ZTE nubia RedMagic 7S

Overview & Display

The ZTE nubia RedMagic 7S is a dedicated gaming smartphone that combines raw performance with specialized gaming hardware to deliver an immersive mobile gaming experience. At its core sits the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset built on a 4nm process, paired with an Octa-core CPU featuring a Cortex-X2 prime core clocked at 3.19GHz, three Cortex-A710 cores at 2.75GHz, and four Cortex-A510 efficiency cores at 1.80GHz. The Adreno 730 GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks with ease. Running on Android 12 with Redmagic 5.5, the device offers a gaming-focused interface tailored for competitive play. The standout feature is the 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a blazing 165Hz refresh rate, delivering ultra-smooth visuals for fast-paced games. The screen boasts a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels in a 20:9 aspect ratio with approximately 387 ppi density and a typical brightness of 700 nits. With an 83.6% screen-to-body ratio, the display provides an expansive viewing area. The phone supports 1B colors in China variants and offers vibrant, lifelike visuals. Gaming-specific hardware includes 520Hz pressure-sensitive touch zones for precise control, a built-in cooling fan to maintain performance during extended sessions, and an aviation aluminum middle frame for durability. The build features a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, measuring 170.6 x 78.3 x 9.5mm and weighing 215 grams. Connectivity is comprehensive with 5G support across multiple bands, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX HD, and NFC. Storage options range from 128GB with 8GB RAM up to 512GB with 16GB RAM using fast UFS 3.1 storage, though there is no expandable card slot.

Camera & Battery

The ZTE nubia RedMagic 7S features a versatile triple-camera system on the rear, headlined by a 64MP wide sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and phase detection autofocus. This primary sensor uses a 1/1.97-inch format with 0.7µm pixels, capturing detailed shots in various lighting conditions. The secondary camera is an 8MP ultrawide lens with a 120-degree field of view and f/2.0 aperture, ideal for landscape photography and group shots. A 2MP macro camera rounds out the trio for close-up photography. The main camera supports impressive video recording capabilities, including 8K at 30fps, 4K at 30 or 60fps, and 1080p at 30, 60, 120, or 240fps, giving content creators flexibility. Additional camera features include LED flash, HDR, and panorama modes. On the front, an 8MP selfie camera with an f/2.0 wide lens handles video calls and self-portraits, recording 1080p video at 30fps with HDR support. The audio experience is equally impressive, featuring stereo speakers with 32-bit/384kHz Hi-Res audio and Snapdragon Sound technology. A 3.5mm headphone jack is included for wired audio enthusiasts. Powering the device is a 4500mAh Li-Po battery that supports 120W wired charging with PD3.0, capable of reaching a full charge in just 17 minutes. This rapid charging capability ensures minimal downtime between gaming sessions. The phone includes an under-display optical fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass for comprehensive functionality.

Who Should Buy This

The ZTE nubia RedMagic 7S is purpose-built for mobile gamers who demand top-tier performance and specialized gaming features. If you play competitive mobile games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, or Genshin Impact, the 165Hz AMOLED display combined with 520Hz pressure-sensitive touch zones will give you a tangible advantage in responsiveness and visual clarity. The built-in cooling fan is a standout feature for those who engage in extended gaming sessions, as it helps prevent thermal throttling and maintains consistent performance from the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. Power users who multitask heavily will appreciate the up to 16GB RAM option, ensuring smooth switching between apps and games. The 120W fast charging is ideal for users who need quick top-ups, reaching full charge in just 17 minutes. Content creators who record gameplay will benefit from 8K video recording and stereo speakers with Hi-Res audio. However, this device is not ideal for users who prioritize camera quality above all else, as the camera system is competent but not flagship-leading. Those who require expandable storage should also look elsewhere, as there is no microSD card slot. The 4500mAh battery, while sufficient, is somewhat modest compared to non-gaming phones, though the ultra-fast charging compensates. Overall, this phone is best suited for gaming enthusiasts and power users who value performance over everything else.

Pros

• Powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset with up to 16GB RAM for exceptional gaming performance
• 165Hz AMOLED display with 700 nits brightness delivers smooth and vibrant visuals
• Built-in cooling fan and 520Hz pressure-sensitive zones provide genuine gaming advantages
• 120W fast charging fills the 4500mAh battery in just 17 minutes
• Stereo speakers with 32-bit/384kHz Hi-Res audio and a 3.5mm headphone jack for superior sound

Cons

• No expandable storage via microSD card slot
• 4500mAh battery is relatively small for a gaming phone
• Camera system is adequate but not on par with flagship photography-focused devices
• 9.5mm thickness and 215g weight make it bulky compared to standard smartphones

Verdict

The ZTE nubia RedMagic 7S stands as a formidable gaming smartphone that delivers on its core promise with a powerful chipset, high-refresh-rate display, and dedicated cooling hardware. While it makes some compromises in battery capacity and camera capabilities, its gaming-focused features and blazing-fast charging make it an excellent choice for mobile gaming enthusiasts who prioritize performance above all else.