ZTE's nubia line offers compelling options, but choosing between the Z50 and the Red Magic 8 Pro can be tricky. Both pack the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, but cater to different user needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The nubia Red Magic 8 Pro is the clear winner for gamers and power users, boasting a superior display, enhanced cooling, and longer battery life. The nubia Z50 offers a more refined, everyday experience with a potentially better design and camera, but lacks the Red Magic's gaming-centric features.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | 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 | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE-A, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 19 | 2022, December 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 26 | Available. Released 2022, December 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, glass back or eco leather back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 72.9 x 8.5 mm or 8.7 mm | 164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 197 g or 199 g (6.95 oz) | 228 g (8.04 oz) |
| | - | Pressure sensitive zones (520Hz touch-sensing)
Built-in cooling fan
Aviation aluminum middle frame |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits | AMOLED, 1B colors (China only), 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, MyOS 13 | Android 13, Redmagic OS 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM |
| | UFS 4.0
UFS 3.1 (128GB only) | UFS 4.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, f/1.6, 35mm (standard), 1/1.7", PDAF, OIS
50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), AF | - |
| Features | Ring-LED flash (4 LEDs), panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 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) |
| Video | 8K, 4K | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, under display |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 32-bit/384kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 3.2 (China), 3.1 (International), OTG, accessory connector, DisplayPort |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, 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 | 80W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 35 min (advertised) - China
65W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 43 min (advertised) - International |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Mint, Rabit red | Black, Transparent |
| Models | NX711J | NX729J |
| Price | About 400 EUR | $ 659.00 |
| 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 Z50
- Potentially better design and build quality
- Likely improved camera performance
- More balanced smartphone experience
- Less optimized for gaming
- Potentially thermal throttling under heavy load
- Slower charging speeds
ZTE nubia Red Magic 8 Pro
- Superior display for gaming
- Advanced cooling system for sustained performance
- Exceptional battery life
- Faster charging speeds
- Gaming-specific features (shoulder triggers)
- Design may be less appealing to some
- Camera likely not a priority
- Potentially less refined software experience
Display Comparison
The Red Magic 8 Pro's display is a standout feature. While both phones likely use AMOLED panels, the Red Magic 8 Pro boasts a higher refresh rate (likely 120Hz or higher, though not explicitly stated) and a potentially higher peak brightness, resulting in a more vibrant and responsive visual experience, especially for gaming. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio is a marketing term, but suggests excellent blacks and vibrant colors. The Z50's display is likely very good, but probably not as aggressively tuned for gaming.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for the Z50. The Red Magic 8 Pro's 'Photo / Video' designation suggests a competent camera system, but likely not a primary focus. The Z50 is expected to have a more refined camera setup, potentially with better image processing and overall image quality, especially in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is unknown for both.
Performance
Both phones share the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and CPU configuration, guaranteeing top-tier performance. However, the Red Magic 8 Pro's advanced cooling system (likely including a vapor chamber and multiple heat pipes) will allow it to sustain peak performance for longer periods, crucial for demanding games. The Z50 might experience some thermal throttling under extended heavy load.
Battery Life
The Red Magic 8 Pro's endurance rating of 131h is exceptionally high, indicating excellent battery life. While both phones have 80W wired charging, the Red Magic 8 Pro's faster charging speeds (advertised 35-43 minutes for a full charge) give it an edge in convenience. The Z50's charging is slightly slower.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE nubia Z50 if you prioritize a sleek design, a potentially better camera experience, and a more balanced smartphone experience. Buy the ZTE nubia Red Magic 8 Pro if you're a serious mobile gamer, need exceptional performance under sustained load, and appreciate features like shoulder triggers and advanced cooling.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Red Magic 8 Pro have shoulder triggers?
Yes, the Red Magic 8 Pro features customizable shoulder triggers designed for gaming.
❓ What is the difference in charging speed between the two phones?
The Red Magic 8 Pro advertises faster charging speeds (35-43 minutes for a full charge) compared to the nubia Z50, although both support 80W wired charging.
