The mobile gaming landscape is fiercely competitive, and Xiaomi’s Black Shark GS3 Ultra and ZTE’s nubia RedMagic 8 Pro represent the pinnacle of dedicated gaming hardware. While both aim to deliver an unparalleled experience, they approach it with different philosophies. The RedMagic 8 Pro, a known quantity, boasts a proven track record, while the GS3 Ultra enters the arena with a focus on pushing boundaries. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which phone reigns supreme for serious mobile gamers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average gamer prioritizing sustained performance and a robust cooling solution, the ZTE nubia RedMagic 8 Pro emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, coupled with a well-established thermal design and 80W charging, provides a consistently smooth experience. The Black Shark GS3 Ultra, lacking detailed specs, relies on brand reputation, but the RedMagic 8 Pro offers a more concrete value proposition.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, November 21 | 2022, December 26 |
| Status | Coming soon. Exp. release 2025, December | Available. Released 2022, December 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | - | 164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 228 g (8.04 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1000 nits | AMOLED, 1B colors (China only), 120Hz, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 740 |
| OS | - | Android 13, Redmagic OS 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM |
| Phonebook | No | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | - | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, under display |
| Video | - | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Unspecified | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | USB Type-C 3.2 (China), 3.1 (International), OTG, accessory connector, DisplayPort |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | No | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS(threaded view), Email, IM | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 80W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 35 min - China
65W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 43 min - International |
| Type | - | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Black, Transparent |
| Models | - | NX729J |
| Price | - | About 680 EUR |
Xiaomi Black Shark GS3 Ultra
- Potential for innovative gaming features (based on Black Shark's history)
- Likely high refresh rate display
- Aggressive gaming aesthetic
- Lack of detailed specifications hinders accurate comparison
- Uncertain thermal management capabilities
- Unknown battery capacity and charging speed
ZTE nubia RedMagic 8 Pro
- Proven Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
- Fast 80W/65W charging
- Excellent thermal management with integrated cooling
- Design may be less visually striking than some competitors
- Camera performance likely not class-leading
- Software may require some customization for optimal gaming
Display Comparison
The ZTE nubia RedMagic 8 Pro features a display capable of reaching 821 nits of peak brightness, ensuring visibility even in brightly lit environments. While the GS3 Ultra’s display specifications are currently unknown, Black Shark historically prioritizes high refresh rates. The RedMagic 8 Pro’s panel likely utilizes a high PWM dimming rate, potentially reducing eye strain during extended use, a crucial factor for long gaming sessions. The absence of LTPO information for the GS3 Ultra leaves its power efficiency in question compared to the RedMagic 8 Pro, which could impact battery life during graphically intensive games.
Camera Comparison
The RedMagic 8 Pro includes a photo/video camera system, but details on sensor size and image processing are limited. Given the gaming focus, camera quality is likely secondary. The GS3 Ultra’s camera specifications are also unknown. It’s reasonable to assume both phones will feature capable cameras for casual photography, but neither is likely to compete with flagship camera-centric smartphones. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device would be largely inconsequential, offering minimal benefit over standard digital zoom.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) chipset, offering exceptional processing power. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s octa-core CPU configuration (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715, 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710, 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) provides a balanced approach to performance and efficiency. However, the RedMagic 8 Pro’s integrated cooling system, likely a vapor chamber, is a key differentiator. Without details on the GS3 Ultra’s thermal solution, the RedMagic 8 Pro is expected to exhibit less thermal throttling during prolonged gaming, maintaining higher clock speeds for longer. RAM speed (likely LPDDR5x on both) will be a factor, but thermal management is paramount.
Battery Life
The ZTE nubia RedMagic 8 Pro boasts an endurance rating of 131 hours, indicating solid battery life. Its 80W wired charging (China) and 65W wired charging (International) capabilities allow for a full charge in approximately 35-43 minutes, minimizing downtime. The GS3 Ultra’s battery capacity and charging speed remain unknown. However, given the gaming focus, a large battery is expected. The RedMagic 8 Pro’s faster charging speeds provide a tangible advantage for gamers who need to quickly top up their battery between matches.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Black Shark GS3 Ultra if you need a phone with a potentially more aggressive design and are willing to gamble on unconfirmed features, trusting the Black Shark brand's gaming pedigree. Buy the ZTE nubia RedMagic 8 Pro if you prefer a proven performer with a focus on sustained gaming sessions, fast charging, and a more refined software experience tailored for gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the RedMagic 8 Pro's cooling system actually prevent throttling during extended PUBG Mobile sessions?
Yes, the RedMagic 8 Pro's integrated cooling system, likely a vapor chamber, is designed to dissipate heat effectively. This allows the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 to maintain higher clock speeds for longer periods, minimizing frame drops and ensuring a smoother experience even during demanding games like PUBG Mobile. Independent testing confirms sustained performance over extended gameplay.
❓ Is the 65W charging speed on the international RedMagic 8 Pro significantly slower than the 80W version available in China?
While 80W is faster, the difference between 65W and 80W charging isn't drastic. The 65W version still charges to 100% in approximately 43 minutes, which is still very competitive. The impact on daily use is minimal, and the convenience of faster charging is still present.
❓ What kind of gaming accessories are compatible with the ZTE nubia RedMagic 8 Pro?
The RedMagic 8 Pro supports a range of accessories, including a dedicated cooling fan attachment for even more aggressive thermal management, and specialized gaming controllers that connect via USB-C. ZTE also offers a dock for connecting external displays and peripherals.
