1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 169.9 × 77.2 × 9.7 mm | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | Red Magic is larger and bulkier; Note 12 Pro is more compact and easier to handle, especially for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 220g | 187g | Note 12 Pro feels lighter and more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.67" | Red Magic has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption, gaming. Note 12 Pro is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide the same level of clarity. |
| PPI | 387 | 395 | Both offer similar sharpness levels; differences are negligible in real world. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 120Hz | Red Magic offers significantly smoother scrolling and animations, leading to a more fluid user interface, beneficial for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Note 12 Pro is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The Red Magic has an unknown brightness which is a significant drawback. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Snapdragon 888 in Red Magic is typically more powerful for gaming. Dimensity 1080 in Note 12 Pro is a capable mid-range chipset for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | N/A | 573,200 | Note 12 Pro's benchmark is available, though the Red Magic's performance is likely higher, the data is unavailable |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 660 in Red Magic is designed for high-performance gaming; Mali-G68 MC4 offers good performance for everyday tasks and some games. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | N/A | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | Note 12 Pro has a good main sensor for detailed photos, likely superior to the missing Red Magic camera. |
| Selfie Camera | N/A | 16MP | Note 12 Pro takes better selfies; the Red Magic does not appear to have a front camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/1.9 | Note 12 Pro offers more versatile shooting options with a wide-angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GC02M1 | Note 12 Pro allows you to take closeup shots, the Red Magic does not appear to have a macro lens. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps, No stabilization | Up to 4K@30fps, Stabilization | Red Magic records at higher resolution but lacks stabilization, Note 12 Pro records smoother videos at slightly lower resolutions and has slow motion. |
| DxOMark | N/A | Main: 102, Photo: 108, Video: 98 | Note 12 Pro has a camera system with a measurable rating for overall quality, Red Magic is unrated. |
| Features | N/A | Extensive Feature set | Note 12 Pro offers many software and hardware features, while Red Magic offers none |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 0mAh | 5000mAh | Note 12 Pro has a large battery for extended use, the battery capacity of the Red Magic is unknown and will likely be a limiting factor. |
| Charging | Standard Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Note 12 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime, the Red Magic has standard charging which is an unknown speed and is likely slow. |
| Features | Standard | Non-removable | Note 12 Pro's battery is not user-replaceable. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Note 12 Pro has a newer Android version, offering more recent features and improvements. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Unknown | Wi-Fi 6 | Note 12 Pro has newer standards, faster speeds, better range; the Red Magic details are unknown. |
| Bluetooth | Unknown | Bluetooth 5.2 | Note 12 Pro has a more modern Bluetooth version for better connectivity; the Red Magic version is unknown. |
| GPS | Unknown | Comprehensive Satellite Support | Note 12 Pro provides better location accuracy with more supported systems, Red Magic is unknown |
| SIM | Unknown | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Note 12 Pro supports two SIMs simultaneously, Red Magic is unknown. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | Unknown | 128/256 GB | Note 12 Pro offers up to 256GB of storage, Red Magic details are unknown. |
| RAM | Unknown | 6/8/12GB | Note 12 Pro has more RAM options for better multitasking, Red Magic details are unknown. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Note 12 Pro offers better audio experience with spatial audio and stereo speakers, the Red Magic is basic. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Note 12 Pro's fingerprint sensor is more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Note 12 Pro offers better screen protection against scratches and drops, Red Magic screen protection is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Basic | Comprehensive Suite | Note 12 Pro has a full suite of sensors for advanced features, Red Magic has basic sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 Advantages:
- Potentially Superior Gaming Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset and 165Hz refresh rate suggest a focus on high-performance gaming, providing smoother gameplay. However, other information is not available to make a proper comparison.
- Potentially Larger Display: The 6.8" screen is better for immersive gaming and media consumption if its brightness is adequate.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Advantages:
- Better Display Brightness: 900 nits brightness makes it significantly easier to use outdoors, especially in direct sunlight.
- Versatile Camera System: Dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses, combined with a capable main sensor, provide flexibility in photography and recording along with a good selfie camera. The Red Magic lacks all of these.
- Camera Quality: DxOMark ratings of 102 overall, 108 for photo and 98 for video show good performance. The Red Magic is unrated.
- Modern Features: Includes fast charging (67W), a more recent Android version, newer Wi-Fi/Bluetooth versions, dual SIM functionality, stereo speakers, a more comprehensive sensor suite and better screen protection. The Red Magic is missing much of this information.
- Better Battery: Large 5000mAh battery provides more extended battery life, a big advantage over an unknown capacity.
- Lighter & More Compact: The Note 12 Pro is easier to handle due to its lighter weight and smaller size.
Trade-offs:
- Red Magic: Potentially better gaming, if the specs are accurate and not affected by other limiting factors, but sacrifices in other areas like camera and battery, and lacks information about other important features.
- Note 12 Pro: Excellent all-rounder, very good main camera, with better usability and convenience, and a full sensor and feature suite, but the Dimensity 1080 chipset is not as powerful as the Snapdragon 888 on paper.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for ZTE nubia Red Magic 6:
- Hardcore Mobile Gamers: If the Red Magic can deliver a high framerate and smooth gaming performance with proper heat management, and the brightness is adequate, the device can be targeted for gamers.
- Users Prioritizing Raw Power: If you prioritize the Snapdragon 888 for intensive tasks, and the specs are accurate.
- Users who don't care about the camera or other features: If you do not need a camera and other common features, then the Red Magic may work for you.
Specific Use Cases for Red Magic 6:
- Playing demanding 3D games at high frame rates
- Demanding processor intensive tasks.
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro:
- Everyday Users: Users looking for an all-rounder that excels in day to day tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who need a versatile camera system for good quality photos.
- Users Who Value Convenience: Those who value practical features like long battery life, fast charging, and good outdoor screen visibility.
- Users who want the latest features: Those who desire the latest connectivity and software features.
Specific Use Cases for Note 12 Pro:
- Daily tasks, social media, and content consumption
- Taking photos and videos in various conditions
- Reliable performance with fast charging
- Good outdoor visibility and user experience
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Red Magic 6: If priced competitively, might appeal to a niche market of gamers that are willing to accept the lack of other important features. Without full details, it is hard to properly assess the value.
- Note 12 Pro: Offers a very good balance of features and performance at its price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? Is it heavy gaming, photography, or general usage?
- How important is screen visibility in bright conditions and battery life?
- What is my budget, and do I prioritize all-around features, or raw power?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Hardcore Gaming: If gaming is the top priority, if you do not mind missing all of the other standard features, and the information for the Red Magic is available, you might consider it for the higher refresh rate screen, and more powerful GPU.
- Scenario 2: General Usage and Photography: The Note 12 Pro is the better choice with its better battery, better screen, far better camera system, and more modern features.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Users: The Note 12 Pro will offer a better experience for the price.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro.
Reasons:
- Practicality: As a phone reviewer, and a user that relies on the phone for many common tasks such as photography, communication, and productivity, the Note 12 Pro provides a better overall experience, and the necessary features I rely on, such as a good camera, modern connectivity features, better screen, better battery, fast charging, a complete suite of sensors, more storage and RAM, and a better audio system.
- Usability: The superior display brightness, lighter design, and full suite of sensors make it more pleasant to use for daily tasks and more reliable in all conditions.
- Camera: A good camera with OIS, multiple lenses, and solid performance is a key feature for me, and the Note 12 Pro offers a much better solution.
- Completeness: Unlike the Red Magic 6, the Redmi Note 12 Pro offers much more information and is a modern device with all necessary features and more.
While the Red Magic 6 might offer more power for gaming on paper, it is unclear how much better that is, and the device falls short in almost every other way based on the limited information that is available. The Note 12 Pro is a more complete device that is more convenient, easier to use and with more useful features for most people. The Red Magic is likely a much more niche device, targeted at a specific set of users.
