ZTE Red Magic 7S Pro vs. Red Magic 8 Pro+: The Ultimate Gaming Phone Battle

The ZTE Red Magic series has consistently delivered powerful gaming phones, and the 7S Pro and 8 Pro+ are no exception. But with a new generation comes significant upgrades. We're pitting these two titans against each other to determine which offers the best gaming experience and overall value.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Red Magic 8 Pro+ is the clear winner, boasting a faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, significantly quicker 165W charging, and likely improved camera capabilities. However, the 7S Pro remains a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers seeking flagship performance.

PHONES
Phone Names	ZTE nubia Red Magic 7S Pro	ZTE nubia Red Magic 8 Pro+

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International	LTE
5G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International, China	SA/NSA
Speed	HSPA, LTE-A, 5G	HSPA, LTE-A, 5G
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - China	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO

Launch
Announced	2022, July 11	2022, December 26
Status	Available. Released 2022, July 15	Available. Released 2022, December 28

Body
Build	Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame	Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	166.3 x 77.1 x 10 mm (6.55 x 3.04 x 0.39 in)	164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)
SIM	Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)	Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight	235 g (8.29 oz)	230 g (8.11 oz)
	Pressure sensitive zones (520Hz touch-sensing) Built-in cooling fan Aviation aluminum middle frame	Pressure sensitive zones (520Hz touch-sensing) Built-in cooling fan Aviation aluminum middle frame

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 5	Unspecified
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~387 ppi density)	1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size	6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio)	6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 1B colors (China only), 120Hz, 600 nits	AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1300 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)	Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)	Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPU	Adreno 730	Adreno 740
OS	Android 12, Redmagic 5.5	Android 13, Redmagic OS 6

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 18GB RAM, 1TB 18GB RAM	256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	UFS 4.0

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	16 MP, (wide), under display	16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, under display
Triple	64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)	50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Video	8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps	8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	16 MP, (wide), under display	16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, under display
Video	1080p@30/60fps	1080p@30/60fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers
	32-bit/384kHz audio	32-bit/384kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.2, A2DP, aptX, LE	5.3, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 3.0, OTG, accessory connector	USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, accessory connector, DisplayPort
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	135W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 5 min, 100% in 15 min (China) 65W wired, PD3.0 (International)	165W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 14 min (advertised)
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable	Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	Obsidian, Supernova, Mercury, Yellow	Black, Transparent
Models	NX709S	-
Price	About 780 EUR	About 700 EUR

Tests
Camera	Photo / Video	-
Loudspeaker	-24.1 LUFS (Very good)	-

ZTE nubia Red Magic 7S Pro

Excellent performance with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
Fast 135W charging (China) / 65W (International)
Dedicated gaming features (shoulder triggers, cooling system)
Competitive price

Camera performance lags behind the 8 Pro+
Charging speed slower than 8 Pro+
Design may not appeal to everyone

ZTE nubia Red Magic 8 Pro+

Top-tier performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Blazing-fast 165W charging
Improved camera system
Latest technology and features

Higher price point
Design may not appeal to everyone
Potential software quirks (common with new devices)

Display Comparison

Both phones feature large, high-refresh rate AMOLED displays, typically around 6.8 inches with 120Hz or 165Hz refresh rates. The 8 Pro+ likely has a slightly brighter display and potentially improved color accuracy due to newer panel technology. Expect minimal differences in everyday use, but the 8 Pro+ might offer a more immersive visual experience.

Camera Comparison

While both phones offer capable camera systems, the 8 Pro+ is expected to have a significant advantage. The 8 Pro+ likely features a higher resolution main sensor, improved image processing, and potentially enhanced low-light performance. The 7S Pro's camera is still good, but not in the same league.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the 8 Pro+ provides a noticeable performance boost over the 8+ Gen 1 in the 7S Pro. Expect faster app loading times, smoother gameplay, and better multitasking. Both phones have ample RAM (typically 12GB or 16GB) and storage, ensuring a lag-free experience.

Battery Life

The 8 Pro+’s 165W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. The 7S Pro’s 135W (international 65W) charging is still fast, but not as impressive. Both phones have large battery capacities (typically around 5000mAh) providing all-day battery life with moderate to heavy use.

Buying Guide

The ZTE nubia Red Magic 7S Pro is ideal for gamers on a tighter budget who still want a powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and a dedicated gaming experience. The ZTE nubia Red Magic 8 Pro+ is for serious gamers who demand the absolute best performance, fastest charging, and the latest technology, regardless of price.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Red Magic 8 Pro+ worth the extra money over the 7S Pro?

If you prioritize the absolute best performance, fastest charging, and a superior camera, then yes. However, the 7S Pro still offers excellent value for gamers on a budget.

❓ What are the shoulder triggers like on both phones?

Both phones feature customizable shoulder triggers that mimic console buttons, providing a more immersive gaming experience. The 8 Pro+ may have slightly improved trigger responsiveness and customization options.