REDMAGIC 9S Pro Review: Gaming Phone Worth It in 2024?

Gaming Phone Dilemma in 2024

Is anyone still meant to buy a gaming phone in 2024? I tested the REDMAGIC 9S Pro to find out. After seeing endless ads for this device, I spent $900 of my own money to cut through the hype. Years ago, gaming phones offered clear advantages, but today's flagships match their chips and cooling systems. Yet, gaming phones still come with trade-offs: bulky designs, subpar cameras, and weak software support. After weeks of testing games and benchmarks, I'll give you the unvarnished truth. You'll learn whether those flashy triggers and built-in fans justify the compromises.

Hardware and Gaming Features

Built-in Fan and Cooling System

The REDMAGIC 9S Pro's standout feature is its active cooling. A tiny 22,000 RPM fan spins inside visible vents—a novelty you'll notice during intense sessions. Unlike typical vapor chambers, this fan pushes air through the chassis. In my testing, the auto mode kept noise surprisingly low even at full speed. However, the aluminum frame gets alarmingly hot during benchmarks. REDMAGIC prioritizes raw performance over comfort, letting the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 run hotter than competitors would allow.

Gaming Triggers and Controls

Those shoulder triggers transform mobile gaming. Swipe in from the gaming mode sidebar to activate them, mapping to any on-screen button. In COD Mobile, I set the left trigger for aiming and right for shooting—reducing thumb movement significantly. The tactile response feels precise, though the small power button above the gaming slider caused accidental presses. I also found my hands often covered the bottom-firing speakers during landscape play. The headphone jack is a rare 2024 win, but missing a secondary USB-C port feels like a missed opportunity.

Battery and Charging Expectations

With a massive 6500mAh battery, the REDMAGIC out-sizes flagships like the Galaxy S24 Ultra (5000mAh). Casual use delivers stellar endurance, easily lasting a full day. But crank up graphics-heavy games, and efficiency drops sharply. In 20-minute 3DMark stress tests, it drained 18% battery versus 11% on an S24 Ultra. The 80W charging brick included in-box—a rarity nowadays—provoces 0-100% in under 40 minutes. Prioritize moderate gaming to leverage the battery's potential, as performance modes guzzle power.

Performance and Thermal Trade-offs

Benchmark Scores vs. Reality

REDMAGIC markets the 9S Pro as the "most powerful gaming phone," and benchmarks agree. It outperformed the S24 Ultra, iPhone 15 Pro, and OnePlus 12 in Antutu and 3DMark. However, these numbers come with asterisks. Attaching a $50 cooler to the S24 Ultra nearly matched the REDMAGIC's scores. Why? REDMAGIC removes thermal safeguards, pushing the overclocked Snapdragon chip beyond its efficiency curve. The result? A 10-13% edge in synthetic tests but real-world heat that borders on uncomfortable.

Heat and Battery Drain Analysis

During extended gaming, the aluminum frame reached 45°C (113°F)—hotter than competitors tolerate. While the fan cools internal components, it doesn't prevent surface temperatures from spiking. This thermal approach also impacts battery life. The same chip that scores higher in benchmarks consumes more power under load. For example, Genshin Impact at max settings drained the battery 30% faster than on an S24 Ultra with equivalent visuals. Performance enthusiasts gain frames, but casual players pay in endurance.

Comparison to Mainstream Flagships

Flagships like the Galaxy S24 Ultra now handle mobile gaming exceptionally well. Their optimized thermal throttling prevents discomfort, and their AMOLED displays match the REDMAGIC's 120Hz refresh rate. Where the 9S Pro shines is sustained peak performance in short bursts—ideal for competitive esports sessions. But for most gamers, flagships offer 90% of the gaming experience without the chunky design or overheating trade-offs. The fan's advantage diminishes outside benchmark loops.

Software and Camera Shortcomings

Update Commitment and Software Quality

REDMAGIC's software support is its weakest link. The company promises "one Android OS update" and just 2+ years of minor security patches—paltry next to Samsung's 7-year pledge. In daily use, I encountered typos and inconsistent branding (e.g., "REDMAGIC" vs. "RedMagic" in settings). The interface feels dated, with clunky menus and pre-installed bloat like the cringe-inducing "Mora" AI assistant. This lack of polish undermines the phone's premium price, especially when using it as a daily driver.

Camera Performance Compromises

Gaming phones historically skimp on cameras, and the 9S Pro continues that trend. The main 50MP sensor captures passable daylight shots but struggles with dynamic range and low light. The under-display front camera, however, is disastrous. In my tests, it produced smeary, halo-ridden selfies—unusable for video calls. By comparison, the S24 Ultra's front cam delivered crisp, detailed images. REDMAGIC clearly prioritized gaming hardware over imaging, making this a poor choice for content creators.

Gaming Phone Relevance in 2024

Dedicated Handhelds vs. Gaming Phones

The rise of devices like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally reshapes the mobile gaming landscape. These handheld PCs play AAA titles beyond mobile apps, starting at $399. Meanwhile, flagship phones now handle games like COD Mobile smoothly. Gaming phones feel caught between two worlds: not versatile enough as daily drivers nor as capable as dedicated consoles. The REDMAGIC's $650-$800 price could instead buy a mid-range phone plus a handheld.

Final Recommendations

After thorough testing, I can't recommend the REDMAGIC 9S Pro for most users. Hardcore mobile esports players might appreciate its triggers and peak performance, but they'll endure terrible cameras and update anxiety. For others, buying a well-rounded flagship like the S24 Ultra plus a clip-on cooler makes more sense. If portable gaming is your priority, a Steam Deck offers vastly more power and library depth. Gaming phones solve fewer problems than they did in 2017, and the REDMAGIC's compromises outweigh its niche benefits.

Actionable Takeaways

1. Test before buying: If considering a gaming phone, assess thermal comfort during extended play sessions.
2. Prioritize software longevity: Choose brands like Samsung or Google that guarantee long-term updates.
3. Alternative setup: Pair a flagship phone with a $30 clip-on cooler for similar gaming performance without bulk.

What gaming compromise would bother you most—poor cameras or short software support? Share your dealbreaker in the comments!