REDMAGIC 10S Pro Gaming Smartphone Review: Pros, Cons, and Performance Insights

After my review of the Astra Tablet last summer, I received an opportunity to explore the REDMAGIC 10S Pro, which has been recently launched globally by Nubia, a ZTE subsidiary, in May. Upon accepting the offer, I learned that this device is typically aimed at mobile gamers. I must clarify upfront that I am not an avid mobile gamer. However, I conducted several benchmarks, including tests using 3DMark, so feel free to read on if you’re interested.

Before we delve deeper, a quick disclaimer: REDMAGIC provided a sample unit with no pre-approval for this review. Additionally, please note that this article features a considerable amount of images.

Specifications Overview

Specification	Nubia REDMAGIC 10S Pro
Front Display	AMOLED, 1B colors, 2592Hz PWM, 144Hz, 2000 nits (peak) 6.85 inches, 113.7 cm² (~91.4% screen-to-body ratio) 1216 x 2688 pixels (~431 ppi density) 20:9 Aspect Ratio Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version), Mohs level 4
Dimensions	163.4 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.43 x 3.00 x 0.35 in)
Weight	229 g (8.08 oz)
CPU	Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm), Octa-core (2×4.47 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6×3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M)
GPU	Adreno 830 (1200 MHz)
Storage Options	RAM: 12GB / 16GB / 24GB LPDDR5T ROM: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB UFS4.1 Pro
Rear Cameras	50 MP, f/1.9 (wide), 50 MP, f/2.0 (ultrawide), and a 2 MP macro camera Features: LED flash, HDR, Panorama
Video Features	8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps
Front Camera	16 MP, f/2.0 (wide) HDR supported
Battery and Charging	Si/C Li-Ion 7050 mAh, 80W wired, Wireless: No
SIM	2x Nano SIM, eSIM: No
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/6/7, tri-band, Bluetooth 5.4, A2DP, LE, IR
NFC	Yes
Ports	USB Type-C 3.2, accessory connector, DisplayPort, 3.5mm Audio Jack
Bands	5G NR, 4G TDD-LTE / FDD LTE, 3G WCDMA, 2G GSM
GPS	Dual GPS (L1+L5)
Durability	IP54 dust and splash resistant, Class C (90 falls)
Security	Fingerprint (under display), Face ID, various sensors including accelerometer, gyro, and compass Emergency SOS via satellite (for messages and calls)
Unique Features	520Hz shoulder triggers, X-Gravity, RGB lighting Advanced ICE-X cooling featuring Liquid Metal 2.0, vapor chamber, and 23, 000 RPM fan
Audio	Dual 1115K Speakers, DTS:X Ultra Certification, Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound co-tuning
Build Material	Metal Middle Frame + Glass Rear Cover
Operating System	REDMAGICOS 10.0 (Powered by Android 15)
Available Colors	Matte Black Nightfall, Transparent Silver Moonlight, Transparent Black Dusk
Warranty	2 years (global)
Software Support	5 years (EU & UK), 3 years (Rest of the world)
Price Range	$699, $849, $999

Design and Build Quality

One notable aspect is that the 10S Pro is an updated model released merely seven months after the 10 Pro. The internal upgrades include a higher clock speed — 4.47GHz compared to the previous model’s 4.32GHz, and an enhanced GPU clock speed, which marks a significant 13% performance improvement in the RAM over the older LPDDR5X memory technology.

When comparing to flagship competitors, the top variant is substantially less expensive than offerings in the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, including a staggering $660 discount compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra with its lesser 12GB RAM.

In terms of color options, while imaginative names like Matte Black and Silver Moonlight are appealing, they ultimately describe similar shades. The configurations available include a light-grey variant distinct from deeper tones.

Included in the Package

REDMAGIC 10S Pro Device
Clear Protective Case
80W Power Adapter
Type-C Data Cable
SIM Tray Ejector
Warranty Documentation
User Manual

REDMAGIC boldly includes an 80W Fast Charger with the purchase, reflecting a stance against EU regulatory changes favoring standardized adapters, especially since the device lacks wireless charging. In contrast, Samsung charges additional fees for their proprietary fast charging adapters.

Initial Impressions

Unboxing the device, I was struck by its weight. At 229g, it is marginally lighter than my S23 Ultra and only slightly heavier than the S25 Ultra, thanks to a larger battery capacity of 7050mAh.

The design mirrors traditional rectangular smartphones, boasting a 91.4% screen-to-body ratio. The absence of a camera protrusion on the back lends a sleek profile, yet this design decision impacts the camera quality, which I will discuss later.

Audio and Call Quality

One downside I encountered was the low call volume; during conversations I struggled to hear unless the caller spoke very loudly, forcing me to switch to speaker mode. After reporting this issue, the response indicated it may be specific to my demo unit.

Unique Design Features

The REDMAGIC 10S Pro features a quintessential candy bar shape complemented by a triple-camera arrangement on the back and a Corning Gorilla Glass protected front. The metallic frame and glossy surface may evoke some similarity to premium devices like the iPhone.

On the rear, the camera configuration pairs two 50 MP lenses—one wide and one ultrawide—with a supplementary 2MP macro lens. A subsequent LED flash is also present.

Display Quality

Boasting a 6.85-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1216 x 2688 and 431 PPI pixel density, the screen supports peak brightness up to 2000 nits for HDR viewing. This configuration ensures vibrant colors and clarity, even in challenging lighting conditions, although it lacks the impressive 5000-nits peak brightness seen in some competitors.

Camera Performance

Despite no particular expertise in photography, I observed a clear focus amongst manufacturers on camera performance, often overshadowing other smartphone features. The REDMAGIC 10S Pro houses a triple-camera configuration that prioritizes dual 50 MP sensors complemented by a 2 MP macro sensor. Advanced features like Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) enhance the photography experience.

Benchmarking Performance

For those less concerned about gaming but more interested in overall performance, I ran several benchmarking tests—AnTuTu, Geekbench, and 3DMark. The results demonstrate the flagship capabilities of this model, showcasing its powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and upgraded GPU.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

After extensively testing the REDMAGIC 10S Pro as my daily driver for a week, I must note the significant issues encountered with call quality, likely due to the demo unit’s state rather than inherent product faults. Nevertheless, the device’s design, display, and overall performance present compelling value at its price point.

The market positioning of the 10S Pro—especially the variant with enhanced memory and storage—makes it a noteworthy contender against high-end brands in 2025. Although it lacks some contemporary features such as eSIM support and advanced biometric security, its focus lies firmly within the gaming spectrum.

For anyone prioritizing gaming performance or seeking flagship specifications without the exorbitant price tag of principal competitors, the REDMAGIC 10S Pro, starting at $699, stands out in today’s smartphone market.

Source & Images