Key Takeaways:
- The one key difference between the RedMagic 9 Pro and the RedMagic 9S Pro is the processor.
- While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset powers both smartphones, the RedMagic 9S Pro features a “Leading Version” of this processor, with slightly higher clock speeds for both the CPU (up to 3.4 GHz, compared to 3.3 GHz) and the GPU (1 GHz).
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version is responsible for a marginal but noticeable performance increase on the RedMagic 9S Pro, particularly during very demanding gameplay. While most everyday tasks and even typical gaming experiences will feel similar on both phones, the 9S Pro aims to offer a slight edge in raw processing power.
Intro:
The gaming smartphone arena is a constant battleground, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of performance, design, and features to capture the attention of avid mobile gamers. Two names that consistently appear at the forefront of this competition are RedMagic, known for their unapologetically gaming-centric phones. The RedMagic 9 Pro model has already made a big splash in the mobile gaming community, thus it has built up quite the anticipation for the RedMagic 9S Pro version (so much so that the model is currently out of stock).
For gamers seeking the ultimate mobile gaming experience, understanding the nuances between these two powerhouses is essential. So, let’s dive deep into what we know to be similar and different in the RedMagic 9 Pro vs. 9S Pro smartphone showdown.
RedMagic 9 Pro
The RedMagic 9 Pro has already established itself as a formidable gaming cell phone. Its key strengths lie in its power, innovative cooling system, and gamer-centric design.
Key Features of the RedMagic 9 Pro:
- Processor: Typically powered by the latest flagship Snapdragon processor (e.g., Snapdragon 8 Gen 3). This ensures top-tier performance for even the most demanding games. Example: Games like “Genshin Impact” and “Call of Duty Mobile” run at maximum settings with smooth frame rates.
- RAM and Storage: Offers generous configurations, often starting with 12GB of RAM and going up to 24GB, coupled with ample storage options (e.g., 256GB, 512GB, 1TB). Example: Multitasking between several apps and large game files is seamless without any noticeable lag.
- Display: Features a high refresh rate AMOLED display (typically 120Hz) with vibrant colors and excellent touch responsiveness. Example: Fast-paced action games benefit from the smooth visuals and low latency, providing a competitive edge.
- Cooling System: Boasts an advanced multi-layered cooling system, often including a built-in fan, vapor chamber, and graphite sheets. Example: During extended gaming sessions, the phone remains relatively cool to the touch, preventing performance throttling.
- Battery: Packs a large battery capacity (often 6000mAh or more) for extended gaming sessions. Example: Users can typically enjoy several hours of intense gaming on a single charge.
- Shoulder Triggers: Integrated capacitive shoulder triggers provide a console-like control experience. Example: In shooting games, these triggers can be mapped to actions like aiming and firing, offering a significant advantage over touchscreen controls.
- Software: Runs on a customized Android-based operating system (RedMagic OS) optimized for gaming, offering features like game space, performance modes, and customization options. Example: Users can easily adjust fan speeds, block notifications, and optimize network performance within the game space.
- Design: Features a distinctive gaming aesthetic with bold lines, RGB lighting, and a robust build. Example: The transparent back option showcases the internal components and cooling fan, appealing to enthusiasts.
RedMagic 9S Pro
The “S” series from RedMagic represents an iterative upgrade, focusing on refining existing features and potentially introducing a few key enhancements. Here are the top features and upgrades of the RedMagic 9S Pro version:
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version is an overclocked variant of the standard release. In real-world gameplay, this translates to a marginal but noticeable increase in benchmark scores and slightly improved sustained performance under extreme loads.
- Cooling System Enhancements: RedMagic consistently innovates in cooling technology. The 9S Pro introduces the ICE 13.5 Magic Cooling System, featuring a more efficient fan design, an expanded vapor chamber, and new materials to enhance heat dissipation further.
- Display Refinements: While the 9 Pro’s display is already excellent, the 9S Pro still gets minor improvements in brightness, color accuracy, or touch sampling rate for an even more responsive gaming experience, thanks to the AMOLED True Full Screen technology. And while these subtle improvements in color calibration are not necessarily detectable right away, they make games look even more vibrant and immersive.
- Camera Improvements: While gaming remains the primary focus, RedMagic has been gradually improving the camera systems on its phones. The 9S Pro gets an upgraded main sensor and improved image processing for better photo and video quality:
Camera system comparison:
| 9 Pro | 9S Pro |
| 64MP main camera | 50MP main camera |
| 16MP ultra-wide-angle camera | 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera |
| Slightly more visible camera “bump” | Better integrated into the chassis design-wise |
- Software Optimizations: RedMagic further refined its RedMagic OS, introducing new gaming-centric features, performance tweaks, and improved UI/UX based on user feedback. Example: New AI-powered features to optimize game settings automatically and deliver in-game assistance. It has also implemented improvements to Game Space customization.
- Design Updates: No dramatic changes here. Redmagic introduced a new “Frost” color option with a solid-colored back panel.
RedMagic 9 Pro vs. 9S Pro: Key Differences
Based on the above, the core differences between the RedMagic 9 Pro and the tweaked 9S Pro are:
- Performance: The 9S Pro is likely to offer a slight performance edge due to the overclocked processor and further optimized cooling.
- Features: The 9S Pro might introduce a few new software features or minor hardware enhancements based on the latest technological advancements and user feedback.
- Camera: S9 Pro gets a camera system upgrade, but in real-life use, the difference is virtually undetectable.
Who is Each Phone For?
- RedMagic 9 Pro: This is an excellent choice for gamers who want a top-tier gaming experience. It offers incredible performance, a fantastic display, and dedicated gaming features at a competitive price.
- RedMagic 9S Pro: This phone is likely to appeal to users who always want the absolute latest and greatest in terms of performance and features. If a marginal performance increase is worth the higher price to you ($195 extra), then the 9S Pro is the way to go.
Redmagic 9 vs. 9S Pro: Is There Any Difference in Terms of Resale Value?
The marginal differences in performance between the 9 Pro vs. 9S Pro versions become a wash on the second-hand market. As a result, we do not differentiate the two versions on our site, meaning 9S Pro owners can submit their phone for sale under the Redmagic 9 Pro online.
Anecdotally, we noticed a slight increase in interest (demand) for the 9S versions, but the resale price remains in line with that of the 9 Pro phones.
Conclusion
The RedMagic 9 Pro is a powerful gaming smartphone that sets a high bar. Naturally, the anticipation for the 9S Pro stemmed from the expectation that RedMagic would continue to push the boundaries of mobile gaming technology. However, now that some time has passed since the official release, the 9S Pro is essentially the same phone in retrospect. So was it worth the extra money?
Ultimately, the decision of which phone to choose depends on individual priorities. Plenty of smartphone gamers will tell you that a slight increase in speed is well worth it. At the same time, the majority report no detectable changes in performance. Also, keep in mind that the resale value of a used RedMagic 9 Pro and its 9S Pro version is the same, for when you decide to sell your smartphone for cash and invest in something better.