The gaming phones market is growing pretty quickly. After Razer Phone, the new Nubia Red Magic and the Xiaomi Black Shark are the two new gaming smartphones to hit the shelves, and they will probably be followed by more handsets focused on this niche market. But in the meantime, let’s discover the main differences among the two. If you are a gamer and you like to play on your mobile phone, this Nubia Red Magic vs Xiaomi Black Shark specs comparison will tell you which phone is most suitable for you.
ZTE Nubia Red Magic vs Xiaomi Black Shark
| ZTE Nubia Red Magic | Xiaomi Black Shark | |
|---|---|---|
| DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT | 158.1 x 74.9 x 9.5 mm, 185 grams | 161.6 x 75.4 x 9.3 mm, 190 grams |
| DISPLAY | 6.0 inches, 1080 x 2160p (Full HD+), 402 ppi, 18:9 ratio, LTPS IPS LCD | 5.99 inches, 1080 x 2160p (Full HD+), 403 ppi, 18:9 ratio, IPS LCD |
| PROCESSOR | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, octa-core 2.35 GHz | Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, octa-core 2.8 GHz |
| MEMORY | 6 GB RAM, 64 GB – 8 GB RAM, 128 GB | 6 GB RAM, 64 GB – 8 GB RAM, 128 GB |
| SOFTWARE | Android 8.1 Oreo, Nubia Red Magic OS | Android 8.0 Oreo |
| CONNECTIVITY | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS |
| CAMERA | 24 MP f/1.7 8 MP f/2.0 front camera |
Dual 12 + 20 MP f/1.8 + f/1.8 20 MP f/2.2 front camera |
| BATTERY | 3800 mAh Fast charging |
4000 mAh Fast Charging 9V / 2A (Quick Charge 3.0) |
| ADDITIONAL FEATURES | Hybrid Dual SIM slot, Air cooling system | Hybrid Dual SIM slot, Liquid cooling system |
With its elaborate metal backplate, we believe the Nubia Red Devil has a more ergonomic design, providing a comfortable grip even after long sessions of gaming. But the Xiaomi Black Shark should be a better phone in terms of performance, as it features the most recent Qualcomm’s processor: the powerful octa-core Snapdragon 845 running at a max frequency of 2.8 GHz. Nubia Red Magic left many disappointed when it was revealed that it is powered by the older Snapdragon 835 which is Qualcomm’s flagship SoC for 2017. Still, there shouldn’t be a huge difference in term of performance.
Both the devices boast a cooling system, but they are different. According to Xiaomi, the air cooling system of Black Shark is able to reduce the temperature by 8° C, while Nubia Red Magic features a different type of air cooling system. Xiaomi Black Shark seems to have a slightly better camera department with a 12 + 20 MP dual camera on its back and a 20 MP selfie camera. The battery is slightly bigger on Xiaomi Black Shark and it features Quick Charge 3.0 as fast charging technology.
Keeping the specs on paper in mind, the Xiaomi Black Shark looks like a slightly better handset, but Nubia Red Magic will probably have a more affordable price if we refer to the global market. Black Shark has a launch price of about $477/€385 in China, while Nubia Red Magic will initially cost $399/€324 worldwide (it will be launched on April 26 through the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo).
ZTE Nubia Red Magic vs Xiaomi Black Shark: PROS and CONS
ZTE Nubia Red Magic
PRO
- Original design
- Advanced cooling system
- Affordable price
- Big battery
CONS
- Still Snapdragon 835
Xiaomi Black Shark
PRO
- Liquid cooling system
- Best hardware
- Huge battery
- Good quality-price ratio
CONS
- Slightly higher price
