The ZTE Red Magic series has consistently delivered powerful gaming phones, and the 8 Pro and 8 Pro+ are no exception. Both boast the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, but significant differences exist. This comprehensive comparison will break down the key distinctions to help you choose the best device for your mobile gaming needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Red Magic 8 Pro+ takes the crown with its blistering 165W charging and potentially improved cooling. However, the 8 Pro remains a compelling option, offering excellent performance and a longer battery life, all at a more accessible price point. It's a trade-off between speed and endurance.
| 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 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 66, 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, December 26 | 2022, December 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 28 | Available. Released 2022, December 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 230 g (8.11 oz) | 228 g (8.04 oz) |
| | Pressure sensitive zones (520Hz 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 | Unspecified | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1300 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors (China only), 120Hz, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 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) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 740 | Adreno 740 |
| OS | Android 13, Redmagic OS 6 | Android 13, Redmagic OS 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM |
| | UFS 4.0 | UFS 4.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, under display | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, under display |
| Triple | 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) | 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) |
| 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 | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, under display | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, under display |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, accessory connector, DisplayPort | USB Type-C 3.2 (China), 3.1 (International), OTG, accessory connector, DisplayPort |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 165W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 14 min (advertised) | 80W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 35 min (advertised) - China
65W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 43 min (advertised) - International |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 6000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Transparent | Black, Transparent |
| Models | - | NX729J |
| Price | About 700 EUR | $ 659.00 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 131h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-24.1 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 1288866 (v9)
GeekBench: 5211 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 97fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
ZTE nubia Red Magic 8 Pro+
- Blazing-fast 165W charging
- Potentially improved cooling for sustained performance
- Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
- High refresh rate AMOLED display
- Higher price point
- Potential for reduced battery longevity due to fast charging
- Camera details are limited
ZTE nubia Red Magic 8 Pro
- Excellent value for money
- Longer battery life (131h endurance rating)
- Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
- High refresh rate AMOLED display
- Slower 80W/65W charging
- Potentially less effective cooling compared to 8 Pro+
- Camera details are limited
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a smooth and immersive gaming experience. The 8 Pro+ may have slightly improved color accuracy or brightness, but the difference is likely minimal. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio claim on the 8 Pro is a marketing term, as all AMOLED displays offer excellent contrast.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse in the provided specs. Both likely feature a triple-camera system with a primary sensor, ultrawide, and macro lens. Expect similar image quality in good lighting conditions, but the 8 Pro+ might offer slightly better low-light performance or video recording capabilities due to potential hardware or software optimizations. Further testing is needed to confirm.
Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, both phones deliver flagship-level performance. However, the 8 Pro+'s potentially enhanced cooling system (rumored vapor chamber improvements) could allow it to sustain peak performance for longer periods during intense gaming sessions. Real-world performance differences will depend on the specific game and settings.
Battery Life
The 8 Pro boasts a significantly longer endurance rating (131h) compared to the 8 Pro+. This suggests a larger battery capacity and/or more efficient power management. The 8 Pro+'s 165W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups, but it may impact long-term battery health.
Buying Guide
The Red Magic 8 Pro+ is ideal for gamers who prioritize ultra-fast charging and are willing to pay a premium. The Red Magic 8 Pro is a better choice for those seeking a balance of performance, battery life, and value, especially if rapid charging isn't a top priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Red Magic 8 Pro+ worth the extra cost?
If ultra-fast charging and potentially better sustained performance are crucial for your gaming, then yes. Otherwise, the 8 Pro offers excellent value.
❓ How does the cooling system compare between the two phones?
While both have active cooling, the 8 Pro+ is rumored to have an improved vapor chamber, potentially leading to better thermal management during prolonged gaming.
