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RedMagic enjoys cramming its gaming phones with astonishing features, and we witnessed that with the RedMagic 9 Pro earlier this year. The RedMagic 9S Pro does not disappoint—it’s a powerhouse loaded with all the strength you require for an incredibly thrilling gaming adventure.
The 9S Pro arrived merely a few months post its predecessor. It may seem like only a name alteration with an “S,” but it features an overclocked chipset, a revamped design, and enhanced cooling. It’s not a colossal enhancement, but that’s anticipated as it represents more of a mid-year update rather than a completely new device.
If you’re unfamiliar with the RedMagic brand, the 9S Pro will not disappoint if you are in search of a premium gaming device. Just be ready for some ongoing software challenges that can still be somewhat bothersome.
RedMagic 9S Pro: Pricing and Availability
The RedMagic 9S Pro is available in four variants. The base Sleet edition, featuring 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, is priced at $649. Both Cyclone and Snowfall editions, equipped with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, retail for $799. Lastly, there’s the Frost edition, which includes 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, also priced at $649.
The RedMagic 9S Pro maintains the same pricing structure as the 9 Pro, with one significant modification: the introduction of the entry-level Frost edition.
| Category | RedMagic 9 Pro |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Redmagic OS 9.5 (Android 14) |
| Display | 6.8-inch BOE Q9+ FHD+ OLED (2480×1116), 120Hz refresh, 1600 nits maximum brightness |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Variant, Red Core 2 Pro |
| RAM | 12GB/16GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB UFS 4.0 |
| Rear camera 1 | 50 MP (wide), PDAF, OIS |
| Rear camera 2 | 50 MP (ultrawide), f/2.2 |
| Rear camera 3 | 2 MP (depth), f/2.4 |
| Front camera | 16 MP (wide), f/2.0, under display |
| Cooling system | ICE 13 10-layered system, 22,000 RPM high-speed Turbofan with RGB |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, 5G, GPS |
| Security | In-screen optical fingerprint reader, face unlock |
| Audio | 3.5mm headphone jack, dual 3D 1115K speakers, DTS:X Ultra, Snapdragon Sound |
| Battery | 6500mAh, 80W wired |
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.4 x 8.9mm |
RedMagic 9S Pro: What I appreciate
I’m an enthusiastic admirer of the RedMagic 9S Pro’s angular design that is both captivating and functional, and RedMagic wholeheartedly embraces it with those flush back cameras. As soon as you open the packaging, you’ll notice its substantial, robust construction—this device feels solid. Its aesthetic is striking, a rarity in smartphones today. Most importantly, it steers clear of the excessive, ostentatious appearance that afflicts numerous gaming devices. It’s audacious, indeed, but there’s a polished, industrial essence that’s hard not to adore.
I have no objections to this design philosophy. If you’re familiar with the RedMagic 9 Pro, the 9S Pro will feel like a familiar companion. It remains a hefty, bulky device, but that’s the trade-off for a gigantic 6.8-inch screen and the entire ICE 13.5 cooling architecture.
Of course, the weight might bother some users, and those sharp edges aren’t particularly hand-friendly, but it’s an incredibly appealing device that feels sturdy enough to withstand a drop from a height.
The cooling fan illuminates when operational but otherwise seamlessly integrates with the vertical camera arrangement. Regarding the shoulder buttons, they feature their own illumination, serving as status or alert indicators. You can choose from seven different colors and effects such as flashing, breathing, or a steady illumination.
One of the most impressive features is the edge-to-edge display—no camera notch, no hole, just an uninterrupted screen. The front-facing camera is concealed beneath the display as seen in previous RedMagic models, and I cherish this as it allows your games to take the spotlight. There’s a minor bezel around the sides, with the bottom slightly thicker, but it’s so minimal that you won’t truly mind.
The screen boasts a resolution of 1116×2480 pixels, which may not be the highest resolution available, but it’s perfectly suited for gaming. A lower pixel count assists the GPU in maintaining smooth performance, ensuring frame rates remain elevated. Moreover, it’s clear enough that even finely printed text is easily legible.
The panel’s maximum brightness of 1600 nits is not the absolute brightest, yet it suffices for comfortable outdoor visibility. In regular usage scenarios, the display’s brightness performed admirably, seldom requiring an additional boost.
The display features subtly rounded corners, and the edges are gently contoured, enhancing its comfort during use. Furthermore, the pre-installed screen protector fits seamlessly, so you won’t have to worry about applying one yourself.
The uninterrupted display is ideal for enjoying movies or television series and for gaming.
RedMagic has meticulously refined the 9S Pro with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version. This overclocked variant of the already formidable Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 elevates performance while keeping energy consumption under control. Additionally, AI enhancements contribute to a more fluid and responsive gaming experience.
Even though the marketing hype surrounding the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version appears appealing, the actual difference in performance compared to the standard version is probably negligible in real-life use. The overclocked chip provides a slight edge, but in everyday tasks, you are unlikely to observe much variance, particularly with less intensive applications. To truly appreciate what the chip is capable of, you’d have to challenge it with some resource-heavy Android games.
When engaging with games like Genshin Impact or other graphically intense titles, the 9S Pro smoothly handles the workload, courtesy of the 1GHz Red Core 2 Pro gaming chip. In its highest performance setting, the 9S Pro consistently achieved 60fps without crashes, stutters, or loading delays. Animations were fluid, and every action felt immediate. Even during intense gaming periods, there was no slowdown, and the expansive display makes it easy to track and control everything.
While the RedMagic 9S Pro excels in gaming performance, prolonged sessions, especially with high-performance settings activated, can cause it to warm up quickly. To avoid discomfort, it’s advisable to use a protective case or game controller. Without such accessories, the aluminum frame can become quite warm over time.
Numerous flagship devices equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 often experience overheating and performance declines. Nevertheless, the RedMagic 9S Pro’s advanced cooling system, inclusive of the active fan, empowers it to sustain optimal performance for extended durations. This signifies that users enjoy a smooth, responsive gaming experience, even during the most demanding gameplay.
The RedMagic 9S Pro’s performance is not solely focused on gaming—it also excels in day-to-day activities. Whether you are browsing through applications, toggling between tasks, or managing more demanding programs, it operates everything smoothly and seamlessly, demonstrating just how capable this device truly is.
The internal fan of the RedMagic 9S Pro operates surprisingly quietly, which is a significant advantage for a high-performance gaming device. Given its crucial role in regulating temperatures, this is quite impressive. The low-noise fan enhances the overall gaming experience by minimizing distractions and fostering a more immersive atmosphere.
The device arrives with a robust suite of gaming functionalities, building upon what prior models have successfully achieved. While many of these features will be recognized by RedMagic enthusiasts, the brand continues to introduce exciting new additions with every launch. It certainly ranks among the most comprehensive gaming toolkits available in any smartphone.
A particular feature I find appealing is the touch-sensitive triggers with integrated LEDs. They illuminate, making them much easier to locate during gameplay. And it’s not merely for aesthetics—the LEDs serve as notification indicators as well, which is a thoughtful addition.
RedMagic 9S Pro: What I dislike
The rear cameras on the RedMagic 9S Pro don’t stand out when compared to other Android camera
“`phones, yet they perform admirably in optimal lighting conditions. They suffice for capturing everyday experiences and crafting social media material, fulfilling the fundamental photography needs of a gaming smartphone.
The RedMagic 9S Pro maintains the identical camera configuration as its forerunner, prioritizing gaming capabilities over photography. Although the camera has made strides in quality over time, it still trails behind specialized camera smartphones, particularly concerning image clarity and adaptability. Nevertheless, considering the price point, the camera adequately serves the majority of users.
You’re equipped with the same 50MP Samsung GN5 sensor featured in the previous iterations. While it’s a reliable camera, it’s not particularly innovative or groundbreaking.
The main camera captures images with somewhat subdued hues, and although it manages detail well in bright light, shadows and darker regions may appear slightly unclear. The ultrawide lens falters in low-light scenarios, resulting in less clarity within the photographs. RedMagic implements distortion correction, but the output may still exhibit some artificial artifacts.
If there’s one significant drawback to Nubia’s uninterrupted display design, it’s the 9S Pro’s 16MP under-display selfie camera. The selfies are rather disappointing—detail, exposure, and dynamic range are all insufficient, making it inferior to even some economical devices with standard front-facing cameras.
RedMagic 9S Pro camera samples
Image 1 of 11
One aspect that can be somewhat frustrating is that the front camera captures unclear images due to the display positioned above it. It serves well for quick video calls or streaming with friends while gaming, but for those aiming to take Instagram-worthy selfies or desiring a more refined result, you may find it lacking.
On the software side, RedMagic’s platform used to be rather disorganized, yet the company has made remarkable progress over the last few years. Nowadays, utilizing a RedMagic device on a daily basis is free of glitches and quite enjoyable.
The RedMagic 9S Pro operates on Android 14 with RedMagic OS 9.5 layered over it. Although the interface can occasionally be a bit odd, it offers a multitude of customization possibilities to adjust elements such as themes, wallpapers, and menu colors to align with your preferences.
Nubia asserts that all versions will receive “over two years of software support” and guarantees at least one significant Android update annually. Nevertheless, the duration of this support remains uncertain. In comparison to companies like Google and Samsung, which provide support for up to seven years, this appears somewhat insufficient.
Ultimately, compromises are necessary to maintain a $649 price tag for a device equipped with the latest Snapdragon. However, in terms of gaming, the RedMagic 9S Pro truly excels, and that’s what is fundamentally important.
RedMagic 9S Pro: Rivals
Nubia and ASUS frequently top our gaming phone listings, so the latest ROG Phone 9 series may attract your attention. However, if you’re not keen on spending excessively, the ROG Phone 8 from the previous year remains a formidable choice and offers better value.
Although the ASUS ROG Phone 8 may not be the latest variant, it continues to be a reliable selection. While it may not boast the same value-for-money appeal as the RedMagic 9S Pro, its superior software support, enhanced camera, and more comfortable design render it an excellent all-purpose gaming device. You might also consider the more robust ROG Phone 8 Pro if you seek a bit more power.
Additionally, the iQOO 12 stands as a strong rival within the budget gaming phone segment, providing significant value for its cost. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor offers performance comparable to the RedMagic 9S Pro and even surpasses it with 120W rapid charging. However, it does falter in the gaming aspect, lacking features such as dedicated cooling and shoulder triggers, which are essential for serious mobile gaming enthusiasts.
RedMagic 9S Pro: Is it worth purchasing?
Consider buying it if…
- You’re seeking a great-value smartphone with impressive performance and a massive battery.
- You prefer a device that remains cool during those extended gaming marathons.
- You desire a phone that can last all day and charges swiftly.
You should not purchase it if…
- You’re looking for exceptional camera capabilities, as the RedMagic 9S Pro may not meet your expectations.
- You’re not keen on standard-looking interfaces.
- Limited software support is a significant drawback for you.
The RedMagic 9S Pro is a powerhouse in gaming, with hardware robust enough to handle the most demanding tasks effortlessly. Its sophisticated cooling system keeps temperatures low, while the overclocked chipset guarantees smooth, lag-free gaming during the most intense sessions. It undoubtedly ranks among the most powerful smartphones currently available. However, it’s not solely about gaming. The 9S Pro also provides a well-rounded package, featuring a traditional headphone jack, a stunning OLED display, and an extensive battery with fast charging to keep you engaged longer.
While the RedMagic 9S Pro excels in gaming, it doesn’t quite stand out as an all-around smartphone. The absence of an IP rating and its mediocre camera performance could deter those seeking a device that excels in both gaming and daily tasks. Certainly, it presents good value compared to high-end flagships and gaming devices like the ROG Phone 9, but its durability and photographic weaknesses may prevent it from securing a top position in the wider smartphone market.
If you’re not overly concerned about the camera quality or software quirks, and simply want a formidable gaming phone with appealing features like integrated cooling and air triggers, the RedMagic 9S Pro is a reliable option. It may be a bit excessive, but it’s significantly less expensive than the newer ROG devices and still offers significant performance. If gaming ranks at the top of your priorities, you can’t go wrong here.
Still holding the crown
The RedMagic 9S Pro is undoubtedly one of the leading gaming smartphones of 2024. Featuring its impressive display, powerful internals, and exciting additional options, it’s a delight for gamers. However, it does retain some of the shortcomings from its predecessor, making it not flawless.
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