RedMagic 10S Pro Review: built for hardcore gamers

The RedMagic 10S Pro is the brand’s most advanced gaming phone yet. Unlike standard flagships, it pushes hardware and software to new limits, though it still falls short in camera performance.

Despite that, it includes standout features we’d love to see in mainstream phones-like its active cooling system, full-screen display with an under-display selfie camera, and flush rear cameras.

It runs on a boosted version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, includes a massive 7050 mAh silicon-carbon battery, capacitive gaming triggers, a physical gaming mode switch, and ultra-fast charging. Starting at just $699, it offers serious value for dedicated gamers.

Design and Aesthetics

Gaming phones often come with bold, aggressive looks, and the 10S Pro is no exception. It’s a metal-and-glass slab, somewhat reminiscent of old Xperia devices, but more futuristic thanks to slim bezels and an invisible under-display selfie cam.

The phone includes LED-lit capacitive triggers and an RGB fan that’s part of the active cooling system. A red hardware switch activates game mode, though it’s also customizable. The back has a transparent smoked glass design showing off internal elements, and the dual-camera system sits flush. Only the LED flash slightly protrudes, which disrupts the otherwise clean finish.

Color options are subtle: Nightfall, Moonlight, and Dusk. Nightfall has an opaque back with a unique pattern.

Display

The 6.85-inch AMOLED screen is flat with no curved edges, creating a bold, immersive look. The under-display selfie camera blends well, and the 1.25mm bezels make it feel like a full-screen experience.

Made by BOE, the display supports up to 144Hz, though it’s not LTPO-refresh rates jump between 60, 90, 120, and 144Hz manually or automatically. Brightness and image quality match other gaming phones, though peak full-screen brightness lags slightly. Still, in typical conditions, performance is solid. The 431 PPI display is sharp, though color accuracy is slightly off, with deltaE scores above 4.

Biometrics

The optical fingerprint scanner under the screen is functional but slower and less accurate than ultrasonic options. Facial recognition is included, but due to the hidden camera, it’s not the most secure.

Camera Performance

The main 50MP camera under an f/1.9 lens delivers colorful but oversaturated photos. The ultrawide 50MP camera underperforms in dynamic range but offers more realistic colors. Digital zoom beyond 2X results in noticeable quality loss.

The 16MP under-display front camera is acceptable-better than early versions-but images are soft and a bit overexposed. As for video, it supports up to 8K at 30fps, though 4K yields better stabilized results.

Gaming Features

Gaming-focused hardware includes a high-speed 23,000 RPM fan paired with vapor chamber cooling. It’s quiet (4 dB) and features customizable RGB lighting. Capacitive shoulder triggers offer a 520Hz touch rate-ideal for precision input.

The red Magic Key launches Gamespace, where you can tweak performance settings, cooling, and visuals. There’s even a virtual assistant mascot, Mora, for added personality.

Software Experience

Running Android 15 with RedMagic OS, the phone offers deep customization-navigation, icon styles, Magic Key actions, and more. It’s easy to use out of the box, but also tailored for tinkerers.

AI features are basic, including real-time translation and smart connectivity tools. Google Gemini handles broader AI tasks. Software support is limited to two major Android updates and three years of security patches.

Gamespace Hub

Gamespace centralizes all gaming tools-adjust refresh rates, tweak CPU/GPU output, manage fan settings, and even project games to a monitor. It supports keyboard/mouse play and offers plugins, stat tracking, and note-taking during play.

Battery Life

With a massive 7050 mAh battery, the RedMagic 10S Pro easily lasts two days-even with maxed-out settings. It ranks among the best in endurance, just behind the Vivo X200 Ultra.

Charging is just as impressive: 80W wired charging fills the battery in 38 minutes.

Audio and Haptics

Stereo speakers are loud and clean, with deep bass and no distortion. There's a 3.5mm headphone jack for audiophiles. Haptics are responsive and precise, adding to the immersive experience.

Conclusion: Should You Buy It?

At $699 for the 12GB/256GB model, the RedMagic 10S Pro delivers exceptional value. If you can accept its gaming aesthetics and lack of wireless charging, it’s a powerhouse. It offers top-tier performance, outstanding battery life, and a sleek edge-to-edge display.

The main trade-off is the camera system. While the main shooter is good, the ultrawide and front cameras lag behind flagship competition, and the absence of a telephoto lens limits zoom performance.