ZTE Red Magic 8 Pro+ vs. nubia Z50 Ultra: Clash of the Titans
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Red Magic 8 Pro+ is the clear winner for gamers, boasting blistering 165W charging and dedicated cooling. The Z50 Ultra offers a more refined all-around experience with a potentially better camera and display, but sacrifices charging speed. Choose based on your priorities.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | ZTE nubia Red Magic 8 Pro+ | ZTE nubia Z50 Ultra |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE-A, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1x | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 26 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 28 | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 163.9 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm (6.45 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| 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 | - | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Unspecified | - |
| 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 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1300 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 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, MyOS 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| UFS 4.0 | UFS 4.0 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, Ring-LED, dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, under display | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, 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) | 64 MP, f/1.6, 35mm (standard), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/3.3, 85mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", PDAF, OIS, 3.3x optical zoom (vs. 26mm cam) 50 MP, f/2.X, 14mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), PDAF |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, under display | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | - | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 32-bit/384kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE Audio, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1+L2+L5), GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, accessory connector, DisplayPort | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG |
| 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, 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 | 165W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 14 min (advertised) | 80W wired, PD3.0, QC4 |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Transparent | Black, Silver, Starry Sky |
| Models | - | NX712J |
| Price | About 700 EUR | About 540 EUR |
ZTE nubia Red Magic 8 Pro+
- Blistering 165W charging
- Excellent gaming performance with advanced cooling
- High refresh rate display
- Dedicated gaming features (shoulder triggers)
- Camera not as strong as competitors
- Design may not appeal to everyone
- Software focused on gaming
ZTE nubia Z50 Ultra
- Potentially superior display quality
- Likely better camera system
- More refined design
- Balanced feature set for everyday use
- Slower 80W charging
- May experience more thermal throttling during extended gaming
- Fewer dedicated gaming features
Display Comparison
The nubia Z50 Ultra likely features a slightly better display, potentially with higher peak brightness and more accurate color calibration, thanks to its focus on a premium experience. The Red Magic 8 Pro+ prioritizes refresh rate for smoother gaming, but may compromise slightly on overall display quality. Both use AMOLED panels with 120Hz refresh rates.
Camera Comparison
The nubia Z50 Ultra is expected to have a more versatile and higher-quality camera system, potentially with a larger main sensor and improved image processing. The Red Magic 8 Pro+’s camera is competent, but not its primary focus. Expect better low-light performance and dynamic range from the Z50 Ultra.
Performance
Both phones share the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, ensuring top-tier performance. However, the Red Magic 8 Pro+’s advanced cooling system will likely allow it to sustain peak performance for longer periods during demanding games, preventing throttling. The Z50 Ultra might experience slightly more thermal throttling under extended load.
Battery Life
The Red Magic 8 Pro+ absolutely dominates in this category with its 165W wired charging. It can charge from 0% to 100% in around 14 minutes. The Z50 Ultra’s 80W charging is still fast, but significantly slower.
Buying Guide
Buy the Red Magic 8 Pro+ if you're a serious mobile gamer who demands the absolute best performance and charging. Buy the nubia Z50 Ultra if you want a premium smartphone with a great display, camera, and a more balanced feature set for everyday use.