sensor suite, which opens up further use-cases compared to the Red Magic 6. The only strong selling point the Red Magic 6 has is the higher refresh rate which is likely not worth the trade-offs in all other areas of the phone.
