ZTE Red Magic 7 Pro vs. Red Magic 8 Pro+: The Ultimate Gaming Phone Comparison

The ZTE Red Magic series has consistently delivered powerful gaming phones, and the 7 Pro and 8 Pro+ are no exception. But with a new generation comes significant upgrades. This comparison dives deep into the specs, performance, and features of these two titans to help you decide which one deserves your money.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Red Magic 8 Pro+ is the clear winner, boasting a newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, significantly faster charging, and likely improved camera capabilities. However, the 7 Pro remains a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers seeking high performance.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE nubia Red Magic 7 Pro ZTE nubia Red Magic 8 Pro+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International LTE
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International, China SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE-A, 5GHSPA, LTE-A, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - ChinaCDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2022, February 172022, December 26
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, February 28Available. Released 2022, December 28
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frameGlass front, glass back, aluminum frame
Dimensions166.3 x 77.1 x 10 mm (6.55 x 3.04 x 0.39 in)164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)
SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight235 g (8.29 oz)230 g (8.11 oz)
 Pressure sensitive zones (500Hz touch-sensing) Built-in cooling fan Aviation aluminum middle framePressure sensitive zones (520Hz touch-sensing) Built-in cooling fan Aviation aluminum middle frame
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Unspecified
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~387 ppi density)1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors (China only), 120Hz, 600 nitsAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 740
OSAndroid 12, Redmagic 5.0Android 13, Redmagic OS 6
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 18GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 4.0
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, under display
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, under display
Video1080p@30/60fps1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 32-bit/384kHz audio32-bit/384kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, aptX, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.0, OTG, accessory connectorUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG, accessory connector, DisplayPort
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging135W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 15 min (China) 65W wired, PD3.0 (Global)165W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 14 min (advertised)
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsObsidian, Pulsar, SupernovaBlack, Transparent
ModelsNX709J-
PriceAbout 800 EURAbout 700 EUR
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 64h -
Camera Photo / Video-
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)-
Loudspeaker -22.6 LUFS (Excellent) -
Performance AnTuTu: 1056511(v9) GeekBench: 3845 (v5.1) GFXBench: 77fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

ZTE nubia Red Magic 7 Pro

  • Excellent performance for the price
  • High refresh rate display
  • Robust cooling system
  • Long battery life
  • Fast charging (135W in China)

  • Older chipset
  • Camera performance could be better
  • Design may not appeal to everyone
  • Global charging speed is slower (65W)

ZTE nubia Red Magic 8 Pro+

  • Latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
  • Blazing-fast 165W charging
  • Improved camera system (expected)
  • Enhanced cooling system
  • Premium design and build quality

  • Higher price
  • Battery life may be slightly shorter than the 7 Pro
  • Availability may be limited in some regions

Display Comparison

Both phones feature AMOLED displays with high refresh rates (120Hz on the 7 Pro, likely 120Hz or higher on the 8 Pro+). The 8 Pro+ is expected to have a slightly brighter display and potentially improved color accuracy. The 7 Pro's display is excellent, but the 8 Pro+ likely offers a more premium visual experience. Both have under-display fingerprint sensors.

Camera Comparison

While both phones offer capable camera systems, the 8 Pro+ is expected to have a significant upgrade. The 7 Pro's camera is decent for a gaming phone, but the 8 Pro+ should deliver noticeably better image quality, especially in low light, and improved video recording capabilities. Specific sensor details are needed for a more precise comparison.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the 8 Pro+ provides a substantial performance boost over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the 7 Pro. Expect faster app loading times, smoother gameplay, and better multitasking on the 8 Pro+. Both phones feature advanced cooling systems to prevent throttling during extended gaming sessions, but the 8 Pro+ likely has an improved system.

Battery Life

The 7 Pro boasts an impressive 64-hour endurance rating. The 8 Pro+ has a slightly smaller battery but compensates with significantly faster 165W charging (vs. 65W global version of the 7 Pro). While the 7 Pro might offer slightly longer battery life under heavy use, the 8 Pro+'s charging speed is a game-changer.

Buying Guide

The ZTE nubia Red Magic 7 Pro is ideal for gamers on a tighter budget who still want a powerful gaming experience with a high refresh rate display and robust cooling. The ZTE nubia Red Magic 8 Pro+ is for serious gamers who demand the absolute best performance, fastest charging, and the latest technology, regardless of price.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Red Magic 8 Pro+ worth the upgrade from the Red Magic 7 Pro?
If you prioritize performance, charging speed, and camera improvements, then yes. However, the 7 Pro remains a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers.
❓ What is the cooling system like on each phone?
Both phones feature advanced cooling systems with vapor chambers and multiple layers of heat dissipation. The 8 Pro+ likely has a more refined and efficient system due to its newer design.