The ZTE Red Magic series has consistently delivered powerful gaming phones at competitive prices. The Red Magic 6s and 6s Pro build upon this legacy, but with key differences. This comparison dives deep into what sets these two devices apart, helping you decide which one deserves a spot in your pocket.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Red Magic 6s Pro is the clear winner for those prioritizing charging speed and potentially slightly improved cooling. However, the Red Magic 6s remains a compelling option, offering similar performance at a lower price point, especially if you don't need the ultra-fast charging.
| 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, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - China | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA - China | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE-A, 5G | HSPA, LTE-A, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 06 | 2021, September 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 27 | Available. Released 2021, September 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 169.9 x 77.2 x 9.5 mm (6.69 x 3.04 x 0.37 in) | 169.9 x 77.2 x 9.5 mm (6.69 x 3.04 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 215 g (7.58 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | Pressure sensitive zones (450Hz touch-sensing)
Sliding trigger on the back
Built-in cooling fan
RGB Light | Pressure sensitive zones (450Hz touch-sensing)
Sliding trigger on the back
Built-in cooling fan
RGB Light |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~387 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~387 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 165Hz, 700 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 165Hz, 700 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 660 |
| OS | Android 11, Redmagic 4.5 | Android 11, Redmagic 4.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 18GB RAM | 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.0, 120˚, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP, (macro) | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.0, 120˚, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP, (macro) |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 32-bit/384kHz audio | 32-bit/384kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, aptX, LE | 5.1, A2DP, aptX, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.0, OTG, accessory connector | USB Type-C 3.0, OTG, accessory connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, 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, heart rate | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, heart rate |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 120W wired, PD3.0, QC5, 100% in 17 min (China)
66W wired, PD3.0, QC5, 100% in 65 min (International) | 30W wired, PD3.0, QC5 |
| Type | Li-Po 5050 mAh, non-removable - International modelLi-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable - China model | Li-Po 5050 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Eclipse Black, Transparent, White | Eclipse Black, Transparent |
| Price | About 600 EUR | About 500 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 97h
| - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-21.4 LUFS (Excellent)
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 758329 (v8), 870708 (v9)
GeekBench: 14612 (v4.4), 3664 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 62fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6s Pro
- Blazing-fast 120W charging (China) / 66W (International)
- Excellent performance with Snapdragon 888+
- High refresh rate AMOLED display
- Dedicated gaming features (shoulder triggers)
- Large battery capacity
- Higher price
- Camera performance is average
- International version has slower charging
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6s
- More affordable
- Excellent performance with Snapdragon 888+
- High refresh rate AMOLED display
- Dedicated gaming features (shoulder triggers)
- Large battery capacity
- Slower 30W charging
- Camera performance is average
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.81-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering a vibrant and smooth gaming experience. While both boast excellent color accuracy and brightness, the Pro version *may* have slightly better color calibration and potentially a marginally improved peak brightness, though this is difficult to definitively confirm without direct testing. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio mentioned for the Pro is a marketing term, but the display quality is still exceptional.
Camera Comparison
The camera systems are largely similar. Both typically feature a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality is decent but not a primary strength of either device. The Pro *may* have slightly improved image processing algorithms, but the difference is unlikely to be significant for casual users.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 888+ chipset, ensuring flagship-level performance. The Pro version *might* have slightly better sustained performance due to potentially improved cooling solutions (often a larger vapor chamber), preventing throttling during extended gaming sessions. However, for most games, the performance difference will be minimal. Both phones handle demanding titles with ease.
Battery Life
This is where the biggest difference lies. The Red Magic 6s Pro boasts a staggering 120W wired charging (in China) or 66W (International), allowing for incredibly fast charging times. The Red Magic 6s, on the other hand, has a much slower 30W charging. Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, so battery life between charges will be similar if charging isn't a factor.
Buying Guide
The ZTE nubia Red Magic 6s Pro is ideal for hardcore mobile gamers who demand the fastest charging speeds and potentially slightly better sustained performance under heavy load. The ZTE nubia Red Magic 6s is a great choice for gamers on a budget who still want a powerful phone with a great display and solid performance, and don't require the extreme charging capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Red Magic 6s Pro worth the extra money?
If you prioritize incredibly fast charging and potentially slightly better sustained performance during long gaming sessions, then yes. Otherwise, the Red Magic 6s offers excellent value for money.
❓ Do both phones have shoulder triggers?
Yes, both the Red Magic 6s Pro and the Red Magic 6s feature the signature shoulder triggers for enhanced gaming control.
