ZTE nubia RedMagic 3 vs. Realme X2 Pro: A Deep Dive into Gaming and Charging
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-around performance and convenience, the Realme X2 Pro emerges as the better choice. Its 50W SuperVOOC charging dramatically reduces downtime, and the Snapdragon 855+ offers a slight performance edge. However, dedicated mobile gamers will find the RedMagic 3's endurance a compelling advantage.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | ZTE nubia RedMagic 3 | Realme X2 Pro |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - China |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 66 - Global | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - EMEA | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2019, May. Released 2019, May | 2019, October 15. Released 2019, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 171.7 x 78.5 x 9.7 mm (6.76 x 3.09 x 0.38 in) | 161 x 75.7 x 8.7 mm (6.34 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 215 g (7.58 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~388 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.65 inches, 108.6 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.5 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) | Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 640 (700 MHz) |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, Redmagic 3.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| - | 64GB UFS 2.1, 128/256GB UFS 3.0 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.5, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF | - |
| Video | 8K@15fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1920fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with Dolby Atmos stereo speakers (2 dedicated amplifiers) |
| - | 24-bit/192kHz audio (incl. speakers) | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, aptX, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, accessory connector | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC4 | 50W wired, 100% in 35 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Camouflage, Red/Blue | Lunar White, Neptune Blue, Red Master Edition, Gray Master Edition |
| Models | NX629J | RMX1931 |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 440 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | - | Noise -91.3dB / Crosstalk -92.5dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 82dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 91dB |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 396827 (v7), 467653 (v8) GeekBench: 10373 (v4.4) GFXBench: 37fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
ZTE nubia RedMagic 3
- Exceptional battery endurance (112h)
- Dedicated gaming design with cooling system
- Potentially better sustained gaming performance
- Lower display brightness (377 nits)
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- Likely less refined camera system
Realme X2 Pro
- Blazing-fast 50W SuperVOOC charging (35 min)
- Slightly faster processor (Snapdragon 855+)
- Likely superior camera quality and features
- Shorter battery endurance (94h)
- Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load
- May not be optimized for extended gaming sessions
Display Comparison
The Realme X2 Pro boasts an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, suggesting a high-quality AMOLED panel, though specific details like peak brightness are missing. The nubia RedMagic 3, with a measured 377 nits max brightness, falls short in direct sunlight visibility. While both likely offer excellent color reproduction, the RedMagic 3’s lower peak brightness is a noticeable disadvantage for outdoor use. The X2 Pro’s panel likely benefits from more advanced calibration for a superior viewing experience, though without detailed specs, this remains an assumption based on Realme’s typical display quality.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Given the market positioning, the Realme X2 Pro likely features a more refined camera system with better image processing algorithms. The X2 Pro’s focus on overall user experience suggests a greater investment in camera software and features. The RedMagic 3, prioritizing gaming, likely has a competent but less emphasized camera setup. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult, but the X2 Pro is expected to deliver superior image quality and versatility.
Performance
Both devices utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 platform, but the Realme X2 Pro features the slightly upgraded Snapdragon 855+. The 855+ boasts a marginally higher clock speed (2.96 GHz vs 2.84 GHz) on its prime core, translating to a small performance boost in CPU-intensive tasks. However, the real difference lies in sustained performance. The RedMagic 3’s design, including its internal heat pipes and fan, is specifically engineered for prolonged gaming sessions, mitigating thermal throttling. The X2 Pro, while powerful, may experience more throttling under extended load. Both phones utilize octa-core CPUs with similar Kryo 485 core configurations, but the X2 Pro’s 1.8 GHz quad-core efficiency cores are slightly slower than the RedMagic 3’s 1.78 GHz cores, potentially impacting background task efficiency.
Battery Life
The nubia RedMagic 3 boasts an impressive 112-hour endurance rating, significantly exceeding the Realme X2 Pro’s 94-hour rating. This suggests a larger battery capacity and/or more efficient power management. However, the X2 Pro compensates with its groundbreaking 50W SuperVOOC charging, capable of fully charging the device in just 35 minutes. The RedMagic 3’s 18W QC4 charging is considerably slower. This trade-off is crucial: the RedMagic 3 offers longer runtimes, while the X2 Pro minimizes downtime. For users who frequently top up their phones throughout the day, the X2 Pro’s charging speed is a game-changer.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE nubia RedMagic 3 if you are a hardcore mobile gamer who values extended play sessions and long battery life above all else. Its focus on thermal management and large battery capacity will keep you gaming for hours. Buy the Realme X2 Pro if you prioritize a well-rounded flagship experience with blazing-fast charging, a vibrant display, and a more versatile camera system. It's the ideal choice for power users who need a phone that can keep up with their demanding lifestyles.