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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro (12GB + 512GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£730RAM capacity:12 GBInternal storage:512 GBScreen size:6.8 inchesMain camera megapixels:50 MP & 50 MP & 2 MP

ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro (12GB + 512GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

8.0/10

Overall score

Score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

90%

8.0

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–²Better than 88% of smartphones
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.0

Overall score

30%

6.7

Price

â–²Better than 66%
8.0

Technical score

Technical score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

25%

8.9

Performance & Hardware

18%

7.6

Camera

15%

7.5

Display

15%

7.8

Battery

10%

8.0

Software

10%

7.8

Connectivity

4%

9.1

Audio

3%

6.9

Design

â–²Better than 87%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

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Technical Specifications of smartphone ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro (12GB + 512GB)

Technical score
Technical score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

25%

8.9

Performance & Hardware

18%

7.6

Camera

15%

7.5

Display

15%

7.8

Battery

10%

8.0

Software

10%

7.8

Connectivity

4%

9.1

Audio

3%

6.9

Design

8.0
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro (12GB + 512GB) has a popularity of 1 point, which is lower than 63.9% of smartphones.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

8.0

Overall score

30%

6.7

Price

7.6
Brand name
ZTE
Processor model
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
This smartphone uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor which is faster than processors in 90.4% of smartphones and equal to processors in 2% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
12 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 12 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 59% of smartphones and equal to that of 24.3% of smartphones.
Internal storage
512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 512 GB which is larger than the storage of 77.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 17.2% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
3.4 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 3.4 GHz which is higher than the boost speed of 92.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.7% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 14
Android version
Android 14
This smartphone runs Android version Android 14 which is newer than that found in 49.5% of smartphones and equal to that in 21% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
50 MP & 50 MP & 2 MP
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 50 MP & 50 MP & 2 MP which is higher than that of 67.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.9% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
?
Main camera sensor area
50 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 50 mm² which is larger than the main camera sensor area of 65.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 16.5% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
1 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 1 µm which is larger than in 57.7% of smartphones and equal to the size in 20% of smartphones.
2 binned
Show more
Number of SIM slots
2
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
6.8 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.8 inches which is larger than the screens of 84.4% of smartphones and equal to those of 4.6% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1116x 2480 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1116x2480 px which is higher than that of 71.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.4% of smartphones.
Pixel density
400 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 400 ppi which is higher than that of 56.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.4% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
120 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz which is higher than in 34.7% of smartphones and equal to that in 55.2% of smartphones.
Show more
Battery capacity
6,500 mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 6,500 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 82.4% of smartphones and equal to those in 2.6% of smartphones.
Charging speed
80 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 80 W which is faster than in 78.9% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 7.4% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
no
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
yes
This smartphone includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
3
This smartphone includes 3 microphones, which is more than in 77.2% of smartphones and equal to the number in 19.7% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
?
Show more
Height
164 mm
This smartphone has a height of 164 mm which is taller than 56.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.9% of smartphones.
Width
76.4 mm
This smartphone has a width of 76.4 mm which is wider than 60.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.2% of smartphones.
Thickness
8.9 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 8.9 mm which is thicker than 75.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 4.3% of smartphones.
Weight
229 g
This smartphone weighs 229 g which is heavier than 85.6% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 0.6% of smartphones.
Device volume
99,712 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 99,712 cm³ which is larger than 61.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.2% of smartphones.
Show more

ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro (12GB + 512GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 30% larger battery capacity
    This smartphone has a larger battery capacity than the average smartphone (6,500 mAh vs 5,000 mAh). The average smartphone battery is 5,000 mAh.
    6,500 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 2.08x lower TDP
    This smartphone has a lower TDP than the average smartphone (12.5 W vs 6 W). The average TDP for smartphones is 6 W.
    12.5 W vs 6 W
  • 41.7% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (3.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    3.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 2x more storage
    This smartphone offers more internal storage than the average smartphone (512 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone provides 256 GB of internal storage.
    512 GB vs 256 GB
  • 2.45x higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (2,311 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in single-core.
    2,311 vs 942
  • 2.42x faster charging speed
    This smartphone supports a faster charging speed than the average smartphone (80 W vs 33 W). The average charging speed is 33 W.
    80 W vs 33 W
  • Better main camera video
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 44.20x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    4320x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • 4% better value for money
    ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro (12GB + 512GB) has better value for money than the average smartphone (7.62 vs 7.3).
    7.62 vs 7.34
  • 2.08x lower TDP
    This smartphone has a lower TDP than the average smartphone (12.5 W vs 6 W). The average TDP for smartphones is 6 W.
    12.5 W vs 6 W
  • 41.7% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (3.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    3.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 2x more storage
    This smartphone offers more internal storage than the average smartphone (512 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone provides 256 GB of internal storage.
    512 GB vs 256 GB
  • 2.45x higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (2,311 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in single-core.
    2,311 vs 942
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (3x3.2 GHz & 2x3 GHz & 2x2.3 GHz & 1x3.4 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    3x3.2 GHz & 2x3 GHz & 2x2.3 GHz & 1x3.4 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 4 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (12 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    12 GB vs 8 GB
  • 6x more shader units
    This smartphone features more shader units than the average smartphone (1,536 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    1,536 vs 256
  • Better processor
    This smartphone features a better processor than the average smartphone (Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 2.99x higher memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has higher memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (76.6 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s.
    76.6 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • 4.43x higher 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark
    This smartphone performs better in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme than the average smartphone (5,429 vs 1,226). The average smartphone scores 1,226.
    5,429 vs 1,226
  • 33.3% smaller process node
    This smartphone uses a smaller process node than the average smartphone (4 nm vs 6 nm). The average process node size is 6 nm.
    4 nm vs 6 nm
  • 2.9x higher Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 multi-core than the average smartphone (7,337 vs 2,533). The average smartphone scores 2,533 in multi-core.
    7,337 vs 2,533
  • 3x more L3 cache
    This smartphone has more L3 cache than the average smartphone (12,288 KB vs 4,096 KB). The average L3 cache is 4,096 KB.
    12,288 KB vs 4,096 KB
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • 74.5% faster memory speed
    This smartphone supports faster memory speed than the average smartphone (4,800 MHz vs 2,750 MHz). The average smartphone supports 2,750 MHz memory speed.
    4,800 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • 71.4% higher maximum RAM
    This smartphone supports more maximum RAM than the average smartphone (24 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB RAM.
    24 GB vs 14 GB
  • Supports newer OpenGL version
    This smartphone supports a newer OpenGL version than the average smartphone (3.3 vs 3.2). The average version is 3.2.
    3.3 vs 3.2
  • 26.2% more transistors
    This smartphone has more transistors than the average smartphone (13,000 million vs 10,300 million). The average smartphone includes 10,300 million transistors.
    13,000 million vs 10,300 million
  • Higher on-device AI tier
    This smartphone runs on the productivity AI tier, while the average smartphone runs on fundamental, enabling stronger on-device AI features.
    Cube AI, AI Trigger, AI Game Information Overview, Smartcast
    productivity vs fundamental
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • Better main camera video
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 44.20x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    4320x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • 56.3% larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (50 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    50 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • 1 more flash LEDs
    This smartphone has more flash LEDs than the average smartphone (2 vs 1). The average smartphone has 1 flash LEDs.
    2 vs 1
  • Has a dual-tone LED flash
    This smartphone features a dual-tone LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 41.4% of smartphones include dual-tone flash.
  • 0.2 µm larger main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a larger main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (1 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average pixel size is 0.8 µm.
    2 binned
    1 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • Higher-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a higher main camera resolution than the average smartphone (50 MP & 50 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone main camera has 50 MP & 8 MP megapixels.
    50 MP & 50 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • Wider front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This smartphone supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average smartphone (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)). The average smartphone uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Newer USB version
    This smartphone supports a newer USB version than the average smartphone (3.2 vs 2). The average version is USB 2.
    3.2 vs 2
  • Has an infrared sensor
    This smartphone includes an infrared sensor, the average smartphone does not. 33.3% of smartphones feature an IR blaster.
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This smartphone supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5.3 vs 5.2). The average version is Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.3 vs 5.2
  • 4x higher touch sampling rate
    This smartphone has a higher touch sampling rate than the average smartphone (960 Hz vs 240 Hz). The average touch sampling rate is 240 Hz.
    960 Hz vs 240 Hz
  • 0.13 inches inch larger screen size
    This smartphone has a larger screen size than the average smartphone (6.8 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone screen is 6.67 inches.
    6.8 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 53.9% higher screen brightness
    This smartphone has a higher screen brightness than the average smartphone (1,016 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone brightness is 660 nits.
    1,016 nits vs 660 nits
  • Has an always-on display
    This smartphone features an always-on display, the average smartphone does not. 49.2% of smartphones offer always-on functionality.
  • Higher screen resolution
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1116x2480 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1116x2480 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • 164.5 nits higher GSMArena max display brightness
    This smartphone has a higher GSMArena max display brightness than the average smartphone (1,058 nits vs 893.5 nits). The average max brightness is 893.5 nits.
    1,058 nits vs 893.5 nits
  • 1.3% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (400 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    400 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • 30% larger battery capacity
    This smartphone has a larger battery capacity than the average smartphone (6,500 mAh vs 5,000 mAh). The average smartphone battery is 5,000 mAh.
    6,500 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • 2.42x faster charging speed
    This smartphone supports a faster charging speed than the average smartphone (80 W vs 33 W). The average charging speed is 33 W.
    80 W vs 33 W
  • Higher GSMArena battery life score
    This smartphone has a higher GSMArena battery life score than the average smartphone (17:08 hour/s vs 13:30 hour/s). The average score is 13:30 hour/s.
    17:8 hour/s vs 13:30 hour/s
  • Supports aptX Adaptive
    This smartphone supports aptX Adaptive, the average smartphone does not. 34.5% of smartphones include aptX Adaptive support.
  • 1 more microphone/s
    This smartphone has more microphones than the average smartphone (3 vs 2). The average smartphone has 2 microphones.
    3 vs 2
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    This smartphone features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, the average smartphone does not. 45.5% of smartphones include a standard headphone jack.
  • Is designed for seniors
    This smartphone is designed specifically for seniors, the average smartphone is not. 17% of smartphones are senior-friendly.
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • No reverse wired charging
    This smartphone does not support reverse wired charging, the average smartphone does. 60.8% of smartphones support reverse wired charging.
  • 16.7% heavier
    This smartphone is heavier than the average smartphone (229 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    229 g vs 196.2 g
  • 2.81x more expensive
    ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro (12GB + 512GB) is more expensive than the average smartphone (£730 vs £260).
    £730 vs £260
  • 5.3% slower GPU clock
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (900 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    900 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • 5.44x less popular
    ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro (12GB + 512GB) is less popular than the average smartphone (1 vs 5.4).
    1 vs 5.44
  • 0.6 mm thicker
    This smartphone is thicker than the average smartphone (8.9 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone has a thickness of 8.3 mm.
    8.9 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • 2.81x more expensive
    ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro (12GB + 512GB) is more expensive than the average smartphone (£730 vs £260).
    £730 vs £260
  • 5.44x less popular
    ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro (12GB + 512GB) is less popular than the average smartphone (1 vs 5.4).
    1 vs 5.44
  • 5.3% slower GPU clock
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (900 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    900 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • No reverse wired charging
    This smartphone does not support reverse wired charging, the average smartphone does. 60.8% of smartphones support reverse wired charging.
  • 16.7% heavier
    This smartphone is heavier than the average smartphone (229 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    229 g vs 196.2 g
  • 0.6 mm thicker
    This smartphone is thicker than the average smartphone (8.9 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone has a thickness of 8.3 mm.
    8.9 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • 0.4 mm wider
    This smartphone is wider than the average smartphone (76.4 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone has a width of 76 mm.
    76.4 mm vs 76 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Tips & Tech
≈ estimated
08/12/2024
Hands-on review · gaming performance and temperature tests
Verdict
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro is a robust gaming phone, but only a small step up from the 9 Pro.
9.0
TechNick
≈ estimated
19/07/2024
Hands-on review · gaming tests and display
Verdict
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro is a strong gaming phone, worth buying if you don't already own the 9 Pro.
7.0
Tech Spurt
≈ estimated
17/07/2024
Unboxing and gaming review · performance, heat and battery tests
Verdict
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro offers solid gaming performance, but there is little reason to upgrade from the previous model.
6.0
SMOOREZ
≈ estimated
12/09/2024
Comparison review · hands-on look at fan, LEDs and performance
Verdict
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro suits buyers who want a fan, RGB lighting and faster charging, though the reviewer prefers the comparison phone.
Brand video
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

pcmag.com
30/07/2024
Lab test · Gaming phone
Verdict
The RedMagic 9S Pro is a gaming phone first, with strong performance and good value, but its cameras and missing water resistance hold it back.
techradar.com
27/07/2024
Hands-on review · Gaming phone
Verdict
The RedMagic 9S Pro is a strong gaming phone with a huge battery, but it adds little over the 9 Pro and slows more during long gaming runs.
ign.com
08/10/2024
Hands-on review · Gaming phone
Verdict
The RedMagic 9S Pro is a gaming phone first, with strong performance and a bright display, but weak cameras and patchy US cellular bands hold it back.
androidpolice.com
16/07/2024
Hands-on review · Gaming phone
Verdict
The RedMagic 9S Pro refines the 9 Pro with quieter cooling and a clean square design, though flush cameras pick up fingerprints and the front camera looks hazy.
techadvisor.com
25/07/2024
Hands-on review · Gaming phone
Verdict
The RedMagic 9S Pro is a strong gaming phone with long battery life, fast charging and useful Game Space tweaks, but it is big, heavy and not waterproof.
androidcentral.com
26/12/2024
Hands-on review · Gaming phone
Verdict
The RedMagic 9S Pro is a good-value gaming phone that holds peak speed in long sessions and charges fast, but its cameras and software support lag.
tomsguide.com
31/08/2024
Hands-on test · Gaming phone
Verdict
The RedMagic 9S Pro is a good-value gaming phone with an excellent battery, but a weak camera and no water or dust rating hold it back.
M
macsources.com
13/11/2024
Summary of the review
me.pcmag.com
30/07/2024
Lab test · Gaming phone
Verdict
The RedMagic 9S Pro is a gaming phone at heart that offers good value and fast wired charging, though its cameras and limited software updates let it down.
gsmarena.com
18/07/2024
Lab review · Gaming phone
Verdict
The RedMagic 9S Pro is a near-twin of the 9 Pro, but its faster chip and better cooling suit gamers who want extra speed.
heise.de
22/08/2024
Hands-on test · Gaming phone
Verdict
The RedMagic 9S Pro is a fast gaming phone with long battery life, but its cameras trail rivals and it gets only two years of updates.
pcwelt.de
03/09/2024
Hands-on test · Gaming phone
Verdict
The RedMagic 9S Pro is a big, heavy gaming phone with excellent performance and long battery life, though it isn't waterproof and lacks a telephoto lens.
nextpit.de
06/08/2024
Hands-on test · Gaming phone
Verdict
The RedMagic 9S Pro is a flat-backed gaming phone with strong performance and cooling, but it has no water protection and only two years of updates.
eurogamer.de
23/07/2024
Benchmark test · Overclocked chip
Verdict
The RedMagic 9S Pro holds top speed under long stress tests thanks to its fan, but it barely improves on the 9 Pro and struggles in direct sun.
netzwelt.de
21/09/2024
Hands-on test · Gaming phone
Verdict
The RedMagic 9S Pro is a near-identical update offering top gaming performance and good value, though its loud fan and lack of water resistance remain.
stadt-bremerhaven.de
08/12/2024
Hands-on review · Gaming design
Verdict
The RedMagic 9S Pro is a stylish gaming phone with a charger in the box and two-day battery life, but it throttles under long loads and its cameras trail rivals.
smartzone.de
31/08/2024
Practical test · Facelift check
Verdict
The RedMagic 9S Pro is a near-identical update to the 9 Pro, offering little reason to upgrade despite a slightly faster chip.
frandroid.com
22/08/2024
Hands-on test · Gaming phone
Verdict
The RedMagic 9S Pro delivers top gaming speed and good value, but it heats up in long sessions and has average photos and no water protection.
journaldugeek.com
17/07/2024
Hands-on test · Gaming phone
Verdict
The RedMagic 9S Pro is almost the same as last year's model, a fine summer refresh that runs games smoothly but gives little reason to upgrade.
N
nextpit.fr
19/09/2024
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro (12GB + 512GB)

  • Unmatched and excellent gaming performance with the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version chipset.
  • Highly effective ICE 13.5 cooling system, keeping the phone cool even during demanding games.
  • Massive 6,500mAh battery provides exceptional stamina, often lasting up to two days with normal use.
  • Extremely fast 80W wired charging, with the charger included in the box.
  • Large, bright, and immersive 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a seamless, notchless design due to the under-display selfie camera.
  • Helpful physical gaming shoulder triggers that are responsive and can be customized with an auto-clicker function.
  • Solid, premium, and durable build quality with a sleek, flat back design.
  • Retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, appreciated by users for wired audio and zero latency.
  • Excellent value for the price compared to other flagship or gaming-focused phones.
  • Helpful custom software (RedMagic OS) that offers extensive gaming-specific customization options and generally runs smoothly day-to-day for most users.

What customers don't like about ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro (12GB + 512GB)

  • The camera system is widely considered lackluster, with the under-display selfie camera producing hazy, soft, and overexposed images.
  • No IP rating for water or dust resistance, a significant durability concern due to the cooling vents.
  • Limited long-term software updates and support compared to mainstream competitors like Google and Samsung.
  • Speakers can be easily covered when holding the phone in landscape (gaming) orientation, leading to muffled sound.
  • Inconsistent connectivity and call quality, with some users reporting weak upload speeds or 5G signal drops.
  • The phone can be heavy and bulky for everyday carry compared to standard smartphones.
  • The software, while functional, can still have occasional bugs, poor translations, and a quirky user interface.
  • Lack of wireless charging support.
  • Some users reported issues with the fingerprint sensor being temperamental or screen retention/burn-in on low brightness.

Verdict

The ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro (12GB + 512GB) is a powerhouse gaming smartphone equipped with the advanced Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version processor and the dedicated Red Core 2 gaming chip. Its standout features include an uninterrupted, notchless 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1600 nits peak brightness, facilitated by an under-display front camera. The large 6500mAh battery supports rapid 80W wired charging, ensuring extended gameplay with minimal downtime. A main pro is its exceptional cooling system with a built-in fan to manage thermals effectively during intense use. The primary con is the phone's lack of an official IP rating for water or dust resistance, and the under-display camera results in slightly softer selfie image quality.

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