Gaming phones have generated quite the buzz over the years, packing unimaginable specs in bodies that come straight from sci-fi movies. Putting the ginormous batteries and RGB lights aside, phones like the Asus ROG Phone 3 have become attractive offerings to gamers and non-gamers alike.
But Asus isn’t the only brand trying to reinvent mobile gaming. Nubia’s Red Magic 5G brings a similar experience while undercutting Asus by almost half the price. So which phone is more worth it? We break down the design, performance, cameras, and special features of both to help you decide.
Specs
Asus ROG Phone 3 |
Nubia Red Magic 5G | |
Size | 171 x 78 x 9.9mm (6.73 x 3.07 x 0.39 inches) | 168.6 x 78 x 9.8mm (6.64 x 3.07 x 0.39 inches) |
Weight | 240 grams (8.47 ounces) | 218 grams (7.69 ounces) |
Screen size | 6.59-inch AMOLED | 6.65-inch AMOLED |
Screen resolution | 2,340 x 1,080, 19.5:9 ratio (391 pixels per inch) | 2,340 x 1,080 pixels, 19:5 ratio (388 pixels per inch) |
Operating system | Android 10; ROG UI | Android 10; Red Magic OS |
Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB |
MicroSD card slot | No | No |
Tap-to-pay services | Google Pay | Google Pay |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 |
RAM | 8GB, 12GB, 16GB | 8GB, 12GB |
Camera | 64-megapixel main, 13MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 24MP front | 64-megapixel main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 8MP front |
Video | 8K at 30 fps, 4K at 120 fps, 1080p at 240 fps, 720p at 480 fps | 8K at 15 fps, 4K at 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps |
Bluetooth version | 5.1 | 5.1 |
Ports | USB 3.1, USB-C | USB 3.0, USB-C |
Fingerprint sensor | Yes, in-display | Yes, in-display |
Water resistance | No | No |
Battery | 6,000mAh
Fast charging (30W) |
4,500mAh
Fast charging (55W) |
App marketplace | Google Play Store | Google Play Store |
Network support | No official U.S. support | All major U.S. carriers |
Colors | Black Glare | Eclipse Black, Hot Rod Red, Pulse |
Prices | $930 (799 euros) | $579 (539 euros) |
Buy from | Import service | Red Magic website |
Review score | 4.5 out of 5 stars | 3 out of 5 stars |
Design, display, and durability
Before deciding on team Asus or Nubia, be aware both devices look exactly the way you’d expect a gaming phone to. You’ll notice unorthodox etchings, metallic accents, and additional ports throughout. They’re also a lot bigger and heavier than the average smartphone. The ROG Phone 3 has a 6.59-inch display, and that doesn’t take into account the thick bezels housing its front-firing speaker. The Red Magic
Flipping the devices over, you’ll discover some very sci-fi and futuristic designs — but they’re more subtle than you think. Nubia uses a symmetrical finish divided by the Red Magic logo and cameras. In the right lighting, you’re able to see all the little hidden accents. The ROG Phone 3 has a similar design with the logo at the center and accent lines crossing from edge to edge.
With extra ports for attachable cooling fans and control pads, it should come as no surprise that both devices lack an IP rating. This shouldn’t be a major issue unless you enjoy gaming by the pool. In terms of design and durability, the ROG Phone 3 and Red Magic
Winner: Tie
Performance, battery life, and charging
Probably the most important aspect of a gaming phone is performance. Luckily, both devices excel when it comes to just that. We tested the two with some of the most graphic-intensive games available like Asphalt 9 Legends, Real Racing 3, and Game Dev Tycoon, and they handled all with ease. The ROG Phone 3 deserves a special mention for having
One of the biggest disparities between the two phones is battery life. The Red Magic
All things considered, the ROG Phone 3 takes the win with a more up-to-date processor and worry-free battery life.
Winner: Asus ROG Phone 3
Camera
You don’t really buy a gaming phone for its camera, and it seems like Asus and Nubia had the same idea when building the ROG Phone 3 and Red Magic
The ROG Phone 3 sports a triple-lens rear camera with a 64-megapixel main sensor, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide, and a 5-megapixel macro sensor. You get a good variety of shooting modes — some which you’ll find familiar like night mode, portrait mode, and
Nubia’s Red Magic
In an ideal world, every
Winner: Asus ROG Phone 3
Software and updates
Though the ROG Phone 3 and Red Magic
Nubia takes a similar approach to software with its Red Magic OS, also layered over Android 10. Like the ROG Phone 3, the phone has a slew of software features worth checking out. For example, you can set control configurations for the shoulder triggers of the phone. The Red Magic
While ROG UI and Red Magic OS aren’t the cleanest flavors of
Winner: Asus ROG Phone 3
Special features
We usually look to in-display fingerprint sensors, multi-camera setups, and high refresh rates when it comes to special features, but gamings phones bring even more to the table.
Asus has done an excellent job building an ecosystem of accessories for the ROG Phone 3, including the AeroCooler Active 3 Kickstand and Kunai controller. The modular design of the phone lets you snap on accessories with ease. Mounted on the side of the phone are AirTriggers — they function like shoulder buttons of a conventional console controller.
The Red Magic
All in all, both phones are packed with special features, and you won’t go wrong with either device.
Winner: Tie
Price and availability
The ROG Phone 3 starts at 799 euros (roughly $930) for the 8GB of
Nubia’s Red Magic
Overall winner: Asus ROG Phone 3
Though more expensive, the Asus ROG Phone 3 is the better device overall. If you’re searching for standout performance, multiday battery life, and an array of features that will take your gaming to the next level, then look no further.
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