ZTE nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ review
Buy this if you game seriously on mobile and want to avoid frame rate dips and thermals; the cooling fan and charge speed are genuine advantages for that use case. Everyone else should cross-shop mainstream flagships that offer broader refinement and software reliability for the same money."
This review is based on ZTE’s published specifications and public benchmark data for the ZTE nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+, and the rating is spec-based. GoSolo does not physically test devices; where we estimate real-world behaviour such as battery life or charge time, we say so. How we rate phones.
Overview
The RedMagic 9S Pro+ is a gamer phone first, packing the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and a built-in cooling fan to hold frame rates steady, wrapped in a thin, hard-edged industrial package. It delivers serious performance and lightning-fast charging, but at 229g and nearly €750, it's a specialist device aimed at mobile gamers and power users willing to live with a niche phone.
Design & build
At 8.9mm thick and 229g, the RedMagic 9S Pro+ is lean and substantial in equal measure. The aviation aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 5 front and back feel industrial, not refined; the RGB light strip and pressure-sensitive shoulder zones mark this as a gaming device, not a lifestyle object. That design choice is honest. The phone sits squarely in the hand and resists flex, aided by its narrow 76.4mm width. It is not particularly heavy by today's standards, but the density feels deliberate, almost tactical. Compared to mainstream flagships at the same price, it trades elegance for singularity of purpose.
Display
The 6.8-inch AMOLED panel runs at 120Hz with a 1600-nit peak and resolves 400 ppi across a 20:9 aspect ratio. That is solid framebuffer work: scrolling is smooth, colors punch without oversaturation, and the screen remains legible in direct sun. The ultrawide 1116×2480 resolution is a gamer-friendly choice, preserving battery life versus 1440p while keeping text and UI elements sharp enough for mobile distances. This display does not push beyond flagship norms, but it does what it should—stay out of the way while gaming runs fast.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with Adreno 750 is the reigning flagship silicon, and the RedMagic 9S Pro+ leverages it fully. The built-in cooling fan is the real story; it allows sustained boost clocks during long gaming sessions without the throttling that rivals hit after 15–20 minutes. Genshin Impact, Honkai Star Rail, and similar titles run at high or maximum settings and maintain 60fps stability. Daily tasks are instant. Real-world gaming endurance is where this phone diverges from standard flagships—you will notice the difference only under load, but when you feel it, you understand why the phone exists. The 24GB RAM option is overkill for any current Android task; 16GB suffices.
Software
Android 14 ships with Redmagic OS 9.5, ZTE's overlay focused on gaming modes, trigger customization, and system tweaking. The customization runs deep—button mapping, performance profiles, notification fine-tuning—and feels aimed at power users rather than casual tinkerers. Out of the box, it does not clutter the experience, though it adds visual flourish that some will find unnecessary. Updates and support history for RedMagic devices outside China is inconsistent, a legitimate concern for long-term ownership if you are not in a primary market.
Camera
The dual 50MP rear setup—f/1.9 main with OIS and f/2.2 ultrawide—performs competently in bright daylight and acceptable dim indoor conditions. The 1/1.57" main sensor and OIS stabilize video and still shots enough to matter. The ultrawide does not distort aggressively, a common weakness in gaming phones where space is contested. Do not expect flagship-tier dynamic range or night mode prowess; this is a camera that works, not one that excels. The 16MP under-display selfie is functional for video calls. For a phone at this price, camera quality is a secondary concern to the core gaming mission, and it reflects that hierarchy honestly.
Battery & charging
The 5500mAh battery delivers roughly one day of mixed daily use, or 7–8 hours of intensive gaming before you hunger for a charge. That endurance is typical for this class and screen size, not exceptional. Where the RedMagic 9S Pro+ breaks the mold is charging: 165W wired reaches 100% in 16 minutes flat. That speed is unmatched and eliminates the sting of short battery life for people with access to a wall outlet. There is no wireless charging, an omission that stings only if you travel frequently. The sheer charging rate is the battery story and the strongest practical advantage over peers.
Value & verdict-context
At roughly €740, the RedMagic 9S Pro+ costs as much as mainstream flagship phones from Samsung, Apple, and OnePlus, yet it does not position itself as an all-rounder. It is purpose-built: for competitive mobile gamers, people who demand sustained high frame rates, and those who want the fastest charge to full in the market. If you game hard, the cooling fan and sustained performance matter. If you need a premium all-purpose phone, rivals offer refinement, consistency, and software support that this device sacrifices for specialization. The industrial design and gaming-centric software narrow its appeal intentionally. It succeeds within its lane precisely because it does not pretend to compete in others.
Verdict
Buy this if you game seriously on mobile and want to avoid frame rate dips and thermals; the cooling fan and charge speed are genuine advantages for that use case. Everyone else should cross-shop mainstream flagships that offer broader refinement and software reliability for the same money."
- Sustained gaming performance thanks to active cooling; no throttling during long sessions
- 165W charging reaches 100% in 16 minutes, fastest in the market
- Thin (8.9mm) and narrow (76.4mm) despite 6.8-inch screen, comfortable to grip
- Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 handles everyday tasks without hesitation
- 5500mAh battery lasts one day of mixed use; heavy gamers will charge daily
- Industrial gaming design alienates users seeking a conventional flagship look
- Software support outside China is sparse; long-term updates uncertain
ZTE nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ Key Specifications
The essentials at a glance. See the full spec sheet.
| Released | 2024, July 03 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio), AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1600 nits (peak) |
| Resolution | 1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| RAM & storage | 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM |
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm Auxiliary lens |
| Selfie camera | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.12µm, under display |
| Battery | 5500 mAh |
| Charging | 165W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 16 min |
| Software | Android 14, Redmagic OS 9.5 |
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| Weight | 229 g (8.08 oz) |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, glass back |
| Durability | Pressure sensitive zones (520Hz touch-sensing) Built-in cooling fan Aviation aluminum middle frame RGB light strip |
| Network | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, OTG, accessory connector, DisplayPort |
ZTE nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ FAQ
Common questions, answered from the spec sheet.
Does the nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ support 5G?
Yes. The nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ supports 5G networks.
What chipset does the nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ use?
The nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ runs on the Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm).
What display does the nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ have?
A 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1600 nits (peak), 1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density).
How big is the nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ battery?
The nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ has a 5500 mAh battery. Charging is rated at 165W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 16 min.
Does the nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ have NFC?
Yes, the nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ has NFC.
Is the nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ water resistant?
The nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ carries a Pressure sensitive zones (520Hz touch-sensing) Built-in cooling fan Aviation aluminum middle frame RGB light strip rating.
Does the nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ support a microSD card?
No, the nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ does not support expandable storage.
Does the nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ have a headphone jack?
Yes, the nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Alternatives to consider
If the nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ isn’t quite right, these are the closest calls.
nubia RedMagic 10S Pro
nubia Z60S Pro
nubia RedMagic 11 Pro
nubia RedMagic 8S Pro+
Galaxy Z Fold Special
