The ZTE nubia RedMagic 5G Lite and Asus ROG Phone 3 represent distinct approaches to mobile gaming. The RedMagic 5G Lite aims to deliver a playable experience at a significantly lower price point, while the ROG Phone 3 is a no-compromise flagship designed for the most demanding mobile gamers. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device for your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average gamer prioritizing value, the ZTE nubia RedMagic 5G Lite offers a compelling experience. However, the Asus ROG Phone 3 is the clear winner for those who demand the absolute best performance, faster charging, and a brighter display, justifying its higher price tag.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - A version |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - A version |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - A version |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G 4.4 Gbps DL |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 19. Released 2020, June 19 | 2020, July 22. Released 2020, July 23 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 171.7 x 78.5 x 9.1 mm (6.76 x 3.09 x 0.36 in) | 171 x 78 x 9.9 mm (6.73 x 3.07 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 215 g (7.58 oz) | 240 g (8.47 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~388 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~391 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.65 inches, 108.6 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.59 inches, 106.6 cm2 (~79.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 144Hz | AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 650 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (1x3.10 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (7 nm+) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 10, nubia UI 8.0 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, ROG UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
13 MP, f/2.4, 11mm, 125˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Panorama, HDR |
| Single | 12 MP, (wide) | 24 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 0.9µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with DTS:X stereo speakers (2 dedicated amplifiers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 (side), USB Type-C 2.0 (bottom), OTG, accessory connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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 | 18W wired | 30W wired, PD3.0, QC4
10W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5100 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black Glare |
| Models | NX651J | ASUS_I003D, ZS661KS, I003DD, I003D |
| Price | About 600 EUR | About 650 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.74 W/kg (head) 1.50 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 120h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-23.1 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 621932 (v8)
GeekBench: 13306 (v4.4), 3386 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 48fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
ZTE nubia RedMagic 5G Lite
- Significantly more affordable
- 5G connectivity
- Decent gaming performance for the price
- Less powerful processor
- Slower charging speed
- Potentially limited thermal management
Asus ROG Phone 3
- Flagship-level performance with Snapdragon 865
- Faster 30W charging with advanced standards
- Brighter and higher-contrast display
- Considerably more expensive
- Larger and heavier design
- May be overkill for casual gamers
Display Comparison
The Asus ROG Phone 3 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 719 nits measured, compared to an unspecified brightness for the RedMagic 5G Lite. While both are designed for immersive gaming, the ROG Phone 3’s higher peak brightness translates to better visibility in bright sunlight. The ROG Phone 3’s infinite (nominal) contrast ratio also suggests a superior viewing experience with deeper blacks. The RedMagic 5G Lite’s display specs are less detailed, suggesting a more budget-oriented panel.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature photo/video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the ROG Phone 3’s flagship positioning, it likely incorporates a more advanced camera system with better image processing and low-light performance. The RedMagic 5G Lite likely prioritizes cost savings in this area, resulting in a more basic camera experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the RedMagic 5G Lite utilizes the Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G, while the ROG Phone 3 packs the more powerful SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+. The 865’s CPU, with its 3.10 GHz Cortex-A77 prime core, significantly outperforms the 765G’s 2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and higher sustained frame rates in demanding games. The ROG Phone 3’s superior thermal design, implied by its larger size and gaming-focused features, likely allows it to maintain peak performance for longer periods without throttling, a potential concern for the RedMagic 5G Lite under sustained load.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 120 hours, suggesting comparable overall battery life. However, the ROG Phone 3’s 30W wired charging (with PD3.0 and QC4 support) is significantly faster than the RedMagic 5G Lite’s 18W charging. This means the ROG Phone 3 can be topped up much quicker, minimizing downtime. The ROG Phone 3 also offers 10W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the RedMagic 5G Lite.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE nubia RedMagic 5G Lite if you need a capable 5G gaming phone on a tight budget and are willing to accept some performance compromises. It’s ideal for casual gamers and those new to mobile gaming. Buy the Asus ROG Phone 3 if you prioritize top-tier performance, extended battery life with faster charging, and a superior display experience, and are willing to invest in a premium device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 765G in the RedMagic 5G Lite struggle with graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 765G is capable, but you'll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve consistently smooth frame rates in demanding titles like Genshin Impact. The ROG Phone 3’s Snapdragon 865 will handle these games at higher settings with less compromise.
❓ How much faster is the 30W charging on the ROG Phone 3 compared to the 18W charging on the RedMagic 5G Lite?
The ROG Phone 3’s 30W charging, coupled with PD3.0 and QC4 support, will significantly reduce charging times. Expect a much quicker top-up from 0-100% compared to the RedMagic 5G Lite’s 18W charging, potentially shaving off an hour or more.
❓ Does the ROG Phone 3 get excessively hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
The ROG Phone 3 incorporates advanced thermal management features, including a vapor chamber and heat spreader, designed to mitigate overheating. While it will get warm, it’s less prone to significant throttling compared to devices with less robust cooling solutions, like the RedMagic 5G Lite.
❓ Is the difference in CPU performance between the Snapdragon 765G and 865 noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the Snapdragon 865’s faster CPU cores and improved architecture result in snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall user experience, even outside of gaming.
