What you need to know

• RedMagic debuts the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro in China, which will debut as the Astra 2 in global markets (announcement later in July).
• The tablet features a 9-inch 2.4K display with a maximum 185Hz refresh rate, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and more RedMagic AI for optimized gameplay.
• The Gaming Tablet 5 Pro features a large 8,300mAh battery with 80W wired charging in China.
• Consumers will find the tablet in black and silver colorways, starting at 5,299 RMB (~$780).

After earlier teasers, RedMagic is finally ready to debut its latest compact gaming tablet. This tablet boasts powerful specs, ready to take on the world of eSports.

Early this morning (June 30), RedMagic shared details about the launch of the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro in China. However, it adds that global users will see this debut as the Astra 2, the successor to the original Astra, in 2025. Driving the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro forward is its compact design. RedMagic states it's equipped with a 9.06-inch display with "narrow" 4.9mm bezels. The tablet's screen-to-body ratio is reportedly 90%, meaning RedMagic's attempts to immerse you in games might shine even brighter.

The 2.4K OLED display features a 185Hz refresh rate; however, users will have multiple refresh rate options. The tablet can switch between 60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz, alongside the highest choice.

Your reactions and the device's response time can be the deciding factor in many multiplayer games. If you're on it but your hardware isn't, that could spell defeat. RedMagic states its Gaming Tablet 5 Pro improves on its response times with Synaptics S3930 touch solution. Precision, sensitivity, and lower input lag are the hallmarks of this solution.

On the other hand, devices get hot—every mobile gamer knows this. To help, the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro offers liquid cooling. RedMagic reports this is the first tablet in the industry to deploy such a cooling tactic. Internally, the tablet features an ultra-thin micro pump that continuously "circulates coolant through nano-sealed tubing with minimal power consumption..." What's more, several internals, such as the tablet's vapor chambers and heat dissipation hardware, help keep the device cool.

What brings RedMagic's newest tablet together is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC. Not only does the company highlight this tablet's strengths in "portable gaming," but it places its own RedCore R4 gaming chip and Energy Cube 3.0 engine right beside it. Elsewhere, a mobile gaming device is nothing without a capable battery, and that's where its 8,300mAh cell comes into play.

While the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro is RedMagic's China model, its battery differs from that of the global Astra 2.

RedMagic says the Chinese version will feature 80W fast charging. Once the Astra 2 debuts, we'll know for sure what charging wattage it will provide. The company's 1227 stereo speaker system enhances the tablet's audio for "richer bass response, greater spatial depth, and immersive audio for gaming, movies, and music." AI is another aspect RedMagic has worked on to assist gamers.

Its OS 11.5 software introduces MORA AI Agent 2.0 to optimize gameplay and assist with everyday tasks.

eSports and more

RedMagic's efforts in building a capable gaming tablet have resulted in validation for use in eSports environments. The press release states, "The device has received official certification across multiple top-tier mobile esports competitions spanning FPS, MOBA, racing, and tactical shooter genres, demonstrating its ability to meet the demanding standards of professional gaming."

With the official launch underway in China, the RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro is offered in black and silver colorways. Additionally, users in China will find it available in the following RAM/storage options: 12/256GB, 12/512GB, and 16/1TB. The Gaming Tablet 5 Pro starts at 5,299 RMB (~$780).

It's worth remembering that this device will launch as the RedMagic Astra 2 in global markets. More details are set to be revealed on July 17. RedMagic warns that certain features, specs, and configurations may differ between global and Chinese markets, so its upcoming announcement will be important.

Android Central's Take

I'm always for devices that can run games well. By that, I mean there's very little input lag, little FPS drop, and the like. It's a struggle, obviously. Mobile devices are a bit more limited in what they can do due to size and internals. But RedMagic's continued to hammer away at solving that, and the upcoming Astra 2 is no different. Receiving strong eSport validation is a sign that this tablet can hold it's own, and for some pretty big tournament names, like Call of Duty: Mobile Masters and Arena Breakout Vanguard Cup.

What you need to know

• RedMagic begins teasing its next gaming tablet, the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro, on Weibo, showing the model off in full with a glowing camera bar and in white and black colorways.
• Images seem to confirm the existence of Qualcomm's latest flagship Snapdragon, as well as RedMagic's teaser of "water cooling."
• The last compact tablet was the RedMagic Astra, which delivered strong gaming potential for mobile titles, a huge battery, and up to 1TB of space.

If you forgot about RedMagic's upcoming gaming tablet, we wouldn't blame you. There's been some hefty silence about it, but the company's stepped forward with an official early look at the device.

"Small yet powerful" is how RedMagic describes its upcoming gaming tablet, the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro, in a Weibo post (via GSMArena). The company states it's eyeing eSports with this new tablet. Its design speaks volumes to this interest, featuring glowing LEDs across its camera bar. RedMagic's photos seem to confirm the inclusion of Qualcomm's Snapdragon chip, which might sound enticing to consumers looking for strong gaming performance.

Since the company is settling on the compact side this time, the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro features one rear camera. Nestled beside that is its LED flash. The remainder of the tablet's back panel remains clean, save for RedMagic's beastly logo. RedMagic is preparing the device in white and black colorways.

Phones and tablets have gotten better with gaming over the years, but there's still one problem: cooling. To solve this, RedMagic states the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro features "water cooling." It's also offering a "RedMagic Cooler" for Chinese users replying in the thread's comments. Official display sizes are still kept under wraps, much like other specifications, to truly get us excited. However, RedMagic confirms that its tablet will launch on June 30.

Gaming power in your hands

We last discussed RedMagic's next "small tablet" in March when RedMagic started talking about it. The company teased this device during MWC 2026, but that was pretty much the only tease we got. The early render, which showed a smoky background and a carbon fiber hand holding the tablet, was vague. We could glean that the tablet would likely be another compact model, based on nothing but the render.

There was speculation that Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 could power the tablet, and that seems to be the case after these images. The last compact model we got from RedMagic was the Astra, an OLED gaming tablet with a 9-inch display. There's a 1TB version of this tablet. A likely boon to gamers looking to go hard on their games all day long, with up to 24GB of RAM. The Astra also features a massive battery and strong gaming capabilities that propel gamers.

We're expecting more of the same with the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro.

Android Central's Take

I'm a gamer. Always have been and always will be. RedMagic gives those handheld vibes I've lost ever since the PSP was sunset... then the PS Vita. Don't even get me started about the Nintendo 3DS. Sure, there's the Switch 2, but I'm getting off topic. RedMagic's devices sit differently. They're the phones, the tablets. Bringing mobile gaming to the forefront, not just console-like games that are handheld. I'm particularly happy to see the company's mentioning cooling for this new edition. Just how cool remains unclear, but we won't have to wait long.

What you need to know

• RedMagic announced its 11S Pro series launch for Chinese consumers today (May 18).
• The series features a 6.8-inch BOE X10 AMOLED screen with a 95% screen-to-body ratio, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and the company's RedCore R4 gaming chip.
• The 11S Pro series features an upgraded AquaCore Liquid Cooling system, a TurboFan, and well-built internals to help throw off all the heat gaming tends to build up.
• RedMagic says a global announcement is set for May 27.

RedMagic announced its next entry into mobile gaming, looking to define what it means to have a phone that's strong enough for today's graphics and performance.

Expectations are high if you're a gamer looking for a new phone, so RedMagic announced its 11S Pro series (11S Pro, 11S Pro Plus) overseas in China for those consumers. What catches your eye first is the 11S Pro's 6.8-inch BOE X10 AMOLED screen with a reported 95% screen-to-body ratio. RedMagic also implemented extremely thin bezels, measuring 1.25mm. What's more, the 11S Pro's display is free from a camera notch or punch-hole.

As a result, consumers will have a 16MP UDC (under-display camera). To keep your gaming smooth, RedMagic highlights its maximum 144Hz refresh rate for the display, assisted by its 1.5K resolution support. If you're gaming, you want power and a smooth experience. The press release states the RedMagic 11S Pro comes equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and the company's RedCore R4 gaming chip.

Its Energy Cube 3.0 software is also included. RedMagic states this powerful trio "delivers sustained high-frame-rate performance for demanding mobile gaming and cross-platform gameplay." That's not all, as RedMagic is advancing the cooling system for the 11S Pro that feels true to gaming on a strong rig.

It might be crazy to think a smartphone features cooling fans, but the RedMagic 11S Pro series certainly has them. Beyond that, the company equipped this gaming machine with next-gen liquid cooling. The post states the phone features an upgraded version of RedMagic's AquaCore Cooling System. Not only is there a TurboFan, but there's also a 4D Vapor Chamber architecture, and Composite Liquid Metal 3.0 tech.

As far as the AquareCore Cooling system is concerned, consumers will find that its unique multi-layered structure encourages "rapid heat transfer from core sources." In short, this ensures its FPS remains consistent, and users don't suffer from poor performance due to its heat build-up.

Stay cool, game on

RedMagic's mantra is "win more games," and it's certainly trying to continue that by incorporating its MagicTouch 4.0 algorithm. This brings about a Synaptics touch solution, capable of taking the "instantaneous touch sampling rate" up to 3,000Hz, and the multi-finger rate up to 360Hz. The independent IC shoulder triggers (520Hz) help to make sure that gamers can remain competitive with no input lag in FPS and MOBAs. The 11S Pro series includes Moira AI, which helps by delivering Tactical Coaching, interactive assistance, and streamlined in-game socials.

The battery is where we see the 11S Pro series split. RedMagic states the 11S Pro features an 8,000mAh dual-cell battery with 80W fast charging. The 11S Pro Plus offers a 7,500mAh battery with 120W wired fast charging and 80W wireless charging.

So far, RedMagic's newest series has become the go-to for CrossFire Mobile League, Arena Breakout Masters, and the Call of Duty: Mobile Masters competitions. The RedMagic 11S Pro is available in China in matte black and matte white for 5,499 RMB (~$808, 12/256GB). The 11S Pro Plus takes things up a notch, bringing Nightfreeze (black transparent) and Subzero (silver transparent) options. This phone is available in 12/256GB, 16/512GB, and 16/1TB options for 6,199 RMB (~$911), 6,999 RMB (~$1,029), and 7,999 RMB (~$1,176), respectively.

An announcement for when this series will arrive globally is set for May 27.

Android Central's Take

I've never been more tempted to get a phone like before. I game on my phone. The same games that I play on my phone, I can play on my PC. The level of power that RedMagic says it's equipped the 11S Pro series with is insane to me. On the surface, it sounds like a mini PC. It's got liquid cooling, a decent fan, and a pretty strong current-gen chip. I do wonder just how far I could push this phone, though. Could I max out my graphics in Wuthering Waves because that game is gorgeous, but incredibly strenuous for a phone (even certain PCs).

What you need to know

• The RedMagic 11 Air Trace Edition swaps subtle colors for a white design with bold orange accents and a semi-transparent aesthetic.
• It keeps the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, up to 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, and the RedCore R4 gaming chip.
• Priced at $599 / €599, the Trace Edition is essentially the same phone launched earlier this year.

RedMagic is back with another variant of its sleek gaming phone, the 11 Air. The Trace Edition is now available worldwide, trading the original’s subtle colors for a bright white finish with bold orange accents.

This special edition is based on the RedMagic 11 Air, a gaming phone that came out earlier this year. It adds a new design that shows off the phone’s internals and gives fans something more collectible. The hardware inside is still just as powerful as before.

The RedMagic 11 Air Trace Edition keeps the same slim body as the regular model. It’s about 7.85mm thick and weighs around 207g, making it thinner and lighter than many other gaming phones, which are often bulky.

Despite its slim design, the phone still features a 6.85-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution (2688 × 1216) and a 144Hz refresh rate. The screen also offers a 960Hz touch sampling rate and high-frequency PWM dimming to help reduce flicker.

Inside, the phone uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage. RedMagic also adds its own RedCore R4 gaming chip, which handles tasks like audio and haptics so the main processor can focus on demanding games.

Cooling, triggers, and gaming extras

Managing heat is crucial for gaming phones, and RedMagic addresses this with its ICE Cooling System. This system uses vapor chambers, graphene layers, and active cooling parts to keep the phone cool during long gaming sessions.

The phone also offers several features for gamers, like 520Hz shoulder trigger buttons for console-style controls, bypass charging, and software tools to boost performance and manage resources while you play.

Powering everything is a 7,000mAh battery, which supports fast wired charging to get you back into the game quickly.

RedMagic phones have never been camera-first devices, and that doesn’t really change here. The rear camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor paired with an ultra-wide camera, while the front uses a 16MP selfie camera. It’s perfectly fine for everyday shots and video calls, but gaming clearly remains the priority.

On the software side, the phone uses RedMagic OS 11, which is based on Android 16. It comes with performance tools, customizable gaming modes, and user interface tweaks made for gamers.

The RedMagic 11 Air Trace Edition starts at $599 or €599, and it comes in just one configuration.

What you need to know

• Redmagic started teasing on Weibo that it's got another gaming tablet on the way.
• The company's brief teaser shows the compact device in a robot's hand, stating it will be called the "Gaming Tablet 5 Pro," which is "coming soon."
• The latest tablet was the Redmagic Astra, a tablet with a 9-inch display, 165Hz refresh rate, and all the strength to ensure games remain smooth and powerful.

Redmagic is teasing a new product amidst all the MWC 2026 reveals that's getting some time in the spotlight on social media.

The Chinese OEM started teasing what appears to be a new gaming tablet on its Weibo page this week (via Android Headlines). Redmagic's teaser is pretty light; however, what it shows is a tablet in the hands of a carbon fiber (you see it?) robotic hand. It's always hard to tell from images like this, but the device looks pretty compact just off the rendering.

Redmagic's wording states the "Gaming Tablet 5 Pro" is "coming soon." This is all users were able to get from Redmagic's MWC 2026 teaser. That and the company telling users to "stay tuned" for more updates. We're not entirely sure about when the device could launch, but more on that in a moment. The publication offered some theories, as it suggests the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro could feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC.

To stay "compact," there's a chance Redmagic could keep this tablet around the nine to 10-inch range, similar to its previous two generations.

Next-gen gaming on the way

In terms of timeframe, we might be looking at a summer launch for this next Redmagic tablet. If we look back at the Redmagic Astra, that tablet debuted in China in June, before global regions got their hands on it the month after. If the company is teasing the model now (we're in March), maybe we're looking at a similar timeline. Redmagic could always throw us a curveball and drop it even sooner (here's hoping).

The Redmagic Astra debuted with a 9.06-inch OLED display for $499. Its base model started at 12GB, but its internal storage could climb to 1TB (at $849, too). The design stuck closely to the brand's gaming phones, with cool LED lights on its rear panel and an edgy design you'd want from a gaming PC. At 165Hz, the Astra remained smooth while gaming. The Nova gaming tablet debuted one year earlier with a 10.9-inch display, so Redmagic went back and made things even more compact.

Android Central's Take

Redmagic produces some rather strong gaming-focused devices. From its phones to its tablets, these models truly grasp what it takes to have a smooth, powerful mobile gaming experience. These are phones and tablets that have often made me consider switching. Redmagic often leans on Qualcomm's strong silicone to carry its gaming, which works well. Plus, the costs are fairly reasonable in the end. We'll have to wait and see if that continues with this next iteration.

With ASUS no longer making phones, Redmagic is the only gaming phone brand left, and to its credit, it is doing all the right things. I used the Redmagic 11 Pro when it debuted, and the addition of liquid cooling gave the device that little extra that gaming phones always need, and it was a gaming powerhouse.

There's now the Redmagic 11 Air; I still think it's hilarious that the brand chose an Air moniker for a phone that weighs 207g and has a 6.85-inch panel and a huge 7,000mAh battery, but hey, at least it is lighter than the 230g 11 Pro. As you'd imagine from Redmagic, the 11 Air has high-end internals and a whole load of extras designed to make the most out of mobile gaming. After using the phone for two weeks, I'm convinced that this is a great gaming phone, and if anything, I prefer it to the 11 Pro — I'm focusing on four areas where the Redmagic 11 Air stands out.

A big AMOLED panel with no visible cutout

Redmagic went with the same 6.85-inch OLED panel as the 11 Pro, and this is absolutely the right call. Although it is bigger than most screens you see today, Redmagic did a terrific job ensuring the bezels are thin, so the device itself isn't that much bigger or wider than other flagships. If anything, it is in line with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and while it still resembles a brick, the lighter design makes a difference in day-to-day usability.

What I like the best about the OLED panel is that there's no cutout, so you get a screen that isn't marred by a front camera or any other obstruction. This makes playing games or watching multimedia on the 11 Air that much more enjoyable, and I don't get why other brands don't go the same route.

The color vibrancy of the OLED panel is on par with the best Android phones, and you don't miss out on any of the extras — you even get a decent amount of customizability when it comes to adjusting the colors to your preferences. Redmagic has an eye comfort mode as well, and there's even a dedicated Read Mode that turns the panel monochrome, making it a great choice to read books.

But it's while gaming where the panel on the 11 Air really shines; thanks to 144fps in select games alongside the lack of a visible cutout, the phone is objectively better for gaming than most other devices.

Internals you can rely on — and a battery that doesn't quit

I get that Redmagic went with the Snapdragon 8 Elite instead of the 8 Elite Gen 5, and you know what? I didn't notice any difference whatsoever. Last year's Snapdragon 8 Elite is still a fantastic chipset, and it holds up just as well in demanding games — I didn't run into any lag or slowdown in the dozen or so games I tested on the Redmagic 11 Air.

If anything, going with last year's platform means Redmagic was able to avoid the overheating issues to an extent. The phone still gets hot, but it isn't quite as much as devices powered by the 8 Elite Gen 5. Also, there is some throttling with extended gaming, and again, it is in line with what I see on other phones using the same silicon.

The rest of the hardware is great in its own right; the device gets 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM as standard, and comes with 256GB of UFS 4.1 storage. Snapdragon Sound is intact, and you get a 7,000mAh battery that lasts a day even with heavy use.

All the gaming extras you want

Like the rest of its gaming phones, the Redmagic 11 Air gets a dedicated Game Space that lets you customize the hardware and settings in individual games. It definitely makes a difference, and the ability to tune settings on a game-by-game basis is great.

Also, while the list of titles that allow 144fps gaming is still pretty limited, it's good to see that there are a few games that let you take full advantage of the OLED panel, and there are dozens of titles available at 120fps. While it doesn't technically make a difference with gaming in general, it's pretty cool to see RGB lighting on the rear of the device.

Although Redmagic makes a big deal out of the built-in cooling fan, I don't see it making a tangible difference while gaming. Look, it's definitely novel to have active cooling, but it doesn't do much to prevent throttling.

A gaming phone that doesn't break the bank

Coming in at $499, the Redmagic 11 Air costs $200 less than its sibling, and I don't really see a reason why should buy any other gaming phone in 2026. The affordability makes it a better choice than just about anything in this category, and even if you're not a gamer, the caliber of hardware you're getting makes this a terrific deal.

Sure, the phone has middling cameras, and while you will get decent photos most of the time, it doesn't hold a candle to the Pixel 10a or any other mid-ranger in this area. Outside of that though, there isn't much missing with the phone; you get powerful internals, a gorgeous AMOLED panel, and unique gaming extras that make a difference.

Honestly, this is what I wanted ASUS to do with its gaming phones, and I'm glad that Redmagic is carrying that baton forward.

What you need to know

• The RedMagic 11 Air aims to fix the classic gaming phone problem by combining a thinner body with flagship power.
• The RedCore R4 and CUBE engine push some games to 144fps, boost visuals, sharpen haptics, and sync RGB lighting with gameplay.
• A 24,000 RPM fan and upgraded vapor chamber help prevent throttling, even in long sessions with demanding titles.
• The 7,000mAh battery, 80W fast charging, and Charge Separation tech focus on both endurance and long-term battery health.

The gaming phone market has always struggled to balance top performance and battery life with a comfortable size. Most brands have had to compromise on cooling, battery, or thickness. RedMagic’s new 11 Air, which launched in China last week, aims to change that and is now launching worldwide.

RedMagic calls this the slimmest phone in its Air series and has made major internal upgrades to avoid past compromises. The phone features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

With the new Snapdragon 8 Elite, the 11 Air offers faster load times, smoother frame rates, and better efficiency than the previous RedMagic 10 Air’s Gen 3 chip. RedMagic also uses its custom RedCore R4 gaming chip and CUBE scheduling engine for extra performance. This lets some games run at up to 144fps instead of 60fps, improves visuals, makes haptics more responsive, and syncs RGB lighting with game audio.

Thermal management is another area where the 11 Air tries to flex. Even though it’s slimmer, it has a 24,000 RPM active cooling fan, the first in the Air series, and a new 4D Ice-Steps vapor chamber that reportedly improves heat diffusion by 40%. The aim is to keep performance steady during long gaming sessions without the phone overheating.

Battery life is also improved. The 11 Air has a 7,000mAh battery, larger than the 10 Air’s, and supports 80W fast charging. More interesting is Charge Separation, which routes power directly to the motherboard during gaming, which helps protect the battery. Combined with PowerCube AI energy management, this is designed to keep the battery healthy and maintain steady frame rates.

Pro-grade gaming tools

On the front, you get a 6.8-inch display with a 2688×1216 resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate, edging out the older 120Hz panel. Audio comes from dual stereo speakers, haptics from an upgraded X-axis motor, and durability gets a small boost with IP54 protection. RedMagic's signature 520Hz shoulder triggers return, along with vertical gaming support for portrait-mode titles.

This time, the software uses more AI features. Game Space now includes Tactical Coach for some shooters and MOBAs, voice commands, AI messaging help, and multi-screen collaboration. There is also better integration with Google Gemini for translation and productivity tools.

Camera hardware is respectable but clearly not the headline: a 50MP main shooter with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide, and a 16MP selfie camera. For connectivity, you get 5G, Wi-Fi 6, NFC, and an IR blaster. The phone runs on RedMagic OS 11.0.

The pricing is competitive. The 12GB/256GB model starts at $529 in North America, and the 16GB/512GB version costs $629. Global sales start on February 11, with early-bird promotions available earlier in the month. The phone will be sold in major markets across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and more.

Android Central's Take

From my experience with gaming phones, active cooling is often removed to save space, so I have to give RedMagic credit for including a 24,000 RPM fan in such a slim design. For users, this means you can play demanding games like Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile for over twenty minutes without the phone slowing down to prevent overheating.

Still, I’m a little unsure about the “Air” name. It’s thinner than the Pro, but with a 7,000mAh battery and a physical fan, it’s still a heavy device that you’ll notice in your pocket. For Nubia, RedMagic’s parent company, this seems like a bold attempt to take over the mid-tier gaming market before others can catch up with the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s thermal needs.

What you need to know

• RedMagic launched the 11 Air in China this morning, announcing the device as a mobile gaming-focused device.
• The phone features a 6.8-inch, 1.5K display with a 144Hz refresh rate, shoulder triggers for MOBAs, FPS games, and more, as well as a 7,000mAh battery.
• The company also included the Turbo Fan 4.0, an Air-series first, to help cool down your device when playing intensive games.
• The RedMagic 11 Air starts at 3,699 RMB (~$530), and a global launch announcement is expected on January 29.

If you've been eagerly awaiting what's coming up next from RedMagic, today's your day, as the company launches its 2026 RedMagic 11 Air.

Early this morning (Jan 20), the RedMagic 11 Air made its grand debut in China, arriving with ambitions for the big stage in Esports and "elevated performance." Make no mistake, this is a (handheld) mobile gaming-focused phone that RedMagic states it has pushed to the limit with "elite" capabilities and a cooling system.

In a press release, the company confirms the RedMagic 11 Air features a 6.8-inch, 1.5K display with a 144Hz refresh rate. RedMagic claims to have elevated its phone with an extremely narrow 1.25mm bezel and a 95.1% screen-to-body ratio. In short, your viewing experience is "immersive," according to RedMagic, with minimal borders.

The 11 Air's gaming prowess advances, as the post states its touch sampling reaches 250Hz, while its multi-finger tracking reaches 960Hz. This essentially ensures (or at least tries to) that every touch on the screen is recognized and put into action.

Internally, consumers can expect quick LPDDR5X ULTRA RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. RedMagic says that, in tandem, its included RAM and storage help with multitasking, heavy toll responsiveness, and smooth gameplay. There's support for 2K 144Hz rendering for roughly 200 mobile games available right now. However, there's a little hardware gift: shoulder triggers. RedMagic says these triggers feature a 520Hz response rate, delivering "precision" for MOBAs, FPS, and ARPG titles.

You'd also benefit from knowing that the RedMagic 11 Air rocks a 7,000mAh battery with 120W wired charging to keep you in the game and get you back in a hurry.

The latest gaming phone features the REDMAGIC Energy Cube 3.0 engine with "millisecond-level intelligent scheduling." It's stated that this engine works to optimize "the coordination of performance, graphics, frame rate, and power consumption for maximum efficiency."

The phone's cooling system is another aspect that's turning heads. The company highlights that this is the first Air-series model to feature the Turbo Fan 4.0. This fan can reach heights of 24,000 RPM, and its redesigned fan blades facilitate a much cooler air flow by 21% with a 40% sweep area. This fan for the device is pretty quiet, meaning users can cool down their phone even better and stay hushed while doing so.

The RedMagic 11 Air isn't all about gaming—you can take photos, too. The phone sports a dual camera system, featuring a 50MP OIS (optical image stabilization) and an 8MP ultrawide lens. The company's REDMAGIC OS 11 leans on its AI software for the 11 Air to create a more useful device from the ground up. Users will have access to AI Object Recognition, AI Screen Search, and Tactical Coach for real-time strategic guidance while playing.

Gaming's great, but what about price?

As previously stated, the RedMagic 11 Air launched in China earlier today (Jan 20). With that, the phone starts at 3,699 RMB, which is roughly $530. This is broken down by RAM/storage configs, meaning the 12/256GB variant is at this 3,699 RMB (~$530) price. RedMagic kicks things up a little for its 16/512GB for 4,399 RMB (~$630). This device is available in white and black.

It's worth noting that these prices might change should the RedMagic 11 Air see a global launch and arrive in the U.S. They're just guestimates for now. Speaking of a global release, RedMagic says it plans to formally announce when others may see the phone on January 29.

What you need to know

• The RedMagic 11 Pro was recently announced, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and is the "world's first mass-produced smartphone with liquid cooling."
• In a recent video, JerryRigEverything put the 11 Pro through his usual series of torture tests, which includes taking apart the phone.
• The video gives us a closer look at the built-in liquid cooling system, along with what the rest of the phone looks like internally.

Phones are finally beginning to roll out that are powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The RedMagic 11 Pro recently joined the list, bringing with it something that none of its rivals can offer: liquid cooling. Between the Gen 5's performance gains over last year's model, and RedMagic's focus on mobile gaming, needless to say that the phone will end up generating a bunch of heat.

Recently, Zack Nelson from JerryRigEverything got his hands on the RedMagic 11 Pro, and put it through his gauntlet of torture tests. Unlike other phones that were recently released, the 11 Pro passed with flying colors. As for the results, the display begins to scratch at a level 6 on the Mohs scale, with "deeper grooves at a level 7."

When holding a lighter to the screen, it took about 20 seconds or so to see that portion of the screen turn white. However, just a few moments later, and the AMOLED display "recovered," and you couldn't even tell where the burn initially occurred.

Nelson's bend tests are notorious for finding flaws with devices, as we recently saw with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold actually exploding. RedMagic fans can rest easy, as the 11 Pro barely even flexed when pressure was applied to both the front and the back.

Moving onto the star of the show, Zack carefully removed the back glass that covers the entire rear of the phone, and few moments later, the entire liquid cooling loop was exposed. It wasn't until the phone was turned off and the loop was disconnected from the phone that it stopped entirely, which shouldn't come as much of a surprise.

It's worth pointing out that when looking at the liquid cooling, you'll see some bubbles that aren't the same color as the blue liquid. Although we aren't sure as to the reason why this was done, it could just be for aesthetics otherwise the liquid cooling loop would just look blue all of the time.

Speaking of which, I have to agree with Zack here, as he's not sure why RedMagic didn't just have the majority of the loop shown. It makes the phone even more unique than it already is, and looks pretty darn cool at the same time.

After finishing the disassembly of the RedMagic 11 Pro, Nelson manages to get everything put back together and turns the phone back on without any issues. While this isn't something that everyone should try to do, it's nice seeing how well-built these gaming phones really are. And if anything, it provides a bit of reassurance that your phone won't break under a bit of pressure or if you happen to drop it.

Pre-orders for the RedMagic 11 Pro are slated to kick off on November 13, with the base model priced at $749. For that, you'll get the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. However, you can also configure the phone with up to 24GB of RAM and a whopping 1TB of storage.

What you need to know

• The RedMagic 11 Pro is the first mass-produced phone with a dual liquid-and-air cooling system, using a server-grade liquid and a 24,000rpm fan to tackle heat head-on.
• It's powered by the top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, up to 24GB of RAM, and a dedicated RedCore R4 chip for elite-level graphics and touch response.
• The phone packs a massive 8,000mAh battery promises over 13 hours of gaming, but the global model may see a reduction to meet regional regulations.

Nubia has launched its latest gaming flagship in China, the RedMagic 11 Pro series, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most over-the-top mobile gaming phones we’ve seen this year.

Beyond flashy RGB lights and gimmicky specs, the latest RedMagic model pushes phone cooling, performance, and battery life to new extremes, with the main headline being a dual liquid-and-air cooling system — the first of its kind on a mass-produced smartphone.

RedMagic basically took cooling tech usually found in gaming PCs and crammed it into a phone. It’s built around an AI server-grade liquid that stays stable from -60°C to 108°C, paired with a 24,000rpm fan, a ceramic micro-pump, and a four-layer heat dissipation setup. Oh, and the liquid actually moves visibly inside a translucent ring on the back.

Under the hood, the RedMagic 11 Pro packs Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, backed by up to 24GB of LPDDR5T RAM and UFS 4.1 Pro storage. RedMagic also threw in its own RedCore R4 chip to handle touch and graphics optimization, and even a PC emulator in the China version.

The trade-off: A smaller global battery?

Battery life is another flex point — an 8,000mAh cell that supports 120W wired and 80W wireless charging. RedMagic says it can last over 13 hours in MOBA games. The tradeoff for the upcoming global release, though, is that international models might get a smaller battery to comply with regional safety standards, as reported by Notebookcheck.

Up front, you get a 6.8-inch BOE X10 AMOLED display with 2,688 × 1,216 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and an under-display camera. The display also supports eye protection tech for marathon gaming sessions.

Cameras are surprisingly capable for a gaming phone — dual 50MP shooters and advanced streaming support up to 8K60Hz.

The RedMagic 11 Pro starts at 4,999 RMB (around $680) in China and comes in black, silver, and transparent editions. The global launch is set for November 3, where we’ll see if RedMagic brings all its cooling tricks overseas or keeps some of the magic exclusive to China.

Redmagic has proven over the years that it can deliver standout gaming phones, and it's continuing that with the 10S Pro. A mid-cycle refresh of the Redmagic 10 Pro that debuted at the end of last year, the 10S Pro isn't too different to the standard model — it has the same panel, same cameras, same battery, and a similar design.

It also uses the same Qualcomm silicon, but it now goes up to 4.47GHz, with Redmagic calling it the Leading Version (basically a higher-binned version of the platform). What hasn't changed is the value, and coming in at $649, it significantly undercuts what ASUS is offering, and other flagships.

That's a high-level overview of what you're getting with the 10S Pro, so if you need a phone with powerful internals and a better value, this is a viable choice.

Redmagic 10S Pro: Specs, price, and availability

Redmagic unveiled the 10S Pro on June 5, 2025, and the device is slated to go on sale globally starting June 18. Just like the regular 10 Pro, the 10S Pro starts at $649, making it one of the most affordable choices if you want to get your hands on the latest Qualcomm silicon.

The 10S Pro comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.1 storage with the base model, and it is also available in a 16GB/512GB edition and a 24TB/1TB model. I'm using the 16GB/512GB configuration, and I think this hits the sweet spot both with pricing and storage.

Redmagic 10S Pro: Design

I like gaming phones because they're flamboyant, and the 10S Pro is no different. Redmagic had its share of ostentatious designs in the past, but I like how clean the 10S Pro looks; the see-through aesthetic isn't as bold as Nothing's devices, but it still allows the 10S Pro to stand out visually.

Like the best gaming phones, the 10S Pro gets RGB lighting at the back. There are two lighting zones — a stylized X next to the camera island and Redmagic logo at the bottom — and you can easily customize the colors. The white model I'm using looks fabulous, and a key design differentiator is the fully flat back — there's no visible camera protrusion.

Google got plenty of praise with the Pixel 9a because of a similar design decision, and Redmagic did just as well with the 10S Pro; if anything, the Chinese brand deserves more credit as it's using a larger sensor at the back. I've gotten so used to phones with oversized camera modules that it's a refreshing change of pace to go back that doesn't protrude, and I like what Redmagic did with the overall design.

A side-effect of the design is that the 10S Pro slides off any surface that isn't flat; it took nearly a dozen tumbles from the couch in the 10 days I used it, which in itself is a new record. Annoyingly, one of those tumbles led to a microfracture at the edge of the panel, and the 10S Pro joins the unwelcome list of phones that broke during routine use — the ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra is the only other device that did so in the last seven years.

All of this is to say that if you're eyeing this phone, I'd suggest using it with a case. While I like the design, it clearly isn't as durable as the Vivo X200 Pro or any of the other Chinese flagships I used this year, and it is quite blocky and unforgiving; you don't get much bevels on the sides, so it digs into your palm. The phone gets Gorilla Glass 7i covering the panel and Gorilla Glass 5 at the back.

Also, Redmagic went overboard with the buttons; there are just too many on the right, and the brand should have moved the volume rocker to the left. As it stands, it's hard to access the power button as it sits too low on the side. Then there's the gaming toggle; it's located just where you'd position the phone on a car mount, and it constantly triggered gaming mode while I was navigating.

The 10S Pro has a built-in fan at the back, and there are vents that serve as the intake and exhaust. This isn't just a gimmick either; I tested the exhaust via a Fluke thermal camera, and it makes a difference in extended gaming sessions. Because of the vents, the 10S Pro is limited to IP54 ingress protection, and you miss out on IP68. The plus side is that the 3.5mm jack is intact.

Redmagic 10S Pro: Screen

A clear advantage to using the 10S Pro is that you don't get a cutout at the front; the phone has a selfie camera hidden beneath the panel, and unless you're using it outdoors, you can't even make it out. This is a big deal while gaming and watching multimedia, and I like what Redmagic did in this area.

It nailed the rest of the details as well: the device gets a good AMOLED panel with 144Hz refresh, and it has all the gaming extras you need. Demanding games go up to 120fps, and the phone is an absolute joy to use. A lot of that has to do with the fluidity; it is one of the fastest phones I've used yet.

Thanks to the 3.5mm jack, you can easily plug in IEMs if that's your preferred choice of audio gear. The phone gets loud stereo sound, and it has good balance and doesn't miss out on detail even when you increase the volume. HDR content is handled well, and I didn't see any issues using the panel in bright sunlight.

Redmagic 10S Pro: Hardware and battery

Redmagic is positioning the 10S Pro as one of the fastest devices around today, and after nearly two weeks of use, I have to agree. The phone doesn't have any slowdowns or lag whatsoever, and the brand did a good job optimizing the software to take advantage of the beastly Qualcomm silicon.

The result is that the 10S Pro absolutely flies; it doesn't matter whether you're playing a demanding game or just browsing social media, the phone is fluid like few other devices you can buy today. Coming from the X200 Pro, the difference was immediately noticeable.

You also get gaming-focused extras; the ultrasonic shoulder triggers are easily customizable, and they let you assign in-game actions with relative ease. So if you like playing shooters, the triggers are a good way to gain an advantage. I didn't see any issues in extended gaming sessions either; the phone tends to run hot, but that is the case with all 2025 devices featuring Qualcomm silicon, and after 30 minutes of gaming, it didn't exceed 48 degrees.

Weirdly enough, I had problems with connectivity. Internet was rock-solid on my home network, but every time I switched over to cellular data, it just wouldn't load sites even though it showed a strong signal. I'm using the U.S. variant of the device, and even though it has the requisite 5G bands, it still didn't connect reliably. I'm attributing this to my unit and not the device in general, but it's an annoying bug nonetheless.

The phone has a huge 7,050mAh silicon-carbon battery, and even with heavy use, it lasted a day and a half. Most of the time, you'll only need to charge the 10S Pro every two days on average, and when you need to plug it in, there's 80W charging.

Redmagic 10S Pro: Cameras

The 10S Pro comes with a 50MP main camera and a 50MP wide-angle lens, and it's clear that the cameras are an afterthought on this device. I have no problem with that; the 10S Pro is billed as a gaming phone, and it does a brilliant job in that regard. The camera interface is pretty basic, and you get the shooting modes, toggles, and the usual filters.

The main camera does a decent enough job in brightly-lit conditions, producing photos with high contrast and vibrant colors. It doesn't quite deliver in low-light situations, with resultant shots having visible noise. You don't get much in the way of versatility either as the auxiliary camera is a wide-angle lens; I would have preferred a tele module instead as that sees more usage — particularly with portrait shots.

On that note, the camera has issues dialing in on a subject at times, and portrait shots don't have accurate segmentation. It's still an average camera, but if you intend to take plenty of videos and photos, you should consider getting the Vivo X200 or Xiaomi 15 instead.

Redmagic 10S Pro: Software

I'm not going to talk too much about the software, because there isn't much to fault. Redmagic cleaned up its software efforts a few years ago, and the result is that the 10S Pro has an interface that's as close to vanilla as possible in 2025. It is fluid, doesn't have any issues in regular use, and while you don't get as much customizability as other brands, the basics are covered.

It's ironic that you'll need to buy a gaming phone to get a clean software with good optimization. Both ASUS and Redmagic are doing a stellar job in this area, and I'd like to see other manufacturers go this route — but that's just wishful thinking on my part.

The 10S Pro will get three years of Android OS and security updates, and that is good to see — it outmatches ASUS in this key area. As an added bonus, Redmagic is extending the guarantee to include five Android OS and security updates, but this is limited to customers in the E.U. and U.K. I would have liked all global units to get the same, but it is a start.

Redmagic 10S Pro: The alternatives

ASUS' ROG Phone 9 Pro is the gaming phone to beat in 2025, and the 10S Pro holds its own against it. ASUS went with a mainstream design this year, so the phone doesn't stand out quite as much as the 10S Pro. That said, it is just as fast, and the AMOLED panel is fabulous. The only annoyance is ASUS' inability to deliver more than two software updates; that intentionally hobbles what is one of the best hardware packages.

If you don't want an overt gaming phone, the iQOO 13 is my recommendation. It does a great job in regular use as well as gaming, and it has much better cameras as well.

Redmagic 10S Pro: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if:

• You need a gaming phone
• You want the best battery life
• You need a vibrant AMOLED without any cutout
• You need clean software

You shouldn't buy this if:

• You don't like using a phone with a case
• You need great cameras

On the whole, Redmagic did all the right things with the 10S Pro. It is much better than its predecessors, and the design is a standout — both at the front and back. The flat back is great to use, and active cooling ensures it doesn't overheat. While this is a giant slab of a phone, it doesn't have the same durability as other devices, and you'll need to use a case at the least.

The cameras aren't that great either; while you get decent shots, they don't measure up to true flagships. But if that's not a key consideration and you need a phone with the absolute best internals, the 10S Pro gets my vote — this is one of the best gaming phones I've used in a long time.

What you need to know

• A Weibo tipster claims REDMAGIC is developing a new gaming tablet, which could launch in May "at the earliest" or June "at the latest."
• The tipster suggests the tablet will offer a slightly smaller 9 inch OLED display with the Snapdragon 8 Elite.
• REDMAGIC launched the Nova gaming tablet last September with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a 10,100mAh battery, and a 10.9-inch display.

If you're looking for a new gaming tablet, you might be spoiled for choice as rumors heat up about a new challenger.

These rumors branch off a post from Digital Chat Station (DCS) on Weibo, claiming this new gaming tablet could come from REDMAGIC's kitchen (via 9to5Google). The tipster claims the OEM could opt for an OLED screen instead of the LCD provided on its tablet from late 2024. Moreover, there's speculation that REDMAGIC's next gaming tablet screen could be "custom" with a "high-refresh" rate at 9 inches.

DCS purports the company could grab Qualcomm's latest flagship SoC, the Snapdragon 8 Elite, for its 2025 gaming addition.

The comments hold more, with the tipster replying to user interest and claiming this device could launch "May at the earliest, June at the latest."

Powerful Mobile Gaming

While some of the more "exciting" specs weren't speculated, we have REDMAGIC's latest release, the Nova, to compare the rumors to. The tablet launched with a slightly larger screen — 10.9 inches — than what we're seeing rumored currently. It took things further with 2K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. Internally, REDMAGIC packed the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, a 20,000 RPM fan, and many more thermal gymnastics within it to keep the tablet cool for longer gaming sessions.

Powering it is a 10,100mAh battery. It remains to be seen just how far REDMAGIC will push these key areas when this new version arrives (if it's to be expected). Another key takeaway is its launch, which was in early September 2024. The company quickly turned around with an international launch announcement a couple of weeks later.

With the tipster's "May at the earliest, June at the latest" assumption, the initial debut would concern China, leaving global consumers (potentially) waiting for a global rollout shortly after. This is all pure speculation, so keep your eyes peeled for more official information.

In other news, Lenovo teased a gaming addition of its own: the Legion Tab Gen 4. Perhaps there's some competition brewing as these two devices could launch around similar times.

• Tablet deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Dell

What you need to know

• The RedMagic 10 Air is thinner than most flagship gaming phones but still stacked with high-end hardware.
• It boasts a 9-layer cooling system with liquid metal and a vapor chamber, stopping instances of overheating during long gaming sessions.
• RedMagic also baked in AI features like real-time voice translation, screenshot editing, and a customizable Magic Key for quick access.

RedMagic has pulled the wraps off its newest gaming phone in China, and it’s aiming straight at mobile gamers who want power without the extra weight. The RedMagic 10 Air is slimmer than most top-tier gaming phones, but still packed with high-end specs.

At its core, the phone includes a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is about as fast as phones get right now.

But the real trick is the RedCore R3 co-processor, which handles all the background nonsense (audio, haptics, lighting) so the main chip doesn’t have to. Basically, it’s supposed to help with stuff like keeping the game looking good and stopping the phone from overheating.

Cooling that doesn’t cut corners

Speaking of overheating, RedMagic is making a big deal about the 10 Air's cooling system. The phone ships with a 9-layer ICE Cooling System with liquid metal and a vapor chamber, which is the kind of tech you usually see in gaming laptops. The promise is that this will keep the phone running consistently, even during those super long gaming sessions.

The screen is a 6.8-inch AMOLED, which should give you a decent size for gaming. It boasts a high refresh rate (120Hz) for smooth visuals and gets pretty bright (1,600 nits), so everything on screen will look crisp whether you’re indoors or outside.

The touch response is nuts too: 2,000Hz touch sampling for instant feedback, and 520Hz shoulder triggers that’ll make tapping to reload or aim feel a lot more precise. And for those who like extra controls, it has shoulder triggers that you can map to in-game actions.

Big battery, fast charge

Battery life is always a concern, but RedMagic claims the 10 Air can last up to 28 hours with normal use, thanks to the 6,000mAh battery. This is despite the phone's slim profile. It also supports fast charging, so you can top it up quickly.

Aside from the usual performance talk, there’s some clever stuff baked in too. AI helps with voice translation, so you can understand teammates mid-game or while traveling. It also does quick edits on screenshots and photos for sharing online. And there’s a customizable side button (called the Magic Key) for things like launching apps or features you use often.

Aesthetically, the phone has a matte metal frame and a glass back designed to resist fingerprints. Just like the RedMagic 10 Pro, it’s got RGB lighting because it's a gaming phone. There’s also an extra programmable button on the side for quick actions.

If you're in China, the RedMagic 10 Air is available now with a starting price of 3,499RMB (approximately $476). It comes in a couple of colors (Twilight Black and Hailstone White), with a Flare Orange version coming later. For those outside China, the international release is scheduled for April 23, 2025.

Whether you're new to mobile gaming or you're looking to upgrade your existing setup, I just found a gaming smartphone deal that should not be skipped. The unlocked RedMagic 10 Pro, one of the most powerful Android gaming phones on the market, just scored a 15% discount at Amazon, knocking the price down to its lowest point yet.  

The powerful device just hit store shelves in late 2024, but it's already impressed users with its gorgeous display, massive 7,050mAh battery, and Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset (the same processor that powers the Galaxy S25 Ultra). It's possible that the price will dip a bit further when Prime Day hits in July, but if you don't want to wait, this is an incredible deal on an incredible unlocked phone. 

✅Recommended if: you want one of the most powerful gaming phones ever built, with a stunning 144Hz display, days of battery life, and an advanced cooling system for long play sessions. 

❌Skip this deal if: you want a jack-of-all-trades smartphone; you need great cameras or long software support (the RedMagic 10 Pro is only set to receive one OS upgrade, which is a major bummer). 

The first thing that you'll notice about the RedMagic 10 Pro is its display. The phone boasts a glorious 6.85-inch AMOLED display with a butter-smooth 144Hz refresh rate, ensuring that you'll never have to worry about lag or stutter when you're playing graphics-intensive titles. That's around the same size as the Galaxy S25 Ultra's display, but the RedMagic 10 Pro also utilizes ultra-thin bezels to maximize screen space. Things are just as impressive under the hood, as the RedMagic 10 Pro is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite, a processor that's widely considered to be one of the best chipsets on the market today. The phone also features a 7,050mAh that's estimated to last up to 52 hours on a single charge, plus the device's built-in cooling system and built-in fan ensure that overheating will never be an issue. 

To be clear, the RedMagic 10 Pro is a gaming smartphone before all else, so if you're looking for a jack of all trades, your money would be better spent on one of the other great Android phones that are out right now. With the 10 Pro, you're settling for average cameras and fewer OS upgrades, plus you'll want to check with your carrier to make sure that the phone can access its local 5G network. 

In other words, if you're ready to use one of the best gaming phones on the market, this RedMagic deal is an outstanding opportunity. But if you just want a phone that's good at, well, being a phone, I've got plenty of other deals to recommend.

RedMagic loves cramming its gaming phones with insane features, and we saw that with the RedMagic 9 Pro earlier this year. The RedMagic 9S Pro is no exception—it’s a powerhouse packed with all the muscle you need for a seriously epic gaming experience.

The 9S Pro landed only a few months after its predecessor. It might just be a name change with an "S," but it packs an overclocked chipset, a new look, and improved cooling. It’s not a massive upgrade, but that’s expected since it’s more of a mid-year refresh than a full-on new phone.

If you’re new to the RedMagic brand, the 9S Pro won’t let you down if you’re after a top-tier gaming phone. Just be prepared for some ongoing software issues that can still be a bit annoying.

RedMagic 9S Pro: Price and availability

The RedMagic 9S Pro comes in four versions. The base Sleet model, with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, is priced at $649. The Cyclone and Snowfall models, both packing 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, go for $799. And then there's the Frost model, which has 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, also priced at $649.

The RedMagic 9S Pro keeps the same pricing as the 9 Pro, with one key change: the addition of the entry-level Frost model.

RedMagic 9S Pro: What I like

I’m a big fan of the RedMagic 9S Pro’s boxy design that’s both eye-catching and practical, and RedMagic fully owns it with those flush rear cameras. Right out of the box, you’ll notice its hefty, solid build—this thing feels substantial. It’s visually striking, something you don’t see much in phones these days. Best of all, it avoids the over-the-top, flashy look that plagues so many gaming phones. It’s bold, sure, but there’s a clean, industrial vibe that’s hard not to love.

I have no gripes with this design approach. If you’ve used the RedMagic 9 Pro, the 9S Pro will feel right at home. It’s still a chunky, heavy phone, but that’s the price you pay for a massive 6.8-inch display and all the guts of the ICE 13.5 cooling system.

Sure, the weight might bug some people, and those sharp edges aren’t exactly hand-friendly, but it’s a seriously good-looking phone that feels rock-solid like it could survive a drop off a cliff.

The cooling fan lights up when it’s spinning but otherwise blends right in with the vertical camera stack. As for the shoulder buttons, they’ve got their own lighting, too, doubling as status or notification indicators. You can pick from seven colors and effects like flashing, breathing, or a steady glow.

One of the coolest things here is the edge-to-edge display—no camera notch, no hole, just pure screen. The front camera is tucked under the display like RedMagic’s done before, and I love it because it lets your games take center stage. There’s a tiny bezel around the edges, with the bottom a bit thicker, but it’s so close to even you won’t really care.

The screen comes in at 1116×2480 pixels, which isn’t the highest resolution out there, but it’s spot-on for gaming. A lower resolution helps the GPU keep things running smoothly, so frame rates stay high. Plus, it’s sharp enough that even small text is easy to read.

The panel’s peak brightness of 1600 nits also isn’t the brightest out there, but it’s more than enough for comfortable outdoor use. In everyday situations, the display’s brightness held up just fine, rarely needing an extra boost.

The display has subtly rounded corners, and the edges are gently curved, making it more comfortable to hold. Plus, the pre-applied screen protector blends right in, so you don’t have to worry about putting one on yourself.

RedMagic has fine-tuned the 9S Pro with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version. This overclocked version of the already powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 boosts performance while keeping power usage in check. Plus, AI optimizations make the gaming experience even smoother and more responsive.

While the marketing hype around the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version sounds impressive, the real-world performance difference compared to the standard version is likely minimal. The overclocked chip does offer a slight boost, but in everyday use, you probably won’t notice much of a difference, especially with less demanding tasks. To really see what the chip can do, you’d need to put it through its paces with some heavy-duty Android games.

When you dive into games like Genshin Impact or other graphically demanding titles, the 9S Pro just powers through, thanks to the 1GHz Red Core 2 Pro gaming chip. In its highest performance mode, the 9S Pro consistently hit 60fps with zero crashes, stuttering, or loading hiccups. Animations were smooth, and every action felt instant. Even in intense gaming moments, there’s no slowdown, and the large display makes it easy to see and control everything.

The RedMagic 9S Pro shines in gaming performance, but heavy sessions, especially with high-performance modes on, can make it heat up fast. To avoid discomfort, it’s a good idea to use a case or controller. Without them, the aluminum frame can get pretty warm after a while.

Many flagship phones with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 can struggle with heat and performance dips. However, the RedMagic 9S Pro’s advanced cooling system, including the active fan, allows it to maintain peak performance for longer. This means you get a smooth, responsive gaming experience, even during the most demanding sessions.

The RedMagic 9S Pro’s performance isn’t just about gaming—it shines in everyday use, too. Whether you’re scrolling through apps, switching between tasks, or handling more demanding apps, it does everything smoothly and effortlessly, showing off just how capable this device really is.

The RedMagic 9S Pro’s internal fan runs surprisingly quietly, which is a big win for a high-performance gaming device. Considering how important it is for keeping temperatures in check, it’s impressive. The quiet fan makes the whole gaming experience better by cutting down on distractions and creating a more immersive environment.

The device comes loaded with a solid set of gaming features, building on what previous models already nailed. While a lot of these features will feel familiar to RedMagic fans, the brand keeps adding cool new stuff with each release. It’s definitely one of the most packed gaming toolkits on any phone.

One feature I really dig is the touch-sensitive triggers with built-in LEDs. They light up, making it way easier to find them during gameplay. And it’s not just for show—the LEDs also double as notification lights, which is a nice touch.

RedMagic 9S Pro: What I don't like

The rear cameras on the RedMagic 9S Pro aren’t on par with other Android camera phones, but they do a solid job in good lighting. They’re more than enough for snapping everyday moments and social media content, covering the basic photography needs of a gaming phone.

The RedMagic 9S Pro sticks with the same camera setup as its predecessor, focusing more on gaming performance than photography. While the camera has improved over time, it still lags behind dedicated camera phones, especially in image quality and versatility. That said, given the price, the camera does a decent job for most users.

You’re getting the same 50MP Samsung GN5 sensor that’s been in the last few models. It’s a solid camera, but it's not exactly groundbreaking or new.

The primary camera takes shots with slightly muted colors, and while it handles detail well in good lighting, shadows, and darker areas can look a bit blurry. The ultrawide camera struggles in low light, with less detail in the images. RedMagic applies distortion correction, but the results can still show some unnatural artifacts.

If there’s one major downside to Nubia’s all-screen design, it’s the 9S Pro’s 16MP under-display selfie camera. The selfies are pretty awful—detail, exposure, and dynamic range are all lacking, making it worse than even some budget phones with a regular front-facing camera.

RedMagic 9S Pro camera samples

Another thing that’s a bit annoying is how the front camera gives hazy shots because of the screen above it. It’s decent for quick calls or streaming with friends while gaming, but if you’re into taking selfies for Instagram or want something more polished, you’ll be let down.

On the software front, RedMagic’s software used to be a bit of a mess, but the company has come a long way in the past couple of years. These days, using a RedMagic device day-to-day is glitch-free and pretty enjoyable.

The RedMagic 9S Pro runs on Android 14 with RedMagic OS 9.5 on top. While the interface can be a bit quirky at times, it gives you plenty of customization options to tweak things like themes, wallpapers, and menu colors to match your style.

Nubia claims that all models get "more than two years of software support" and promises at least one major Android update per year. However, it's unclear how long this will actually last. Compared to companies like Google and Samsung, which offer up to seven years of support, this feels a bit lacking.

At the end of the day, you’ve got to make some trade-offs to keep a $649 price tag on a phone with the latest Snapdragon. But when it comes to gaming, the RedMagic 9S Pro absolutely delivers, and that’s what really matters.

RedMagic 9S Pro: Competition

Nubia and ASUS are usually at the top of our gaming phone rankings, so the new ROG Phone 9 series might catch your eye. But if you’re not looking to break the bank, the ROG Phone 8 from last year is still a beast and a way better deal.

The ASUS ROG Phone 8 might not be the newest model, but it’s still a solid pick. While it might not have the same bang-for-your-buck appeal as the RedMagic 9S Pro, its better software support, improved camera, and more comfortable design make it a great all-around gaming phone. You can also go for the beefier ROG Phone 8 Pro if you want a little more power.

Additionally, the iQOO 12 is a solid competitor in the budget gaming phone category, offering impressive value for its price. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset delivers performance on par with the RedMagic 9S Pro and even beats it with 120W fast charging. However, it falls short in the gaming department without features like dedicated cooling and shoulder triggers, which are a must for hardcore mobile gamers.

RedMagic 9S Pro: Should you buy it?

You should buy it if...

• You're after a solid value phone with great performance and an enormous battery.
• You prefer a phone that stays cool even during those marathon gaming sessions.
• You want a phone that lasts all day and charges up in no time.

You should not buy it if...

• You're after top-notch camera performance, since the RedMagic 9S Pro might not be your best bet.
• You're not a fan of generic-looking interfaces.
• Limited software support is a dealbreaker for you.

The RedMagic 9S Pro is a powerhouse when it comes to gaming, with hardware that can handle even the most demanding tasks without breaking a sweat. Its advanced cooling system keeps things cool, while the overclocked chipset ensures smooth, lag-free performance in even the most intense gaming sessions. It's easily one of the most powerful smartphones out there right now. But it’s not just about gaming. The 9S Pro also delivers a solid all-around package, featuring a classic headphone jack, a stunning OLED display, and a big battery with fast charging to keep you in the game longer.

While the RedMagic 9S Pro is a beast when it comes to gaming, it doesn’t quite shine as an all-around smartphone. The lack of an IP rating and its underwhelming camera performance might be dealbreakers for those looking for a phone that excels in both gaming and everyday tasks. Sure, it offers solid value compared to premium flagships and gaming phones like the ROG Phone 9, but its durability and photography shortcomings might hold it back from claiming a top spot in the broader smartphone market.

If you're not too fussed about the camera or software quirks, and you're just after a beastly gaming phone with cool stuff like built-in cooling and air triggers, the RedMagic 9S Pro is a solid pick. It's a bit of overkill, but it’s a lot cheaper than the newer ROG phones and still delivers serious performance. If gaming is your top priority, you can’t go wrong here.

What you need to know

• ZTE's Nubia unveiled the RedMagic 10 Pro series in China, with two models available: 10 Pro and 10 Pro Plus.
• Both models are identical, but the 10 Pro Plus has a bigger 7050mAh battery, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage.
• Both devices use the latest Qualcomm silicon and come with Android 15.
• The devices will be available globally — including North America — starting December 3.

ZTE's Nubia sub-brand does a good job catering to enthusiasts, and the RedMagic series is always a good choice if you want a gaming-focused device. The RedMagic 9 Pro got a lot right, but Nubia is turning things up a notch with the debut of the RedMagic 10 Pro Plus.

The device continues Nubia's distinct gamer aesthetic with bold styling and a boxy design. You still get plenty of buttons on the right, an all-screen design that isn't marred by a cutout, and with a sizeable 6.85-inch 144Hz AMOLED panel, the phone is an absolute unit.

What's immediately interesting about the phone is that the RedMagic 10 Pro Plus has a gargantuan 7,050mAh battery with 120W charging, which is a lot even by 2025 standards. Like other Chinese brands, Nubia uses silicon-carbon battery tech to increase the density, which is how the brand was able to cram a larger battery while retaining the same 229g weight as the 9 Pro.

Similar to other 2025 flagships, Nubia went with Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite on both RedMagic phones. Although the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is still plenty powerful, the new platform has sizeable gains across the board.

There's also a regular RedMagic 10 Pro that has a 6,500mAh battery and 80W charging, and that model comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. While other brands usually differentiate models with cameras, Nubia isn't going that here — both the 10 Pro and 10 Pro Plus have the same design, same AMOLED panel, and identical cameras. The only difference is the storage configurations and battery size.

The 10 Pro Plus, meanwhile, comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage as standard. Both devices run Android 15 out of the box, and Nubia has unique extras that cater to gamers on the software side of things.

The devices are now available in China, with an international debut on December 3 — you can sign up on Nubia's global website if you're interested. The series starts at 4,999 RMB ($693) in China, and it should cost about the same globally.

What you need to know

• Official images reveal the RedMagic 10 Pro series will come in several color options: Dark Knight, Day Warrior, and two Deuterium Transparent variants with transparent backs.
• The Deuterium models stand out with their unique transparent backs, while the Dark Knight and Day Warrior have a bold metallic, angular design.
• The top-end model could pack 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage—perfect for high-performance gaming.

Nubia has revealed official RedMagic 10 Pro renders, flaunting a clean, minimalist look with a flat design and uninterrupted, edge-to-edge display, with no selfie camera cutout to break the view.

New high-res images posted by the company on Weibo show that the next-gen gaming phone will come in a mix of color options, including Dark Knight, Day Warrior, Deuterium Transparent Dark Night, and Deuterium Transparent Silver Wing (via Android Headlines).

The Deuterium models stand out with their unique design, featuring transparent upper back panels. Meanwhile, the Dark Knight and Day Warrior versions go for a more classic look but still turn heads with a metallic, angular style.

The RedMagic 10 Pro makes a bold statement with its entirely flat design. Like its predecessor, the RedMagic 9 Pro, it eliminates the rear camera bump for an uninterrupted look. The full-view display takes things further with no notches or cutouts, all thanks to its under-display camera technology.

The device features impressively slim bezels, and it’s set to break records for both bezel thickness and screen-to-body ratio. Rumors suggest the phone will pack a 6.86-inch OLED display with a 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate.

The RedMagic 10 series stays true to its gaming roots with a classic triple-camera setup. Its ergonomic design includes gaming trigger buttons, a fan vent, a model slider switch, and a power button placed along the ridge edge for easy access.

Given its gaming focus, the rumored 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage for the top-end RedMagic 10 Pro are exactly what you'd expect from a powerhouse device.

With the Qualcomm logo on the back, it's clear the RedMagic 10 Pro will pack the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Paired with the Pro Plus model’s record-breaking Antutu score, this combo promises some seriously impressive performance.

Meanwhile, the RedMagic 10 Pro Plus is set to be a powerhouse, offering not just top-tier performance but also incredible battery life. With a huge 7,000mAh battery and 120W fast charging, you’ll be able to game for hours without stressing about battery life. The standard and Pro models are also expected to pack impressive battery power.

What you need to know

• REDMAGIC announced the launch of its Nova Gaming Tablet for the international market.
• The device ships in 12/256GB and 16/512GB variants for $499 and $649, respectively, in the U.S.
• The Nova Gaming Tablet debuted in China earlier in September with a built-in 20,000 RPM fan, a nine-layered cooling system, and a massive 10,100mAh battery.

If you've been waiting to see whether REDMAGIC's newest gaming tablet would make its way to your country, you're probably in luck! Today (Sept 27), REDMAGIC announced that has launched its recent Nova Gaming Tablet for the international market, to nearly 50 countries and territories.

The REDMAGIC Nova features two RAM/storage configurations: 12/256GB and 16/512GB. According to a press release, the Nova tablet is available for $499 and $649, respectively.

Following its announcement today, REDMAGIC states consumers should prepare for the "Early Bird Offer" on October 7, though they don't specify what the offer price will be. The Open Sale begins on October 16, but early bird buyers will get early access on October 15.

Below is a snapshot of the regions where the REDMAGIC Nova tablet is available:

The REDMAGIC Nova Gaming Tablet launched in China earlier this month. The tablet rocks a 10.9-inch display with a 2K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. It also includes Qualcomm's top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, which tops out at 3.4GHz.

According to REDMAGIC, the Nova Gaming Tablet hits an AnTuTu score of 2,352,902 and is "the only tablet capable of handling AAA games for serious gamers."

One tool to optimize REDMAGIC Nova performance is its built-in 20,000 RPM fan, a 3D heat pipe, and internal air ducts. REDMAGIC states this should "maximize cooling" as the tablet's internals dissipate heat buildup during longer gaming sessions. We've seen similar efforts at maximizing cooling shine on the likes of the REDMAGIC 9 Pro.

For the Nova, the company states its nine-layered cooling system and all-metal aviation body can reduce its core temperature by an estimated 25 degrees Celsius, or 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

Additionally, the tablet packs a whopping 10,100mAh battery. REDMAGIC estimates the battery can last for nearly 19 hours; however, it might last roughly 10 hours with heavy gaming use. One slight difference is that the international variant offers an 80W charger instead of the 120W Chinese consumers received.

REDMAGIC detailed a few other specifications like a 50MP rear camera and a 20MP selfie lens. Thanks to its Game Space 9.0 software, users can seamlessly tune performance, switch graphics, and find accessory controls. The Nova Gaming Tablet is DTS:X Ultra certified, delivering "full range" 3D audio via four built-in speakers.

The REDMAGIC Nova Gaming Tablet appears to have the power and price necessary to challenge the best Android tablets, and we're excited to test it out! Samsung announced the Galaxy Tab S10 series on Thursday, and that should be its main competitor.

What you need to know

• Nubia’s Nova gaming tablet is hitting global markets on September 27, after a successful launch in China.
• The Nova packs a Qualcomm 8 Gen 3 chip with an overclocked 3.4GHz Cortex-X4 Prime core, up to 24GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage.
• Its 10.9-inch, 2K, 144Hz display promises smooth visuals.
• Gravity X2.0 and Cube AI keep it running fast, while the 10,100mAh battery lets you game for hours.

Nubia has unveiled the Nova, a fresh addition to the RedMagic lineup. Unlike earlier models, this is a gaming tablet that aims to take over your gaming needs on the go, featuring an overclocked Snapdragon chipset and an RGB fan.

The RedMagic Nova is set to make its global debut on September 27, following its successful domestic launch in China.

At the heart of the flagship tablet lies a souped-up Qualcomm 8 Gen 3 chip, featuring an overclocked Cortex-X4 Prime core that reaches a 3.4GHz clock speed. With up to 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, you’ve got a tablet that flexes harder than your entire gaming rig, leaving the rest of our favorite gaming tablets in the dust.

The RedMagic Nova’s 10.9-inch display is basically a visual feast with its 2K resolution and 144Hz refresh rate, so you’ll never see a stutter in your games. Gravity X2.0 and Redmagic’s Cube AI keep things running at top speed, while the 10,100mAh battery means you can game until your thumbs give out.

Moreover, the RedMagic Nova promises a killer battery life of up to 19 hours, giving you around 10 hours of non-stop gaming on a single charge. Plus, it’s got 120W flash charging, juicing up to 50% in just 15 minutes and a full charge in only 45 minutes, according to Nubia.

But the real game-changer is the 840Hz instant sampling rate. Tablets are usually a bit sluggish with touch input, but this one registers your moves almost instantly. So, you can nail those rapid jumps and shots without turning your expensive tablet into a stress ball.

To keep your tablet from heating up during gaming marathons, Nubia has thrown in a 20,000 RPM fan, a 3D heat pipe, and fancy internal air ducts. Plus, it’s decked out with a 9,268 superconducting copper foil, a 29,400mm under-screen cooling alloy, and an 89,114m aluminum body that supposedly slashes core temps by 25°C—Nubia’s numbers, not ours. And there’s thermal conductive gel to top it all off.

The RedMagic Nova also flaunts a transparent glass panel made from lens-grade aluminum silicon, plus an aviation aluminum body and a sleek middle frame. It’s got a 45-degree anti-slip edge and an anodized back cover that adds to the look, while the RGB lights and ergonomic design make for a visually striking and comfy gaming experience.

On the software front, the gaming tablet comes with a custom Android 14 skin packed with AI tricks to make your gaming life easier. The USB-C port lets you beam the display to larger screens or VR headsets in 4K. It’s also got a proper desktop mode, not just lame screen-sharing, and it plays nice with popular controllers.

The device boasts a 50MP rear camera and a 20MP front-facing selfie snapper. Meanwhile, the 3D Explorer Edition rocks 13MP dual rear and 8MP dual front cameras. For audio, both models come with 4-channel speakers.

U.S. pricing and availability will be announced on September 27, but Nubia has already dropped the Chinese prices for the RedMagic Nova. It starts at ¥3,999 (approximately $565) for the 12GB+256GB model and climbs to ¥5,599 (around $790) for the 24GB+1TB configuration.

That was a close one: Prime Day 2024 ends in just a few hours, and I nearly missed one of the best Android phone deals of them all. Head to Amazon before the clock strikes midnight and you'll get a straight 15% off the unlocked RedMagic 9 Pro, a super-powered smartphone that was specially built with serious mobile gamers in mind. 

✅Recommended if: you want one of the best phones for gaming at a never-before-seen price; you need a near-perfect gaming phone with great battery life and a headphone jack.

❌Skip this deal if: you use a CDMA carrier like Verizon; you prioritize camera tech in your phones. 

You need to be a Prime member and you'll want to confirm that the RedMagic 9 Pro works with your carrier's network (Verizon won't support it), but once those issues are resolved you'll be getting one of the best gaming phones ever built, complete with an efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with Red Core 2 chipset, a smooth-as-butter AMOLED 120Hz display, and a built-in cooling system for those particularly demanding gaming sessions.

You also get superb REDMAGIC OS 9.0 software, RGB-lit shoulder triggers, and a huge 6,500mAh battery that will keep you immersed in your game world for hours on end. There's even a headphone jack!

Sure, the cameras on the RedMagic 9 Pro are pretty average and you won't get any water resistance out of the device, but I doubt you were planning on taking too many pictures by the pool anyway. Let's be real: the primary objective of the RedMagic 9 Pro is to run Android games smoothly. Everything else is just extra.

What you need to know

• The RedMagic 9S Pro has an upgraded ICE 13.5 tech and frost cooling gel, increasing thermal efficiency by 20%, and includes a customizable 22,000 RPM RGB fan.
• It is powered by Qualcomm's overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 "Leading Version," making it a strong contender for the best gaming phone of 2024.
• Price tarts at $649 for the Sleet and Frost colors, and $799 for the Snowfall and Cyclone versions.

After a successful run in China, Nubia has rolled out the RedMagic 9S Pro for gamers around the world.

The RedMagic 9S Pro boasts impressive specs that position it as a strong contender for our 2024 best gaming phone list. Notably, the global variant features Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 "Leading Version," a customized iteration offering enhanced processing power through overclocking.

Nubia has upgraded the cooling system in the RedMagic 9S Pro with its ICE 13.5 tech. This new approach uses a frost cooling gel that increases thermal efficiency by 20%, as per the firm. On top of that, the phone's processor only consumes 0.3W in boost mode, ensuring it stays cool and performs well even during the most intense gaming sessions.

The RedMagic 9S Pro has a 6.8-inch FullHD+ OLED display that offers sharp visuals with a 2480 x 1116 resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for fluid gameplay. Plus, it supports 10-bit color, 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy, and a peak brightness of 1600 nits for clear visibility in any lighting.

While the device prioritizes peak gaming performance, it doesn't neglect camera capabilities. The rear boasts a versatile triple-camera system, headlined by a dual 50MP configuration: a main sensor and an ultra-wide lens. This duo is accompanied by a 2MP macro camera. On the front sits a 16MP under-display camera for selfies and video calls.

The RedMagic 9S Pro backs up its gaming phone status with a hefty 6,500mAh battery, designed to last over two days with regular use. It also supports up to 80W wired charging speeds.

It also steps up its cooling game with the biggest Vapor Chamber in the RedMagic lineup, which effectively handles heat. It also has a customizable RGB fan spinning at 22,000 RPM to keep things cool during intense gaming.

The phone offers 12GB or 16GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB (UFS 4.0). The RedMagic 9S Pro runs on Android 14 with RedMagic OS 9.5.

The RedMagic 9S Pro starts at $649 for the Sleet and Frost colors, while the Snowfall and Cyclone versions are priced at $799.

Motorola may have been the most improved smartphone brand of 2023, but RedMagic was very close to winning that title. We've seen the Chinese phone maker go from zero to hero over the years, with its gaming phones gradually reaching a higher level of finesse.

The RedMagic 9 Pro made its debut at the tail end of 2023, in the final days of December. This lovely slab of metal and glass goes very far in proving that RedMagic has finally shed the ghosts of its past and may even be ready to take on the greats like Samsung, Google, and ASUS.

While this isn't a perfect phone, we're finally at the point where this device can be used by your average Joe as a daily driver, and that makes me super excited. In fact, for a lot of people, this just might be the right fit for various reasons. Okay, I'll stop teasing and dive right into the review!

RedMagic 9 Pro: Price, availability, and specs

The RedMagic 9 Pro was unveiled on December 18, 2023. Pre-orders went live on December 27 and the device was available in global markets from January 3, 2024, onwards.

You can buy the RedMagic 9 Pro in one of three colors, two of which sport transparent backs. This consists of Snowfall which has a white transparent design, Cyclone which is a black see-through option, and Sleet which is the only opaque colorway with a solid black coat of paint.

As for the price, the 12/256GB variant in Sleet costs $749. You can also get the 16/512GB variant in both Cyclone and Snowfall variants for the same price, $899.

RedMagic 9 Pro: Design and display

RedMagic started out wild, but the brand has finally tamed its design language. The RedMagic 9 Pro is sleeker, slimmer, and more well-balanced than ever before, to the point that you can make it stand on any side unassisted.

The sharp edges look neat and don't hurt anymore. This was a problem with last year's RedMagic 8 Pro and 8S Pro. Another problem that's been addressed is the protruding camera lenses used to collect dust. Amazingly, the lenses are sealed off inside the transparent glass back, keeping dirt particles away. Clearly, the Chinese smartphone maker put a lot of thought into the phone.

The headphone jack, red gaming button, shoulder triggers, and under-display camera are all still there. However, there's a new rounded power button this time around. It takes some getting used to, but it actually improves the feel of the device. I didn't have to fumble around the sides, pressing the volume rocker accidentally while trying to press the power button.

The front has Gorilla Glass 5 for protection, and the back is glass as well. You get a lovely aluminum frame and RGB lights incorporated into the shoulder triggers, as well as a tiny little portion of the rear. The speaker grills are located on the top and bottom of the phone.

Gone are the days of 165Hz AMOLED panels, but I can't say I miss it much. The RedMagic 9 Pro's 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen is extremely crispy, bright, and punchy. The lack of a notch makes it an absolute joy to behold. According to my colleague Nick Sutrich's test results, there's no PWM flicker either. If you're sensitive to that, you'll be happy as a lamb.

At 1600 nits of peak brightness levels, the 9 Pro gets reasonably bright out in glaring daylight. Overall, the size and display are very strongly reminiscent of the S23 Ultra.

RedMagic 9 Pro: Performance

Slowly but steadily, REDMAGIC OS has improved significantly. The RedMagic 9 Pro runs REDMAGIC OS 9.0 based on Android 14, and it is the smoothest phone I have ever used. It feels even snappier once you swap out the preset icons for less gamer-esque ones.

The combination of raw power from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM is unmatched. Want to hear the craziest part? You can give the RedMagic 9 Pro a little bit of a boost by using part of the UFS 4.0 storage to add 3GB of extra RAM.

This device powers through anything and everything, day in and day out, delivering smooth performance like a champion. You'll forget what delays feel like, to be honest. Even with a million apps open, multitasking like a monster, and leaving plenty of other things running in the background, the RedMagic 9 Pro doesn't stutter or glitch out on me. There's a very fluid feel to the device.

One look at the benchmarks, and you'll see just why the RedMagic 9 Pro operates so well. The RedMagic 9 Pro and ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro's scores are neck and neck. The ICE 13 cooling system keeps things cool under the hood while you push the phone to its limits. The only time I ever saw the 9 Pro in trouble was when I ran the 3DMark Solar Bay, and the phone shut down afterward because of overheating. To be fair, even the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro ran extremely hot when running the same test, as per my colleague Harish Jonnalagadda's testing, and that device has even more muscle.

There's no task that doesn't feel like a pleasure on this device. It is one of the best gaming phones of 2024, and I'm certain it will compete admirably against the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

RedMagic 9 Pro: Software

Usually, this is the part where I express my frustration, disappointment, and anger at RedMagic's badly organized UI, poor translations, and chunky icons. Ladies and gentlemen, I am beyond ecstatic to announce that this is no longer the case. The company actually went ahead and fixed everything we hated so passionately about REDMAGIC OS.

I can't even begin to express my joy at this landmark improvement. The RedMagic 9 Pro has the best software on any RedMagic phone to date. REDMAGIC OS 9.0 is fluid, well organized, written in proper English, easy to search through and navigate, and just looks so darn good. Don't believe me? See for yourself!

From icons and themes to color schemes and RGB lights, everything is easily accessible and customizable. All the extra features are neatly categorized under the Features settings. The OS doesn't feel heavy at all, and transitions are ultra-snappy.

This goes to show how much something seemingly small can change the user experience and perspective of a smartphone. REDMAGIC OS is almost comparable to stock Android at this point, and that's the best compliment I can give it.

The beauty of the 9 Pro is that it isn't just a gaming phone anymore. You can use it as your daily driver and get more out of it than what basic Android 14 delivers. There's a new tray that pulls out of the sides, giving you access to apps and other shortcuts. It's just like the side panels found in One UI. You still get the customizable Z-POP button if you want even more shortcuts and quick access on the fly.

As for the gaming side of things, that's just as good as ever, albeit with proper terms instead of wonky translations. You'll find millions of gaming options, settings, shortcuts, screencasting, add-ons, plugins, and other meaningful features that take your gaming to a whole new level, all baked right into the OS.

If you're coming from a RedMagic phone, the new gaming overlay will feel familiar. There's a small learning curve there, but it's nothing insanely difficult to follow. All you've got to do is play around with the options and settings to familiarize yourself.

RedMagic now guarantees "at least two years" of security updates as well as one major Android update. This is great news because you don't want a $750 to $900 device to become outdated after a mere 12 months. And with the processing power this thing packs, it can definitely handle future updates without flinching.

RedMagic 9 Pro: Battery and charging

RedMagic always kills it in the battery and charging segment, and this year isn't any different. The RedMagic 9 Pro jacks up last year's 5,000mAh cell, ditching it in favor of an even larger 6,500mAh battery. That's an insane amount of power, which easily lasts for two days on average.

Once your 9 Pro runs out of juice, recharging it takes about 20 minutes or so. Since the device features 80W Power Delivery 3.0 USB-C charging, such a feat is easily accomplished by the RedMagic 9 Pro.

There's still no wireless charging here, but honestly, you don't even need it. It's convenient, but Qi wireless charging is very inefficient in practice. With 80W wired charging in your hands, there's no need to consider alternative charging methods.

RedMagic 9 Pro: Cameras

Cameras aren't usually an area of much focus when it comes to gaming phones. However, the RedMagic 9 Pro isn't restricted to hardcore gamers. Anyone who prizes performance over all else can consider getting one for themselves, so cameras are definitely worth looking into.

With the 9 Pro, gone are the nonsensical 5MP macro and 8MP ultrawide sensors. Instead, RedMagic very carefully opted for only two main cameras, both of which are 50MP lenses. The main camera is a wide-angle Samsung GN5 50MP lens with optical image stabilization, 7P lens, and APL-coated anti-glare. Meanwhile, the secondary ultrawide-angle camera is a Samsung JN1 50MP lens with an optimized distortion correction algorithm.

Together, you can capture videos in 8K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps or 30fps, and 1080p at up to 240fps on the RedMagic 9 Pro.

Below are some primary camera samples in varying lighting conditions. Naturally, the bright sunlight shot came out looking great. The cameras were able to retain quite a bit of detail in both natural soft and artificial indoor lighting scenarios. Some images lack punchiness, but the results are decent enough overall.

Digital zoom isn't half bad either, giving you shots like these when taken advantage of in the right lighting conditions and at the right angle.

I was particularly pleased with the improved low light and night photography. These shots were taken in a very dark roller skating rink and the colors are very accurate to real life. There's plenty of texture and contrast there as well.

The fifth generation of RedMagic's UDC technology does a marvelous job of pretending it's not there when the front camera isn't in use. You can't tell whether there's a camera lens buried underneath the layer of pixels whatsoever.

The selfie camera on last year's RedMagic 8 Pro was garbage, giving overly saturated results that were way off in terms of colors, tones, contrast, and detail. The fifth-gen UDC featured in the RedMagic 9 Pro improves on those things, but the end result still looks fuzzy, and the colors turn out a bit washed out.

Just look at the same selfie I captured with the RedMagic 9 Pro and the Google Pixel 6. The difference in hues and textural details is astonishing.

So, while we can all agree that the 9 Pro's front camera is markedly better than the previous iterations, it's still not ready to compete with the best Android phones out there.

RedMagic 9 Pro: Competition

The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro, iQOO 12, and the unreleased Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra come to mind when considering potential competitors for the RedMagic 9 Pro.

In terms of price and value for money, the iQOO 12 gives RedMagic a good fight. This budget gaming phone costs less than the 9 Pro, yet it still delivers performance that's on par and faster 120W charging. You get Android 14 and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, but there's no dedicated cooling system or shoulder triggers for gaming.

If budget is not an issue, you can't go wrong with the mighty ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro. This beefed-up device also uses the same chipset and has a dedicated cooling system as well as gaming triggers. However, it one-ups the RedMagic 9 Pro with 15W wireless charging, four OS updates (two more than RedMagic), a 32MP telephoto lens, a USB-C DisplayPort 1.4, and IP68 water and dust resistance.

Before you throw in the towel, do remember that the maxed-out variant of the RedMagic 9 Pro costs $900, whereas the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro starts at a whopping $1,200 for the basic 12GB/256GB version. The top-of-the-line 24GB/1TB model will set you back around $1,500.

RedMagic 9 Pro: Should you buy it?

You should get it if...

• You are a power user who needs blazing performance
• You want a dedicated cooling system
• You hate front camera notches
• You need to get the most value for your money
• You can't do without shoulder triggers
• You crave super-fast charging speeds

You shouldn't get it if...

• You use CDMA carriers
• You prioritize cameras above all else
• You depend on water resistance

Honestly speaking, I did not expect to love the RedMagic 9 Pro as much as I did. And I really did not expect that I'd be able to compare it to the likes of the S23 Ultra or hope to pit it against the unreleased S24 Ultra.

RedMagic took me by surprise this time around. I was fully expecting more of the same — a beastly gaming phone held back by its flawed software. But I'm happy to report that this is not the case this time around. REDMAGIC OS 9.0 is rather delightful and feels amazingly lightweight. The 9 Pro is immensely powerful, helped along by its secondary Red Core 2 Pro chipset that's dedicated to gaming.

Hand on my heart, I can finally say that the RedMagic 9 Pro is ready for the mainstream user now. The front camera isn't great, but everything else weighs much too heavily in favor of the smartphone. If you want a fantastic phone with flagship parts and performance but for half the price, you should buy the RedMagic 9 Pro.

What you need to know

• Nubia has launched the RedMagic 9 Pro with a 6.8-inch display and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC for improved graphical and CPU performance.
• The device features the ICE 13.0 Magic Cooling System to help maintain its temperature and, in turn, provide a stabilized FPS for intense mobile games.
• The RedMagic 9 Pro features a 6,500mAh battery with 80W fast charging.
• Pre-orders begin globally on December 27 with its official market launch on January 3, beginning at $649.

Nubia is giving mobile gamers a Christmas gift as the RedMagic 9 Pro launches with preorders beginning globally later this month. According to the Chinese OEM, the RedMagic 9 Pro arrives with a 6.8-inch FHD Plus display with up to a 120Hz refresh rate. The display utilizes BOE Q9 Plus, which promises more brightness with deeper contrast and better colors.

Internally, Nubia has taken strides to improve its place in the Android gaming device industry by packing a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 into the phone. The chip is said to boost graphical and CPU potential for the next wave of devices coming out late in 2023 and into 2024. However, as Nubia notes, the chip also helps to decrease power consumption, which is a big deal for gaming phones.

Moreover, the RedMagic 9 Pro is self-dubbed the "Coldest Competitor," featuring the ICE 13.0 Magic Cooling System, which the company anticipates should help reduce the temperature of the device considerably. This, coupled with the phone's wider structure, should improve airflow, so intense sessions in Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail remain crisp and stable during gameplay.

There's also a small fan featured on its rear panel, alongside its camera array, which helps facilitate the device's increased airflow potential with up to 22,000 RPM.

Complimenting the cooling capabilities is a rather massive 6,500mAh battery with 80W fast charging. Nubia claims the device can fully charge in just under 35 minutes — impressive for a battery this size — and its battery can last for around 56 hours.

The back of the device switches things up as the RedMagic 9 Pro slides its triple camera array over to the left. The camera bump found on the RedMagic 8 Pro is also gone as Nubia designed its rear panel to offer the three camera lenses flush to the panel, creating an uninterrupted design.

The RedMagic 9 Pro brings improved imaging capabilities, thanks to two 50MP camera sensors. The company states its "optical anti-shake" system helps its sensors with wide-angle shots. A 2MP lens is off to the side of the 50MP sensors, nestled beneath the LED flash, while an under-display 16MP selfie camera rounds things out.

Whenever you're not wearing earbuds, the RedMagic 9 Pro's DTS: X Ultra certified speakers may come in handy. With sound spewing from either end of the device, Nubia states users should experience high-fidelity audio, backed by Snapdragon Sound.

The device runs Android 14 and features shoulder-mounted triggers, which have become something of a staple on gaming phones for more advanced controls.

The OEM's latest gaming phone is offered in three color variants with varying RAM/internal storage sizes. The Sleet colorway delivers 12/256GB for $649. Nubia's RedMagic 9 Pro Cyclone color delivers 16/512GB for $799 much like its Snowfall variant with 16/512GB for $799, as well.

With the launch taking place today, Nubia is preparing consumers for pre-orders, which begin on December 27 globally. Following that, you can grab the device officially on January 3, 2024.

What you need to know

• The RedMagic 9 Pro will be introduced globally on December 18 following its China debut along with the RedMagic 9 Pro Plus.
• It sports a 6.8-inch Full HD+ OLED display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, a 50MP Samsung GN5 sensor, a 120-degree ultra-wide lens, and a discreet 16MP under-display front camera.
• The phone rocks the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and a souped-up ICE 13 cooling system that drops temperatures by a whopping 64 degrees Fahrenheit.

RedMagic recently unveiled its shiny new gaming beasts, the RedMagic 9 Pro and 9 Pro Plus, in China, and now it's spilled the tea on when the Pro model will grace the global stage.

The RedMagic 9 Pro will make its international debut on December 18 at 7 AM EST, as per the company's teaser. However, it looks like the Pro Plus variant will remain a China-exclusive model.

Unlike some other companies that like to play games with their customers, RedMagic is keeping it real with the RedMagic 9 Pro and Pro Plus. These two devices are basically twins, with the only difference being the battery capacity, charging speed, and RAM.

The RedMagic 9 Pro is powered by the latest and greatest processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and an upgraded cooling system, the ICE 13, which keeps your phone cool even during the most intense gaming sessions. It includes a built-in fan that spins at 22,000 rpm, and it can lower temperatures by as much as 64 degrees Fahrenheit. And if that's not enough, the device features 520Hz shoulder triggers that give you lightning-fast response times.

And you can say goodbye to those clunky camera bumps that ruin the sleek look of your Android gaming phone. The RedMagic 9 Pro boasts a bump-free back panel, keeping the focus on your gaming experience.

It promises to not disappoint when it comes to capturing photos with a 50MP primary camera and a 50MP ultra-wide camera.

The phone sports a slick 6.8-inch flat AMOLED display, courtesy of BOE. There's no awkward front camera cutout stealing the spotlight—this phone rocks an under-display camera. With a peak brightness of 1,600 nits, you can enjoy clear and vibrant visuals even in bright sunlight. And for a bit of extra flair, the under-display fingerprint reader moonlights as a heart rate monitor.

The RedMagic 9 Pro also flexes with a solid 12GB of LPPDR5X RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. It packs a hefty 6500mAh battery. This beast of a battery promises to power your phone for up to two days between charges, even with heavy usage. And when you do need to top up, the 80W fast charging will get you back in the game in just 35 minutes.

It comes in three color options: black, transparent white, and transparent black. Pricing for the Pro variant starts at CNY 4,399 ($620) for the 8/256GB model and goes up to CNY 5,399 ($761) for the 12/512GB variant.

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What you need to know

• Nubia has started teasing its upcoming RedMagic 9 Pro, which now features a completely flat rear panel with a triple-camera array.
• The device should arrive sporting a 50MP primary lens, an ultra-wide lens of unknown strength, and a macro camera.
• The RedMagic 9 Pro has been given some more RGB lighting and the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
• Everything will be revealed on November 23 in China.

Nubia is looking to make a bold statement in the world of gaming-oriented smartphones later this month.

The company revealed on Weibo what consumers can expect from its upcoming RedMagic 9 Pro (via SparrowsNews). The back and sides of the device are all Nubia has offered, but there are notable differences. While the RedMagic 9 Pro continues the clean-cut rectangular look, the back of the device is completely flat — including the camera array.

The RedMagic 8 Pro and 8 Pro Plus had a triple camera setup where the lenses themselves protrude up from the rear panel. Nubia is doing away with that for this year's launch, as the cameras are seemingly flush within the pack panel. Moreover, it appears the device continues to feature three lenses with the sensor off to the side, nestled beneath the LED flash.

It looks like it will contain a 50MP ISOCELL GN5 primary lens with OIS (optical image stabilization). The array also features an ISOCELL GN1 ultra-wide angle lens, but we still don't have full details on the camera specs.

RGB lights make the gamer, so Nubia provided a quick video teasing what's in store for the RedMagic 9 Pro's new lightwork. It appears that RGB colors are used to light up the "09" (indicative of its generation) on the back of the phone, the built-in cooling fan beneath the camera array, and the side-mounted shoulder buttons.

Additional specifications about the device weren't spilled. However, the phone's design does show that the Magic 9 Pro will contain the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. Furthermore, Nubia states it's made progress in the realm of thickness, reducing the device to an 8.3mm measurement. It's also clear that there will be an under-display camera for an all-screen experience.

The teasers end with Nubia stating the device will arrive in three colorways (machine-translated): Dark Knight, Deuterium Front Transparent Dark Night, and Deuterium Front Transparent Silver Wing.

The RedMagic 9 Pro will be fully revealed on November 23 in China.

As previously stated, there wasn't much to learn about the device's specifications, but we can look at the RedMagic 8 Pro for reference, as it features a 6.8-inch display. The phone also contained an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro sensor, potentially indicating what the 2023 variant could sport. Nubia provided consumers with a 6,000mAh battery with 65W fast charging to keep gamers gaming. Perhaps the company will continue to offer the same sort of battery power come launch.

On a related note, Nubia did release its soon-to-be last-generation phone globally a couple of months after its release in December 2022. Hopefully, the same trend continues.

What you need to know

• Nubia has confirmed the launch date for the Red Magic 9 Pro series as November 23.
• The company has also tipped off some of the features we can expect to see.
• Nubia president Ni Fei shared in a social media post that the gaming-centric series will have “great surprises” in store for its design, performance, battery life and screen.

It seems like only yesterday that Nubia introduced its flagship smartphone series, marked by the Red Magic 8 Pro and 8 Pro Plus models. Now, the China-based company has already confirmed the launch date of its successor.  

In a social media post on Weibo, Nubia confirmed that the upcoming Red Magic 9 Pro series will be unveiled on November 23 in China at 2 pm Beijing time (via GSMArena). Until then, the company teased some of the features that we can expect to see on Nubia’s latest line of smartphones. 

Nubia president Ni Fei shared in a separate Weibo post that the Red Magic 9 Pro series will have “great surprises” in store for users when it comes to design, performance, battery life, and screen. 

For starters, according to a report from Mydrivers, the models — likely powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 — are rumored to be the industry’s first true full-screen device, armed with a new full-screen display chip that will reportedly enhance the display and minimize the effect of the under-display front camera.

The series is also purported to come with a new ICE magic cooling system, which is claimed to be the industry’s first 3D ice-level VC heat dissipation. The device’s new cooling system is expected to lead to greater heat loss efficiency compared with the traditional single-chip VC system or dual-chip VC system. 

As we wait for the next iteration of the Red Magic series, it has already made its presence known on the Geekbench benchmarking platform, where it boasts a multi-core score of 5977, coupled with a single-core score of 1596. The device is expected to pack 12GB of RAM and will run on Android 14. 

While not much else is known about the configurations of the gaming-centric phone series, we only have to wait 10 more days until we get the full details on the successor to the Red Magic 9 Pro series.

Seems like RedMagic has made it a goal to make the most overpowered gaming phone on the market. The brand regularly pushes the limits of what's possible in the best sense, and we have seen it come a long way over the years.

We just saw the redesigned RedMagic 8 Pro hit global markets in January, and there's already a newer, more beefed-up version of the phone available. As I've already tested the 8 Pro, I found it hard to discern the differences between the newer 8S Pro model and its older sibling.

The RedMagic 8S Pro spec sheet is nearly word-for-word identical to the 8 Pro. Only a keen eye would catch the few differences between the two gaming phones. Are there any worthwhile changes in the newer release? Honestly, I'm not entirely sure.

RedMagic 8S Pro: Price and availability

The RedMagic 8S Pro is available in three colors, two of which are solid and one is transparent. There are almost no differences between the Red Magic 8S Pro and the 8 Pro, except for minor tweaks in the design and select memory variations. You get to choose between the Platinum, Aurora, and Midnight colorways.

The Platinum and Aurora RedMagic 8S Pro models come with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. Meanwhile, the Midnight variant comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

You can purchase the device from Amazon or RedMagic directly. Be prepared to spend $649 on the Midnight finish, $779 on the Platinum option, and $799 on the see-through Aurora variant with maxed-out specs.

RedMagic 8S Pro: Fantastic for gaming and heavy use

There's no beating around the bush; the RedMagic 8S Pro is an absolute champ of a gaming phone. It's a beast for the purpose it was created to fulfill. The phone is equipped with a mighty 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, and the latest version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.

This new-fangled variant isn't very different from the silicone in the 8 Pro; it just clocks at an ever so slightly higher speed. That's more than enough speed, power, and space to store and run all your favorite games.

What more could you ask from a perfectly capable gaming phone? The RedMagic 8S Pro anticipates your needs and wants and then some. You get highly responsive 520Hz shoulder triggers and a display that's even more responsive, with a 960Hz touch sampling rate. The USB-C port supports DisplayPort connectivity, and you can easily pair your RedMagic phone with the brand's gaming monitor via screen casting.

Then there's the multifaceted ICE 12.0 cooling system, which includes an RGB-laden cooling fan, a 3D vapor chamber cooling, a graphene heat sink, and many more mechanisms that work together to keep the 8S Pro nice and frosty.

The subtle smattering of RGB across the RedMagic 8S Pro's backside isn't as boisterous as it used to be. The cleaner aesthetic is much more appealing to wider audiences beyond the gaming sphere and is appropriate for office use. It helps that you can customize and even completely disable the light strip on the back right out of the Quick Settings menu.

Borrowing a long-time signature move from OnePlus, the RedMagic 8S Pro retains its bright red gaming slider button. Toggling the physical slider launches the gaming mode and opens the gateway to nearly limitless customizability.

You can download and install add-ons and plugins for your games and fiddle with endless options and settings. This is also where you can customize the gaming overlay and access things like crosshair customization.

The phone runs RedMagic OS 8.0, which is based on Android 13. The software has come a long way from the janky mess from five years ago. Everything has been adjusted and optimized to deliver the very best gaming experience, even though there are still a few odd mistranslations found in the English version.

You'll appreciate the new RedMagic OS 8.0 and its additional useful features, such as the Z-POP button, even if the translations aren't perfect. The theme can be cleaned up and changed to something minimal. The level of personalization available is extensive, from fonts to Material You color schemes and icon shapes.

Naturally, all other apps run smoothly, and multitasking is a dream. There are no lags, no hiccups, and no glitches.

RedMagic 8S Pro: Stunning display with beautiful response

RedMagic adopted a no-holds-barred approach with the 8S Pro. Its display is the cream of the crop, a stunning slab of unmarred glass that has no hideous notch or cutout. How is that possible? It's all thanks to UDC (under-display camera) technology, and nubia/ZTE is leading the industry in that area. It's hard to believe that there is an actual front camera buried under the layer of crispy pixels. This is easily the best UDC I have ever seen.

Apart from the impressively advanced full-screen experience, this beastly RedMagic phone can output one billion colors and has a 120Hz screen refresh rate. The 6.8-inch AMOLED panel is also amazingly bright, with a peak brightness level of 1300 nits. My Pixel 6 looks embarrassing next to that under the bright light of day.

The RedMagic 8S Pro has a screen-to-body ratio of 93.7% and an NTSC color gamut with 10-bit color depth. It has a Full HD+ 2480 x 1116 screen resolution and a 20:9 aspect ratio. Hardy Gorilla Glass 5 seals the deal, protecting your superb display from the elements.

Such a beautiful glass panel is accompanied by a highly responsive 960Hz touch sampling rate. So, it feels as immersive as it looks.

RedMagic 8S Pro: Impressive audio specs

RedMagic did not neglect the sound system on this spunky device. Smart move since a smartphone built for entertainment needs a solid set of audio specs.

You get stereo speakers with Dolby DTS: X sound on the RedMagic 8S Pro. These really good and get surprisingly loud, without cracking up or distorting noise. Of course, you can always pair some wireless earbuds or headphones for in-ear audio. Heck, the 8S Pro even has a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio playback.

RedMagic 8S Pro: Battery for days

After running heavy tests on the RedMagic 8S Pro for a solid month, I can testify that it has an awesome battery life. The monstrous 6,000mAh lithium-ion cell goes on and on, relentlessly pushing forward and keeping your phone alive. Even with super heavy usage and high brightness levels, the 8S Pro lasts a day and a half to two days. Moderate users can expect to get even more levels of longevity.

RedMagic did not hop on the trend to omit chargers in the box. Generously, the brand throws in a compatible USB-C charger and C-to-C cable in the box. It's a good thing, too, because the phone supports a whopping 65W wired fast charging. Any decent 60W USB-C charger can set you back a neat some. RedMagic gives you one for free — what a win!

RedMagic 8S Pro: Strictly average photography

Photography is never the strong suit of a dedicated gaming phone, but fortunately, the RedMagic 8S Pro doesn't completely suck at capturing photos or videos. The 50MP main camera captures pretty good images and footage with sufficient lighting. The results drop in quality in low to poor lighting conditions, even with the night mode.

The RedMagic 8S Pro uses the exact same sensors as the RedMagic 8 Pro. You can check out the sample images in my review for your reference.

As you would expect, though, the front camera that's buried under layers of pixels and clever UDC tech is just awful. The over-processed look is at least five to eight years behind the selfie standards of today. However, you probably won't care much about the cameras if the 8S Pro is just for gaming.

RedMagic 8S Pro: What could be better

As I established, the front camera is garbage. This isn't the end of the world for a dedicated, over-the-top gaming phone. What does grind my gears is the lack of an IP rating. Unlike the latest gaming phones from ASUS, the RedMagic 8S Pro is not waterproof or dustproof. The presence of moving parts like a physical fan makes it even more susceptible to damage compared to a regular Android phone.

I also wish that the 8S Pro featured wireless charging or a clever solution like the secondary USB-C port on the side of many ASUS phones. The current placement of the singular Type-C port on the RedMagic 8S Pro makes it hard to charge and play games simultaneously.

Speaking of trouble while gaming, the square corners of the 8S Pro get very uncomfortable and start to pinch after a while. This is far from ergonomic and certainly not the ideal state of being when gaming on a mobile phone for a few hours on end.

Lastly, RedMagic only promises one major Android update and about a year and a half to two years of security updates for its phones. Most users will prioritize this above all other drawbacks, as they should. After spending a good chunk of money on the RedMagic 8S Pro, you'd want to hang on to it for at least two years.

RedMagic 8S Pro: Competition

ASUS slays every other device with the indomitable ROG Phone 7 Ultimate. This is the ultimate gaming phone in every way and has the craziest specifications. It easily defeats the RedMagic 8S Pro in terms of sheer power and capability but loses out in the price category. You'll need to spend anywhere near $1,400 or more to get your hands on the Phone 7 Ultimate.

The brand's own RedMagic 8 Pro is a great alternative to the newer RedMagic 8S Pro. As a rule of thumb, any company's older products become cheaper following new releases. In this case, however, RedMagic unlisted the RedMagic 8 Pro from its own store as well as Amazon. You cannot buy the older model — which would have been cheaper — even if you wanted to, which sucks because it's almost exactly the same thing but with a slightly different design. However, if you can find it, the 8 Pro is definitely one to consider.

Samsung's Galaxy S23 Ultra is another fine alternative that's powered by an equally jacked-up Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. The S23 Ultra has countless merits and a few minor demerits, but it's a good purchase overall. Then again, it will never be as cheap as the RedMagic 8S Pro, while it's the top dog in the Android space.

RedMagic 8S Pro: Should you get it?

You should buy this if...

• You want the best memory options
• You need the most powerful Snapdragon processor
• You value built-in shoulder triggers for gaming
• You want an audio port
• You need stellar battery and charging specs
• You desire a notch-less display

You shouldn't buy this if...

• You depend on an IP rating
• You need something that'll get more than one platform update
• You highly prioritize front and rear camera quality

Whether or not you should buy the RedMagic 8S Pro depends on a number of factors. What's your budget like? Are you looking for a dedicated gaming phone solely for that singular purpose? Do you care about photography?

If you're strapped for cash and want unbridled power, the RedMagic 8S Pro is a fine choice. It has all the right specs for snappy gaming on the go. However, if you value camera quality and plan on using the device as your primary phone, you should consider alternative choices.

The RedMagic 8S Pro does not have any sort of water or dustproofing. That does not bode well for its fan vent and transparent plastic back since dirt gets inside. And it's really hard to imagine walking in the rain with such an expensive phone in your pocket, knowing full well that it could be fried into oblivion by the time you get to a dry spot.

You know who should buy this phone? Maybe someone who is an enthusiast, doesn't care about cameras, thinks wireless charging is a gimmick, and doesn't really give a hoot about waterproof rating. The first few things are plausible, but I'm not so sure about that last one.

You wouldn't normally consider buying a secondary phone if money's tight, but the magic of Prime Day makes it possible. RedMagic's gaming phones are some of the best on the market, packing incredible features such as Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon chipsets inside flashy and cool-looking rigs. With these epic Prime Day deals, you can score models like the RedMagic 7S Pro for a whole $170 less.

There are lots of excellent phones made by the gaming phone connoisseur, including the seriously beefy RedMagic 8 Pro. This absolute unit of a phone has RGB lighting, multiple cooling systems, and powerful specs that deliver buttery smooth performance for hours. You get the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and RedMagic's own Red Core 2 gaming co-processor. The 256GB and 512GB variants are also on sale, going for $615 and $719, respectively.

If you don't mind something a little older in exchange for more savings, the RedMagic 7 Pro is also on sale for 20% off today. This device is not to be underestimated by any means because it still comes with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and an incredible 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED display.

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Save nearly $200 on the best RedMagic gaming phones

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We've reviewed many RedMagic gaming devices over the years, which is why we highly recommend these epic mobile gaming rigs. They easily compete with the likes of Samsung and ASUS without breaking the bank, and the design language is unlike any other brand. You won't find this much RGB and this level of insane cooling at mid-range prices anywhere else. The software has improved monumentally over the years, resolving our biggest qualm with the company's gaming phones.

Prime Day is the best time of the year for shopping, especially if you're looking for great deals on Android phones. The one catch is that most of the deals are only available to active Prime members. Luckily, if you sign up for the FREE 30-day Prime trial, you can enjoy all of the exclusive deals without paying a cent.

What you need to know

• Nubia has introduced its latest gaming phones with top-of-the-line internals and stellar cooling features.
• The RedMagic 8S Pro and 8S Pro Plus have a built-in fan on top of its 3D vapor chamber cooling and graphene heat sink.
• Meanwhile, the 8S Pro Plus boasts a monstrous 24GB of RAM and 1TB of onboard storage.
• Nubia is also offering a Transformers Bumblebee edition for the 8S Pro Plus.

Nubia has unveiled two new models in its gaming-focused RedMagic smartphone lineup, the RedMagic 8S Pro and 8S Pro Plus, with the latter boasting a massive amount of RAM and an overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.

The RedMagic 8S Pro Plus has 24GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage, while the Pro model comes with up to 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. Suffice it to say that the 8S Pro's memory capacity is enough for most people.

Both variants sport a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 1116 x 2480 resolution and Gorilla Glass 5 protection. The screen has a peak brightness of 1,300 nits, like the RedMagic 8 Pro, and is capable of up to 120Hz. There's a 16MP selfie camera that sits under the display, so it shouldn't get in the way of your game.

The touch sampling rate for both models is 960Hz, similar to the RedMagic 8 Pro. The 8S Pro gets its juice from a massive 6,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging, while the Pro Plus includes a smaller 5,000mAh battery with 165W fast charging speed.

Nubia has been churning out smartphone models that don't scream gaming phone quite loudly, as evidenced by the design of the previous RedMagic model and the new RedMagic S lineup. That said, this is still a gaming phone, and Nubia wrapped the phone's back with optimized cooling thanks to the ICE 12 system, which comprises a 3D vapor chamber cooling, a graphene heat sink, and a built-in fan.

As is customary with the leading gaming phones, there's a circular RGB light on the back and capacitive shoulder triggers. The aluminum frame also adds a premium touch to the phone.

The RedMagic 8S Pro is available to preorder today in China and will hit store shelves on July 11 at a base price of 4,000 yuan, or approximately $550. Meanwhile, the 8S Pro Plus starts at 5,500 yuan, or $760, for the 16GB/256GB configuration. You can opt for the 24GB RAM variant if you're willing to spend 7,500 yuan, or approximately $1,035. Both versions are available in Midnight, Platinum, and Aurora colorways.

In addition, there's a RedMagic 8S Pro Plus Bumblebee edition, which costs 6,500 yuan (16GB/512GB configuration). The phones are available in China for the time being, but we can count on Nubia bringing them to global markets in the future.

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What you need to know

• The upcoming RedMagic 8S Pro is set to launch on July 5 in China.
• The gaming handset to equip overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 at 3.36GHz.
• The SoC was earlier exclusive to the Galaxy S23 series.
• The RedMagic 8S Pro will also sport 24GB of RAM.

It looks like the suped-up version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is coming to other Android phones after launching on Galaxy smartphones earlier this year, according to a teaser for an upcoming gaming phone.

The device in question is the RedMagic 8S Pro, which is set to launch on July 5 in China as the mid-year refresh to the RedMagic 8 Pro. The company confirmed as much through its Weibo account (via Android Authority). The 8S Pro will utilize the benefit of overclock speeds of the new chipset featuring up to 3.36GHz instead of 3.2GHz on the standard variant. 

The SoC was launched as "Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy" during the global launch of the Galaxy S23 series, sporting a Prime Cortex-X3 core with higher clock speeds at 3.36GHz. The chip also has a slight boost in GPU performance, which could benefit gaming phones like the RedMagic series. However, regardless of the variant, both SoCs are quite powerful, and the differences in performance are likely pretty minuscule.

Although it was initially meant for flagship phones from Samsung, it is now on the verge of placing itself in other Android phones yet to come, and the RedMagic 8S Pro could be just the start.

Per a recent leak, other OEM makers like Asus, OnePlus, and Xiaomi are expected to equip the new overclocked Snapdragon SoC. OnePlus, for instance, already has a top-tier phone in the pipeline — the OnePlus Fold. It's possible the upgraded chip could power the upcoming foldable.

RedMagic phones, on the other hand, are meant for gaming enthusiasts. It will be interesting to see the RedMagic 8S Pro utilizing the extra performance aspect with the upgraded SoC, especially since the company also confirmed that the phone will have 24GB of RAM on board. That's more than any of the best smartphones really need, but it seems it won't be alone, as future phones from OnePlus and OPPO are slated to feature as much as 24GB.

The RedMagic 8 Pro was already an impressive gaming phone, thanks to the standard 3.2GHz Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and up to 16GB of RAM. We can't wait to see how these upgrades will compare.

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Five years might not sound like a lot, but it's the age RedMagic has now reached. The gaming brand hasn't been around for long, so it's remarkable to see its progress over the years. From the early bug-ridden devices that we saw in 2018 to the latest, most innovative devices we've seen more recently, the phone maker has certainly come a long way.

RedMagic is celebrating its fifth birthday with much flourish. You can tune in to watch the brand's 5th Anniversary Live Event on YouTube tomorrow. The event will be hosted by popular gaming YouTubers Beaulo and SirPugger. RedMagic will be giving away a ton of goodies during the event, including the Red Magic 8 Pro as well as the RedMagic Mechanical Keyboard and Mouse.

This is the first time RedMagic has ever delved into the world of peripherals such as keyboards and mice. Both the RedMagic Mechanical Keyboard and Mouse are launching tomorrow, May 18, to make the anniversary even more special.

While you rush to register for the RedMagic 5th Anniversary giveaway, take a peek at the devices that are going to be raffled off to some very lucky winners. Even if you don't win something, you can always treat yourself since there will be discounts on the brand's website as well.

An all-white RedMagic 8 Pro with beefy internals

RedMagic announced the Titanium colorway of the RedMagic 8 Pro along with its first PC lineup in late March. There isn't much difference between this variant and the one that we already reviewed, except for the looks and the memory specifications.

The Titanium RedMagic 8 Pro looks absolutely stunning from every angle. It's all sharp edges and panache with a heavy sprinkling of RGB lighting on the back, but the device doesn't look gaudy. You get a stunning 16GB RAM and 512GB storage on the Titanium model, along with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with an under-display front camera, a 6,000mAh battery, 65W super-fast charging, and an incredible multi-faceted cooling system.

All those hefty specs don't disappoint. The RedMagic 8 Pro performs like a top-tier lean, mean, mobile gaming machine that can handle anything you throw its way. You get extensive customizability for all your Android games, a dedicated game management hub, an in-game overlay with extremely useful shortcuts, and of course, ultrasonic shoulder triggers with a touch sampling rate of 720Hz.

The RedMagic 8 Pro is undeniably one of the best gaming phones in the world at the moment. Equipped with a physical cooling fan and those generous memory specs, the Titanium model can easily take on the likes of the Samsung Galaxy 23 Ultra and the ASUS ROG Phone 6.

Although a transparent version of the RedMagic 8 Pro already existed before this model, it had a dark theme and smokey black accents all around. This all-white variant is its polar opposite, but it retains the see-through element. More and more gamers have adopted the clean white aesthetic recently. If you're into that look, you'll be very pleased with the RedMagic 8 Pro in Titanium.

RedMagic made a mechanical keyboard and it is EPIC!

The RedMagic Mechanical Keyboard is truly the star of the show. Sure, the RedMagic 8 Pro is an amazing, overpowered Android phone that slays like nobody's business. However, we still held back on a five-star rating in our review due to the lackluster software support and poor front camera.

With the RedMagic Mechanical Keyboard, there isn't much to go wrong. Not to mention, the $199 price tag is insanely good even without any sales or special offers. You get high-end features and an uber-premium build, with extremely satisfying tactile keys. This keyboard is a joy to use, and it looks incredible too.

RedMagic developed its own keys for the Mechanical Keyboard, but you can swap them out since it has a hot swappable base. The box comes with a key removal tool to help you with that. Personally, I love the TTC Speed Silver V2 keys installed on the keyboard. They are silent but not completely quiet and they feel super comfy when pressed. The clicks are ever so gentle but still tactile enough.

You can use the RedMagic Mechanical Keyboard with an included USB dongle, via Bluetooth, or by using a USB-C cable. The box includes an extremely sturdy Type-C cable for that. Since the keyboard has a 4,000mAh battery, you don't have to worry about it dying on you when using the wireless connection. The keyboard uses low-latency Bluetooth so lags aren't an issue either.

RedMagic took things up a notch by incorporating a rotating metal knob and a tiny LCD display in the upper-right corner of the Mechanical Keyboard. You can control your PC's settings or adjust the RGB light modes right from your keyboard. Speaking of RGB, the RedMagic Mechanical Keyboard can output 16.8 million colors. You can customize your keyboard preferences on your computer.

A versatile and ultra-light mouse for gaming

The RedMagic Mouse shares a lot of the Mechanical Keyboard's winning characteristics. You get the same three modes of connection, a rugged USB-C cable in the box, and customizable RGB lighting. Weighing in at 75g, the Mouse is super lightweight. Apart from the regular left button, right button, and scroll wheel, the RedMagic Mouse also has two extra programmable buttons on the left side.

Just like the keyboard, the RedMagic Mouse also supports low-latency connection so it's great for gaming. The 450mAh battery life is more than enough to last for weeks on end. Of course, you can always switch to the wired mode if you want zero latency. As for responsiveness, this mouse is lightning-fast and supports up to 26,000 DPI.

You can adjust and customize all of your Mouse settings from your computer. This includes the buttons as well as the RGB lighting on its body. RedMagic includes 3D stickers in the box so you can add more grip to the RedMagic Mouse if you want.

Overall, RedMagic's latest products are looking super exciting and we can't wait to see what's next. Happy anniversary to them, they sure deserve it!

RedMagic always crushes it with its slew of fantastic gaming devices, and we've been eagerly covering the brand for years. It's been nice to see the evolution of RedMagic phones over the years, both in terms of the hardware as well as the software.

Coming in hot on the heels of the RedMagic 7S Pro and the RedMagic 7, the RedMagic 8 Pro has some pretty big shoes to fill in. So many thoughts were running through my mind when the 8 Pro arrived at my doorstep. What will the UI feel like? Will the phone obliterate all performance benchmarks as it always does? How much RGB are we going to get this time?

Upon opening the package, I felt a spark of excitement. RedMagic scrapped the design language from the last few generations of its gaming phones and opted for a much sleeker and cleaner look. The RedMagic 8 Pro is all sharp angles and glamor, with top-notch internals to boot. Most interestingly, the front camera is buried under the display so the device has no notch whatsoever.

These tantalizing looks left me frothing at the mouth. Let's see how the phone served me over the course of the past four weeks.

Price and availability

Nubia announced the RedMagic 8 Pro and 8 Pro+ on January 16, 2022. Both phones are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, but the memory and battery specs are a little different. Sales went live on February 2, 2023.

The RedMagic 8 Pro starts at $649 for the 12GB/256GB Matte Black variant. Meanwhile, the Transparent Void variant with impressive 16GB/256GB memory specs is priced at $799. Third-party sellers such as Amazon also have the same models, but they cost significantly more.

Hardware and design

Before diving deep into the nitty-gritty bits, we're going to kick things off by appreciating the drop-dead gorgeous design of the RedMagic 8 Pro. This is one thing I can promise you: the latest gaming phone from nubia/ZTE is unlike any gaming phone you have ever seen.

The RedMagic 8 Pro is all sharp, square corners and sleek charm. Despite its large stature, the angular design and flat AMOLED panel give it the appearance of a very slim Android phone. You get an unmarred screen with no notch thanks to nubia/ZTE's second-gen UDC technology, and this emphasizes the 8 Pro's modern aesthetic further.

Depending on which color variant you opt for, the situation on the back changes. RedMagic sent me the Matte Black model that has a satin-like finish and glimmers subtly. This contrasts fantastically with the RGB light strip on the rear, which are now properly "RGB" as you can customize the colors and choose various hues.

The rear cameras are perfectly aligned in the center of the phone, giving the entire mobile gaming rig a very satisfyingly symmetrical look. Gone are the gaudy markings and bold stickers; this is a mature gaming phone that's just as comfortable at an e-sports event as it is at a business meeting.

Happily, the RedMagic 8 Pro retains the signature red gaming slider button along with the beloved headphone jack. The beastly phone also has dual SIM slots, but you can't expand the storage and of course, there's no IP rating for water or dust proofing due to the air vents on both sides.

Admittedly, the handsome appearance of the device comes at a price. Its squared corners are quite uncomfortable for gaming. You can't play for a long time without feeling hand fatigue, especially if you've got small-ish hands as I do. The edges poke into the soft bits of your palms after a while which is the opposite of what you want when engaged in an intense mobile gaming session.

Going back to the drawing board for the RedMagic 8 Pro was a great idea. The unmarred display in particular is one of the best changes implemented in this series of RedMagic phones. The under-display camera gives you a notch-free screen with zero distractions, so you can maximize your focus on the task at hand.

The 6.8-inch AMOLED is a thing of beauty, with a 120Hz screen refresh rate and a peak brightness level of 1300 nits. You get an in-screen fingerprint sensor that is lightning-fast and also has a cool heart rate detection feature. Sure, 120Hz is in fact a downgrade from last year's 165Hz, but I believe it's a sensible decision on nubia/ZTE's part. Most Android games don't support over 60Hz to 90Hz refresh rates anyways, so 165Hz is a waste in terms of gaming.

Both bottom-firing speakers sit at the bottom of the device. They are extremely loud and crisp, making them great for gaming and consuming video content. That lovely display makes it a joy to stream Netflix or HBO Max on the RedMagic 8 Pro. The screen has a 400 ppi pixel density so you get sharp details and the color reproduction is brilliantly vivid. Dolby DTS: X Ultra audio is just the cherry on top, taking the phone's prowess up a notch.

Any gaming phone is incomplete without shoulder triggers. Naturally, you get an outstanding pair of them on the RedMagic 8 Pro. nubia/ZTE's ultrasonic shoulder triggers have a highly responsive 520Hz touch sampling rate, an incremental upgrade over the RedMagic 7 series' 500Hz touch sampling rate. I was pleased with the haptic feedback provided by the triggers as well.

In terms of raw hard specs, the RedMagic 8 pro is a mean beast on steroids. You can easily pit it against the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S23 series on paper. From the newest Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chips to the most premium Qualcomm chipset, this phone has it all. RedMagic equipped the 8 Pro for Armageddon with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and a secondary chipset dedicated to gaming.

Software and performance

Now I won't lie, the software was horrible right out of the gate. Since RedMagic sent out the samples before launch, the bug-ridden REDMAGIC OS 6 was excusable at first. Following the international release, nubia/ZTE rolled out a couple of fixes and ironed out many of the little problems such as apps crashing or randomly refusing to work.

Even though things got much smoother following the release, the custom skin based on Android 13 still needs a lot of help. The software is riddled with poor translations that make it difficult to understand and use the UI. This includes system notifications and settings for things like Bluetooth and SIM settings.

There are other kinks that haven't been dealt with entirely. For instance, swiping backward on the system settings either takes you back or closes the app entirely. You just never know what's going to happen. I would be excited if it were a date, but it's not fun when your premium Android phone is keeping you on your toes, wondering what happens next.

When I reviewed the RedMagic 7 last year, I really thought that we were finally over this, but it seems like the past is here to haunt us yet again. Sigh. Honestly, I think RedMagic should take a cue from ZTE and relaunch the entire OS in a lighter, cleaner form that's much closer to stock Android. Better yet, the brand should learn from ASUS and go for the stock version altogether.

Glitches aside, REDMAGIC OS is extremely clunky overall. I am not a huge fan of the nubia launcher and prefer third-party options on RedMagic phones. The animations don't fully take advantage of the hardware, the logos appear very garish, and even the default system sounds are horrid. Still, the treasure trove of unique features in the phone set it apart from the rest. Things like Screen Split and Entertainment Toolbox make multitasking incredibly fun.

A lot has changed with the RedMagic 8 Pro, including the Game Space gaming interface which has been given a facelift for REDMAGIC OS 6. Most of the changes are purely aesthetic. Once you slide the gaming button the phone enters the Game Space and you can launch and see all your games there. While the UI might not be the best, the gaming features built into this phone are truly impressive.

From screen recording to overclocking your RedMagic phone's CPU, the Game Space and its in-game overlay bring extreme levels of customization to your fingertips. The little tray of shortcuts sits on top of your game and you can use it to create custom GPU and CPU settings for every individual game. You can download and install a host of plugins for your game in-game or from the Game Space hub.

There's so much that can be achieved with the RedMagic 8 Pro. If you want to cast your live gameplay to your laptop, computer, or smart TV, REDMAGIC Studio makes this possible. Then there's the screen recording feature, comprehensive settings and various controls for the display and audio, and adjustable options for the triggers.

You can customize your crosshair and adjust the touch sensitivity of the display as well as the triggers. The Game Space overlay lets you launch apps, change the brightness and volume levels, take screenshots, and respond to and initiate calls and texts. There's a lot to play around with!

The combination of the powerful internals and memory specs along with the fine-tuned gaming software make this one of the most capable Android phones in existence. The display is sublime and the speakers are glorious. It's the perfect setup with the perfect hardware under the hood.

No matter how processor-heavy an app is, the RedMagic 8 Pro doesn't stutter. The performance is as smooth as you would expect from any decent RedMagic gaming phone. This is why mobile gamers keep coming back for more, despite the bugs and user-unfriendly software.

It would have helped nubia/ZTE's case if users knew exactly how many years of updates are guaranteed for their phones. We have never heard so much as a peep from the brand about extended software support. This makes one averse to purchasing a RedMagic phone. Who wants to be stuck with the same version of Android that the phone came with forever? It just doesn't make sense.

Update: RedMagic has released the following statement regarding software updates on the RedMagic 8 Pro, promising one major OS upgrade for the device:

"The first half year (following the release date) is updated once every two months. After half a year, it is updated every three months. The maintenance period is around 1.5 years to two years. So generally, each generation of products will have a major update."

Cameras

Although the main camera setup consists of three lenses, I'm going to disregard the third 2MP macro lens as it's pretty useless. We're going to focus on the primary 50MP wide-angle camera and its secondary 8MP ultrawide lens. Gaming phones have always been notoriously crappy at photography, but things are starting to change for the better.

The RedMagic 8 Pro is no Pixel 7 Pro, but it does a fine job of capturing nice shots in the daytime. Take a look at these samples captured by the phone in optimal lighting conditions. They retain an impressive level of detail and balance the colors well, even though my unsteady hand caused some of them to be a little blurry. Considering nubia's track record, I was pleasantly surprised by the results.

Although I haven't included video footage here, the RedMagic 8 pro does just as well while capturing videos in bright daylight. While video footage is not as stable as I would have liked, it's still very high quality. You can shoot videos in 8K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps or 30fps, and 1080p at up to 240fps.

Night photography isn't the RedMagic 8 Pro's strongest suit. The phone tends to over-sharpen the images and they look just a tad too contrasty and noisy for my liking. You be the judge, based on these samples.

The trickiest camera of the bunch is undoubtedly the 16MP selfie snapper located under the display of the RedMagic 8 Pro. This is the very same second-gen UDC camera found on the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra from late 2022.

See, under-display cameras are difficult to execute perfectly. Even Samsung hasn't mastered the craft just yet. Essentially, a UDC is covered in a layer of pixels that allow the front camera to "peek" through in order to snap a photo. nubia/ZTE did a great job with its second generation of UDCs, but the technology isn't quite there yet.

Just look at this picture captured with the RedMagic 8 Pro's front camera. It's an overprocessed, oversaturated mess. The skin tone is completely off, though the clarity is decent.

In conclusion, the front camera ranges between "just alright" and "somewhat garbage" depending on the angle and lighting. It's definitely going to be a while before UDCs catch on. Until the technology achieves a much higher level of refinement, we probably won't see it enter the mainstream.

Battery and charging

The RedMagic 8 Pro comes with a gigantic 6,000mAh cell. Simply put, it is the gift that keeps on giving. You can use the beastly gaming phone for three days straight without the need to charge, albeit with light gaming.

Should you ramp it up to moderate levels of gaming, or even heavy, the ZTE phone's generous battery easily lasts for two days. I went to town on the phone with heavy usage recently, with comms like mobile data and Bluetooth used regularly as well as gaming sessions. The RedMagic 8 Pro didn't need to be charged until late at night on the second day.

And if you're ever in a pinch, recharging the RedMagic device is incredibly fast and easy. The phone supports 65W super fast charging via USB-C. Unlike brands like Samsung and Google, nubia still includes a Type-C brick in the box along with a C-to-C cable. It's not any other 30W or 45W brick either. You actually get a 65W USB-C charger in the box.

Plug the Redmagic 8 Pro into the 65W charger and it goes from flat dead to a full 100% battery level in about 43 mins. Although the device gets a little hot in the process, that is quickly fixed with the built-in fan inside the gaming phone.

Competition

There's no shortage of beefed-up smartphones on the market. The RedMagic 8 Pro has the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, but it isn't the ultimate Android phone available by a long shot.

Qualcomm created a specially modified version of the same SoC for the Samsung Galaxy S23 series. The S23 Ultra is undoubtedly the industry standard at the moment, setting the bar very, very high for everyone else. Not only does it perform unerringly, but it also has the best cameras that money can buy on a phone and a premium design with an IP68 waterproof rating. The S23 Ultra obliterates every other phone if you look at the performance benchmarks below.

Another monstrous foe is the Xiaomi 13 Pro. Don't be fooled by its elegant business-like attire, the Xiaomi 13 Pro is a wolf in sheep's clothing. It's nearly as powerful as the S23 Ultra and the RedMagic 8 Pro but it costs less than both devices. Even though it doesn't have all the latest hardware under the hood, it performs unbelievably well and captures some stunning photos.

Should you buy it?

You should buy it if...

• You want a bright AMOLED without any cutout
• You don't care as much about cameras
• You need built-in gaming triggers
• You want a comprehensive set of gaming features and customizability
• You're looking for a premium gaming phone with the latest internals
• Your budget is below $1000 to $900
• You prioritize having a headphone jack
• You need something with a 2-day battery life

You shouldn't buy it if...

• You use a CDMA carrier in the U.S.
• You want regular software updates for more than one year
• You want a waterproof gaming phone
• You love taking photos
• You don't like operating systems that feel heavy or clunky

The reinvented new RedMagic 8 Pro doesn't get everything right, but you still get good value for money. If you need a gaming phone that will not be your primary device, the 8 Pro is a good phone to consider. However, the biggest factor holding me back from openly recommending it is the software support.

An expensive purchase like a smartphone should last you a good few years before going obsolete, especially if you spend so much money on it. ZTE doesn't even say exactly how many platform updates are slated for its phone or until what year are they supported. Why should you take a risk like that when there are so many amazing flagship Android phones out there that are just as capable, or even more powerful, than the RedMagic 8 Pro?

It's really hard to sum it up in a few short words because the 8 Pro has some really cool features and a very unique design. It's like watching your teenage child mature and grow into a budding young adult. I want to clap RedMagic on the back and say "Well done kid, you did good," but the brand has to take note and change a lot for the next model to be even better.

Review changelog

This review was originally published on March 2, 2023. It was last updated on March 5, 2023, with the following changes:

• Added more details about software updates in the "Software and performance" section.
• Updated information about carrier support in the U.S. specifically in the cons list.

Update (Jan 17, 7:00 pm ET): The RedMagic 8 Pro series gets an international launch date.

What you need to know

• Nubia has announced the RedMagic 8 Pro and 8 Pro+.
• Both models have the same design and spec sheet, except that the Plus version comes with bigger RAM and storage options as well as a smaller battery and faster charging speed.
• The new devices will be available to purchase on December 28 via Nubia's online storefront and partner retailers.

Nubia is not letting the year pass by without unveiling its own flagship series powered by Qualcomm's latest and most powerful chipset to date. The debut of the RedMagic 8 Pro and 8 Pro+ came a bit earlier than their predecessor, which debuted in February of this year.

The latest series includes two models, namely the RedMagic 8 Pro and RedMagic 8 Pro+, a first for the RedMagic series. That said, both variants share generally the same specs sheet and design, with a few differences (via GSMArena).

Nubia's higher-end flagship model offers more memory and storage options, with up to 1TB of internal storage and 16GB of RAM available. The vanilla version, on the other hand, is capped at 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM. 

Meanwhile, the Plus model packs a smaller 5000mAh battery compared to the 6000mAh battery on the regular version, which offers longer screen-on times. However, if you're looking for a phone with faster charging times, the Plus variant is right up your alley, as it comes with a 165W GaN charger, as opposed to the regular model's 80W charging support. 

This means that the RedMagic 8 Pro+ can be fully charged from zero to 100% in 14 minutes while the regular version can hit 100% from zero in 35 minutes, per Nubia's claim.

Apart from these differences, both models are powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipsets, making them beefy challengers to the best Android phones. Nubia's own Red Magic R2 chip complements Qualcomm's most powerful processor, promising an improved gaming experience in terms of audio, touch sensitivity, haptics, and colors.

The handsets sport a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen with a 1116 x 2480 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The 16MP selfie snapper is hidden beneath the display, just like the RedMagic 7 Pro.

On the back, there's a triple camera setup consisting of a 50MP primary sensor featuring Samsung's ISOCELL GN5, an 8 MP ultra-wide-angle shooter, and a 2MP macro sensor.

Nubia's gaming roots are not forgotten, and the latest RedMagic models feature upgraded cooling systems thanks to ICE 11.0. The setup includes full-sized graphene sheets and a 3D vapor chamber with a volume of 2,068 cubic millimeters.

Both models ship in black and transparent colors. The vanilla version is now available for preorder, with prices beginning at CNY 3,999 (approximately $575). The Plus model starts at CNY 5,199 (approximately $747). Nubia will begin selling the phones on December 28 via its online store and retail partners.

•  Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T 

Update

Following its initial launch in China the Nubia RedMagic 8 Pro is making its global debut. However, instead of offering a Pro and Pro+ version, international markets are receiving just the "Pro" moniker but with two different versions.

The RedMagic Pro 8 Matte is essentially the standard RedMagic Pro 8, sporting 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, while the RedMagic Pro 8 Void is the Pro+ equivalent with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

The names aren't the only things that have changed. The devices also feature different battery specs. Now, both models both come with 6,000mAh batteries, but charging is lowered to just 65W wired. It's still plenty fast when compared to many of the best Android phones, but it's a notable downgrade from the Chinese variants.

The RedMagic 8 Pro will be available on February 2, priced at $650/€650/
£580 and $800/€750/£710 for the Matte and Void, respectively. The company is also offering early bird discounts on January 28 for anyone eager to get their hands on the latest gaming powerhouse.

Gaming phones are a niche market. You can play every game available in the Google Play store on almost every currently available phone, and even titles like Genshin Impact play "good enough" on mainstream devices like the Galaxy S22. 

The key to the success of any gaming phone isn't how well it can play games — and the RedMagic 7S Pro plays them like no other I've ever seen — but how well it can do everything else. Most of us aren't going to buy a separate phone for gaming, and we do plenty more than play games on the one phone we have.

This is how I reviewed the RedMagic 7S Pro — considering the performance in all areas, including the actual software powering it all.

RedMagic 7S Pro: Price and availability

The RedMagic 7S Pro will be released for Western markets on August 9, 2022. There will be what Nubia is calling an "Early Bird Offer" direct from their website from August 2 to August 8, 2022.

The pricing starts at $729/€779/£669 for the Obsidian model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, while the Mercury and Supernova models with 18GB of RAM and 512GB of storage will be priced at $899/€949/£809. 

The phone will be available at launch from the company's website, and will be available from Amazon on the August 9 hard-launch date. Additional accessories such as cases, screen protectors, and a stand-alone "Turbo Cooler" will also be available at launch.

RedMagic 7S Pro: Hardware and design

Predictably, the RedMagic 7S Pro looks a lot like the RedMagic 7, and it shares many of the same internal parts. The unit we received for review is the Supernova variant, with 18GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It also features a semi-transparent design that emphasizes the 20,000 rpm RGB cooling fan and Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, paired with Nubia's Red Core 1 gaming co-processor.

All versions of the 7S Pro feature the same Snapdragon SoC and gaming chip, as well as the "Ice 10.0 Multi-dimensional Cooling System," which is a long descriptive name for a forced-air vortex duct active cooling system, which is also a long descriptive name. It has an air inlet, a high-speed fan, and an exhaust duct that forces air across the specially designed cooling chamber. 

It works and you can easily see it working when playing intense games by turning the fan off for a few minutes.

In addition, all models come with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, a 6.8-inch 1080x2400 pixel 120Hz AMOLED display, Wi-FI 6, and global 5G support. The full specs follow.

There is a lot to like here. The active cooling system works exactly as described, and while you can hear the fan when it's running on high, it's worth it when you're playing a game. Keeping the SoC cool means it's less apt to throttle and slow down. A drawback is the lack of water resistance, though, because you have open holes and exposed parts under them. 

The display is awesome, and while it's listed at 700 nits, it is readable in the July sunshine in the Washington, DC area. It might struggle in Florida or the Sahara, though.

The battery life is good. You can make it last the whole day unless you're sitting around playing games for hours on end, but if it does get low, the included 65watt GaN fast charger will top you up quickly.

Like the RedMagic 7, the display features a 720Hz response rate for touch, with a pair of 520Hz shoulder triggers for gaming. The in-display fingerprint sensor works as advertised and can also measure heart rate.

 You'll find a slider on the frame of the device, and while it resembles a mute switch, it's not. Toggling it takes you into Game Space mode, where options for things like screen recording and per-game settings, as well as a full plugin library to help you get gud. 

The speakers are plenty loud and besides having support for aptX Bluetooth codecs, it also has a 3.5mm headphone jack. 

All of these gaming features carry into the look of the phone itself. Our review unit is the Supernova variant, which features a grey and black color palette, complete with transparent sections and a digital camo look for the center insert.

A lot of people are going to love the way it looks, and a lot of people aren't. It's gamey, that's for sure and the audience it's marketed towards will largely appreciate the phone's styling. 

RedMagic 7S Pro: Performance

The RedMagic 7S Pro is fast. It is fast when playing games. It is fast when using the browser. It is fast when scrolling through social media. It's always fast.

That doesn't mean there aren't a few issues worth talking about, though, and lets get those out of the way first.

The worldwide edition is a 5G phone, but it is not a US carrier 5G phone. That means it might not have full support to use your carrier's 5G network everywhere.

The phone supports 5G bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 77, and 78. AT&T, for example, uses bands 5, 77, 78, 260, and 261. Verizon uses bands 2, 5, 66, 77, 78, 260, and 261. The phone is compatible with some of those bands and should have 5G service in areas where they are in use. (Note: I'm not trying to explain SA/NSA or band designation here. Just compatibility.)

In my case, T-Mobile uses bands 41, 71, 260, and 261. A quick look shows that there is only one compatible 5G band (n41) and it's not active in my area, so the 7S Pro is an LTE-only phone. If band n71 were supported, I would have excellent and fast 5G coverage. Your mileage will vary unless you live next door to me.

If you're outside the US, you'll have much better 5G support. Our 5G rollout is just as fragmented and bad as the 4G rollout was here in the states. If you're unsure that the 7S Pro supports what you need, call your carrier and they can tell you before you buy the phone.

I also had an issue initially provisioning the phone for the T-Mobile network, but that was quickly resolved by contacting customer support. If you buy the 7S Pro and something network-related is not working correctly, contact your carrier and they should be able to provide a quick fix.

The camera(s) are adequate. You can get a good photo from the 7S Pro, but it's not going to compare to a Pixel, or the iPhone, or a Galaxy S model. 

The software is much improved and Magic OS has come a long way since I first looked at the RedMagic 6. There are still plenty of grammatical and spelling errors, but everything is easy to understand; for example, I have seen "continu" in several dialog boxes and instantly knew it meant "continue."

The silver lining here is that the company has promised three full years of support and in the past two weeks I have received two major software updates.

I hate saying this, but I need to address it — Nubia is a division of ZTE and these phones are designed, assembled, and 100% produced in China. ZTE was in hot water with the U.S. over its affiliation with the Chinese government, as well as selling American-made equipment to Iran and North Korea. The company has since been put on probation and restrictions have been lifted.

If you're uncomfortable using a product from a company with this sort of history, this is not the phone for you. I will admit I have some concerns over ZTE's past transgressions at the corporate level, but I see no indication that the 7S Pro is doing anything different than any other phone. And yes, I checked.

Now for the good, and there is a lot of it.

Back when I reviewed the RedMagic 6 Pro I said it was "great for gaming, not so much for every day." That can't be said any longer. The RedMagic 7S Pro is one of the best Android phones I've used.

I don't say this because I'm in love with the way Nubia has done Android or because I like things with RGB fans. I say it because this phone is blazin' fast and you can buy it for $729.

The phone does all the same things every other Android phone does, and it does them well. Maybe you don't like the included gallery app or note-taking program (two of the apps I don't particularly like). Both apps are still fully functional and easy to replace with your favorite from the Play Store. 

The OS isn't filled with bloat and tweaks like many other phones from China can be, and it feels a lot like the software from a company like OnePlus or Motorola. Most importantly, in the two weeks I've been using it, I have never seen it bog down. I can't say that for any other phone I've ever used.

Just because some folks like to see numbers, I ran a few benchmark tests. These do not tell the real story, and you should never put much stock in what a benchmark app has to say. Have a look, though.

I was most curious about the tweaks and additions to the GPU so I ran 3Dmark first. It has a number there and I am sure it means something to someone, but what's worth seeing is what else is there. The "regular" 3D Mark Wild Life test was maxed out and the application was unable to score the phone, suggesting I run the Extreme test that warns you how most phones can't complete it. 

It completed, and the RedMagic 7S Pro scored higher than every single iPhone 12 Pro Max in the application's database. The same goes for every Galaxy S22, and for every other phone it listed. I was unable to pick and choose how it was compared, so I have no idea how the iPhone 13 Pro Max fared against it.

I was able to find out that my phone did better than 80% of all devices, which includes some very crazy and custom devices and software configurations.

Geekbench tells a similar story. The 7S Pro scores higher than every other phone the app lists in both single and multi-core testing.

I still say benchmarks are almost worthless when it comes to knowing how well or how poorly a device will run. For a gaming phone though, I figured people wanted to see some. It's too bad AnTuTu went to the dark side and was pulled from Google Play with all of Cheetah Mobile's other apps. Otherwise, I'd have included it here, too. I have a feeling the results would be similar.

Benchmarks aside, you'll appreciate how well the 7S Pro does anything and everything you ask of it. It has decent cameras, good battery life, acceptable software, and a true active cooling system. It even has a headphone jack.

RedMagic 7S Pro: Competition

The obvious competition is the ASUS ROG 6 Pro. In some ways, the ROG 6 Pro is the better phone. In other ways, the RedMagic 7S Pro is the better phone. This will all come down to personal preference, or possibly benchmark scores if you're into that.

One area where things don't compare is the pricing. The ASUS ROG 6 Pro starts at €1,299 ($1,355) for the single 18GB/512GB variant, which is a good bit higher than the 7S Pro's €949 ($899) price.

Outside of the gamer space, there are plenty of other phones you can buy that are probably fast enough for everyone. The Galaxy S22 Ultra is certainly a fine phone, as is the Pixel 6 Pro. One is more expensive while the other is less expensive, but these models are comparable products with a much better camera, and possibly a better user experience.

RedMagic 7S Pro: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if ...

• You are really into mobile gaming
• You want one of the fastest phones money can buy
• You want a phone with the very latest components
• You want a flagship phone with a headphone jack
• You want everything above at a great price

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• The camera is what is most important to you
• You need a "waterproof" phone
• You hate big heavy phones
• You want wireless charging
• The looks turn you off

The RedMagic 7S Pro is the first phone from the company that I feel comfortable recommending to "non-gamers." It's crazy fast, has a bright and beautiful display, passable cameras, and a great price.

It's not the phone for everyone. In fact, if I read this review and hadn't tried it, I might think it wasn't a good fit for me — there are no bezels to speak of, I really like wireless charging, and usually prefer smaller phones that fit better in my shirt pocket. 

But I did get to try it, and I can say that all the pros far outweigh the cons for me. I still believe I'll keep my current phone for at least another year, but if I were in the market to buy something new, I would definitely have the RedMagic 7S Pro on my radar. It's like nothing I've ever used before.

What you need to know

• Nubia announced the RedMagic 7 and 7 Pro back in February, launching first in China.
• The RedMagic 7 Pro is now launching in global markets with an Under Display Camera.
• The RedMagic 7 Pro features slower 65W charging than the Chinese variant, which includes 135W charging.
• The device will be available to order on April 27.

Earlier this year, Nubia announced its latest gaming flagships with the new RedMagic 7 series, offering impressive specs and incredibly fast charging speeds. After initially launching in China, the RedMagic is finally making its way to global markets later this month.

The RedMagic 7 Pro is a slightly beefier version of the RedMagic 7 that we reviewed in March. The phone has a 6.8-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 960Hz touch sampling rate, making it incredibly responsive. A selfie camera is also hidden underneath the display for an all-screen, uninterrupted viewing experience. On the back is a 64MP triple camera setup.

Powering the RedMagic 7 Pro is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 coupled with a dedicated Red Core 1 gaming chip that handles RGB lighting, audio processing, and haptic feedback. This should help the Snapdragon chip run more efficiently and give the device a leg up over some of the best gaming phones. The phone also comes with dual 500Hz shoulder triggers for added control and dual stereo speakers with DTS: X Ultra Surround Sound.

A large 5,000mAh battery keeps the lights on, although charging is set to 65W, down from the 135W in the launch version of the RedMagic 7. Not only is the charging port air-cooled, but the phone comes equipped with the latest version of Nubia's ICE cooling system to keep the phone from getting too hot during intense gaming sessions. That includes the second-largest vapor chamber in the industry, composite graphene, a high-speed turbofan, high-conducting gel, copper foil, a cooling air duct, and more.

The RedMagic 7 Pro runs RedMagic OS 5.0 based on Android 12. It's available in two colorways and configurations; the Obsidian colorway features 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, while the Supernova colorway gets a bump to 512GB of storage. The versions can be had for $799 and $899, respectively, and will be available to order on April 27. There will also be an early-bird special starting on April 22 on the RedMagic website.

 If you're a mobile gamer, you've definitely heard of Nubia's Red Magic gaming phones. Red Magic is to mobile gaming as Motorola is to the budget Android phone space: affordable, value-packed, and fantastic at what it's meant to be. What never fails to impress me is the brand's capability to offer unbelievable specs at mid-range prices.

Take the last-gen RedMagic 6s Pro, for instance. It came with the then top-of-the-line Snapdragon 888+ 5G chipset, a gigantic 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, and a generous 5,050mAh battery paired with 65W fast charging. You only got a 33W charger in the box, though. Still, all that cost only $599 for the 12GB/128GB variant. Of course, there were other trade-offs to be made, but as a gaming device, the 6s Pro crushed it.

Now, continuing in the footsteps of the RedMagic 6s Pro, Nubia has launched the Red Magic 7, and it is powered by some impressive gear. If you grab the transparent version, you can brandish all those new-fangled specs to the world with a grin on your face. With the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, a sublime 165Hz AMOLED display, Android 12 out of the box, and Red Magic's latest ICE 8.0 cooling system, this phone is a tank — at least on paper, that is. I put it to the test to find out whether Red Magic worked its tech wizardry once more. Let's dive in!

RedMagic 7: Price and availability

The RedMagic 7 made its initial debut alongside a Pro variant in China, followed subsequently by a global launch. International sales go live on March 10, and the color and memory variations will have different prices depending on the region. Customers can either order from the RedMagic website or Amazon once the listings go live.

The plain silver Obsidian variant with 12GB/128GB memory is priced at $629/€629/£529. The stunning Pulsar color featuring blue and purple hues will have 16GB/256GB memory, setting you back $729/€729/£619. Lastly, the see-through option called Supernova is going to cost you $799/€799/£679 with 18GB/256GB memory options. All variants have a fan inside, but the Supernova option has one lit up by RGB lights when in use.

RedMagic 7: Hardware and design

The RedMagic 7 bumps up a lot of the internals from the RedMagic 6s Pro, but it also retains many aspects. The star of the show is definitely the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor paired with up to 18GB of RAM. Nubia sent me the maxed-out global variant with the 18GB/256GB combo in the translucent shade they like to call Supernova. In addition, you get LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage.

Nubia stuck with the same connectivity features as the 6s Pro, which is a good thing because it includes Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and dual 5G-compatible SIM slots. You can even use an HDMI or DisplayPort cable with the RedMagic 7, provided you have a USB-C adapter for them. The sum total of such hardware results in the smoothest performance experience I have ever witnessed. It easily takes the best Android phones head-on and crumbles them to dust, but only in the performance category.

As this is a gaming phone, it still sports the critically endangered headphone jack that so many audiophiles covet. RedMagic tasks its ICE 8.0 Multi-dimensional Cooling System with the job of keeping the entire rig cool. It's fantastic at doing so and maintains the RedMagic 7's heat levels intelligently. If you want, you can control the RGB fan manually as well.

There's only one problem with having an actual physical fan with air vents on a phone - it is impossible to make the device waterproof. And don't go expecting wireless charging either, because that's still MIA. To counter this, the phone supports 65W fast charging that tops up the 4,500mAh battery mighty quick.

Moving on to the outsides of the device, the RedMagic 7 is identical to the 6s Pro in almost every way. It has the same 6.8-inch AMOLED display with 60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, and 165Hz refresh rates. Although the brightness level peaks at 700 nits, it is clearly readable under the radiance of the morning sun.

The display has a touch response rate of 720Hz, whereas the ultrasonic shoulder triggers feature a 500Hz touch response rate. It has an in-display fingerprint sensor that works exceptionally well and can also be used to measure your heart rate.

There's no "M Key" touchpad on the back of the phone, though. Since it didn't work very well in the 6s Pro, I'm glad they skipped it. The red slider button is another feature that you'll find along the left side of the RedMagic 7. It's situated right above the volume key, and toggling it takes you to the Game Lobby and adjusts the system settings for optimal gaming conditions. The stereo speakers are unexpectedly loud, so you can enjoy other content aside from gaming on it too.

Overall, the sleek aerospace-grade aluminum and glass build has an exquisite finish. Factoring in the RGB RedMagic logo that glows red, it looks fantastic. The transparent version showcases the key elements of the phone and labels them in gold. Tech enthusiasts are sure to drool over it. You can just tell that extensive attention to detail and great care went into its design. Somehow, the RedMagic 7 is lighter than its predecessor. Nonetheless, this is still a bulky phone of large stature next to the stereotypical Android phones of today.

RedMagic 7: Software and performance

Going as far back as the RedMagic 3S, or as recent as the RedMagic 6 Pro, REDMAGIC OS has always been notorious for its bug-ridden software. This has improved significantly over the recent generations, so much so that I believe the RedMagic 7 may finally be the turning point for the Nubia-owned brand. The RedMagic 7 runs REDMAGIC OS 5.0 based on Android 12 out of the box. Unfortunately, the RedMagic 7 cannot leverage the extensive theming features of Material You.

But what I'm about to say next might just make up for it. From the time I got the RedMagic 7 until the very moment of typing this out, I did not face a single major issue with the software. There are no Bluetooth problems or issues with the Wi-Fi randomly going off (or point-blank refusing to work). This might seem like an unnecessary mention, but I feel that it's important to highlight how far RedMagic phones have come.

The RedMagic 7 offers the cleanest software experience that you'll ever have with a RedMagic device. I've faced issues with the connectivity modules and the UI in the past, but thankfully, no such problem arose during my testing phase. The Game Lobby acts as the central home for all things gaming-related on the RedMagic 7. It's as easy as moving the slider button to enter it. Once you're inside, you can add games, set up game-specific graphics and user settings, and tweak your system preferences extensively.

If you have any gaming accessories to go with your phone, this is the place to configure them. There's so much you can do here that I can't possibly talk about every single detail. Some of the things the Game Lobby allows you to do are limit the network usage of other apps, play around with the plugins to enhance gaming, alter status bar settings, set up anti-disturbance options for calls and notifications, and decide what happens when you toggle the slider.

RedMagic has improved the Game Lobby as well as the quickly accessible in-game Game Space feature. Once you've entered a game, you simply swipe inwards from the upper left or right side of the screen to use the Game Space. Entering a game also turns on the ultrasonic triggers automatically. It's astounding what you can do from within the game. There are display settings, performance boosters, screen recording options, and even add plugins to improve your gaming experience. The shorthand Game Space also allows you to open certain social media apps in a free-form floating window and bar calls or any notifications.

You can prevent accidental touches and map the shoulder triggers on-screen. If the settings vary per game, you can even create different presets for the ultrasonic triggers and save them under different names. Then there are the Quick Picture Library and Quick Notes sections that can hold up to 50 images and notes for you to view all from within the game. Players can also change the screen refresh rate from the Game Space settings.

Thanks to the ICE 8.0 cooling system, the RedMagic 7 stays breezy throughout all gaming sessions. ICE 8.0 consists of nine cooling mechanisms and components, including composite graphene, space-grade materials, an aluminum middle frame, a VC heat sink, a high thermal conductivity gel, a superconducting copper coil, and the user-controlled cooling fan.

This level of cooling is important because it prevents overheating issues. The RedMagic 7 is able to deliver smooth performance consistently and maintains that high level of performance over a long time. Let's look at some performance benchmarks from AnTuTu that test everything.

As you can see, the RedMagic 7 scored an astonishing overall score of 1,034,703. To put things in perspective, the ASUS ROG Phone 5 scored 835,786, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra reportedly scored 965,874. To measure the phone's skills at sustaining high-performance levels, I ran Geekbench 5 three times consecutively. Here are the CPU test results.

Notice how little the test scores dip even after running Geekbench 5 three times in a row on the RedMagic 7. Multicore numbers dropped from 3,740 to 3,733 in the second test, and finally fell to 3,724 the third time around. Even after enduring such a heavy-duty benchmark test, the RedMagic 7 beat the Galaxy S22 Ultra's 3,392 multicore score result.

Interestingly, the RedMagic 7's single-core results went up instead of going down over time. The first round of Geekbench 5 yielded 1,223 and then went up to 1,235 the second time. The final test round brought it up to 1,242, bringing it very close to the Galaxy S22 Ultra's 1,240 single-core score.

RedMagic 7: Battery

Since there's no support for wireless charging in the RedMagic 7, Nubia tried to compensate. Last time, we saw 65W charging capabilities in the RedMagic 6s Pro. However, the device didn't ship with a 65W charger, coming with a 33W brick instead. Thankfully, this time things are different. You still get 65W fast charging, but the RedMagic 7 comes with a compatible 65W GaN charger in the box. I personally tested the charge time, and the phone went from dead as a doornail to 100% in exactly 29 minutes and 38 seconds (and 25 milliseconds, if you're interested). 

Don't get excited just yet because I have a huge bone to pick with RedMagic. Many fans, colleagues, and I included have always adored the nonsensically huge battery life that epic gaming phones provide. For some odd inexplicable reason, the RedMagic 7 comes with a 4,500mAh battery. Compared to the RedMagic 6s Pro's 5,050 milliamps or the ASUS ROG Phone 5's 6,000mAh battery, that's nothing.

Think about it for a second. You have all these crazy internals in this powerhouse of a phone. The huge 6.8-inch display, the RGB fan, and all that heavy gaming that the RedMagic 7 is meant for, all require quite a bit of juice. I was severely disappointed with the RedMagic 7's battery life. For a power user like me, the RedMagic phone lasted at most 15 hours.

RedMagic 7: Cameras

So it runs well, stays cool, performs like a beast, and charges fully in less than half an hour. But what about the cameras? Nubia equipped the RedMagic 7 with exactly the same cameras as the last RedMagic phone. The main camera setup consists of a 64MP wide primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2M macro sensor. Meanwhile, it has an 8MP wide-angle front camera.

Just as you'd expect, photography is the RedMagic 7's Achilles' heel. Up until now, almost everything about the phone has been exciting and high-tech. Unfortunately, this amazing gaming phone features some really terrible cameras. That 2MP macro sensor is so horrible that its very existence irks me. You can use the main sensor to get a shot and crop into it, and the resulting image will still be leagues above the macro camera.

Apart from the macro camera, the 8MP ultra-wide sensor isn't much better either. It struggles to capture accurate colors, and the images turn out far too sharp and noisy. The 64MP primary lens isn't half bad in bright settings, but it doesn't take consistent shots. Certain parts of the picture sometimes end up out of focus, and the camera isn't smart enough to figure out what the subject is when taking photos.

Low-light photography is just bad, with most of the details getting lost in the dark. Unless you have a great source of light, the RedMagic 7 isn't capable of taking decent pictures at night or in low-light conditions.

RedMagic 7: Competition

You'd be surprised at the number of brilliant gaming phones that you can buy right now. If you're looking for the best of the best, there's no beating the ASUS ROG Phone 5 Ultimate. Apart from the older Snapdragon 888 SoC, it'll give the RedMagic 7 a run for its money in every other category. ASUS filled it to the brim with beefed-up specs like 18GB RAM, 512GB storage, a stunning 144Hz AMOLED display, and a huge 6,000mAh battery. On the other hand, this overpowered gaming device costs upwards of $1,000, and it's near-impossible to find. 

Other gaming phones with similar specs include the tamer ASUS ROG Phone 5 and the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2. Again, both options max out at a 144Hz screen refresh rate, but you get larger batteries. In ASUS's case, the stock Android easily defeats all the other competitors. Again, the RedMagic 7 costs cheaper than this dynamic duo, has a better screen refresh rate, and has a newer chipset too.

If it's value you're looking for, Xiaomi's Black Shark 4 Pro serves as an excellent alternative. It has much better cameras, performs pretty well, and fits nicely in one hand. The $579 price tag for its 8GB/128 GB is rather attractive, but the pop-up magnetic triggers aren't as intuitive as the ultrasonic ones on the RedMagic 7, ASUS ROG Phone 5 Ultimate, or Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2.

RedMagic 7: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if ...

• You're looking for extensive mobile gaming features
• You want the highest performing phone out there
• You need a standout cooling system
• You prefer ultrasonic triggers
• You want a 165Hz AMOLED display

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• You need a waterproof phone
• You want superb cameras
• You need a gigantic battery
• You'd like to have wireless charging

The bottom line is, you can't expect such an affordable phone with flagship-level hardware to be a true all-rounder. Who even buys a gaming phone to take pictures or go swimming? Sure, there's no IP rating, and yes, you'll be stuck with wired charging with the RedMagic 7. But that's just not what this phone is made for. Any app you throw its way, the RedMagic 7 will destroy it (in the best sense).

After using the RedMagic 7 for a while, its snappy performance and enthralling 165Hz display, I felt genuinely spoiled. Going back to my personal device felt lackluster. Let's not even talk about gaming. It's almost as if the RedMagic 7 anticipates your moves beforehand. The 720Hz touch response rate in the screen and the 500Hz response rate of the ultrasonic triggers together make a deadly combination. Full disclosure: I don't think I can ever play games on my own phone again.

If you're looking for an affordable, gaming enthusiast's Android phone, the RedMagic 7 is possibly the best choice in the world at the time of writing. ASUS has the over-the-top ROG Phone 5 Ultimate phone, but it's so heart-breakingly expensive. Even if you've got the dough, good luck trying to get your hands on one, especially one that'll work on US carriers. Now that Nubia seems to finally have gotten a better grasp on the terrible software, I can easily recommend the RedMagic 7 as a standout choice to mobile gamers of the world.