Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro vs. Red Magic 9 Pro

The Battle of Gaming Titans: Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro vs. Red Magic 9 Pro

The gaming world is evolving, and so are the smartphones designed specifically for gamers. In 2024, two contenders for the title of the best gaming phone have emerged – the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro and the Red Magic 9 Pro. These devices promise to not only redefine gaming experiences but also push the boundaries of what we can expect from a gaming-oriented smartphone.

In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into various aspects, including design, performance, display, gaming capabilities, additional features, and camera prowess, to determine which device deserves the crown as the ultimate gaming smartphone.

 

 


Design and Build

The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro introduces a refreshing redesign in terms of aesthetics. Its graphite-looking back, animation feature borrowed from Asus laptops, and a revamped camera hump distinguish it from its predecessor. Asus emphasizes going beyond gaming with its camera sensors, a deviation from the traditional gaming device. The inclusion of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, ultimate cooling system, shoulder triggers, and multiple ports positions the ROG Phone 8 Pro as a feature-rich device.

On the other hand, the Red Magic 9 Pro captivates with its stunning design, available in three color variants, including the eye-catching transparent black. Noteworthy features include a built-in fan that improves its cooling efficiency over time, a dual-camera setup, shoulder buttons, and the dedicated gaming switch for quick access to the gaming hub. The Red Magic 9 Pro also boasts a single USB port at the bottom and a headphone jack on the top.

Performance and Benchmarks

Both devices pack a punch with high-end specifications. The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro boasts the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and a sophisticated cooling system with multiple layers. The Red Magic 9 Pro, not lagging behind, features the Snapdragon HN3 and an efficient cooling fan. In benchmark tests, both phones exhibit impressive results, with scores on Geekbench 5 and 3DMark showcasing their computational and graphical prowess.

While the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro takes the lead with a higher display refresh rate at 165Hz compared to the Red Magic 9 Pro’s 120Hz, both phones deliver excellent gaming experiences, with benchmark scores indicating their capacity for handling demanding games smoothly.

 

Gaming Experience

The true test of a gaming phone lies in its ability to deliver a seamless gaming experience. Both devices showcase their gaming capabilities by tackling popular titles like Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG Mobile, and Genshin Impact. The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro impresses with a solid 120 frames per second in Call of Duty Mobile, utilizing its advanced cooling features for optimal performance.

The Red Magic 9 Pro, while also achieving 120 frames per second, showcases its resilience with built-in cooling. The comparison reveals that the gaming experience is closely contested, with both devices offering high frame rates and stable temperatures, making it a tough call for gamers seeking the best performance.

Emulator Performance

For gaming enthusiasts who explore beyond traditional mobile games, emulator performance is crucial. Both the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro and the Red Magic 9 Pro shine when it comes to handling emulators for platforms like PSP and GameCube. The devices exhibit smooth gameplay with high frame rates, showcasing their capabilities in catering to a diverse gaming audience.

Audio Experience

Gaming is not just about visuals; audio plays a significant role in creating an immersive experience. The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro triumphs in the speaker department, providing clear and rich sound, even though it deviates from the dual front-facing speakers.

The Red Magic 9 Pro, while loud, falls slightly short in clarity and bass richness. The audio comparison underscores the importance of a well-balanced sound profile for an enhanced gaming audio experience.

Battery Life

Both phones boast substantial battery capacities, with the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro featuring a 5500mAh battery and the Red Magic 9 Pro leading with a 6500mAh battery. In real-world scenarios, the Red Magic 9 Pro showcases its stamina, outlasting the ROG Phone 8 Pro in various use cases. The battle of battery life underscores the importance of endurance, especially for gamers who indulge in extended gaming sessions.

Camera Capabilities

While gaming is the primary focus, the inclusion of flagship-like cameras adds versatility to these devices. The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro emphasizes its camera capabilities, showcasing a commitment to providing more than just gaming features. The Red Magic 9 Pro, with its under-display front camera, attempts to balance gaming prowess with an innovative approach to selfies.

Comparing image and video samples from both devices, the results are closely contested. Asus excels in some situations, while the Red Magic offers superior performance in others. The inclusion of flagship-level cameras in gaming phones raises questions about the significance of this feature in the target demographic.

Price and Configuration

Asus offers the ROG Phone 8 Pro at a price point of $999, while the Red Magic 9 Pro comes in at approximately $920. The pricing reflects the premium nature of these gaming devices. Additionally, Asus provides configurations with up to 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, catering to users with demanding needs. The pricing and configuration options play a vital role in the decision-making process for potential buyers.

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro vs. Red Magic 9 Pro “Pros And Cons”:

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro:

Pros:

  • Redesigned Aesthetics: The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro introduces a refreshing design with a graphite-looking back and an animated feature, setting it apart in terms of aesthetics.
  • Flagship-Like Cameras: Asus goes beyond gaming by incorporating flagship-level cameras, providing users with versatile photography options.
  • Advanced Cooling System: The device boasts a sophisticated cooling system with multiple layers, ensuring optimal performance during extended gaming sessions.
  • High Refresh Rate Display: The 165Hz display refresh rate delivers a smoother gaming experience, making it a suitable choice for gamers who prioritize fluid visuals.
  • Feature-Rich: Packed with features such as shoulder triggers, multiple USB ports, and a headphone jack, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is not just a gaming device but an all-encompassing mobile powerhouse.

Cons:

  • Higher Price Tag: The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro comes with a higher price point at $999, making it a premium investment.
  • Single Front-Facing Speaker: Despite delivering impressive sound quality, the device moves away from the dual front-facing speakers found in its predecessor.
  • Competitive Alternatives: The gaming smartphone market is competitive, and there might be alternatives with similar features at a slightly lower price.

 

Reasons to Buy:

Gamers who prioritize a sleek redesign, flagship-level cameras, and advanced cooling for optimal gaming performance would find the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro appealing. Additionally, users seeking an all-in-one device with high-end specifications and a feature-rich experience will appreciate what the ROG Phone 8 Pro has to offer.

 


Red Magic 9 Pro:

Pros:

  • Innovative Design: The Red Magic 9 Pro stands out with its stunning design, offering three color variants, including a transparent black option.
  • Efficient Built-In Fan: The device features a built-in fan that improves cooling efficiency over time, providing consistent performance during prolonged gaming sessions.
  • Competitive Pricing: With a price point of around $920, the Red Magic 9 Pro offers competitive pricing for its high-end gaming features.
  • Dual-Use Gaming Switch: The dedicated gaming switch provides quick access to the gaming hub, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
  • Large Battery Capacity: Boasting a 6500mAh battery, the Red Magic 9 Pro excels in battery life, catering to users who prioritize extended usage without constant recharging.

Cons:

  • Under-Display Front Camera: The under-display front camera, while innovative, may not match the image quality of traditional front-facing cameras.
  • Slightly Lower Refresh Rate: The device features a 120Hz display refresh rate, which, while high, is slightly lower than some competitors.
  • Audio Quality: While loud, the Red Magic 9 Pro’s audio may not be as clear or rich in bass as its competitors, potentially impacting the overall gaming audio experience.

Reasons to Buy:

Gamers who value an innovative design, efficient cooling with a built-in fan, and competitive pricing will find the Red Magic 9 Pro a compelling choice. Additionally, users seeking extended battery life for prolonged gaming sessions and a dual-use gaming switch for quick access to gaming features will appreciate what the Red Magic 9 Pro brings to the table.

 


Conclusion

In the clash of gaming titans, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro and Red Magic 9 Pro present compelling arguments for their supremacy in the gaming smartphone market. The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro impresses with its redesigned aesthetics, advanced cooling system, and flagship-like cameras, while the Red Magic 9 Pro stands out with its innovative built-in fan, unique design, and competitive pricing.

Choosing between the two devices ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities. Gamers seeking a balance between premium gaming features and flagship-level cameras may lean towards the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro. Meanwhile, those prioritizing an efficient cooling system, innovative design, and competitive pricing might find the Red Magic 9 Pro more appealing.

As the gaming smartphone landscape continues to evolve, these two contenders showcase the advancements in technology and the ongoing commitment to delivering unparalleled gaming experiences on mobile devices. The battle for the title of the best gaming phone is intense, and the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro and Red Magic 9 Pro are at the forefront, ready to capture the hearts of gamers worldwide.

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Simon is a technology writer and researcher. He's also an avid sports fan, especially when it comes to the FCB. When not working, you can usually find him tweaking his Android devices or reading political news.