Tech Blog #210 | ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9s Pro: A Gamer's Delight...

The ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9s Pro is designed to stand out in the crowded smartphone market, particularly appealing to gamers. Its game-centric aesthetic, featuring sharp angles and vibrant color options, immediately catches the eye, especially its transparent versions. Also, its cooling system, which consists of a physical fan, is kind of cool.

The device is made of a combination of glass and metal which gives it a premium feel despite its relatively thick profile of 10.9mm, which may not appeal to those who prefer sleeker designs. Weighing in at 230 grams, it feels substantially heavy in hand, but this heft can be a double-edged sword; while it conveys durability, it may also lead to discomfort during prolonged use. The under-display fingerprint sensor is responsive, but its placement can sometimes be awkward, as it is a bit higher than normal.

The display on the Nubia Red Magic 9s Pro is one of its standout features. It boasts a 6.8-inch AMOLED panel with a refresh rate of 165Hz, which is impressive for gaming and provides smooth scrolling for everyday tasks. The colors are vibrant and the contrast levels are excellent, making it suitable for media consumption as well. However, the brightness levels could be improved; under direct sunlight, the display struggles to remain visible, which could be frustrating for users who frequently use their phones outdoors. The specialty is the display is uninterrupted as the front cam is under the display.

Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB is there to power the Nubia Red Magic 9s Pro. This combination ensures the device performs exceptionally well in gaming and multitasking scenarios. Additionally, while the high RAM capacity is impressive, it's worth noting that many users may not fully utilize this power in everyday usage.

The camera system of the ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro features a triple-camera setup that includes a 50 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization, a 50 MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2 MP depth sensor. While the primary camera delivers good detail and vibrant colors, especially in well-lit conditions, it struggles with dynamic range and can exhibit noise in challenging lighting. The low-light performance is admirable, producing decent night shots, but the ultrawide camera lacks autofocus and performs poorly in low light. Video capabilities are impressive, supporting up to 8K recording at 30fps, though the ultrawide struggles significantly in darker environments. I think it is a decent camera setup for a gaming smartphone.

Battery life is another strong point for the Nubia Red Magic 9s Pro. It features a robust 5,000mAh battery that easily lasts through a full day of heavy usage. It supports fast charging capability of up to 65W, so users can quickly recharge their devices in minutes. However, the lack of wireless charging might be seen as a drawback in an era where many flagship models offer this convenience.

On the software front, the Nubia Red Magic 9s Pro runs on Android 13 with Nubia's custom skin layered on top. While it includes several gaming-centric features such as customizable game modes and performance optimizations, updates can be a deal breaker compared to more established brands like Samsung or Google. This inconsistency raises concerns about long-term software support and security updates. The AI features included are useful but not groundbreaking; they enhance user experience without significantly altering how one interacts with the device.

The Nubia Red Magic 9s Pro starts at around $649, which positions it competitively within the gaming smartphone segment. While it offers robust performance and attractive design features tailored for gamers, potential buyers should weigh these advantages against its shortcomings—such as average camera performance and lack of wireless charging—before making a decision. Overall, while the Nubia Red Magic 9s Pro has much to offer for gaming enthusiasts, it may not fully satisfy those looking for a well-rounded smartphone experience.