Smartphone Comparison: ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.9 × 77.2 × 9.7 mm | 163.7 × 76.2 × 8.3 mm | Red Magic 6 is taller and thicker, potentially less comfortable for smaller hands and pocket carry. |
| Weight | 220g | 204g | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is lighter, making it easier to hold for extended periods and less tiring for daily use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers better protection against scratches and minor impacts. The Red Magic 6's screen protection is unknown making it a riskier choice in terms of durability. |
Display
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | Red Magic 6 has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience for media and gaming but a slightly bigger footprint. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a sharp viewing experience with identical resolution |
| Pixel Density | 387 PPI | 395 PPI | Both phones have very similar pixel density, providing similar sharpness in the display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 120Hz | Red Magic 6 has a significantly smoother display, which makes scrolling and gaming more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is much brighter and has better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. The lack of brightness information for the Red Magic is a major drawback. |
Performance
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | The Snapdragon 888 is a more powerful chip, offering better performance for demanding games and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | N/A | 528,100 | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has an available benchmark score, offering a good view of its real world performance, although the Red Magic 6 is likely to perform better overall given its chipset. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Adreno 660 is a powerful GPU better suited for high-end gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | Not specified | 108MP, f/1.89, 1/1.52", 0.70µm | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers a high-resolution main camera for detailed photos, while the Red Magic 6's camera information is missing. |
| Selfie Camera | Not specified | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.00µm | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has a selfie camera while information for the Red Magic 6 is missing. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | Not specified | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers a wide-angle lens for capturing broader scenes. |
| Macro Lens | Not specified | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Red Magic 6 supports higher resolution video recording. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes, digital | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers digital video stabilization for smoother footage. |
| Slow Motion | No | Yes, 960fps at 720p | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers dedicated slow-motion recording. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers a full suite of camera features, whereas the Red Magic 6 is missing most camera details |
Battery
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 0 mAh | 4500 mAh | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has a significantly larger battery providing more usage time. The battery information for the Red Magic 6 is missing, which is a major drawback. |
| Charging | Standard charging | 120W fast charging | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers significantly faster charging, minimizing downtime. |
| Charging Features | Standard | Comfort mode charging in 19 minutes < 38º, standard mode 15 minutes for full charging, QC3+ / PD2.0 / PD3.0 | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers advanced features like rapid charging and controlled thermal management |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Similar OS experience. |
| Wi-Fi | Not specified | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6), dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot, MIMO | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G supports newer WiFi standards for faster and more stable connections. The Red Magic 6's Wi-Fi details are missing. |
| Bluetooth | Not specified | Bluetooth 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX, LDAC, AAC | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has a newer Bluetooth version for more efficient and reliable connectivity with a wide array of audio codecs. The Red Magic 6's Bluetooth details are missing. |
| GPS | Not specified | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers enhanced GPS accuracy with a wider range of satellite systems. The Red Magic 6's GPS details are missing. |
| SIM | Not specified | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G supports using two SIMs simultaneously. |
Storage and Audio
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | Not specified | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G provides higher storage options and capacity. The Red Magic 6's storage details are missing. |
| RAM | Not specified | 6GB/8GB | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers more RAM for better multitasking. The Red Magic 6's RAM details are missing. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones do not support expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has enhanced audio with spatial sound and better quality. |
Security and Sensors
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G's side-mounted sensor is more convenient and faster to access. |
| Sensors | Basic sensors | Fingerprint, Light sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G includes a comprehensive array of sensors for various functions. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 Advantages:
- Potentially superior performance: The Snapdragon 888 is a more powerful chipset, which typically translates to better performance in demanding tasks, like gaming.
- Higher refresh rate display: The 165Hz display provides a smoother and more responsive visual experience for gamers and those who prefer fluid animations.
- Potentially higher video resolution: Supports up to 8k recording
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G Advantages:
- Brighter display: The 1200 nits brightness is significantly better for outdoor use and offers better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Better camera system: The phone has a full array of front, wide, macro and main lenses which are missing on the Red Magic 6.
- Fast charging: 120W fast charging significantly reduces charging time, increasing convenience for users.
- Significantly better battery: A 4500mah battery will provide significantly better battery life in comparison to the Red Magic 6, whose battery size is unknown.
- Full suite of camera features: Digital stabilization, slow motion, zoom and a wide range of photography settings are included in the phone, but missing on the Red Magic 6.
- Better audio features: Includes Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers.
- Better connectivity: Supports WiFi 6 and bluetooth 5.2.
- More secure and practical biometrics: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Trade-offs:
- Red Magic 6: While it might offer better gaming performance and a smoother screen, it lacks critical information on battery, camera system and display brightness, making it a riskier purchase.
- Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G: Lacks the ultimate processing power of the Snapdragon 888 and the extreme fluidity of a 165hz refresh rate which might be a dealbreaker for some gamers.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for ZTE nubia Red Magic 6:
- Hardcore mobile gamers: Users who prioritize raw performance and a very smooth display for high-end gaming.
- Users who prioritize screen smoothness above all: The 165hz display will provide noticeably smoother scrolling, animations and gaming experience compared to 120hz.
- Users who require 8k video recording: This is the only use case for which the Red Magic 6 is superior.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G:
- Everyday users: Who want a well-rounded phone with a good balance of features for daily tasks, photography and media consumption.
- Users who value long battery life and fast charging: The combination of a 4500mAh battery and 120W charging offers great convenience.
- Users who prioritize camera features: With multiple lenses, digital stabilization and a plethora of different settings for advanced photography.
- Users who value a bright screen: The 1200 nit screen will allow excellent outdoor visibility, particularly for those who live in sunny areas.
- Users who enjoy media consumption and spatial audio: The Dolby Atmos support and stereo speakers will provide an improved listening experience.
Use Cases:
- Red Magic 6: Gaming at the highest possible refresh rate with peak performance. The phone is missing crucial information regarding battery, screen brightness and the camera system.
- Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G: Photography, media consumption, everyday tasks, and gaming with a preference for battery life and fast charging.
Price-to-Value:
Given the missing specs for the Red Magic 6, it's hard to establish the value of each phone. However, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G provides a full list of features and technical details, making it a better choice for most users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Is gaming performance your top priority, or do you need a well-rounded phone? If gaming is the primary focus, the Red Magic 6 might be appealing, but its missing specifications make it a risky choice. If you value a full range of features for everyday use, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is a better option.
- How important is battery life and fast charging to you? The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G has a large battery and the very fast 120W charging, making it a much more convenient option. The missing information regarding the Red Magic's battery means this is a major advantage for the Xiaomi phone.
- Do you need a comprehensive camera system with stabilization and more features or is a very high resolution video recording more important? If you take many photos and record videos on a daily basis, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is a much better option. If you require 8k video, then the Red Magic 6 might be better suited for your needs.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual user who values all-round performance, long battery life and great camera. Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G
- Scenario 2: Hardcore gamer who needs the absolute best refresh rate and doesn't mind missing crucial information. Recommendation: ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 (but with caution due to missing information)
- Scenario 3: User who values a full suite of features and the best screen brightness, even if it's not the best for gaming. Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G
- Scenario 4: User who requires 8k video recording. Recommendation: ZTE nubia Red Magic 6
My Choice
Given the provided information and real-world use cases, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G. Here's why:
- Well-Rounded Performance: While the Red Magic 6 may have better gaming performance, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G offers a more balanced and practical experience for everyday use. It performs well enough for gaming and provides a better user experience for the other 99% of the time when gaming isn't the focus.
- Full Feature Set: The camera system, audio quality, battery and fast charging and screen brightness are all clearly superior. The Red Magic 6 is missing critical information, making it a much more risky choice.
- Peace of Mind: The lack of crucial specs for the Red Magic 6, especially battery capacity and screen brightness, is concerning. The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G provides a clear and complete spec sheet, which allows for a much better purchase decision.
While the Red Magic 6 may appeal to a very specific user base of hardcore gamers who prioritize screen refresh rate above all else, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is the better choice for the average consumer.
