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

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date November 23, 2023 January 29, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 111.51 cm³ 105.17 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 2.97 "/g 3.42 "/g
Weight 229 g 196 g
Height 164 mm 161.5 mm
Width 76.4 mm 74 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm 8.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Sleet (Black)
  • Snowfall (Silver)
  • Cyclone (Transparent Black)
  • Submarine Blue
  • Navigator Beige
  • Explorer Red

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 % 90.4 %
Pixel Density 400 PPI 394 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 800 nits
Peak Brightness 1600 nits 950 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 140.57 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 58.29 mAh/cm³ 47.54 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 6500 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (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 (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 750 Adreno 710

Connectivity

USB Version 3.2 2.0
OTG Support 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

Software

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

Comparison Summary

Let's dive into a user-centered comparison of the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro and the Realme 12 Pro+, transforming technical jargon into engaging narratives.

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

FeatureRed Magic 9 ProRealme 12 Pro+User Experience Impact
Interface DesignGaming-centric, customizableSleek, minimalistRed Magic caters to power users; Realme offers broader appeal.
Interaction FlowPerformance-optimized, potentially overwhelmingStreamlined, intuitiveRed Magic prioritizes speed; Realme emphasizes ease of use.
Accessibility FeaturesStandard Android accessibility optionsStandard Android accessibility optionsBoth offer basic accessibility but lack specialized gaming-related accessibility in Red Magic's case (e.g., customizable button mapping for diverse needs).
Design ErgonomicsLarger, heavier (229g)Lighter, slimmer (196g)Red Magic's size might hinder one-handed use; Realme provides better portability.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario: Imagine a mobile gamer, Sarah, and a photography enthusiast, Alex.

  • Sarah with the Red Magic 9 Pro: Sarah immerses herself in a graphically demanding game. The phone's powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 120Hz AMOLED display deliver a breathtaking visual experience. The built-in cooling system prevents overheating during marathon gaming sessions. The customizable shoulder triggers give her a competitive edge. However, carrying the bulky phone in her pocket all day is less than ideal.

  • Alex with the Realme 12 Pro+: Alex captures stunning photos with the Realme's advanced camera system. The vibrant AMOLED display showcases the images beautifully. While editing photos, the phone's sleek design feels comfortable in their hand. The lighter weight makes it easy to carry around during a day of exploring and shooting. However, Alex occasionally wishes for more processing power when working with large image files.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

  • For Gamers: The Red Magic 9 Pro offers unparalleled performance. However, its gaming-centric design might feel overwhelming for casual users.
  • For Everyday Users: The Realme 12 Pro+ strikes a balance between performance, aesthetics, and usability.
  • For Users with Accessibility Needs: Both devices offer standard Android accessibility features. However, dedicated gaming accessibility options are lacking.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

The choice depends on individual priorities:

  • Prioritize Performance and Gaming: Red Magic 9 Pro
  • Prioritize Balance, Aesthetics, and Portability: Realme 12 Pro+

My Choice: Realme 12 Pro+

While I appreciate the raw power of the Red Magic 9 Pro, the Realme 12 Pro+ better aligns with my philosophy of user-centered design. Its balanced approach offers excellent everyday usability, a sleek aesthetic, and commendable performance for its price range. The lighter weight and slimmer profile significantly enhance portability, making it a more enjoyable companion throughout the day. While the Red Magic clearly targets a niche gaming audience, the Realme caters to a broader range of users, seamlessly blending performance with practicality. For me, technology should empower and delight without being cumbersome or intimidating, and the Realme 12 Pro+ achieves this balance more effectively.

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.