Introducing the RedMagic 9s Pro, Nubia’s latest contribution to the gaming smartphone arena, this device caters to mobile gamers who demand high performance on the go without sacrificing the versatility expected from a smartphone.
Gaming phones stand out as a unique category of mobile devices. They retain the core features of a standard phone but take them to the next level. A good gaming phone is defined by its powerful processor, an immersive display, and a battery that can keep up with long gaming sessions. The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is often seen as the benchmark in this category, offering not just an excellent gaming experience but also serving as a highly capable everyday smartphone.
So, where does the RedMagic 9s Pro fit into this picture? It comes with an impressive array of features at a surprisingly affordable price point. However, it’s essentially a slightly upgraded version of the recent RedMagic 9 Pro, carrying over some of the same drawbacks. While the screen is a highlight, the phone is hampered by a mediocre camera and the need for additional accessories to unlock its full potential, which could be a dealbreaker for some. Curious to know more? Dive into this review to find out how the RedMagic 9s Pro stacks up against its competition.
RedMagic 9S Pro Design
The RedMagic 9S Pro measures 164 x 76.4 x 8.9mm and weighs 229g, featuring an aluminum frame with a glass back. It retains the sleek dimensions of the 9 Pro, making it nearly indistinguishable at first glance. However, the illuminated 9S logo on the rear and the introduction of two new finishes set it apart. I tested the “Sleet” version, which, in RedMagic’s terminology, translates to black. This version has been given a stylish upgrade from the 9 Pro’s black variant, with etched diagonal lines running across the rear panel, creating a futuristic patchwork design that evokes the grooves of a vinyl record. There’s even a satisfying texture when you run your fingers over it, reminiscent of the sound a record makes when touched.
The other new finish is “Frost,” offering a more understated matte white look. Additionally, the semi-transparent “Cyclone” and “Snowfall” options are still available, but only with the 16GB RAM variant. These designs closely mirror those of the previous model, save for the added “9S” logo, and they remain some of my favorite aesthetic choices.
After experimenting with various designs, RedMagic appears to have settled on this boxy, sharp-cornered aesthetic since the RedMagic 8 Pro. Personally, I find this design appealing, especially since it pairs effortlessly with clamp controllers like the GameSir X2 Pro.
One standout feature is the absence of a camera bump, with all the lenses seamlessly integrated under the rear glass panel. This is a rare sight in 2024 and a boon for those who dislike their phone wobbling on flat surfaces.
The layout remains largely unchanged, with the same illuminated capacitive-touch triggers, a knurled red gaming mode slider, active cooling vents, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The transparent acrylic protective case included in the box, however, is a bit of a letdown. It scuffs easily, almost as if just looking at it might cause a mark. While it’s better than nothing, RedMagic offers much better case options separately.
This phone doesn’t have an IP rating, which is understandable given the fan vents that allow air to flow through. So, you’ll want to be extra cautious if you take it out during a downpour.
RedMagic 9S Pro Display
The RedMagic 9s Pro boasts a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen with a 2480 x 1116 resolution and a peak brightness of 1,600 nits. This is an impressive feature set, placing it on par with high-end devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. However, it’s important to note that this display is nearly identical to that of the previous RedMagic 9 Pro. While this isn’t necessarily a drawback—especially for a gaming phone—it might make you question whether upgrading or choosing a different device would be more beneficial.
One standout feature of the RedMagic 9s Pro is its 120Hz refresh rate, which aligns with other leading gaming phones like the Asus ROG Phone 8. Although there’s no option to push the refresh rate beyond 120Hz, this limitation is unlikely to impact your gaming experience. Most mobile games don’t demand more than 120Hz, and for those that do, a smartphone may not be the ideal platform.
The screen’s resolution is stunning, and the gaming mode ensures that the phone maximizes its display capabilities. The minimal bezels contribute to an immersive experience, although, like most smartphones, the necessity of using your fingers to control the game can break that immersion. Fortunately, the capacitive shoulder triggers help to mitigate this issue.
Adding to the immersive experience, the front camera and fingerprint sensor are embedded under the display, eliminating the need for any distracting cutouts. However, while this design choice enhances gaming, it compromises other functions: the front camera’s performance is subpar, and the fingerprint sensor can be temperamental, which is frustrating given that the touchscreen otherwise functions flawlessly.
RedMagic 9S Pro Cameras
The RedMagic 9s Pro is equipped with a pair of 50MP cameras on the back—a main shooter and an ultrawide lens. Up front, it features a 16MP camera tucked beneath the display. However, the performance of these cameras leaves much to be desired, especially when compared to competitors.
I put the RedMagic 9s Pro’s cameras to the test alongside the Google Pixel 8a, a device that boasts a 64MP main camera, a 13MP ultrawide, and a 13MP front-facing camera. Despite costing $150 less than the RedMagic, the Pixel 8a is widely recognized as the best camera phone under $500, which underscores the shortcomings of the RedMagic’s camera system.
On paper, you might expect the RedMagic 9s Pro to outshine the Pixel 8a in ultrawide and selfie shots, given its higher megapixel count. But in practice, the results were underwhelming.
I started by testing the main camera with a photo of the walking man statue in Paddington. The Pixel 8a’s image, while slightly darker, captured more detail, particularly in the statue, and handled the bright lighting better, avoiding the overexposed highlights that plagued the RedMagic’s shot.
The ultrawide cameras told a similar story. The Pixel 8a offered richer color depth, while the RedMagic 9s Pro struggled with overly dark shadows that obscured details in the scene.
The selfie camera on the RedMagic 9s Pro is arguably its weakest link. Comparing selfies, the RedMagic produced images with noticeable pixelation, especially in areas with strong lighting. This ongoing issue with RedMagic devices is disappointing, as it remains unresolved. Additionally, the colors in the selfies appeared washed out, lacking the natural vibrancy seen in the Pixel 8a’s shots.
As for the macro camera on the RedMagic 9s Pro, it’s there, but it doesn’t impress. While it does a decent job of capturing the red hues of flowers, the images lack texture and depth, making them appear flat.
In summary, the RedMagic 9s Pro fails to fully capitalize on its camera hardware. If you’re in the market for a gaming phone that doubles as a top-notch camera phone, this isn’t the one for you. There are better options across various price ranges, such as the gaming-capable OnePlus 12 or the more budget-friendly Motorola Edge Plus (2023).
RedMagic 9S Pro Performance
The RedMagic 9s Pro pushes the boundaries with its overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, known as the “Leading Version.” This powerful chip cranks up the CPU speed to 3.4GHz, surpassing the standard version’s 3.3GHz, while also enhancing the GPU for better graphics performance. Depending on the model you choose, the phone comes with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM. But it doesn’t stop there—you can expand this further by reallocating some memory. For example, if you have the 16GB model, you can boost it with an additional 12GB, giving your gaming experience an extra edge.
When we put the RedMagic 9s Pro through its paces with the Geekbench 6 CPU test, it delivered solid results. The phone achieved an average single-core score of 2,288 and a multi-core score of 7,076. Compared to other smartphones, these numbers are quite impressive, which is exactly what you’d expect from a device designed with gamers in mind.
RedMagic 9S Pro Battery and charging
The RedMagic 9s Pro is an absolute beast when it comes to battery life. Seriously, this phone just keeps going. It packs a massive 6,500 mAh battery, which dwarfs the competition. To put that into perspective, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro has 5,500 mAh, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 only offers 4,000 mAh. Pair this enormous battery with the energy-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, and you’ve got a device that easily powers through a full day without breaking a sweat.
I tested the battery by running a video for over three hours, and the charge only dipped by 15%. It’s the same story with gaming; whether I was using Xbox Game Pass or just playing mobile games, the RedMagic 9s Pro held its charge impressively well. Unlike my iPhone 14 Pro Max, I didn’t feel the need to scramble for a charger every hour. According to RedMagic, the phone can last around 56 hours under regular use, and from my experience, that seems entirely believable.
When it does come time to recharge, the RedMagic 9s Pro doesn’t keep you waiting. The included 80W charger got me up to about 70% in just 30 minutes and reached a full charge in just over 45 minutes. That’s exactly what you want in a gaming phone. However, the lack of wireless charging is a bit of a letdown, especially for a device this advanced.
RedMagic 9S Pro Verdict
The RedMagic 9s Pro excels as a gaming device but struggles when it comes to being a well-rounded smartphone. The camera performance is notably poor, which detracts from the overall experience and could be a deal-breaker for many users. The absence of a telephoto lens, which is standard on competitors like the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro and the Galaxy S24, is particularly disappointing.
Additionally, the lack of an IP rating for dust and water resistance may be concerning for those who expect their phones to withstand everyday challenges. This is an area where many modern smartphones have already made significant strides, making the RedMagic 9s Pro feel a bit outdated.
However, the RedMagic 9s Pro isn’t without its strengths. The design is undeniably sleek, sturdy, and comfortable to hold, even during long gaming sessions. While it doesn’t boast the flashy RGB lighting effects found on some competitors, the existing features are still engaging. The user interface may be somewhat generic, but it serves its purpose, and the gaming-focused hardware—such as the chipset, battery life, and RAM—sets this device apart in the gaming sphere.
If your primary focus is mobile gaming, the RedMagic 9s Pro is a solid choice. But if you’re looking for a top-tier smartphone that also handles gaming well, there are better options available.
Pros:
- Outstanding Gaming Performance: Equipped with a powerful chipset, ample RAM, and optimized gaming features, the RedMagic 9S Pro excels at handling even the most demanding mobile games.
- Sleek and Sturdy Design: The phone’s design is both stylish and durable, providing comfort during extended gaming sessions.
- Impressive Battery Life: Long-lasting battery ensures you can game for hours without needing a recharge.
- Interesting RGB Features: While not as extensive as some competitors, the RGB lighting adds a fun, customizable touch to the device.
Cons:
- Poor Camera Quality: The camera performance is subpar, especially when compared to other high-end smartphones, making it a weak point for users who prioritize photography.
- No Telephoto Lens: Unlike some competitors, the RedMagic 9S Pro lacks a telephoto lens, limiting its versatility in photography.
- Lack of IP Rating: The absence of an IP rating for dust and water resistance may be a concern for those who expect their phone to withstand everyday challenges.
- Generic User Interface: The RedMagic UI is functional but lacks the uniqueness or polish seen in other high-end smartphones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the RedMagic 9S Pro stands out as a powerful gaming phone, delivering exceptional performance tailored to mobile gamers. Its robust design, advanced chipset, and impressive battery life make it a formidable contender in the gaming arena. However, its shortcomings as a general smartphone, particularly the subpar camera quality and the absence of features like a telephoto lens and IP rating, may deter those seeking a more balanced device. Ultimately, if gaming is your top priority, the RedMagic 9S Pro is a strong choice, but if you need a phone that excels in all areas, you might want to explore other options.