ZTE nubia Red Magic 5G vs Asus ROG Phone 3: The Ultimate Gaming Phone Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average gamer prioritizing longevity, the Asus ROG Phone 3 is the superior choice. Its significantly longer 120-hour endurance rating, coupled with the slightly more powerful Snapdragon 865+, outweighs the Red Magic 5G’s faster charging. However, users who frequently engage in marathon gaming sessions and value the quickest top-ups will appreciate the Red Magic 5G.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | ZTE nubia Red Magic 5G | Asus ROG Phone 3 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - A version |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 12, 17, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - A version |
| 5G bands | 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - A version |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE-A, 5G 7.5 Gbps DL | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G 4.4 Gbps DL |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 12 | 2020, July 22. Released 2020, July 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, March 19 | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 168.6 x 78 x 9.8 mm (6.64 x 3.07 x 0.39 in) | 171 x 78 x 9.9 mm (6.73 x 3.07 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 218 g (7.69 oz) | 240 g (8.47 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~388 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~391 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.65 inches, 108.6 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.59 inches, 106.6 cm2 (~79.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 144Hz | AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 650 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.10 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, Redmagic 3.0 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, ROG UI |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | 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) | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 11mm, 125˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro) |
| Video | 8K@15fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | Panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm | 24 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 0.9µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | - | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with DTS:X stereo speakers (2 dedicated amplifiers) |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, aptX, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.0, OTG, accessory connector | USB Type-C 3.1 (side), USB Type-C 2.0 (bottom), 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 | 55W wired, 56% in 15 min, 100% in 40 min (advertised) | 30W wired, PD3.0, QC4 10W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Eclipse Black, Hot Rod Red, Black, Mars Red, Cyber Neon, Transparent | Black Glare |
| Models | NX659J | ASUS_I003D, ZS661KS, I003DD, I003D |
| Price | $ 890.00 | About 650 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.74 W/kg (head) 1.50 W/kg (body) |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 83h | Endurance rating 120h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | -22.6 LUFS (Excellent) | -23.1 LUFS (Very good) |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 557056 (v8) GeekBench: 13370 (v4.4), 3387 (v5.1) GFXBench: 46fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | AnTuTu: 621932 (v8) GeekBench: 13306 (v4.4), 3386 (v5.1) GFXBench: 48fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
ZTE nubia Red Magic 5G
- Significantly faster 55W charging
- Aggressive cooling system (implied)
- Potentially more affordable price point (market dependent)
- Lower battery endurance (83h)
- Slightly less powerful chipset
- Camera likely a lower priority
Asus ROG Phone 3
- Superior battery life (120h endurance)
- More powerful Snapdragon 865+ chipset
- Brighter display (719 nits)
- Slower 30W charging
- Potentially higher price
- Larger size and weight (likely)
Display Comparison
Both devices feature displays with an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting excellent black levels. However, the ROG Phone 3 boasts a measured peak brightness of 719 nits, a crucial advantage for visibility in bright outdoor conditions. While both target gamers, the ROG Phone 3’s brighter display provides a more versatile viewing experience. Details regarding refresh rates and panel technology (e.g., AMOLED vs. LCD) are missing, but both are likely high refresh rate panels given the target audience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature photo and video capabilities, but neither is a standout in the camera department. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive comparison. The focus for both devices is clearly on gaming, and camera quality appears to be a secondary consideration. The presence of a 'Photo / Video' specification suggests basic functionality, but users shouldn't expect flagship-level image quality.
Performance
The Asus ROG Phone 3 edges out the Red Magic 5G with its Snapdragon 865+ chipset, clocked at 3.10 GHz versus the Red Magic 5G’s 2.84 GHz Snapdragon 865. This higher clock speed translates to a slight performance advantage in demanding games and applications. Both utilize an octa-core configuration with the same Cortex-A77 and A55 core arrangement, but the ROG Phone 3’s processor is binned for higher sustained performance. Thermal management is critical; while both phones likely employ advanced cooling solutions, the ROG Phone 3’s chipset offers a higher thermal headroom.
Battery Life
The ROG Phone 3’s 120-hour endurance rating is a significant advantage over the Red Magic 5G’s 83-hour rating. This translates to considerably longer gaming sessions and less frequent charging. While the Red Magic 5G offers incredibly fast 55W wired charging (reaching 56% in 15 minutes and 100% in 40 minutes), the ROG Phone 3’s 30W charging, while slower, is still respectable and benefits from PD3.0 and QC4 compatibility. The ROG Phone 3 also includes 10W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Red Magic 5G.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE nubia Red Magic 5G if you need the fastest possible charging speeds and prioritize minimizing downtime between gaming sessions. Its 55W charging is a clear advantage for those who game heavily throughout the day. Buy the Asus ROG Phone 3 if you prefer extended battery life and a more consistently powerful experience. The 120-hour endurance rating and Snapdragon 865+ chipset provide a more reliable and sustained gaming performance.