Over the past few years, gaming smartphones have evolved from being seen as mere gimmicks to actually making a significant impact in mainstream devices like OnePlus 7 Pro.
Unveiled not long ago, OnePlus 7 Pro borrows some cues from these gaming phones, among them the impressive 90Hz screen refresh rate, RAM Boost, Fnatic mode, and “10-layer liquid cooling” for keeping the phone cool when gaming or doing other extreme tasks.
Of course, we all know OnePlus 7 Pro isn’t your outright gaming smartphone, but the new ZTE Nubia Red Magic 3 is. Unveiled in China last month, the Red Magic 3 is a dedicated gaming smartphone whose specs resemble the flagship OnePlus phone and is now available in multiple global markets, including North America.
Below are the Nubia Magic 3 specs.
Specifications
- 6.65-inch 19.5:9 FHD+ AMOLED display, 90Hz refresh rate
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor
- 8GB or 12GB RAM
- 128GB or 256GB UFS 2.1 storage
- 48MP main camera, f/1.7 aperture
- 16MP front camera, f/2.0 aperture
- 5000mAh battery
- Android 9 Pie
- Extras: Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack, 30W fast charging, IP55, Internal fan for active cooling, Two shoulder buttons plus button support with rear fingerprint sensor, Stereo front facing speakers, Support for DC Dimming, HDR, etc.
With its 90Hz refresh rate, the Red Magic 3 joins a group of select gaming phones with this high refresh rates, among them Asus ROG Phone and the two Razer Phones – a feature that is needed for smooth gaming. Like most gaming phones, Magic 3 has an RGB LED stripe in the back that is fully customizable as the user wishes.
Nubia Red Magic 3 release date
As noted, ZTE unveiled the Red Magic 3 in China in April and the device is already selling in the country. The phone is also headed to North America and Europe as well, with countries such as the U.S., Canada, and the UK confirmed to receive the phone.
As of this writing, the base model is already available in the U.S. in Black, with two more variants “coming soon.”
Where to buy Nubia Red Magic 3
The Red Magic 3 is available in the country through the official website. The prices are as below:
- 8/128GB → $479
- 12/256GB → $599
The base model has two color options of Red and Black while the high-end model comes in Camo.
At this price, the Red Magic 3 becomes the most affordable Snapdragon 855-powered smartphone officially available on American soil. Asus ZenFone 6 comes in at $499, but it doesn’t have any of the gaming qualities exhibited by the Magic 3.
The closest rival of the ZTE device is the OnePlus 7 Pro, but this requires $670 to get hands on one. So, if you are in the market for a value smartphone that you can use for both gaming and mainstream purposes, the Red Magic 3 might just be the one.
Do note that the Magic 3 is only compatible with carriers that support LTE bands 2/4/5/7/12/17/25/26/30/41/66.
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