Smartphone Comparison: ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 vs. ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Launch Date | 2021-03-11 | 2023-12-29 | Z60 Ultra is significantly newer, likely with more software updates and support. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional smartphones, no difference in form factor. |
| Size | 169.9 × 77.2 × 9.7 mm | 164 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | Red Magic 6 is taller and thicker, Z60 Ultra is more compact and potentially easier to hold |
| Weight | 220g | 246g | Red Magic 6 is lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.8" | Identical screen sizes, same viewing experience in terms of physical dimensions |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1116x2480 | Z60 Ultra has a slightly sharper display, details will appear clearer. |
| PPI | 387 | 400 | Minimal difference in pixel density, both offer sharp visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 120Hz | Red Magic 6 offers smoother scrolling and gaming visuals. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Z60 Ultra's screen is dramatically more visible in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Z60 Ultra has a significantly more powerful and efficient processor, better for demanding apps and games |
| Antutu Score | N/A | 2,017,588 | Z60 Ultra's benchmark score shows a higher performance level. No benchmark score for Red Magic 6. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | Z60 Ultra's GPU is significantly more powerful, handles graphics-intensive tasks more smoothly |
Camera
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | N/A | 54MP f/1.6, 1/1.49" Sony IMX800, 1.00µm pixel size | Z60 Ultra has a significantly better main camera with superior sensor, captures higher quality images, especially in low light |
| Selfie Camera | N/A | 12MP f/2.0, 1/2.4" Omnivision OV12D | Z60 Ultra includes a front-facing camera that's missing on the Red Magic 6, which is better for video calls and taking self-portraits |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 64MP f/3.3, 1/2" Omnivision OV64B, 0.70µm pixel size | Z60 Ultra offers optical zoom for capturing distant subjects without significant loss in quality, missing in the Red Magic 6 |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.55" Omnivision OV50E, 1.00µm pixel size | Z60 Ultra can capture wide landscapes and group photos, more versatile than the Red Magic 6 with a single standard camera. |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps; No stabilization | 8K@30fps HDR, EIS, 4K@120fps HDR, EIS, Slow-motion 240fps | Z60 Ultra offers video recording with stabilization and slow motion, and offers better video quality overall than the Red Magic 6, and is more versatile |
| Camera Features | N/A | 4K/8K Video, Zoom, OIS, Autofocus, HDR, RAW, Night Mode, Under display camera | Z60 Ultra offers many more advanced camera features for better photo and video results |
Battery
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 0mAh | 6000mAh | Z60 Ultra has a significantly larger battery, likely offering much better battery life for all types of usage |
| Charging | Standard charging | 80W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Z60 Ultra charges much faster, minimizing downtime; Red Magic 6 charging time is longer. |
| Features | Standard features | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Z60 Ultra has a more updated OS version and likely longer software support. |
| WiFi | N/A | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be, Dual Band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MiMO | Z60 Ultra supports newer WiFi standards, offering faster speeds and improved reliability. |
| Bluetooth | N/A | Bluetooth 5.4, A2DP, LE, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Z60 Ultra offers more advanced features and better audio quality. |
| GPS | N/A | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5), GPS (L1+L2+L5), QZSS (L1+L2+L5) | Z60 Ultra supports more satellite systems for better and more accurate navigation |
| SIM | N/A | Dual SIM, Nano SIM, Dual Standby | Z60 Ultra has dual SIM functionality, which is useful for travel or managing multiple lines |
Storage, Audio & Security
| Feature | ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | N/A | 256/512/1024 GB | Z60 Ultra offers significantly more internal storage for apps, media and games. |
| RAM | N/A | 8/12/16/24GB | Z60 Ultra has significantly more RAM, resulting in smoother multitasking and faster app loading. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Z60 Ultra offers superior audio features for a more immersive experience. |
| Security Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security, no significant difference. |
| Build Quality | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Z60 Ultra's screen has better protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Basic sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Light sensor, Gravity, RGB | Z60 Ultra has a more comprehensive array of sensors for better functionality in various use cases |
2. Key Differences Analysis
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6 Advantages:
- Higher Refresh Rate: 165Hz display offers a smoother visual experience compared to the Z60 Ultra's 120Hz, which can be particularly noticeable in fast-paced games.
- Lighter Weight: At 220g, it's significantly lighter than the Z60 Ultra (246g), making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Potentially Lower Cost: As an older model, the Red Magic 6 is likely to be more affordable than the Z60 Ultra, offering a budget-friendly option.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Advantages:
- Significantly Newer and More Powerful Chipset: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 provides vastly superior performance and efficiency compared to the older Snapdragon 888, resulting in faster speeds in all operations.
- Significantly Better Camera System: Z60 Ultra has a vastly superior and more versatile camera system, with dedicated lenses, higher resolution sensors, advanced features and better photo/video quality overall.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: The 6000mAh battery and 80W fast charging will provide significantly better battery life and faster charging times, which is critical for daily usage.
- Superior Screen Brightness: The 1500 nits brightness makes the Z60 Ultra's screen much easier to see under bright sunlight.
- Better Audio System: Stereo speakers and advanced audio features enhance audio quality and experience overall.
- Advanced Connectivity: Newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards for faster speeds and more reliable connections.
- More Storage and RAM Options: More flexibility with larger storage and RAM options for heavy users.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides increased durability.
- More Up-to-Date Software: Ships with Android 14 and will receive more software updates compared to the older Red Magic 6 with Android 11.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Weight: The Z60 Ultra is noticeably heavier, and might be less comfortable for some users for prolonged use.
- Refresh Rate: The Red Magic 6 has a higher refresh rate, but this advantage is less impactful than the Z60 Ultra's other benefits, especially if battery life, performance and camera quality is considered.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6:
- Ideal User: Gamers on a budget who prioritize a smooth visual experience over raw performance and camera quality.
- Use Cases:
- Casual gaming with a focus on a high refresh rate display.
- Users who prefer a lighter and more comfortable device for extended use.
- Those who value a lower price point over having the latest technology.
- Price-to-Value: This phone would be the better option if price is the main concern and budget is limited, especially for users who do not need high-end features.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile gamers, and photography enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance, advanced features, and an excellent camera experience.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming, heavy multitasking, and high performance tasks.
- High-quality photography and videography for both casual and professional use.
- Users who need extended battery life and fast charging capabilities.
- Anyone requiring excellent outdoor screen visibility.
- Price-to-Value: This phone offers a premium experience and is better suited for users who are willing to pay more for cutting-edge features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What's your budget? - The Red Magic 6 is likely more affordable, while the Z60 Ultra is a premium-priced device.
- What's your primary use case? - Gaming, Photography, or general use will prioritize different features.
- How important are the latest features? - If you prioritize the latest technology, the Z60 Ultra is the better choice, but if budget is a limiting factor, Red Magic 6 is more affordable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Gamer: Choose the Red Magic 6 for its lower price and high refresh rate, however, the Z60 Ultra is a much better choice overall for gaming due to better performance, display quality, and overall smoothness.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Z60 Ultra is the clear winner due to its vastly superior camera system, advanced features, and better overall picture and video quality.
- Power User: The Z60 Ultra, with its top-tier performance, large battery, and fast charging, is better suited for handling demanding tasks and extended daily usage.
- Everyday User: The Z60 Ultra will offer a better and more future-proof experience, even for basic tasks.
My Choice:
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra. Although the Red Magic 6 has a higher refresh rate, the Z60 Ultra offers significant advantages in nearly every other crucial aspect, making it a much better phone overall. The drastically superior processor, camera system, larger battery with fast charging, and significantly brighter screen of the Z60 Ultra far outweigh the slightly lower refresh rate and its slightly heavier build. The Z60 Ultra offers a much better user experience overall, especially considering its better software support, enhanced connectivity, more versatile camera, and significantly more power. The Z60 Ultra justifies the higher cost with its performance, making it a more future-proof option that delivers a vastly superior and more well-rounded experience.
I value the performance, battery life, camera capabilities, screen brightness, and modern features the Z60 Ultra offers for general use, gaming, and photography, and these are my main requirements for any phone I plan to use as a daily driver. The Red Magic 6 might appeal to very budget-focused users, but the difference in experience between the two is enormous, and for me, the price premium is worth the investment.
