Nubia Redmagic 9S Pro review: Gaming smartphone levels up

Is Nubia’s flagship 2024 gaming telephone as much as the duty? I used the Redmagic 9S Professional as my most important smartphone to search out out.

Design & Construct

• Huge and heavy system
• No waterproofing (as a result of followers)
• Futuristic design with RGB lights

For those who’ve used final 12 months’s Redmagic 9 Professional, the design and appointments on its successor are going to really feel very acquainted. In step with that, this gaming-focussed handset is a cumbersome and heavy system, primarily to accommodate the big 6.8-inch show and varied components that make up the ICE 13.5 cooling system inside.

In reality, the size are equivalent to the earlier mannequin, with the handset measuring 164 x 76.4 x 8.9mm and weighing in at a hefty 229g. It’s solely marginally completely different to the Redmagic 8S Professional and Redmagic 8 Professional too, so the corporate is certainly in step with its design language. 

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

The flanks are slightly busier than you’d discover on a traditional smartphone, because the 9S Professional wants to create space for a few of its signature options.

Alongside the fitting edge you’ll discover two 520Hz set off buttons (they don’t really push in, so that they’re extra touch-sensitive set off surfaces), an air outlet for the fan, the purple slider change that opens the built-in devoted gaming software program, plus the round energy button and quantity up/down rocker. You’ll additionally discover one of many three microphones Nubia consists of on the Redmagic 9S Professional.

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

Issues are extra sedate on the left aspect (because the system is designed for this to be pointing downwards when held in a panorama orientation), with solely a solitary fan outlet disturbing the brushed aluminium body. The shorter edges include a good bit of tech too, with the higher one being residence to a 3.5mm headphone jack, speaker, and microphone, whereas the decrease one has a USB-C charging port, speaker, microphone, and the SIM card slot. 

As we’ve come to anticipate from this collection, the 9S Professional appears to be like cool and wouldn’t be misplaced in an industrial sci-fi setting. The metallic again has varied etched panels and an RGB lighting strip that colors the fan and illuminates the ‘9S’ branding. The digicam module even has a clean glass plate, so there’s no bump if you put it down on a desk. 

Sure, the burden is a matter (notably for my arthritic palms) and the sharp edges don’t precisely let it sink comfortably into the palms, nevertheless it’s a rattling good trying telephone that feels stable and constructed like a tank.

For those who’re nervous about dropping it, there’s a exhausting plastic case included within the field, though it solely covers the highest and backside edges, not the edges, in order that it doesn’t block the fan shops. You may choose up extra rugged instances on-line although, as I did for my Redmagic 9 Professional.

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

The followers are nice for cooling the system, however not for protecting it freed from liquids, so there’s no official water resistance ranking for the 9S Professional, similar to earlier incarnations. 

You do get a brand new color scheme this time round although, with the Snowfall (silver), Sleet (black), and Cyclone (clear black with gold) liveries from the 9 Professional joined by a brand new Frost (white) possibility. It ought to be famous that the completely different colors additionally denote completely different RAM and storage specs, so remember to test that earlier than choosing out the mannequin you assume appears to be like one of the best.

Display & Audio system 

• 6.8-inch FHD+ AMOLED show with 120Hz refresh price
• Snapdragon Sound & DTS X Extremely Sound
• 3.5mm headphone jack

Nubia appears to have gone with the identical panel as on the Redmagic 9 Professional right here, which implies you get a really good 6.8-inch Q9+ FHD+ AMOLED show operating at a decision of 2480 x 1116.

The refresh price is 120Hz, so that you get good, clean scrolling and flicker-free gaming efficiency. 

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

Colors are brilliant and properly saturated, all of which is helped by the dearth of a entrance digicam punch-hole or notch, as as soon as once more Nubia has gone for an under-screen lens (extra on this later) and fingerprint sensor.

This ensures you get an uninterrupted panel that’s wonderful for watching video or, after all, enjoying video games. In reality, the 9S Professional has a screen-to-body ratio of 93.7%, which is without doubt one of the finest round, all protected by Gorilla Glass 5.

Brightness isn’t a difficulty both, with the 9S Professional boasting a 1600 nits peak brightness. As with the earlier mannequin, I measured round 1300 nits in my very own take a look at, which was already sufficient to make every little thing readable in brilliant sunshine. 

Avid gamers will wish to know that any onscreen controls can be responsive, so the 2000Hz instantaneous contact sampling price and 960Hz multi-finger sampling price will put any worries about delays to mattress. It’s a handy guide a rough performer when it comes to responsiveness, display brightness and colors – similar to earlier than.

One irritation was that the fingerprint sensor did appear a bit choosy about recognising my thumb. For those who’re utilizing this function, I recommend making a number of entries of the identical digit, as this will typically enhance efficiency with these sorts of sensors. 

There’s not a lot new within the sound division, both. You continue to get twin audio system (one at both finish of the system) which might kick out some first rate quantity, even when issues get slightly skinny at increased ranges.

A 3.5mm headphone jack is there for one of the best audio efficiency, as you get no noticeable latency and there’s additionally assist for Snapdragon Sound and DTS X: Extremely sound. For those who choose wi-fi, then the Bluetooth 5.3 antenna delivers a stable connection. 

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

Specs & Efficiency

• 3.4GHz Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Main Model 
• Devoted Crimson Core 2 Professional Gaming Chip
• Sturdy gaming efficiency

Powering the 9S Professional is a 3.4GHz Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is an enhanced model of the identical processor used within the Professional 9. As that was a little bit of a gaming powerhouse, it’s not stunning that the 9S Professional continues this custom. 

Whereas the main target of this collection of telephones is gaming, that doesn’t imply they’re a one-trick pony. The 9S Professional utilises the facility at its disposal to ship a slick and clean day-to-day expertise, with apps opening and operating fluidly. 

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

While you do load up video games, such because the perennial testing favourites Genshin Influence, Asphalt 9: Legends, and a spread of different graphically demanding titles, the 9S Professional handles every little thing with ease, because of the inclusion of the 1Ghz Crimson Core 2 Professional gaming chip. Busy gaming environments don’t lead to slow-downs, and the big show makes it simple to see and management what’s happening.

The touch-sensitive triggers reply properly in-game, and every little thing is saved to an affordable temperature because of the 13.5 ICE cooling system. This 12 months, Nubia has added frost cooling gel to the already multi-faceted ICE, and it appears to do the job as I didn’t expertise any overheating points in my time with the system. It additionally stays comfy to carry, even within the warmth of frantic battles or races. 

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

The efficiency is boosted by the selection of both 12GB or 16GB of LPDDRX RAM, plus 256GB or 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. The allocation depends on the livery you select, with Sleet or Frost fashions geared up with 12GB/256GB loadouts, whereas Snowfall or Cyclone grant you 16GB/512GB. 

Redmagic 9s Professional benchmarks

Cameras

• 50Mp Broad and 50Mp Extremely-Broad cameras
• 16Mp under-display selfie digicam
• Protecting glass cowl eliminates digicam bump

The cameras on this vary of telephones have been steadily enhancing over the previous few generations. They nonetheless don’t match one of the best digicam telephones, however most of these at the moment are costing much more cash than the 9S Professional. 

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

Though there are three round components on the rear of the telephone, the bottom one is actually the fan, replete with LED lights that present you when it’s engaged. Above that sits the dual-camera system, consisting of a 50Mp 24mm huge and 50Mp 13mm ultra-wide (Nubia doesn’t listing the f/cease numbers). 

On a sunny day, each carry out properly, with a pleasant stability of publicity and color. They differ in that the ultra-wide lens is usually a little paler in its palette, however particulars appear roughly the identical. Busy scenes can result in some over-sharpening by the software program, however for normal snaps, the 9S Professional can ship some very good photos.

The dearth of a telephoto lens means there’s no optical zoom, however you possibly can go up 10x digitally. Nonetheless, I’d by no means actually advise this as you’re simply cropping in on a picture, you probably have a gradual hand and the topic is stationary, then it’s potential to get usable pictures. 

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

Switching between the huge and ultra-wide undoubtedly opens up extra of the encircling scene, which makes the distinction when you’re in a good house and may’t get additional away out of your topic.

Portrait pictures do a good job of isolating the article or particular person, as long as the perimeters are outlined. Wayward hair and busy backgrounds can confuse the software program considerably, leading to blurry elements that ought to be in focus. 

Low-light efficiency is healthier than you may anticipate for a gaming telephone. There may be points with color stability, because the software program tries to ‘right’ the temperature, nevertheless it typically washes out the picture. For those who get it proper although, there’s some respectable low-light photos to be discovered within the 9S Professional.

Focussing is robust too, and I discovered I didn’t miss many pictures because of inaccurate concentrating on. There’s a Night time mode, however I discovered a gradual hand (or tripod in order for you actually good pictures) and the conventional Photograph mode was extra pure. You additionally get a great deal of novelty photograph modes to play with too, a few of which are literally fairly enjoyable. 

On the entrance of the 9S Professional is the under-display 16Mp selfie digicam. Whereas is is perhaps marginally higher than the earlier providing, I like to recommend that in order for you a telephone that may take nice selfies, look elsewhere. Plus, the ‘Magnificence’ mode is actually terrible to behold. 

You may seize 4K/60fps on the primary rear digicam, which additionally comes with OIS to maintain issues steady. Footage is sweet, dealing properly with publicity and focus. Audio can be positive, so you might undoubtedly double up the gaming with some social media movies of your individual (simply not on the selfie digicam). 

Right here’s some pattern photos that I captured on the 9S Professional:

Battery Life & Charging

• 6,500mAh dual-cell battery
• 80W quick charging
• No wi-fi charging

Filled with a 6,500mAh dual-cell battery, the 9S Professional can final for ages. Regular, on a regular basis use will often see you thru two days with out a wrestle.

Whereas the gaming optimisation delivers between 4 and 5 hours of motion earlier than needing to be refuelled as soon as extra. In our PC Mark battery take a look at, the 9S Professional scored 10 hours and 50 minutes, which is almost half-hour greater than the 9 Professional. I put this all the way down to the improved effectivity of the processor, because the battery appears to be the identical one as on the older mannequin. 

Recharge occasions are improved, with the included 80W charger getting the 9S Professional from 0% to 54% after a fast 15 minute top-up, 88% after 30 minutes and a full recharge solely taking 39 minutes.

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

Nubia states that the tremendous quick recharging capabilities assist Qualcomm Fast Cost 5, and the system incorporates a separate charging system meaning it runs straight off the charger when plugged in, quite than by way of the battery. This could assist hold the cells more healthy for longer.

Regardless of the know-how beneath, you received’t be nervous about operating out of juice with the 9S Professional. 

One draw back for some can be that there’s no wi-fi charging assist, however with such quick recharge occasions, that doesn’t appear a lot of an issue.  

Software program & Apps

• Android 14 with Redmagic OS 9.5
• Sport House
• Some small bloatware and bugs

The 9S Professional runs Android 14 with the Redmagic OS 9.5 pores and skin on prime. It may be a bit quirky at occasions, however there’s loads of customisation accessible for themes, wallpapers, and menu color palettes.

One cool new addition this time round are the Tremendous Wallpapers, which act as totally interactive retro-games. There’s a Snake one, in addition to the traditional Tetris. With the wallpaper set, you possibly can merely hit the beginning button and play proper there on the house display. It’s foolish, however I cherished it. 

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

There’s a little bit of bloatware on the preliminary set up, with a couple of firm apps pre-installed, however these may be deleted simply and then you definitely’re all good.

I did discover a couple of little quirks within the system, similar to when downloading apps from the Play Retailer or updating them – they’d typically say they have been putting in, however not end for ages. However, if I left the Play Retailer and went to the app in query, it might have already completed and be prepared to make use of. Not the top of the world, simply one thing to look out for when utilizing the 9S Professional. 

Sliding the purple change on the aspect of the 9S Professional opens up Sport House, the devoted software program suite that you should use to positive tune the in-game efficiency, arrange set off button mapping, change refresh charges, modify CPU precedence, fan and RGB gentle efficiency, plus a great deal of different game-specific settings.  

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

Martyn Casserly

A brand new addition this 12 months is Display Extraction, which lets you choose part of the display in a recreation, then have it mirrored elsewhere. This may be very useful if you wish to see your present vitality ranges, however the indicator is hidden underneath your palms. Simply spotlight it and place the duplicate the place it’s extra seen.

There’s fairly a couple of different new options, principally for recreation optimisation and customisation, so players could have loads of enjoyable getting their system simply the best way they need it. 

Nubia states on its website that each one fashions get ‘greater than two years of software program assist’. It additionally ensures to offer at the least one main Android replace a 12 months, however how lengthy this lasts for isn’t clear. With firms like Google and Samsung now providing as much as seven years of assist, the providing here’s a little disappointing.

Value & Availability

The Redmagic 9s Professional is obtainable for £579/$649 for the 12GB/256GB fashions, or £709/$799 for the 16GB/512GB variants.

You should buy one direct from Redmagic or Amazon within the UK, and Redmagic or Amazon within the US.

No networks or carriers are promoting the telephone on contract, so your finest guess is to purchase outright and pair with a SIM deal. Use the widget under to search out an possibility that fits you.

You may in all probability nonetheless choose up the earlier mannequin, Redmagic 9 Professional, for a short time as shares are bought by, and because the efficiency is sort of comparable it might be price monitoring one down if you will discover a good low cost.

The principle rival of the 9S Professional is the Asus ROG Cellphone 8 Professional, which is a bit pricier but additionally boasts a sooner 165Hz refresh price and better most RAM capability of 24GB. It launched at £1,099/$1,199 however you possibly can in all probability discover it cheaper when you store round.

See extra options in our information to one of the best gaming telephones.

Must you purchase the Nubia Redmagic 9S Professional?

As a pure gaming telephone, the Redmagic 9S Professional is a sturdy and dependable performer. The improved cooling system does its job properly, and the tweaked chipset makes quick work of even probably the most demanding video games.

Add to this nice battery life, first rate cameras, and an ever enhancing OS, and the Redmagic 9S Professional is a wonderful possibility anybody desirous to recreation on the go.

Keep in mind, although, it’s a hefty beast, and also you’re unlikely to get the identical size of software program assist as you’ll with the likes of Samsung, Google or Apple.

Specs

• 6.8-inch BOE Q9+ FHD+ flat display AMOLED show, 2480 x 1116 decision, Peak brightness of 1600 nits, 120Hz refresh price, 2000Hz instantaneous contact sampling price of 2000Hz, 960Hz total contact pattern price, Broad shade gamut of DCI-P3, Gorilla Glass 5, embedded fingerprint sensor
• 3.4GHz Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Main Model + devoted Crimson Core 2 Professional Gaming Chip  
• 12GB or 16GB LPDDR5X RAM 
• 256GB or 512GB UFS 4.0 storage
• 520Hz twin shoulder triggers with new backlight design
• REDMAGIC OS 9.5 geared up with Android 14
• Sleet (Black Model), Snowfall (Silver Model), Cyclone (Clear Black Model), Frost (White Model)
• 22,000 RPM Turbofan
• RGB lights
• ICE 13.5 cooling system (under-screen copper foil, under-screen graphene, 3D Ice Step Twin Pump VC, aerospace aluminum mid-frame, high-speed centrifugal fan, excessive thermal conductivity uncommon earth, excessive thermal conductivity gel, motherboard copper foil, high-speed aerospace aluminum air duct, and excessive thermal conductivity copper foil, with new frost cooling gel for ultra-low thermal resistance)
• 50Mp Samsung GN5 24mm (huge) most important digicam with OIS optical picture stabilisation, 7P lens, and APL-coated anti-glare
• 50Mp Samsung JN1 14mm (ultra-wide) digicam  
• 16MP under-display entrance digicam
• Sport House slider change 
• Bluetooth 5.3 
• USB-C charging port 
• 3.5mm headphone jack, 
• NFC (Helps QuickPass and Google Pay)
• Twin audio system, three microphones, DTS:X Extremely Sound and Snapdragon Sound
• 6500mAh dual-cell battery with assist for 80W tremendous quick charging 
• 163.98mm, Width: 76.35mm, Depth: 8.9mm
• 229g