The ZTE Red Magic series has carved a niche for itself as a powerhouse of gaming smartphones. But with multiple models, choosing the right one can be tricky. We're pitting the Red Magic 5S against the Red Magic 5G Lite to help you decide which offers the best gaming experience for your budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Red Magic 5S is the clear winner for performance and charging speed, boasting a Snapdragon 865 and 55W charging. However, the 5G Lite offers a more budget-friendly entry point with decent performance and a lighter footprint. Choose the 5S if you prioritize raw power; the 5G Lite if you want a good gaming phone without breaking the bank.
| 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) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE (unspecified) |
| 5G bands | 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE-A, 5G 7.5 Gbps DL | HSPA, LTE-A, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 28 | 2020, June 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, August 01 | Available. Released 2020, June 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 168.6 x 78 x 9.8 mm (6.64 x 3.07 x 0.39 in) | 171.7 x 78.5 x 9.1 mm (6.76 x 3.09 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 220 g (7.76 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | Pressure sensitive zones (300Hz touch-sensing)
Built-in cooling fan | Touch sensitive gaming triggers |
| 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 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.65 inches, 108.6 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 144Hz | AMOLED, 144Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, Redmagic 3.0 | Android 10, nubia UI 8.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.0, 120˚, 13mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
2 MP, (macro) | - |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm | 12 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 32-bit/384kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, aptX, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.0, OTG, accessory connector | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, 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) | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 5100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver, Pulse | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | NX651J |
| Price | About 540 EUR | About 600 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 83h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-22.6 LUFS (Excellent)
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 557056 (v8)
GeekBench: 13400 (v4.4), 3386 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 46fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
ZTE nubia Red Magic 5S
- Superior Performance (Snapdragon 865)
- Blazing-Fast 55W Charging
- Excellent Battery Life (83h Endurance)
- Likely Higher Refresh Rate Display (144Hz)
- Potentially Better Camera System
- Higher Price
- Potentially Larger and Heavier
ZTE nubia Red Magic 5G Lite
- More Affordable
- Decent Gaming Performance (Snapdragon 765G)
- Good Battery Life
- Lighter and More Compact
- 5G Connectivity
- Slower Charging (18W)
- Less Powerful Processor
- Potentially Lower Refresh Rate Display (120Hz)
- Less Advanced Camera
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large AMOLED displays, crucial for immersive gaming. The 5S likely has a slightly higher refresh rate (144Hz vs 120Hz, based on typical Red Magic specs) and potentially better color accuracy, though both offer excellent visuals. The 5G Lite's display is still very good, providing a smooth and vibrant experience.
Camera Comparison
While gaming is the focus, camera capabilities matter. The 5S likely has a more advanced camera system, potentially with better image processing and video recording capabilities. The 5G Lite's camera is adequate for everyday use but won't compete with flagship devices. Specific camera specs are missing, so a direct comparison is difficult.
Performance
This is where the 5S truly shines. The Snapdragon 865 is significantly more powerful than the Snapdragon 765G. Expect smoother gameplay, faster loading times, and the ability to handle demanding games at higher settings on the 5S. The 5G Lite is still capable, but may struggle with the most graphically intensive titles.
Battery Life
The 5S boasts an impressive endurance rating of 83h, suggesting excellent battery life despite its powerful processor. The 5G Lite, while having a smaller battery, still provides solid battery life, but the 5S will likely last significantly longer on a single charge. The 5S's 55W charging is a game-changer compared to the 5G Lite's 18W.
Buying Guide
The ZTE nubia Red Magic 5S is ideal for hardcore mobile gamers who demand the absolute best performance, fastest charging, and don't mind paying a premium. The ZTE nubia Red Magic 5G Lite is perfect for casual gamers or those on a tighter budget who still want a dedicated gaming phone with a large screen and good battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Red Magic 5S worth the extra money?
If you're a serious mobile gamer who wants the best possible performance and charging speed, then yes. The Snapdragon 865 and 55W charging make a significant difference.
❓ Can the Red Magic 5G Lite handle demanding games?
Yes, but you may need to lower the graphics settings to maintain a smooth frame rate. It's a good option for casual gamers or those on a budget.
