Smartphone Comparison: ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 vs. ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-11 | 2022-05-13 | Axon 40 Ultra is a newer device, potentially with more up-to-date features and software. |
| Dimensions | 169.9 × 77.2 × 9.7 mm, 220g | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm, 204g | Red Magic 6 is larger and heavier, making the Axon 40 Ultra more pocketable and comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.8" | Both phones offer a large, immersive display for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1116x2480 | Axon 40 Ultra has a slightly sharper display with higher pixel density, resulting in slightly clearer text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 387 PPI | 400 PPI | Very similar pixel densities, so the difference in clarity will be subtle for most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 120Hz | Red Magic 6 offers smoother animations, a plus for gamers who value responsiveness, while Axon 40 Ultra is also smooth but slightly less so. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Axon 40 Ultra is significantly brighter, providing better visibility in direct sunlight, a crucial factor for outdoor use. Red Magic 6 brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Axon 40 Ultra features a newer and more efficient chipset, likely resulting in better performance and power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | N/A | 1,061,300 | Axon 40 Ultra has high performance; Red Magic 6 has no data available to compare on this. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Axon 40 Ultra's Adreno 730 is more powerful, providing better graphics performance for gaming and demanding applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | None | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72", Sony IMX787 | Axon 40 Ultra has a high-quality main camera, while the Red Magic 6 appears to lack a standard camera. |
| Selfie Camera | None | 16MP, f/2.0, Omnivision, 1.22 µm | Axon 40 Ultra has a dedicated front camera for selfies, while the Red Magic 6 appears to lack a front facing camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B | Axon 40 Ultra has a telephoto lens for zoom photography, a feature not found on the Red Magic 6. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | 0.3MP | Axon 40 Ultra includes a ToF sensor for depth information, which can improve portrait mode photos. |
| Wide Angle/Macro | None | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72", Sony IMX787 | Axon 40 Ultra has a versatile wide-angle and macro lens, making it a better option for different types of shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps, no stabilization | Up to 8K@30fps, with EIS; Slow-motion: Yes | Axon 40 Ultra offers video stabilization and slow-motion, resulting in smoother and more creative videos compared to the Red Magic 6. |
| Features | None | Many including OIS, Autofocus and more | Axon 40 Ultra's camera has much more features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 0 mAh | 5000 mAh | Axon 40 Ultra has a significantly larger battery, potentially offering much longer battery life, while the Red Magic 6's is unknown. |
| Charging | Standard | 65W Fast Charging | Axon 40 Ultra's fast charging allows you to quickly recharge the battery. The Red Magic 6 is only standard charging which is significantly slower. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Advantages:
- Superior Camera System: The Axon 40 Ultra has a much more versatile camera system with a main camera, selfie camera, telephoto lens, wide-angle/macro lens, and a time of flight sensor. It also includes image stabilization, autofocus, and other advanced features not present on the Red Magic 6. This will result in a significantly better photography experience.
- Newer, More Powerful Chipset: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 provides a significant performance uplift over the Snapdragon 888 in terms of both CPU and GPU performance. It is also more efficient, likely improving battery life.
- Significantly Brighter Display: The 1500 nits brightness of the Axon 40 Ultra is a major advantage for outdoor visibility compared to the unknown brightness of the Red Magic 6.
- Larger Battery and Fast Charging: The 5000 mAh battery, paired with 65W fast charging, provides both longer battery life and quicker recharge times. This is especially important for users who are often on the go.
- Better Audio: The Axon 40 Ultra includes better audio with stereo speakers, and 3 microphones.
- Improved Connectivity: Axon 40 Ultra has newer Wifi and Bluetooth version as well as more robust GPS.
- More RAM: Up to 18GB of RAM.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 Advantages:
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 165Hz refresh rate is smoother than the 120Hz on the Axon 40 Ultra, which will be appreciated by gamers and people who like the smoothest animations. However, this will likely consume more battery.
- Potentially Lower Price: Being an older device, the Red Magic 6 may be available at a lower price point. However, pricing may vary considerably, so this should be confirmed.
Trade-offs
- The Red Magic 6 has a higher refresh rate but no information about brightness, battery, or camera and much more limited features and older chipset. The Axon 40 Ultra has a lower refresh rate but has significantly better camera, battery, brightness, chipset, and features.
- The Red Magic 6 is larger and heavier, which could be a disadvantage for some users.
- Both lack expandable storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile camera system and image quality will appreciate the Axon 40 Ultra's wide array of lenses and features.
- Performance Seekers: Those who need the best possible performance for demanding apps, multitasking, and mobile gaming will prefer the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.
- Frequent Travelers/Outdoor Users: The brighter screen, longer battery life, and fast charging make the Axon 40 Ultra an excellent choice for people who are often outside or on the move.
- Multimedia Consumers: The Axon 40 Ultra features better audio, making it more suitable for watching videos or listening to music.
- Users who care about Connectivity: Users who care about fast wifi, better GPS, and newer bluetooth will prefer the Axon 40 Ultra.
Specific Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Playing graphically intense games.
- Navigating outdoors with bright sunlight.
- Long hours of use away from power outlets.
- Watching movies and videos.
- Listening to music.
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Gamers: If the Red Magic 6 is significantly cheaper, gamers willing to compromise on camera and other features for a high refresh rate may consider this phone.
- Users Who Prioritize Smoothness: Those who prioritize a high refresh rate above all else, even at the cost of other features, might find the Red Magic 6's display appealing.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming where the 165Hz refresh rate is the most important feature.
- Users who are ok with older devices at the lowest possible price, and dont care about any camera features, and are ok with very poor battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality to you? If you often take photos or videos, the Axon 40 Ultra is the superior choice.
- Do you need the absolute smoothest screen, or is battery life and overall performance more important? The Red Magic 6 has a higher refresh rate, but the Axon 40 Ultra offers much better performance, battery, camera, and more features.
- What is your typical usage environment? If you're often outdoors, the brighter display of the Axon 40 Ultra will be a game-changer.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming Focus
- Recommendation: If price is the main consideration, Red Magic 6 (if significantly cheaper) for the higher refresh rate. However if you need better performance, better battery, better camera, then Axon 40 Ultra.
- Scenario 2: All-Around Use & Photography
- Recommendation: ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the clear choice due to its camera, performance, and battery.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User
- Recommendation: Red Magic 6 (if significantly cheaper). However, consider if you can save money for a bit longer for the Axon 40 Ultra as it will be a much better experience.
My Choice
I would choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. While the Red Magic 6 might have a higher refresh rate, the Axon 40 Ultra is superior in almost every other way. The vastly improved camera system, more powerful and efficient chipset, significantly brighter display, much larger battery, and faster charging make it a more compelling choice for my needs. I value a good camera, performance, and battery life much more than a slightly higher refresh rate, especially when the 120Hz display is still quite smooth. Additionally, the lack of information on battery, brightness, and camera for the Red Magic 6 makes it hard to recommend when I am a person who values those features.
