The ZTE Red Magic series has consistently delivered powerful gaming phones, and the 8 Pro and 8 Pro+ are no exception. Both pack the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, but significant differences exist. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which model best suits your gaming needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Red Magic 8 Pro+ is the clear winner for those prioritizing blazing-fast charging and potentially a slightly improved camera system (though details are limited). However, the 8 Pro offers excellent value with its still-impressive specs and a more accessible price point. It's a tough choice, but the 8 Pro+'s charging speed is a game-changer.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 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 (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front, 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 | 228 g (8.04 oz) | 230 g (8.11 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 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | 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 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors (China only), 120Hz, 1300 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 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 | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 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 (China), 3.1 (International), OTG, accessory connector, DisplayPort | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, accessory connector, DisplayPort |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, 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 | 80W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 35 min (advertised) - China
65W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 43 min (advertised) - International | 165W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 14 min (advertised) |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Transparent | Black, Transparent |
| Models | NX729J | - |
| Price | $ 659.00 | About 700 EUR |
| 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
- Excellent performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Large battery with great endurance
- Aggressive cooling system
- Competitive price
- Slower charging speed compared to 8 Pro+
- Camera details are limited
- Design may not appeal to everyone
ZTE nubia Red Magic 8 Pro+
- Blazing-fast 165W charging
- Top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
- Potentially improved camera system
- Premium design and build quality
- Higher price point
- Camera details are limited
- May be overkill for casual gamers
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a large AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, likely offering vibrant colors and smooth visuals. The 8 Pro+ *may* have a slightly improved display panel or brightness, but concrete details are scarce. Expect excellent viewing angles and responsiveness on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited for both, but the 8 Pro+ is rumored to have a slightly improved camera setup, potentially including a larger sensor or enhanced image processing. Both will likely offer decent image quality, but neither is expected to compete with flagship camera phones from other brands. Expect good performance in well-lit conditions.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, ensuring flagship-level performance. Gaming performance will be exceptional on both, with minimal throttling thanks to their advanced cooling systems. Differences in real-world performance are likely to be negligible unless running extremely demanding tasks for extended periods.
Battery Life
The 8 Pro boasts an impressive endurance rating of 131h. The 8 Pro+’s biggest advantage is its 165W charging, which can fully charge the battery in around 14 minutes (advertised). The 8 Pro’s charging is significantly slower, taking around 35-43 minutes (depending on region).
Buying Guide
The ZTE nubia Red Magic 8 Pro is ideal for gamers on a budget who still want top-tier performance and a large battery. It's a fantastic all-around gaming device. The ZTE nubia Red Magic 8 Pro+ is for hardcore gamers who demand the absolute fastest charging speeds and are willing to pay a premium for it. It's the ultimate statement piece for mobile gaming enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Red Magic 8 Pro+ worth the extra money?
If you prioritize incredibly fast charging and potentially a slightly better camera, then yes. Otherwise, the 8 Pro offers excellent value for its performance.
❓ What is the cooling system like on these phones?
Both phones feature advanced cooling systems, including vapor chambers and multiple layers of heat dissipation, to prevent throttling during intense gaming sessions.
