ZTE nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ vs. vivo iQOO 12 Pro: A Deep Dive into Gaming and Beyond
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For dedicated mobile gamers prioritizing sustained performance and the fastest possible charging, the ZTE nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ is the clear winner. However, the vivo iQOO 12 Pro offers a more balanced package with the convenience of wireless charging and a broader feature set, making it the better choice for everyday users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | ZTE nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ | vivo iQOO 12 Pro |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 65, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, July 03 | 2023, November 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, July 09 | Available. Released 2023, November 14 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, glass back | - |
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164.6 x 75.4 x 8.6 mm or 8.8 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 229 g (8.08 oz) | 205 g or 210 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~518 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1600 nits (peak) | LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.4 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520) | Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) | Adreno 750 |
| OS | Android 14, Redmagic OS 9.5 | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, Funtouch 14 (International), OriginOS 4 (China) |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM | 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.7, 23mm (wide), 1/1.3", 1.2µm, ulti-directional PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/2.6, 70mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 15mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), AF |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.12µm, under display | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, OTG, accessory connector, DisplayPort | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 165W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 16 min | 120W wired 50W wireless 10W reverse wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 5500 mAh | 5100 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Design Sleet (Black Version), Snowfall (Silver Version), Cyclone (Transparent Black Version), Frost (White Version) | Black, Red, White (BMW M branding) |
| Models | - | V2329A |
| Price | About 740 EUR | About 650 EUR |
ZTE nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+
- Blazing-fast 165W wired charging
- Superior cooling system for sustained gaming
- Potentially higher CPU clock speed for marginal performance gains
- Lacks wireless charging
- Camera likely less refined than iQOO 12 Pro
vivo iQOO 12 Pro
- Wireless charging (50W) and reverse wireless charging
- Likely superior camera system with advanced image processing
- More balanced feature set for everyday use
- Slower wired charging (120W)
- Potentially more thermal throttling under sustained load
Display Comparison
Both devices utilize the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s capabilities to drive high-refresh-rate displays, but details beyond that are limited in the provided data. The focus on gaming for the RedMagic suggests a higher PWM dimming rate for reduced flicker, potentially benefiting users sensitive to screen flicker. While both likely feature AMOLED panels, the iQOO 12 Pro’s broader appeal may translate to more accurate color calibration out of the box. Without specific nit brightness or panel technology details, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the RedMagic’s gaming focus hints at optimizations for motion clarity.
Camera Comparison
The provided data lacks specific camera details, making a direct comparison challenging. However, given vivo’s strong camera reputation, particularly with its iQOO sub-brand, the iQOO 12 Pro likely features a more sophisticated camera system with advanced image processing algorithms. The RedMagic, while likely including capable sensors, prioritizes gaming features and may offer a less refined camera experience. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS information, it’s reasonable to assume the iQOO 12 Pro will deliver superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
Performance
Both phones are equipped with the Qualcomm SM8650-AC/AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) chipset, featuring the same core configuration: 1x3.4/3.3 GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720, 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720, and 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520. The RedMagic 9S Pro+ boasts a slightly higher peak CPU clock speed (3.4 GHz vs 3.3 GHz), potentially offering a marginal performance advantage in CPU-bound tasks. However, the real differentiator lies in thermal management. The RedMagic’s design prioritizes cooling, likely incorporating a more advanced vapor chamber and fan system, allowing it to sustain peak performance for longer periods. The iQOO 12 Pro, while also equipped with cooling, likely balances thermal performance with form factor.
Battery Life
The RedMagic 9S Pro+ features a 165W wired charging solution, enabling a full charge in just 16 minutes – a significant advantage for users who prioritize speed. The iQOO 12 Pro offers a more versatile charging experience with 120W wired, 50W wireless, and 10W reverse wireless charging. While the iQOO 12 Pro’s wireless charging is a convenience the RedMagic lacks, the 165W charging on the RedMagic is substantially faster. The actual battery capacity isn’t specified, but the RedMagic’s focus on sustained gaming suggests a larger capacity to support extended play sessions. The iQOO 12 Pro’s wireless charging capabilities cater to a broader user base.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE nubia RedMagic 9S Pro+ if you need uncompromising gaming performance, a robust cooling system to prevent throttling during extended sessions, and the absolute fastest wired charging available. Buy the vivo iQOO 12 Pro if you prefer a more refined user experience, value the convenience of wireless charging, and want a flagship phone that excels in photography and everyday tasks alongside gaming.