Red Magic 9S Pro [Hardware] Review – The New Standard For Mobile Gaming?

I recently had the unique opportunity to review the Red Magic 9S Pro. The team behind Red Magic consistently surprises and impresses mobile gamers with sleek, well-designed devices hosting dual functions expected of a typical Samsung phone and console device.

My initial impression of this smart device was that it had a stunning futuristic and polished design. However, this initial buzz was temporarily cut short due to the unfortunate charger sent with it. I have a UK address and was given a plug not suited for my sockets. Additionally, the wire didn’t have a suitable USB port to disregard the plug and overcome this issue. Thankfully, I have spare chargers fitting for this phone, but if a buyer was newer to Samsung devices this could be a poor first impression.

This small setback wasn’t enough to override my first thoughts, as the more I used this device the more it impressed me. I began by setting up the standard phone functions to see how it performs day-to-day, as despite being a gaming phone, I imagine the majority of its uses would be for average phone activity. As expected, everything was easy and straightforward to set up with clear navigation throughout the entire process.

The Gaming Experience

To test out this device’s gaming capacity I installed the recently released Zenless Zone Zero. This large game has high-traffic servers and offers a generously sized story mode complete with high-graphic visuals, sound design, and more key elements to an immersive gaming experience if played on a befitting device. And thanks to the device’s generous 16GB of RAM and 512GB of memory, I had no issues installing the game.

I first noticed how comfortable the phone was when holding landscape, an ideal position for mobile gaming. It’s a large phone, but not too heavy or clunky. The immediate adjustment to landscape mode allowed me to concentrate on the game without hesitation or discomfort. The wide screen and complementary high resolution of the Red Magic 9S Pro made the jump from leisurely scrolling in portrait to gaming in landscape immersive and immediate.

Supporting the comforting hold were the graphics and crisp, clear sound output. Playing the tutorial for ZZZ was an absolute treat on this device. The fun visuals which rapidly switch between comic-style and 3D detailed animations are displayed beautifully with absolutely no lagging. Combat in ZZZ was equally as fun and adaptable thanks to the phone’s smoothness and reciprocation to my touch input.

How Long It Lasts

I’d arguably say that battery life is significantly more important than aesthetics, but thankfully this phone effortlessly duals both. I’ve had my fair share of dedicated grind hours and expected the battery life to tank. Somehow, I’m yet to get the low-battery notification before I put the phone on charge for the night. For readers more techy than I am, the battery fitted into the smartphone is 6500mAh, with 80W capable of rapid charging. I feel this gives this incredible little phone a huge upper hand over other portable gaming devices for its efficiency on the go, being more pocket-sized and lasting significantly longer with prolonged use.

Also during these long gaming sessions, I never once noticed the phone overheating or disruptive fan noises to soothe any heat threats. This helped me stay immersed in games for longer without the worry of damaging the device or its longevity. Plus, the fan is much quieter than in previous releases of Red Magics which prevents me from being disturbed during gameplay. 

The Red Button

To press or not to press? The Red Magic Pro 9S has a red slider button on its side which boots up the gaming index. Here, I was able to add games to my library, view existing game stats and tinker with individual game controls. Also found here is a unique built-in companion called Mora. I can see the appeal of a V-Tuber-style helper who offers a multitude of phone functions from telling you the weather, to announcing alarms and showing exclusive phone charging art. However, I struggled to enjoy any attribute she offered.

I don’t think I’m a prude, but she definitely panders on the side of fan service. Her design is a touch dubious and she makes unusual noises if left idle with her app open. My personal highlight of the entire Mora app experience was the Mora Pet feature, which changed my home and lock screen to a 3D room with a white cat-like animal in it who followed my fingertips.

I do appreciate Mora in that she is different and very cool in concept. I like the idea of having a little friend live inside my phone to chant out random helpful information while I’m active. Mora is incredibly clever and fits the vibe of such a techy and stunning device. Her functions make the Red Magic Pro 9S feel futuristic and thrilling as though I have access to high-tech not yet fit for this world.

Should You Consider Getting The Red Magic 9S Pro?

Absolutely! I’ve never had a gaming phone before but already see the appeal of this device more than other portable consoles. The Red Magic is far more diverse in functions, better handheld feel, longer battery life. I could go on.

The finer details of this device from aesthetic choices to functionality helped me get hooked on my first ever gacha title. Something I may financially regret (hah). What I don’t regret is the opportunity to put this phone through its paces for review as it has been an absolute treat from the minute I opened its fancy silver box.

Overall, the Red Magic 9S Pro feel more than just a phone – and it is! If you’re an avid TikTok scroller, this phone can do it easily. Or, for a casual gamer on commutes, this phone has your back. Maybe you love dedicated gaming binges and need a device which can keep up – the Red Magic 9S Pro can handle it. The Red Magic 9S Pro is a leg up from all its ancestral devices and has completely changed the mobile gaming market with its phenomenal and intricate detail and design.

And if you want to check out this device for yourself, you can do it on the official website. If you’re a fan of opinion pieces, check out our Elrentaros Wanderings [Switch] Review.

The good

• Stunning device
• Quiet fan that keeps the device cool during the entirety of gameplay
• Comfy to hold during scrolling and gaming
• Amazing visuals and sound quality - Immediate immersion
• Long battery life
• Generous storage space

The bad

• Mora is a little unusual
• No UK plug included in the unboxing

90 out of 100

Sho Roberts

Editor

It seems you've stumbled upon my bio! I'm Sho, your local weeb. Off the clock I am typically watching anime, reading manga, or doing art. I think it's safe to say that all my unpaid thoughts revolve around anime... That said, watch One Piece! (Or don't I'm just a biography.)