ZTE nubia Z50 Ultra vs Red Magic 8 Pro+: The Ultimate Showdown

ZTE is making waves in the smartphone market with its nubia series, and the Z50 Ultra and Red Magic 8 Pro+ are prime examples. Both pack the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, but cater to different audiences. This deep dive will help you decide which phone is right for you.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Red Magic 8 Pro+ takes the crown for charging speed and gaming-focused features like its cooling system. However, the Z50 Ultra boasts a potentially superior camera system and a more refined overall design. It depends on your priorities: speed and gaming or camera and aesthetics.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE nubia Z50 Ultra ZTE nubia Red Magic 8 Pro+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE LTE
5G bandsSA/NSA SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE-A, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2023, March 072022, December 26
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, March 14Available. Released 2022, December 28
Body
Build-Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame
Dimensions163.9 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm (6.45 x 3.00 x 0.33 in)164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight228 g (8.04 oz)230 g (8.11 oz)
 -Pressure sensitive zones (520Hz touch-sensing) Built-in cooling fan Aviation aluminum middle frame
Display
Protection-Unspecified
Resolution1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-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)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 740Adreno 740
OSAndroid 13, MyOS 13Android 13, Redmagic OS 6
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
 UFS 4.0UFS 4.0
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, Ring-LED, dual-tone flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, under display
Triple64 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), PDAF50 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)
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10‑bit video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.22µm, under display16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, under display
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNo-
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio32-bit/384kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE Audio, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1+L2+L5), GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG, accessory connector, DisplayPort
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging80W wired, PD3.0, QC4165W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 14 min (advertised)
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlack, Silver, Starry SkyBlack, Transparent
ModelsNX712J-
PriceAbout 540 EURAbout 700 EUR

ZTE nubia Z50 Ultra

  • Potentially superior camera system
  • Sleek and refined design
  • Excellent display quality
  • Flagship performance

  • Slower charging speed compared to Red Magic
  • Cooling may not be as robust for intense gaming

ZTE nubia Red Magic 8 Pro+

  • Blazing-fast 165W charging
  • Dedicated gaming features (cooling system, shoulder triggers)
  • High refresh rate display optimized for gaming
  • Flagship performance

  • Design may be less appealing to some
  • Camera may not match Z50 Ultra's potential
  • Software may be more gaming-focused, less versatile

Display Comparison

Both phones feature high-refresh-rate AMOLED displays, likely around 6.7-6.8 inches. The Red Magic 8 Pro+ may have a higher peak brightness and potentially a more aggressive refresh rate for smoother gaming. The Z50 Ultra might focus on color accuracy and a more natural viewing experience. Expect excellent visuals on both.

Camera Comparison

The Z50 Ultra is expected to have a more advanced camera system, potentially featuring a larger primary sensor and improved image processing algorithms. The Red Magic 8 Pro+ will still offer a capable camera setup, but likely prioritizes speed and responsiveness over ultimate image quality. Expect the Z50 Ultra to excel in low-light photography.

Performance

Both devices share the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and CPU configuration, guaranteeing flagship-level performance. The Red Magic 8 Pro+ likely has enhanced cooling solutions (vapor chamber, fans) to sustain peak performance during extended gaming sessions, while the Z50 Ultra might prioritize thermal management for everyday use.

Battery Life

The Red Magic 8 Pro+’s 165W charging is a game-changer, offering incredibly fast charging times. The Z50 Ultra’s 80W charging is still fast, but significantly slower. Battery capacity is likely similar, around 5000mAh, so real-world battery life should be comparable, assuming similar usage patterns.

Buying Guide

The nubia Z50 Ultra is ideal for users who prioritize camera quality, a sleek design, and a well-rounded smartphone experience. The Red Magic 8 Pro+ is the clear choice for hardcore mobile gamers who demand the fastest charging and dedicated gaming features.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Red Magic 8 Pro+ good for everyday use?
Yes, the Red Magic 8 Pro+ is a capable smartphone for everyday tasks. However, its gaming-focused software and design might not appeal to everyone.
❓ Does the nubia Z50 Ultra have shoulder triggers?
No, the nubia Z50 Ultra does not feature dedicated shoulder triggers like the Red Magic 8 Pro+.