ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro vs Nothing Phone (2a) Plus - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date November 23, 2023 August 3, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 111.51 cm³ 104.87 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 2.97 "/g 3.53 "/g
Weight 229 g 190 g
Height 164 mm 161.7 mm
Width 76.4 mm 76.3 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Sleet (Black)
  • Snowfall (Silver)
  • Cyclone (Transparent Black)
  • Black
  • Grey

Display

Screen Size 6.8 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1116 x 2480 1080 x 2412
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.1 % 87.6 %
Pixel Density 400 PPI 395 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 700 nits
HBM Brightness N/A 1100 nits
Peak Brightness 1600 nits 1300 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 140.57 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 58.29 mAh/cm³ 47.68 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 6500 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520) Octa-core (2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Adreno 750 Mali-G610 MC4

Connectivity

USB Version 3.2 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.2, Gen 2, OTG, DisplayPort, Accessory Connector USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 14 14
Maximum OS Version 17

Comparison Summary

Let's embark on a user-centered journey to explore the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro and the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. Rather than getting lost in a sea of specs, we'll weave a narrative that highlights how these devices translate technology into tangible user experiences.

Design and Usability Assessment

FeatureZTE nubia Red Magic 9 ProNothing Phone (2a) PlusUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignGaming-centric, vibrantMinimalist, glyph interfaceRed Magic caters to gamers; Nothing offers a unique, potentially distracting, aesthetic.
Interaction FlowPerformance-optimized, potentially complexStreamlined, gesture-focusedRed Magic prioritizes speed; Nothing aims for intuitive navigation.
Accessibility FeaturesStandard Android accessibilityPotential for glyph customizationBoth rely on Android's baseline, Nothing's glyphs could offer unique accessibility options.
Design ErgonomicsLarger, heavier (229g)Lighter, thinner (190g)Red Magic's size might be less comfortable for extended use; Nothing offers better portability.

Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration

Scenario: Imagine a mobile photography enthusiast, Sarah. The Red Magic 9 Pro's superior 8K video recording capability empowers Sarah to capture stunningly detailed videos of her travels. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus's lighter weight and sleeker design makes it more comfortable for her to carry throughout the day, capturing spontaneous moments with ease.

Design Choice Impact: The Red Magic prioritizes raw power for content creation, while the Nothing Phone emphasizes portability and ease of use for everyday photography.

Inclusive Technology Evaluation

User 1: A Gamer: The Red Magic's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and high refresh rate display offer a competitive edge.

User 2: A Casual User: The Nothing Phone's minimalist design and streamlined interface might be more appealing. The longer OS update commitment (Android 17) offers peace of mind.

Recommendation: User needs dictate the ideal choice. The Red Magic excels in performance-intensive tasks; the Nothing Phone prioritizes a balanced user experience.

Design-Centric Decision Framework

Beyond the numbers, the choice boils down to design philosophy. Do you prioritize raw power and a gaming-centric experience (Red Magic), or a minimalist aesthetic with unique interactive elements and a longer software update life (Nothing Phone)?

My Choice: The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus

While the Red Magic 9 Pro boasts impressive specifications, I would choose the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. My decision hinges on the holistic user experience. The Nothing Phone's lighter weight, sleeker design, and unique glyph interface resonate with my appreciation for thoughtful design and intuitive interaction. While I value performance, the Dimensity 7350 Pro is more than capable for my daily needs. The commitment to Android 17 demonstrates a dedication to long-term usability, a crucial factor in sustainable technology choices. The potential for the glyph interface to be customized for accessibility is also intriguing. Finally, the Nothing Phone's design feels fresher and more innovative, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to mobile technology that aligns with my personal values.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.