ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro vs OnePlus 12 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
OnePlus 12
OnePlus 12
Oneplus

General

Launch Date November 23, 2023 December 11, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 111.51 cm³ 114.58 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 2.97 "/g 3.1 "/g
Weight 229 g 220 g
Height 164 mm 164.3 mm
Width 76.4 mm 75.8 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm 9.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Sleet (Black)
  • Snowfall (Silver)
  • Cyclone (Transparent Black)
  • Flowy Emerald
  • Silky Black
  • Silver (Glacial White)

Display

Screen Size 6.8 " 6.82 "
Resolution 1116 x 2480 1440 x 3168
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.1 % 90.8 %
Pixel Density 400 PPI 510 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 600 nits
HBM Brightness N/A 1600 nits
Peak Brightness 1600 nits 4500 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 140.57 mAh/in² 116.10 mAh/in²
Battery Density 58.29 mAh/cm³ 47.13 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 6500 mAh 5400 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (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 (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Adreno 750 Adreno 750

Connectivity

USB Version 3.2 3.2
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 3.2, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 14 14
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureZTE nubia Red Magic 9 ProOnePlus 12Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm164.3 x 75.8 x 9.2 mmVirtually identical in size, though the OnePlus 12 is slightly thicker. Negligible difference in hand feel.
Weight229g220gThe Red Magic 9 Pro is slightly heavier, but the difference is minimal in practical use.
Display
Size6.8"6.82"Negligible difference in screen real estate.
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors (China only), 120HzLTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120HzBoth offer smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. The LTPO display on the OnePlus 12 allows for dynamic refresh rate adjustment, potentially saving battery life. The wider color gamut availability of the OnePlus 12 globally is a significant advantage.
Resolution1116 x 24801440 x 3168The OnePlus 12 boasts a significantly sharper display with higher pixel density (510 ppi vs 400 ppi), resulting in crisper text and images.
Peak Brightness1600 nits4500 nitsThe OnePlus 12 offers significantly higher peak brightness, ensuring superior outdoor visibility in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 3Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Identical chipsets offer top-tier performance in both devices.
CPUOcta-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)Identical CPU configurations resulting in equal processing power.
GPUAdreno 750Adreno 750Identical GPUs ensuring comparable gaming and graphics performance.
RAM16GB16GBBoth phones offer ample RAM for smooth multitasking and demanding applications.
Storage512GB512GBBoth phones offer ample storage for most users. No expandable storage mentioned for either.
Battery
Capacity6500 mAh5400 mAhThe Red Magic 9 Pro has a significantly larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life.
Camera
Video Capabilities8K@30fps, 4K@ various fps, 1080p at various fps8K@24fps, 4K@ various fps, 1080p at various fps up to 480fpsBoth offer a wide range of video recording options. OnePlus 12 adds HDR and EIS across all video modes and higher slow-motion capabilities (480fps). More detailed camera specs (sensor size, aperture) are needed for in-depth comparison.

2. Key Differences Analysis

ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: Significantly larger battery capacity suggests longer usage time between charges.

OnePlus 12 Advantages:

  • Superior Display: Sharper, brighter display with LTPO technology for better power efficiency and outdoor visibility.
  • Enhanced Video Recording: HDR and EIS across all video modes, along with higher slow-motion capabilities.

Trade-offs:

  • Battery Life vs. Display Quality: The Red Magic 9 Pro prioritizes battery life, while the OnePlus 12 emphasizes display quality.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro: Ideal for users who prioritize long battery life and extensive usage without frequent charging. Suitable for heavy gamers and power users.

OnePlus 12: Ideal for users who value a premium visual experience with a sharp, bright display. Suitable for content consumption, photography enthusiasts, and users who demand the best display technology.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. How important is battery life to you?
  2. Do you prioritize display quality and brightness?
  3. What is your budget and what features are most valuable to you?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Heavy User/Gamer: Red Magic 9 Pro for its larger battery.
  • Content Consumer/Photographer: OnePlus 12 for its superior display and video capabilities.

My Choice: OnePlus 12

While the Red Magic 9 Pro offers a larger battery, the OnePlus 12's superior display, enhanced video capabilities, and potentially better power efficiency due to the LTPO panel make it a more compelling overall package for me. The significantly sharper and brighter screen is a major factor in my decision, as I value a high-quality visual experience. While battery life is important, I'm willing to compromise slightly for the significant improvements in display quality and features. The lack of detailed camera specifications makes a complete assessment difficult, but the advantages in video features on the OnePlus 12 lean me towards it.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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