The Lenovo Legion Pro and ZTE nubia Red Magic 5G represent two distinct approaches to the mobile gaming market. The Legion Pro aims for a more balanced flagship experience, while the Red Magic 5G is laser-focused on maximizing gaming performance and battery endurance. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device reigns supreme for dedicated mobile gamers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average gamer prioritizing sustained performance and faster charging, the Lenovo Legion Pro emerges as the winner. Its variable charging speeds, peaking at 90W, significantly reduce downtime, and the slightly higher clocked CPU offers a marginal, but measurable, performance edge.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 12, 17, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat15 800/210 Mbps, 5G 2.5 Gbps DL | HSPA, LTE-A, 5G 7.5 Gbps DL |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 22. Released 2020, July 30 | 2020, March 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, March 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 169.2 x 78.5 x 9.9 mm (6.66 x 3.09 x 0.39 in) | 168.6 x 78 x 9.8 mm (6.64 x 3.07 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 239 g (8.43 oz) | 218 g (7.69 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~388 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~388 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.65 inches, 108.6 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.65 inches, 108.6 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+ | AMOLED, 144Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.09 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 10, Legion OS/ ZUI12 | Android 10, Redmagic 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
16 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.0, 13mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
2 MP, (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps gyro-EIS | 8K@15fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | HDR |
| Single | Motorized pop-up 20 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.1", 0.9µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.1, A2DP, aptX, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | Two USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 3.0, OTG, accessory connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, (128GB 8GB RAM model)
65W wired, (128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM models)
90W wired, 50% in 10 min, 100% in 30 min (512GB 16GB RAM model) | 55W wired, 56% in 15 min, 100% in 40 min (advertised) |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Vengeance Red, Blazing Blue, White | Eclipse Black, Hot Rod Red, Black, Mars Red, Cyber Neon, Transparent |
| Models | L79031 | NX659J |
| Price | - | $ 890.00 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 83h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-22.6 LUFS (Excellent) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 557056 (v8)
GeekBench: 13370 (v4.4), 3387 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 46fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Lenovo Legion Pro
- Faster charging speeds (up to 90W)
- Slightly higher CPU clock speed
- Potentially better thermal management due to larger chassis
- Battery capacity not specified
- Camera specifications unknown
ZTE nubia Red Magic 5G
- Exceptional battery life (83h endurance rating)
- Infinite contrast ratio (potentially superior display)
- Dedicated gaming focus
- Slower charging speed (55W)
- Lower CPU clock speed
Display Comparison
Both devices utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G chipset built on a 7nm+ process, ensuring comparable efficiency. However, the Red Magic 5G explicitly states an infinite contrast ratio, suggesting a VA-type panel optimized for deep blacks, potentially enhancing immersion in dark game scenes. The Legion Pro’s display specifications are not provided, so we can only assume it utilizes a standard AMOLED panel. Bezels are likely minimal on both, given their gaming focus, but detailed measurements are unavailable. Color accuracy is also unspecified for both, making a direct comparison impossible without testing.
Camera Comparison
Camera details for the Red Magic 5G are limited to 'Photo / Video,' offering no specifics on sensor size or capabilities. The Legion Pro’s camera specifications are also absent, making a meaningful comparison impossible. Given the gaming focus of both devices, camera quality is likely a secondary consideration. It’s reasonable to assume both will offer adequate performance for casual photography, but neither is positioned as a camera-centric flagship.
Performance
While both phones are powered by the Snapdragon 865 5G, the Lenovo Legion Pro features a slightly higher clocked CPU – 3.09 GHz Cortex-A77 versus 2.84 GHz on the Red Magic 5G. This difference, though small, can translate to marginally faster processing in CPU-intensive tasks and potentially higher sustained frame rates in demanding games. Both utilize the same CPU core configuration (1x Cortex-A77, 3x Cortex-A77, 4x Cortex-A55). Thermal management is a critical factor; the Red Magic 5G’s dedicated gaming focus likely includes an advanced cooling system, but the Legion Pro’s larger chassis may offer more space for heat dissipation. RAM configurations are also important, with the Legion Pro offering up to 16GB, potentially aiding multitasking and future-proofing.
Battery Life
The ZTE nubia Red Magic 5G boasts an endurance rating of 83 hours, indicating exceptional battery life. While the Legion Pro’s battery capacity is not specified, its charging speeds vary significantly based on RAM configuration. The 512GB/16GB model supports 90W charging, achieving 100% charge in just 30 minutes, a substantial advantage over the Red Magic 5G’s advertised 100% charge in 40 minutes with its 55W charging. The 128GB/8GB Legion Pro model charges at 45W, and the 128GB/12GB and 256GB/12GB models at 65W. This tiered charging system suggests Lenovo prioritizes battery health by reducing stress at lower charge levels.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Legion Pro if you need a well-rounded flagship experience with exceptionally fast charging, a more versatile feature set beyond gaming, and appreciate the benefits of a variable charging system tailored to battery health. Buy the ZTE nubia Red Magic 5G if you prioritize maximum battery life, a dedicated gaming aesthetic, and are willing to trade charging speed for extended playtime, and a potentially lower price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Lenovo Legion Pro's variable charging affect long-term battery health?
Yes, the tiered charging system (45W, 65W, 90W) is designed to minimize battery degradation. Lower wattage charging is used for the initial stages of charging, reducing heat and stress on the battery, while the higher wattage is reserved for faster top-ups when needed.
❓ Is the Red Magic 5G's cooling system effective enough to prevent throttling during extended gaming sessions?
The Red Magic 5G is specifically engineered for gaming, and its cooling system (details unspecified) is likely highly effective. However, sustained performance will still depend on ambient temperature and the intensity of the game being played. The Legion Pro's larger chassis *may* offer a more passive cooling advantage.
❓ Will either phone run Genshin Impact at 60fps on maximum settings?
Both phones, powered by the Snapdragon 865 5G, are capable of running Genshin Impact at high frame rates. However, maintaining a stable 60fps on maximum settings will likely require some graphical adjustments, especially during intense combat sequences. Thermal throttling could also become a factor during prolonged gameplay.
