The ZTE Red Magic series has consistently delivered powerful gaming phones, and the 6s and 6s Pro are no exception. But with subtle differences, choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect, helping you decide which device best suits your gaming needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Red Magic 6s Pro is the clear winner for most gamers, thanks to its blistering 120W charging, potentially improved cooling, and slightly enhanced features. However, the 6s offers excellent performance at a more accessible price point, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - China |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA - China |
| 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 | 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 18GB 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 | 5.1, A2DP, aptX, LE | 5.2, 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, 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 | 30W wired, PD3.0, QC5 | 120W wired, PD3.0, QC5, 100% in 17 min (China)
66W wired, PD3.0, QC5, 100% in 65 min (International) |
| Type | Li-Po 5050 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5050 mAh, non-removable - International modelLi-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable - China model |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Eclipse Black, Transparent | Eclipse Black, Transparent, White |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 600 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
- Excellent performance for the price
- Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display
- Responsive touch sampling rate
- Good cooling system
- Slower charging compared to Pro
- Camera performance is average
- Design might not appeal to everyone
ZTE nubia Red Magic 6s Pro
- Blazing-fast 120W charging (China) / 66W (International)
- Potentially superior cooling system
- Slightly improved display contrast
- Premium build quality
- Higher price
- Camera still not a priority
- Design is similar to the 6s
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.81-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 360Hz touch sampling rate, ensuring smooth visuals and responsive gameplay. The Pro model boasts a slightly higher contrast ratio (Infinite nominal) which may result in marginally better image quality, but the difference is likely subtle in real-world use. Both have under-display fingerprint sensors.
Camera Comparison
The Red Magic 6s typically features a 64MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The Pro model often includes a similar setup, but with potential improvements in image processing and low-light performance. Both phones prioritize gaming over photography, so don't expect flagship-level camera quality.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 888+ chipset, guaranteeing top-tier performance. However, the Pro model often incorporates a more advanced cooling system (likely a larger vapor chamber and more heat pipes) to sustain peak performance for longer periods during intense gaming sessions. This could translate to slightly more consistent frame rates in demanding games.
Battery Life
The Red Magic 6s has a 5000mAh battery. The Red Magic 6s Pro boasts a significantly faster charging speed – 120W in China (17 minutes to full) or 66W internationally (65 minutes). The Pro also claims an impressive endurance rating of 97 hours, suggesting excellent battery life, even with heavy usage.
Buying Guide
The ZTE nubia Red Magic 6s is ideal for gamers who prioritize value and don't need the absolute fastest charging or the most premium features. The Red Magic 6s Pro is for hardcore gamers who demand the best possible performance, lightning-fast charging, and are willing to pay a premium for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Red Magic 6s Pro worth the extra money?
If you prioritize the fastest charging speeds and potentially better sustained performance during long gaming sessions, then yes. Otherwise, the 6s offers excellent value.
❓ What is the difference in cooling between the 6s and 6s Pro?
While both have good cooling, the Pro model typically features a larger vapor chamber and more heat pipes, allowing it to maintain peak performance for longer periods.
