ZTE nubia Red Magic 7 vs Red Magic 7S: The Ultimate Gaming Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Red Magic 7S edges out the 7 thanks to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, offering improved performance and efficiency. While both are excellent gaming phones, the 7S's slight upgrades make it the preferable choice for serious mobile gamers willing to spend a bit more.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | ZTE nubia Red Magic 7 | ZTE nubia Red Magic 7S |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 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 | 2022, February 17 | 2022, July 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 21 | Available. Released 2022, July 15 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 170.6 x 78.3 x 9.5 mm (6.72 x 3.08 x 0.37 in) | 170.6 x 78.3 x 9.5 mm (6.72 x 3.08 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 (500Hz touch-sensing) Built-in cooling fan Aviation aluminum middle frame | Pressure sensitive zones (520Hz touch-sensing) Built-in cooling fan Aviation aluminum middle frame | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| 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 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors (China only), 165Hz, 700 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 1B colors (China only), 165Hz, 700 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 |
| OS | Android 12, Redmagic 5.0 | Android 12, Redmagic 5.5 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 256GB 18GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 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, f/2.4, (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, f/2.4, (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 | 5.2, 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/6e, 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 | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 120W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 17 min (China) 65W wired, PD3.0 (International) | 120W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 17 min (advertised) |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Obsidian, Pulsar, Supernova | Black, Gray |
| Models | NX679J | - |
| Price | About 630 EUR | About 590 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 89h | - |
| Camera | Photo / Video | - |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker | -22.7 LUFS (Excellent) | - |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 1056488 (v9) GeekBench: 3855(v5.1) GFXBench: 77fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
ZTE nubia Red Magic 7
- Excellent cooling system
- High refresh rate display
- Fast charging (120W)
- Competitive price
- Large battery capacity
- Performance can throttle under sustained load
- Camera quality is average
- Design is somewhat bulky
ZTE nubia Red Magic 7S
- Improved performance with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- Better power efficiency
- Refined design
- Fast charging (120W)
- Large battery capacity
- Higher price than the Red Magic 7
- Camera quality is still average
- Design is still bulky
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, offering incredibly smooth visuals. The Red Magic 7S may have slightly improved color accuracy and brightness due to minor panel refinements, but the difference is subtle. Both displays are excellent for gaming and media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is generally similar between the two. Both feature a triple-camera system with a primary sensor, ultrawide lens, and macro lens. Image quality is decent for a gaming phone, but not a primary strength. The 7S might have slightly improved image processing due to software updates, but don't expect a dramatic difference.
Performance
This is where the 7S shines. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a significant upgrade over the 8 Gen 1 in the 7. It offers better CPU and GPU performance, improved power efficiency, and reduced thermal throttling. Expect smoother gameplay, faster load times, and a more consistent experience, especially during extended gaming sessions. The 7S also benefits from potentially improved RAM management.
Battery Life
Both phones boast a large 5000mAh battery and 120W fast charging. The Red Magic 7 in China charges in 17 minutes, while the international version takes slightly longer (65W). The 7S also advertises 120W charging, but real-world results may vary. The 8+ Gen 1's improved efficiency in the 7S could translate to slightly better battery life under heavy load.
Buying Guide
The nubia Red Magic 7 is a great choice for gamers on a tighter budget who still want a powerful device with a high refresh rate display and robust cooling. The nubia Red Magic 7S is ideal for those who demand the absolute best performance, appreciate the refined design, and are willing to invest in a premium gaming experience.