More gaming smartphones are launching in the market, and each one comes with unique features to entice mobile gamers. One of them is the recently unveiled Nubia Red Magic 5G. But how does it compare to the likes of the Black Shark 3? Let’s find out in the specs comparison below.
| Nubia Red Magic 5G | Black Shark 3 Pro |
|---|---|
| 6.65-inch FHD+ (2340 x 1080) AMOLED display, 399ppi | 7.1-inch QHD+ (3120 x 1440) AMOLED display, 484ppi |
| 144Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch-sampling rate | 90Hz refresh rate, 270Hz touch-sampling rate |
| Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (7nm) 2.84GHz octa-core CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (7nm) 2.84GHz octa-core CPU |
| Adreno 650 GPU | Adreno 650 GPU |
| 8GB, 12GB, 16GB LPDDR5 RAM | 8GB, 12GB LPDDR5 RAM |
| 128GB, 256GB UFS 3.0 | 256GB, 512GB UFS 3.0 |
| Triple-rear cameras: 64MP Sony IMX686 F1.8 (main) + 8MP (ultra-wide) + 2MP (macro) | Triple-rear cameras: 64MP F1.8 (main) + 13MP F2.25 (ultra-wide) + 5MP F2.2 (depth) |
| 8MP F2.0 front camera | 20MP F2.2 front camera |
| Dual-SIM | Dual-SIM |
| 5G (SA + NSA), 4G LTE | 5G (SA + NSA), 4G LTE |
| WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 |
| Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Dual-band GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | Dual-band GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| 3.5mm audio jack | 3.5mm audio jack |
| Fingerprint scanner (in-display) | Fingerprint scanner (in-display) |
| Stereo speakers with DTS X Ultra | Stereo speakers |
| 300Hz dual gaming shoulder buttons | Pop-up shoulder buttons |
| ICE 3.0 air-cooling + liquid-cooling | Air-cooling via accessory + liquid cooling |
| 4D game shock | X-axis linear motor |
| RGB Light Effects | |
| 4,500mAh battery w/ 55W air-cooled fast charging | 5,000mAh battery w/ 65W charging, 18W magnetic charging plug |
| Redmmagic 3.0 (Android 10) | Android 10 |
| 168.6 x 78 x 9.8 mm | 177.79 x 83.29 x 10.1 mm |
| 218 g | 253 g |
| PRICE (China): | PRICE (China): |
| • 8GB RAM + 128GB: CNY 4,099 • 12GB RAM + 256GB: CNY 4,399 • 16GB RAM + 256GB: CNY 4,999 | • 8GB + 256GB: CNY 4,699 • 12GB + 256GB: CNY 4,999 • 12GB + 512GB: CNY 5,399 |
Summary of advantages
Nubia Red Magic 5G:
• 144Hz refresh rate
• 16GB RAM
• 2MP macro camera
• Built-in air-cooling
• RGB light effects
Black Shark 3 Pro:
• 7.1-inch QHD+ display
• 512GB UFS 2.0
• 20MP F2.0 front camera
• 5,000mAh battery w/ 65W fast charging
Display
The display is one of the main features of both devices, and each has its own merits. If we’re going to talk about screen size and resolution, the Black Shark 3 Pro has the advantage of having a 7.1-inch QHD+ display, compared to the Red Magic 5G’s 6.65-inch FHD+. However, the latter has a 144Hz refresh rate, which is smoother than the former’s 90Hz. The touch-sampling rate is almost identical and won’t be noticed in day-to-day use.
This one is easy, if you want a higher refresh rate, go for the Red Magic 5G. If you want the biggest screen and highest resolution possible, the Black Shark 3 Pro is for you.
Cameras
Both smartphones have triple-rear cameras with the same 64MP resolution for the primary sensor. The Black Shark 3 Pro, though, has a higher resolution for the ultra-wide camera and has a camera for depth-sensing. The Red Magic 5G, on the other hand, has a macro lens. For selfies, the Black Shark 3 Pro has a significantly higher 20MP resolution, compared to the Red Magic 5G’s 8MP. Do note that we’re just talking about megapixels here. We’ll know about quality once we have both units on hand.
Battery
At this aspect, the Black Shark 3 Pro automatically wins in terms of capacity for having a 5,000mAh with 65W fast charging, compared to the 4,500mAh with 55W on the Red Magic 5G. These are just capacities, though, and we’ll know which one can provide the longest battery life once we’ve reviewed both devices.
Performance
Both the Red Magic 5G and the Black Shark 3 Pro sport Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 flagship SoC and runs on Android 10. The two, however, come in different RAM and storage configurations. The Red Magic 5G has a maximum of 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The Black Shark 3 Pro, on the other hand, has a maximum of 12GB of RAM, but with a maximum of 512GB of storage. If you want more RAM, go for the former. For storage, go with the latter. Either way, both devices will provide you with the best gaming performance possible.
Other features
Given that this is a gaming smartphone, it comes with features that are not usually found in ordinary smartphones. In this case, both have 5G connectivity, stereo speakers for better audio, shoulder buttons for extra gaming controls, and cooling systems. The Red Magic 5G, though, has a built-in air-cooling, unlike the Black Shark 3 Pro, which needs a separate accessory. The former also has RGB light effects for aesthetic purposes.
Price
The two devices are currently only available in China. Based on the configurations, the Red Magic 5G is more accessible, starting at CNY 4,099 for the 8GB + 128GB model. The Black Shark 3 Pro is more expensive, starting at CNY 4,699 for the 8GB + 256GB. When it comes to their 12GB + 256GB offerings, the Red Magic 5G is priced lower at CNY 4,399 than the Black Shark 3 Pro at CNY 4,999.
For the top-of-the-line models, the Red Magic 5G, again, is cheaper at CNY 4,999 for the 16GB + 256GB model. For the Black Shark 3 Pro, although more expensive, and with a lower 12GB RAM, has a bigger 512GB storage. At this point, the former is the best pick if you want more RAM, but if you’re after storage, go for the latter.
What do you guys think? Red Magic 5G or Black Shark 3 Pro? Let us know in the comments below.
