ZTE Nubia Red Magic 8 Pro Ultimate Gaming Smartphone Review

Design and Build Quality

The ZTE Nubia Red Magic 8 Pro stands out with its futuristic design and robust build quality. It features a glass front and back, reinforced with an aluminum frame that provides a solid and premium feel. The dimensions are 164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm, and it weighs approximately 228 grams, making it relatively manageable despite its large battery and hardware.

The phone supports dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), which is ideal for users who travel frequently or have separate numbers for work and personal use. Additionally, the device comes in two color variants: Black and Transparent, catering to different aesthetic preferences.

Display

The Red Magic 8 Pro is equipped with a 6.8-inch AMOLED display that supports 1 billion colors. This makes it ideal for consuming media content, offering vibrant visuals with deep blacks and a high dynamic range. The screen has a resolution of 1116 x 2480 pixels, with an aspect ratio of 20:9, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 400 ppi for sharp and detailed images.

One of the standout features of the display is its 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and an exceptional gaming experience. The screen’s peak brightness reaches up to 1300 nits, making it easily readable even in bright sunlight. The Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection ensures durability against scratches and minor drops.

Performance

Under the hood, the device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, built on a 4nm process. This octa-core processor includes a powerful Cortex-X3 core clocked at 3.2 GHz, alongside other Cortex cores optimized for performance and efficiency. The Adreno 740 GPU ensures top-tier performance in graphics-intensive tasks, making it ideal for gaming at high settings.

The Red Magic 8 Pro comes with several memory configurations: 128GB with 8GB RAM, 256GB with 8GB/12GB RAM, and 512GB with 16GB RAM. While it lacks expandable storage, the generous internal storage options should suffice for most users’ needs.

Camera Capabilities

The device boasts a versatile triple camera setup on the back. The primary camera is a 50 MP sensor with an f/1.9 aperture, designed for capturing high-resolution and detailed photos. It also features PDAF for fast and accurate focusing. The 8 MP ultrawide sensor offers a 120-degree field of view, which is perfect for capturing landscapes or large group shots.

For macro photography enthusiasts, the 2 MP macro lens lets you get close to your subject for highly detailed close-up shots. The camera system supports various modes including HDR and panorama, and it can record video at resolutions up to 8K at 30fps, providing excellent flexibility for videographers.

On the front, the device is equipped with a 16 MP under-display camera, allowing for an uninterrupted viewing experience. This selfie camera also supports HDR and can record 1080p videos at 30 or 60fps.

Battery Life

The Red Magic 8 Pro comes with a sizable 6000mAh non-removable battery, which is a key feature for gamers and power users who require extended battery life. In testing, the device delivers an endurance rating of 131 hours, ensuring it can last through a full day of heavy usage with battery to spare.

Charging capabilities are also impressive, with the Chinese model supporting 80W wired charging, capable of fully charging the battery in about 35 minutes, while the international version supports 65W charging, reaching full charge in approximately 43 minutes. This fast charging capability is immensely beneficial for users who need a quick top-up during the day.

Software and User Experience

The smartphone runs Android 13 out of the box, overlaid with the Redmagic OS 6. This custom skin provides additional features specifically tailored for gaming, such as enhanced performance modes and customizable control settings for a superior gaming experience.

Connectivity and Network Support

In terms of connectivity, the Red Magic 8 Pro includes comprehensive support for various network technologies including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, LTE, and 5G. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of carriers worldwide. The device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC (market-dependent), offering fast and stable wireless connections.

The GPS module supports multiple satellite systems like GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO, providing accurate location tracking. The device also includes a USB Type-C port with OTG and DisplayPort support, although it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack which might be a consideration for audiophiles.

Additional Features and Sensors

The phone incorporates various sensors including an under-display optical fingerprint scanner for quick and secure unlocking. Other sensors include an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and a compass, enhancing the device’s feature set for various applications and games.

Price and Availability

The ZTE Nubia Red Magic 8 Pro was announced on December 26, 2022, and became available shortly after, on December 28, 2022. The device is priced at approximately 680 EUR, which represents good value considering the high-end specifications and features tailored towards gamers.