ZTE nubia RedMagic 8 Pro+

Overview & Display

The ZTE nubia RedMagic 8 Pro+ is a flagship gaming smartphone that combines cutting-edge performance with an immersive visual experience. Announced in December 2022 and released shortly after, this device is built for serious mobile gamers who demand uncompromising power. The phone features a stunning 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering ultra-smooth visuals for gaming and media consumption. With support for 1 billion colors and a peak brightness of 1300 nits, the screen offers vibrant, lifelike imagery even under direct sunlight. The display boasts a resolution of 1116 x 2480 pixels with a 20:9 aspect ratio and approximately 400 ppi density, ensuring crisp and detailed content. The impressive 89.1% screen-to-body ratio provides an expansive viewing area, while the under-display selfie camera ensures an uninterrupted, edge-to-edge experience. Under the hood, the RedMagic 8 Pro+ is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset built on a 4nm process, paired with an Adreno 740 GPU for exceptional graphics performance. The octa-core CPU configuration includes a 3.2GHz Cortex-X3 prime core, two 2.8GHz Cortex-A715 cores, two 2.8GHz Cortex-A710 cores, and three 2.0GHz Cortex-A510 efficiency cores, delivering a perfect balance of power and efficiency. Running on Android 13 with Redmagic OS 6, the device offers a customized gaming-focused interface. The phone's build quality is premium, featuring a glass front and back with an aviation aluminum middle frame. Gaming-specific features include 520Hz pressure-sensitive zones for precise touch-sensing and a built-in cooling fan to maintain optimal performance during intense gaming sessions. At 230 grams and measuring 164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm, the device maintains a relatively sleek profile despite its powerful internals.

Camera & Battery

The ZTE nubia RedMagic 8 Pro+ features a versatile triple-camera system headlined by a 50 MP wide sensor with an f/1.9 aperture and 1/1.57" sensor size, capable of capturing detailed and vibrant photos in various lighting conditions. The primary camera is complemented by an 8 MP ultrawide lens with a 120-degree field of view and a 2 MP macro lens for close-up photography. The camera system supports an impressive range of video recording options, including 8K at 30fps, 4K at 30 or 60fps, and 1080p at 30, 60, 120, or 240fps, giving users flexibility for both cinematic and slow-motion captures. Additional camera features include LED flash, HDR support, and panorama mode for creative photography options. On the front, the device sports a 16 MP under-display selfie camera with an f/2.0 aperture, supporting HDR and capable of recording 1080p video at 30 or 60fps. The under-display placement ensures a clean, uninterrupted display experience while still providing solid selfie capabilities. The battery department is where the RedMagic 8 Pro+ truly shines, featuring a 5000 mAh Li-Po battery that provides ample power for extended gaming and daily use. What sets this device apart is its blazing-fast 165W wired charging support with PD3.0 compatibility, capable of charging the battery from 0 to 100% in just 14 minutes. This means users can quickly top up their device between gaming sessions and get back to action with minimal downtime. The combination of a large battery capacity and ultra-fast charging makes this phone particularly well-suited for heavy users and gamers who need their device ready at a moment's notice.

Who Should Buy This

The ZTE nubia RedMagic 8 Pro+ is specifically designed for mobile gaming enthusiasts who prioritize performance above all else. If you spend hours playing demanding mobile games, this phone's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, Adreno 740 GPU, and built-in cooling fan will ensure consistent, high-frame-rate gameplay without thermal throttling. The 520Hz pressure-sensitive zones provide a console-like gaming experience, making it ideal for competitive gamers who need precise and responsive controls. Power users who demand top-tier specifications will also appreciate the generous memory configurations, with options up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and plenty of space for games, media, and apps. The 120Hz AMOLED display with 1300 nits peak brightness appeals to users who consume a lot of multimedia content or play visually intensive games. Additionally, the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, stereo speakers with 32-bit/384kHz Hi-Res audio, and comprehensive connectivity options including Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC make this a well-rounded device. However, casual users who primarily use their phones for social media, messaging, and light browsing may find the gaming-focused features and relatively heavy 230g weight unnecessary for their needs.

Pros

• Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with Adreno 740 GPU for exceptional gaming performance
• Stunning 6.8-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1300 nits peak brightness
• Ultra-fast 165W charging that fills the 5000mAh battery in just 14 minutes
• Built-in cooling fan and 520Hz pressure-sensitive zones for serious gaming
• Premium build with generous storage options up to 1TB and 16GB RAM

Cons

• No expandable storage option via microSD card
• Heavy weight at 230 grams may be uncomfortable for prolonged one-handed use
• No FM radio functionality
• NFC availability is market and region dependent

Verdict

The ZTE nubia RedMagic 8 Pro+ stands as one of the most capable gaming smartphones available, combining flagship-level performance with thoughtful gaming-specific features like a built-in cooling fan and pressure-sensitive touch zones. With its stunning AMOLED display, ultra-fast charging, and powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, it delivers an uncompromising mobile gaming experience that few competitors can match.