The gaming industry is taking new heights. Smartphones were once hailed as the most popular gaming device around, so companies are taking it up a notch by actually introducing gaming-centric handsets.
The “gaming smartphone” term was popularized by Razer when they launched their first ever smartphone. It packs some killer hardware from the high frame-rate screen, fast processor, and large battery capacity. Combined, all of the powerful hardware can handle demanding game titles without breaking a sweat.
But a few months after its release, the Razer Phone is now facing new competitors. Here we have the Xiaomi Black Shark and ZTE Nubia Red Magic. Just like the former, these two devices aims to be the gaming smartphone that gamers would actually want to get, but at a cheaper price.
So the question is, which between the two are a worthy alternative to the Razer Phone? Check out our Xiaomi Black Shark vs ZTE Nubia Red Magic specs comparison below to figure that out.
| Xiaomi Black Shark | ZTE Nubia Red Magic | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 8.0 Oreo JOY UI | Android 8.1 Oreo nubia Red Magic OS |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual standby |
| Display | 5.99-inch FHD+ IPS 2160 x 1080 resolution ~403ppi 18:9 aspect ratio 97% DCI-P3 coverage | 6-inch FHD+ IPS display 2160 x 1080 resolution 18:9 aspect ratio ~402ppi Dinorex T2X-1 scratch and shock resistant |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 octa-core | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 octa-core |
| GPU | Adreno 630 | Adreno 530 |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB | 6GB/8GB |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB UFS 2.1 non-expandable | 64GB/128GB non-expandable |
| Front Camera | 20-megapixel f/2.2 | 8-megapixel f/2.0 |
| Rear Camera | 12-megapixel (Wide, f/1.8) + 20-megapixel (Telephoto, f/1.8) dual-pixel sensor PDAF LED flash | 24-megapixel PDAF f/1.7 LED flash |
| Security | Fingerprint scanner Facial recognition | Fingerprint scanner |
| Audio | Stereo front speakers | Single loudspeaker DTS HD |
| Connectivity | HSPA+ 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 ac, WiFi hotspot Bluetooth 5.0 Dual-band NFC GPS, A-GPS USB Type-C | HSPA+ 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 ac, WiFi hotspot Bluetooth 5.0 Dual-band NFC GPS, A-GPS USB Type-C |
| Others | Dedicated Gamepad | RGB LED strip Dedicated game mode button |
| Dimensions | 161.6 x 75.4 x 9.3mm | 158.1 x 74.9 x 9.5mm |
| Weight | 190g | 185g |
| Colors | Polar Night Black Sky Gray | Red Black |
| Battery | 4,000mAh Non-removable Quick Charge 3.0 | 3,800mAh Non-removable |
| Price | 6GB/64GB: Php31,000 8GB/128GB: Php36,000 | 6GB/64GB: CNY2,499 (~Php20,700) 8GB/128GB: CNY2,999 (~Php24,900) |
The Xiaomi Black Shark and ZTE Nubia Red Magic clearly went head-to-head on the comparison. Obviously, the Red Magic lost in some major areas but was able to make up for it thanks to its tiny quirks and novelty features.
Since we’re talking about “gaming smartphones” — the most crucial part here is the performance. With that, the Black Shark’s newer Snapdragon 845 is undeniably the better one in this segment as it’s Qualcomm’s best chipset to date.
However, the Snapdragon 835 chipset on the ZTE Nubia Red Magic is no slouch either. Considering that it also used to be the flagship chip from Qualcomm, embedded in the core of high-end smartphones last year.
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ZTE tried to compensate for the gaming factor by dressing the handset like a proper gaming device. It has sleek and sharp edges, vents for proper cooling, and RGB LED strip at the back. And in case you didn’t know, nothing screams more “gamer” than RGB lighting.
The Xiaomi Black Shark may lack fancy lighting effects, but it does come with a dedicated gamepad (sold separately), which is perfect for long and intense gaming sessions.
Xiaomi’s Black Shark also took the trophy in the camera department with its dual camera setup, while the Red Magic only has one shooter at the back. The Black Shark also has a bigger battery, stereo speakers, and better selfie camera.
But premium features of the Xiaomi Black Shark comes with a price. As of the moment, it’s current PH price tag is Php31,000 for the 6GB/64GB variant, while the 8GB/128GB model costs Php36,000.
On the other hand, we still have no idea about the ZTE Nubia Red Magic’s pricing here in the Philippines. But if we will base it from its official price in China, Nubia’s bet is relatively cheaper.
In their hometown, the 8GB/128GB variant of the ZTE Nubia Red Magic is priced at CNY 2,999 (~Php25,000). Meanwhile, the same configuration of the Xiaomi Black Shark is sold for CNY 3,499 (~Php29,000).
In conclusion, it’s obvious that the Xiaomi Black Shark offers the best specifications overall. But if you don’t mind the minor compromises and you think having that RGB lighting is really cool, then saving extra bucks and going with the ZTE Nubia Red Magic is not a bad idea either.