Price and specifications of ZTE nubia Red Magic 3s advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Design and Build Quality

The ZTE nubia Red Magic 3s is an exceptional device, and its design is a testament to the blend of aesthetics and functionality. The handset measures 171.7 x 78.5 x 9.7 mm, making it relatively large, but this is expected for a gaming-centric phone. Weighing 215 grams, it has a substantial feel, reflective of its robust construction comprising a glass front (protected by Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum back, and aluminum frame. This gives the phone a premium look while ensuring durability and resistance to wear and tear from regular use.

Display

The device boasts a 6.65-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, providing crisp and vibrant images suitable for gaming and multimedia consumption. With a 90Hz refresh rate, the display offers smooth transitions and scrolling, enhancing the overall user experience especially for fast-paced games. The aspect ratio of 19.5:9 and a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 80.5% makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, delivering immersive viewing experiences whether you're gaming, watching videos, or scrolling through social media.

Performance

Under the hood, the Red Magic 3s is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset, built on a 7nm process. This is complemented by an octa-core CPU consisting of 1x 2.96 GHz Kryo 485, 3x 2.42 GHz Kryo 485, and 4x 1.8 GHz Kryo 485 units, coupled with an Adreno 640 GPU clocked at 700 MHz. This configuration provides tremendous computational and graphical power, making it capable of handling the most demanding games and applications available. Whether multitasking or engaging in graphic-intensive gaming, the device remains responsive and fluid.

Memory and Storage

The phone comes with two variants of RAM and storage configurations: 8GB RAM with 128GB storage, and 12GB RAM with 256GB storage. This allows users to choose based on their usage needs. However, it lacks expandable storage options as there is no card slot, which might be a downside for users who prefer storing a large amount of data locally.

Cameras

For photography, the Red Magic 3s is equipped with a single 48 MP rear camera with an f/1.7 aperture. It supports features like PDAF, LED flash, HDR, and panorama, with the video capability extending up to 8K at 15fps and 4K at 30/60fps, along with 1920fps slow-motion recordings. The camera delivers high-quality photos and videos and is well-suited for casual photographers and gamers interested in sharing high-quality in-game footage. The front-facing camera is a 16 MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture, which supports HDR and 1080p video recording at 30fps, ensuring decent quality selfies and video calls.

Battery Life and Charging

The Red Magic 3s features a sizable 5000mAh battery that supports 18W fast charging via Quick Charge 4. This ensures prolonged usage with minimal downtime, a crucial factor for avid gamers. The battery life has been tested with an endurance rating of 115 hours, indicating its capacity to last through extended gaming sessions or daily use without frequent charging interruptions.

Audio and Connectivity

Audio quality is another significant aspect of the Red Magic 3s, with stereo speakers providing loud and clear sound. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack caters to gamers who prefer wired audio solutions. Connectivity options are comprehensive, covering dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 with supports for A2DP, aptX, and LE, and GPS with multiple-band support including GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO. The phone includes a USB Type-C port with OTG support, enhancing its connectivity to peripherals and other devices.

Operating System and Software

Running on Android 9.0 (Pie) with the Redmagic 2.0 skin, the user interface provides a smooth and customizable experience. The software has been optimized for gaming, offering features like a customizable gaming dock, multi-dimensional cooling features, and game space for managing and launching games conveniently.

Network and Communication

The Red Magic 3s covers a wide array of network bands, offering robust connectivity capabilities. With GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE technologies, it ensures seamless connectivity across different networks worldwide. The SIM setup is dual-SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), providing versatility for users managing two numbers or traveling internationally.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device comes equipped with various sensors including a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, ensuring enhanced functionality and ease of use. However, NFC and a radio are not available, which could be a consideration for some users.

Colors, Pricing, and Availability

The ZTE nubia Red Magic 3s is available in three colors: Mecha Silver, Cyber Shade, and Eclipse Black. It was announced and released in September 2019, and while its price was around 820 EUR at that time, current prices may vary depending on the region and retailer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ZTE nubia Red Magic 3s is a powerful and versatile device primarily geared towards gamers. Its robust build, large and vibrant display, strong performance credentials with the Snapdragon 855+ processor, and extensive battery life make it a compelling choice. However, the lack of expandable storage and NFC might be drawbacks for some users. Nevertheless, for those seeking a gaming-focused smartphone with premium specs and design, the Red Magic 3s delivers an impressive experience.