One of the most impressive phones I've tested also transforms into a gaming console.

Comparison is said to be the thief of joy, but I, a 90s kid turned disheartened adult, assert that the true loss of happiness in daily life comes from back pain. Therefore, my main goal is to find ways to alleviate the discomfort in my back. For this, I prefer to play on a comfortable sofa, snuggled in a blanket, far from any rigid chair. Video game consoles, or even a Windows laptop connected to a wireless controller and a television, satisfy this need. However, when I’m working from home and want to distract myself without getting involved in intense games, I end up using my phone instead of a gaming console. Unfortunately, the comfort of playing on mobile comes with the regrettable neck pain. With the new year, I decided to opt for a phone that functions as a gaming console, using specialized tools to connect it to a larger screen. This is the Redmagic 9S Pro, a device specifically designed for gaming. I will explore the multiple ways this phone can be used to play on big screens and why it might interest you, especially if you prefer casual gaming.

The Redmagic 9S Pro stands out with its cyber aesthetic that makes it look like a unique device. Every angle of the phone highlights its distinctive and refined design. This model has pioneered the introduction of capacitive trigger buttons that enhance the gaming experience, and it features a high-speed fan to dissipate the heat generated by its powerful chipset. This fan automatically activates during gaming or while charging, keeping the device at appropriate temperatures.

Equipped with an overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and 12 GB of RAM, the Redmagic 9S Pro also boasts an impressive 6.8-inch AMOLED display with an under-screen front camera, making it one of the most attractive mobile devices of 2024. However, its gaming capabilities are not fully exploited as they are limited only to Android games. Although phones have adopted PC hardware components, the software still fails to provide the same experience as a desktop environment. While there are methods to adapt mobile devices for PC configurations, they often require efforts that many are not willing to undertake. This is where the Redmagic 9S Pro shines, offering special modes that simulate a console-like environment without complications.

The Redmagic 9S Pro features a special button that activates the "Game Space," transforming the phone's interface into a dedicated gaming zone, organizing installed titles in a convenient layout. From there, a smoother gaming experience can be enjoyed by projecting the phone's screen onto a monitor, TV, or projector. The desktop mode of this phone focuses on a gaming-oriented environment, unlike other devices that prioritize work settings.

There are two methods to connect the phone to a screen: one is through a wired connection and the other through a wireless connection. In both cases, you can project the phone's screen or expand the content to interact with the phone while viewing the "Game Space." In the wireless connection, the phone mirrors its screen on the larger device. Redmagic has devised a solution to the problem of needing to look at the phone's screen while gaming: the device's screen transforms into a large virtual gamepad, allowing for a more manageable interactive experience.

The ability to project games onto a larger screen has been especially satisfying. I have tried games like Call of Duty: Mobile with this setup, and the results were impressive. Playing on a 50-inch TV allowed me to achieve some of the best kill ratios, and the enhanced graphics provided a superior visual experience. The 9S Pro can stream images at 120 fps with lower graphic quality or at 60 fps in "Ultra" quality.

Wired connections, whether via HDMI or DisplayPort, also allow for enjoying this experience. The Redmagic 9S Pro handles these setups automatically without complications. Keyboard and mouse setups are highly effective for gaming, allowing for customization of controls. Additionally, using a USB hub facilitates connecting various devices, ensuring that the phone stays charged during long gaming sessions.

I have used a Bluetooth controller to control the device while gaming on the sofa. This controller, versatile and functional, easily adapts to different gaming modes. With the combination of the Redmagic 9S Pro and my TV screen, I have been able to enjoy numerous games without needing to move from my cozy spot. Furthermore, the phone's ability to run emulators for classic consoles has allowed me to relive some of my favorite childhood games without any performance issues.

The overall experience with the Redmagic 9S Pro has been outstanding, being an exceptional gaming device and a very competent phone. Its performance, design, and the value it offers make it a standout option in the market, whether as a primary phone or as an excellent addition for gaming enthusiasts.