The ZTE nubia RedMagic represents a mature gaming phone design, built around a now-older but proven chipset. The Lenovo Legion Y700 (Gen 4), however, arrives with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite, promising a significant performance uplift. This comparison dissects whether the Y700’s new silicon justifies its potential price premium over the RedMagic.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average gamer prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the Lenovo Legion Y700 (Gen 4) is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 68W charging deliver a substantially better experience than the RedMagic’s Snapdragon 835, despite the RedMagic’s potential for a lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | N/A |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | N/A |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat16 1024/150 Mbps | - |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, April. Released 2018, April | 2025, May 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2025, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Dinorex T2X-1), aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 158.1 x 74.9 x 9.5 mm (6.22 x 2.95 x 0.37 in) | 7 mm thickness |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | No |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 340 g (11.99 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Dinorex T2X-1 scratch/shock resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) | 1904 x 3040 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~408 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~78.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.8 inches, 224.8 cm2 |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 68B colors, 165Hz, HDR, 600 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo) | Octa-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 540 | Adreno 830 |
| OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo), Redmagic 1.0 | Android 15 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 24 MP, f/1.7, PDAF | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, aptX, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | No |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | 1x USB Type-C 2.0 & 1x USB Type-C 3.2 Gen2, DisplayPort 1.4 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Unspecified |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 68W wired
Bypass charging |
| Type | Li-Po 3800 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 7600 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Flame Red | Black, White |
| Models | NX609J | TB322FC, ZAG40002CN |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 400 EUR |
ZTE nubia RedMagic
- Potentially lower price point
- Established gaming phone design
- Functional gaming experience
- Outdated Snapdragon 835 chipset
- Slow 18W charging
- Likely inferior display technology
Lenovo Legion Y700 (Gen 4)
- Cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset
- Ultra-fast 68W charging with bypass
- Improved thermal management
- Higher price point
- May prioritize performance over camera quality
- Potential for software bloat (Lenovo history)
Display Comparison
While specific display details for the RedMagic are unavailable, it likely features a standard LCD panel common for its generation. The Legion Y700, benefiting from newer display technology, is expected to have a higher refresh rate and potentially better color accuracy. The RedMagic’s age suggests it lacks features like LTPO for variable refresh rates, impacting power efficiency. Bezels on the RedMagic are likely more pronounced than on the newer Legion Y700, contributing to a less immersive experience.
Camera Comparison
Given the gaming focus of both devices, camera performance isn’t a primary strength. However, the RedMagic, being an older model, likely features a less sophisticated camera system. The Legion Y700, while not a camera-centric phone, benefits from newer image processing algorithms and potentially larger sensor sizes. Details on specific sensors are limited, but the Y700 is expected to deliver more consistent image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The inclusion of OIS on the Y700 is also a possibility, further enhancing image stability.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The RedMagic’s Snapdragon 835 (10nm) is a capable performer, but significantly outmatched by the Legion Y700’s Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm). The 3nm process node of the 8 Elite translates to dramatically improved power efficiency and thermal performance, allowing for sustained peak performance during extended gaming sessions. The 8 Elite’s Oryon V2 Phoenix CPU cores (2x4.32 GHz + 6x3.53 GHz) offer a substantial clock speed and architectural advantage over the RedMagic’s Kryo cores (4x2.35 GHz + 4x1.9 GHz). This difference will be most noticeable in demanding titles and multitasking scenarios. The RedMagic’s older chipset will likely exhibit more throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
The RedMagic’s 18W wired charging is a significant disadvantage compared to the Legion Y700’s 68W wired charging with bypass charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the Y700 drastically reduces downtime. A full charge on the RedMagic will take considerably longer. The bypass charging feature on the Y700 allows for gaming while charging without significant heat buildup, a crucial feature for prolonged gaming sessions.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE nubia RedMagic if you need a functional gaming phone on a strict budget and are comfortable with older hardware. It’s a viable option for casual gamers or those seeking a dedicated gaming experience without breaking the bank. Buy the Lenovo Legion Y700 (Gen 4) if you prioritize top-tier performance, faster charging, and a more future-proof device, even if it means a higher initial investment. This is the phone for demanding mobile gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 835 in the RedMagic struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Snapdragon 835 will likely exhibit noticeable frame drops and throttling in graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact, especially at higher settings. The 8 Elite in the Legion Y700 is designed to handle such titles with significantly more headroom.
❓ How much faster is the 68W charging on the Legion Y700 compared to the RedMagic's 18W charging?
The 68W charging on the Legion Y700 will dramatically reduce charging times. Expect a full charge in under an hour, whereas the RedMagic’s 18W charging could take over two hours. This difference is crucial for gamers who need to quickly get back into the action.
❓ Does the Legion Y700's bypass charging feature actually help with gaming while charging?
Yes, bypass charging directs power directly to the phone, bypassing the battery and reducing heat buildup. This prevents performance throttling and allows for sustained gaming sessions even while plugged in, a feature the RedMagic lacks.
❓ Is the older Snapdragon 835 still a viable option for casual mobile gaming?
For casual gaming, the Snapdragon 835 is still functional. However, it won't provide the same level of performance or future-proofing as the Snapdragon 8 Elite, and you'll likely need to lower graphics settings in newer titles.
