ZTE Red Magic 3s vs Red Magic Mars: The Ultimate Gaming Phone Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Red Magic 3s clearly wins thanks to its Snapdragon 855+ chipset, offering significantly better performance. While the Mars is a capable device, the 3s's superior processing power and potentially better display make it the preferred choice for serious mobile gamers.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | ZTE nubia Red Magic 3s | ZTE nubia Red Magic Mars |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 66 - Global | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (7CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - NA | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2019, September | 2018, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2019, September | Available. Released 2018, December |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Dinorex T2X-1), aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 171.7 x 78.5 x 9.7 mm (6.76 x 3.09 x 0.38 in) | 158.2 x 75 x 9.9 mm (6.23 x 2.95 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 215 g (7.58 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| RGB light panel (on the back) Pressure sensitive zones Built-in cooling fan | RGB light panel (on the back) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | Dinorex T2X-1 scratch/shock resistant glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~388 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.65 inches, 108.6 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 485) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm) | Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 (700 MHz) | Adreno 630 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Redmagic 2.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Redmagic 1.0 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 10GB RAM |
| UFS 3.0 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF | 16 MP, f/1.8, PDAF |
| Video | 8K@15fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1920fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| 32-bit/384kHz audio | 32-bit/384kHz audio | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, aptX, LE | 5.0, A2DP, aptX, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, accessory connector | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC4 | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3800 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Mecha Silver, Cyber Shade, Eclipse Black | Black, Red, Camouflage |
| Models | NX629J_V1S | NX619J |
| Price | About 820 EUR | About 420 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | Noise -95.5dB / Crosstalk -92.4dB | - |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 115h | - |
| Camera | Photo / Video | - |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 69dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 84dB | - |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 358748 (v7), 495229 (v8) GeekBench: 11310 (v4.4) GFXBench: 37fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
ZTE nubia Red Magic 3s
- Significantly faster performance (Snapdragon 855+)
- Potentially better display (Infinite contrast ratio)
- Excellent battery life (115h endurance rating)
- Advanced cooling system (typical of Red Magic series)
- Higher price
- Camera not a primary focus
ZTE nubia Red Magic Mars
- More affordable
- Dedicated gaming features (shoulder buttons, cooling)
- Decent performance for the price
- Older chipset (Snapdragon 845)
- Potentially less vibrant display
- Slightly lower performance compared to 3s
Display Comparison
Both phones feature AMOLED displays with high refresh rates (likely 120Hz, though not explicitly stated in specs). The 3s boasts a contrast ratio of 'Infinite' (nominal), suggesting potentially better blacks and vibrancy, though real-world differences might be subtle. Screen size is likely similar, around 6.67 inches, with a full HD+ resolution. The 3s's slightly newer display technology could offer marginally improved color accuracy and brightness.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are not fully detailed, but both phones likely feature a multi-lens setup. The 3s, with its newer chipset, *may* have slightly improved image processing capabilities. However, both are primarily gaming phones, so camera performance isn't the primary focus. Expect decent, but not exceptional, camera quality from both.
Performance
This is where the 3s truly shines. The Snapdragon 855+ is a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 845. Expect noticeably faster load times, smoother gameplay, and better multitasking on the 3s. The 3s's CPU architecture also offers higher clock speeds, further contributing to its performance advantage. Both phones likely have ample RAM (8GB or more) and storage.
Battery Life
The Red Magic 3s boasts an endurance rating of 115h, suggesting excellent battery life. Both phones likely have a large battery capacity (around 4500-5000mAh), but the 3s's efficiency gains from the 855+ likely contribute to its superior endurance. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired.
Buying Guide
The ZTE nubia Red Magic 3s is ideal for hardcore mobile gamers who demand top-tier performance and are willing to pay a premium. The ZTE nubia Red Magic Mars is a good option for budget-conscious gamers who still want a dedicated gaming phone with decent performance and cooling.