Comparison between Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro and Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro: Which is the best gaming phone?
A confrontation is presented between two major players in the world of gaming phones.
The ROG Phone 9 Pro positions itself as one of the most powerful smartphones on the market and, in addition, as the most complete and functional gaming phone existing to date. It offers exceptional performance, is pleasant to use even outside the gaming realm, and has a decent camera for such devices. However, its high price, some compromises for gamers, and limitations on software updates can be downsides to consider.
On the other hand, the Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro stands out for its outstanding gaming performance and impressive battery life at an affordable price. It offers exceptional sustained performance and one of the best battery lives in a phone, but its somewhat bulky design and cluttered software interface detract from its appeal, as does a camera with variable performance.
The rise of mobile gaming has created competition between two major players: Asus and Nubia. Both have launched their latest models, the ROG Phone 9 Pro and the Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro, within a short time frame towards the end of 2024. Despite receiving the same positive rating of 4 out of 5, each addresses the gaming experience differently.
When comparing specifications, both phones may seem similar at first glance, but the differences become evident in user experience.
Specifications Comparison: Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro vs Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro
| Specifications | Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro | Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro | |-----------------------------|-------------------------------------|----------------------------------| | Weight | 227g | 229g | | Dimensions | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm | 163 x 76 x 9 mm | | Screen Size | 6.78 inches | 6.85 inches | | Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1216 x 2688 | | Chip | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Elite | | RAM | 16GB / 24GB (LPDDR5X) | 12GB / 16GB / 24GB (LPDDR5X) | | Storage | 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0) | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.1) | | Battery | 5,800mAh | 7,050mAh | | Rear Cameras | 50MP wide; 13MP ultrawide; 32MP telephoto | 50MP wide; 50MP ultrawide; 2MP macro | | Front Camera | 32MP | 16MP | | Colors | Phantom Black | Shadow, Dusk, Moonlight |
Price and Availability
Both phones arrived on the market close to each other, with the Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro starting its availability on November 18, 2024, and the ROG Phone 9 Pro two days later. However, their prices are significantly different.
The ROG Phone 9 Pro has an initial price of $1,199, while the Nubia model starts at $649. This wide price range makes the Nubia the more interesting option for those looking for good value.
Design
Both devices are large and have similar dimensions. Although the ROG Phone is slightly thinner and lighter, the design differences are notable. The ROG Phone has a more refined and sleek look, while the Red Magic is bulkier and flashier, characterized by its RGB lights and a more striking design.
Both phones include additional gaming buttons and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which is convenient for users.
Displays
The ROG Phone 9 Pro features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display, while the Red Magic has a 6.85-inch display, complemented with higher resolution. Although both offer high quality, the ROG Phone shines with greater brightness and a faster refresh rate.
Cameras
Traditionally, cameras in phones designed for gaming are not a priority. However, the ROG Phone 9 Pro excels with a camera system that performs much better than that of the Red Magic 10 Pro, which lacks an optimal setup for quality photography.
Performance and Software
Both phones run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and offer virtually identical performance in tests, standing out as some of the fastest devices on the market. Nevertheless, Asus's focus on daily usability and a more refined software experience gives it an edge in this aspect, being notably superior to the experience offered by Nubia.
Battery
With larger-than-usual batteries, both phones provide excellent duration. The Nubia, with its 7,050mAh battery, promises exceptional performance in gaming, while the ROG Phone offers wireless charging, which is an additional plus.
Conclusion
Both phones are excellent in terms of the gaming performance they offer. The choice between the Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro will depend on individual user needs: the former is the more affordable option focused on performance, while the latter provides a balance between gaming and daily usability, albeit at a significantly higher cost.
