ZTE nubia RedMagic 10 Pro vs Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: The Definitive Gaming Phone Comparison

The gaming phone market is heating up, with both ZTE’s nubia RedMagic 10 Pro and Asus’ ROG Phone 8 Pro vying for the crown. The RedMagic 10 Pro arrives with Qualcomm’s brand-new Snapdragon 8 Elite, promising raw power, while the ROG Phone 8 Pro leverages the established Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This comparison dives deep into the nuances of each device, moving beyond simple specs to reveal which phone truly delivers the ultimate gaming experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the hardcore gamer prioritizing sustained performance and battery life, the ZTE nubia RedMagic 10 Pro emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite and impressive 17:13 active use battery score provide a clear advantage. However, the ROG Phone 8 Pro offers a more refined software experience and brighter display.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE nubia RedMagic 10 Pro Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - International
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66 - International
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE (Up to 7CA), 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, November 132024, January 08
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, November 18Available. Released 2024, January 18
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame
Dimensions163.4 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.43 x 3.00 x 0.35 in)163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight229 g (8.08 oz)225 g (7.94 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version)Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1216 x 2688 pixels (~431 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density)
Size6.85 inches, 113.7 cm2 (~91.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~88.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 2592Hz PWM, 144Hz, 2000 nits (peak)LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 165Hz, HDR10, 1600 nits (HBM), 2500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 830Adreno 750
OSAndroid 15, up to 1 major Android update and 2 Redmagic OS updates, Redmagic OS 10Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/2.88", 0.61µm 2 MP (macro)50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, gimbal OIS 32 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), 1/3.2", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS, HDR10+
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRPanorama, HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.12µm, under display32 MP, f/2.5, 22mm (wide), 1/3.2", 0.7µm
Video1080p@30/60fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Infrared portYes-
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5), GLONASS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, OTG, accessory connector, DisplayPortUSB Type-C (side), DisplayPort 1.4; USB Type-C (bottom), OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging100W wired - International 80W wired - China only version65W wired, PD3.0, PPS, QC5, 100% in 39 min - International 30W wired, PD3.0, PPS - India 15W wireless (Qi) 10W reverse wired
TypeMarket-dependent versions:· Si/C Li-Ion 7050 mAh (Global)· Si/C Li-Ion 6500 mAh (China only)5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsMoonlight (Transparent Silver Deuterium), Dusk (Transparent Dark Knight), Shadow (Dark Knight), White Knight, LightspeedPhantom Black
Models-AI2401, AI2401_A, AI2401_D
Price€ 700.99$ 1,157.98 / £ 1,693.75 / € 632.66

ZTE nubia RedMagic 10 Pro

  • Superior battery life (17:13h active use)
  • Potentially higher peak performance with Snapdragon 8 Elite
  • Faster wired charging (100W)

  • Likely less refined camera system
  • Aggressive gaming-focused design may not appeal to all

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro

  • Brighter display (1765 nits)
  • More versatile charging options (wired, wireless, reverse)
  • Potentially better camera performance

  • Shorter battery life (14:43h active use)
  • Slower wired charging (65W)

Display Comparison

The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro boasts a brighter display, reaching 1765 nits measured, compared to the RedMagic 10 Pro’s 1596 nits. While both offer excellent visibility, the ROG Phone’s higher peak brightness is noticeable in direct sunlight. Both devices likely utilize high refresh rate panels, though the exact refresh rate isn't specified. The RedMagic 10 Pro’s under-display camera implementation, while not detailed here, is a key differentiator, offering a truly uninterrupted viewing experience. The ROG Phone 8 Pro’s display is likely to have more accurate color calibration, a hallmark of Asus displays.

Camera Comparison

The provided data lacks detailed camera specifications for both devices. However, given the ROG Phone’s history, it’s reasonable to expect a more comprehensive camera system with features like OIS and advanced image processing. The RedMagic series traditionally prioritizes gaming features over camera prowess. While both phones likely include multiple lenses, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is expected to deliver superior image and video quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of sensor size or aperture information makes a definitive comparison impossible.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The RedMagic 10 Pro features the Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm), utilizing a unique octa-core configuration with Oryon V2 Phoenix cores clocked up to 4.32 GHz. This contrasts with the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) which employs a more traditional Cortex-X4 prime core at 3.3 GHz. The 3nm process of the Snapdragon 8 Elite *should* translate to improved power efficiency and thermal headroom, allowing for sustained peak performance. However, the ROG Phone 8 Pro benefits from the mature optimization of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform. The RedMagic 10 Pro’s architecture prioritizes raw clock speed, potentially leading to higher burst performance, while the ROG Phone 8 Pro focuses on balanced performance and efficiency.

Battery Life

The RedMagic 10 Pro demonstrates a significant advantage in battery life, achieving 17:13 hours of active use, compared to the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s 14:43 hours. This difference is likely attributable to the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and potentially a larger battery capacity (not specified). The RedMagic 10 Pro supports 100W wired charging (International) or 80W (China), while the ROG Phone 8 Pro offers 65W wired charging. The ROG Phone 8 Pro also adds 15W wireless charging and 10W reverse wired charging, offering greater versatility, but the RedMagic 10 Pro’s faster wired charging will get you back to 100% quicker.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE nubia RedMagic 10 Pro if you need uncompromising performance for extended gaming sessions, a massive battery, and are willing to accept a more aggressive design aesthetic. Buy the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro if you prefer a more balanced device with a brighter display, a more polished software experience, and versatile camera capabilities alongside strong gaming performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the RedMagic 10 Pro throttle under sustained gaming loads?
The Snapdragon 8 Elite’s 3nm process and potentially advanced cooling solutions (not detailed in the provided data) are designed to mitigate throttling. However, real-world performance will depend on the effectiveness of the phone’s thermal management system. Initial reports suggest the RedMagic 10 Pro maintains high performance for extended periods, but independent testing is needed for confirmation.
❓ What kind of cooling system does the RedMagic 10 Pro employ?
While the provided data doesn't specify the cooling system, RedMagic phones are known for their aggressive cooling solutions, often including vapor chambers, fans, and liquid cooling. This is crucial for maintaining peak performance during prolonged gaming sessions. The ROG Phone 8 Pro also features a sophisticated cooling system, but RedMagic typically pushes the boundaries further.
❓ Does the ROG Phone 8 Pro support high frame rate gaming in popular titles like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the ROG Phone 8 Pro is capable of supporting high frame rates (90fps or higher) in many popular games, including PUBG and Genshin Impact. Asus typically optimizes its devices for gaming, providing specific settings and features to enhance the gaming experience. However, achieving these frame rates may require adjusting graphics settings.