REDMAGIC 8 Pro Review: Gaming powerhouse for hardcore gamers
Despite the burgeoning of Esports in the last decade, high-end gaming phones still tend to be a pretty niche market. We say ‘high-end’ because budget gaming phones seem to be performing better in the market than their more expensive siblings.
It’s hard to say why flagship gaming phones haven’t really caught on. Price probably plays a factor, since people who have RM3k++ to spare would most likely opt for a gaming PC, laptop, or consoles instead.
That, and because many flagship devices can provide a smooth gaming experience anyway, so there’s less incentive to find a gaming-specific phone.
Thankfully, there are still brands that devote resources into gaming devices. The immediate one that comes to mind is the ASUS ROG series.
However, there is one other brand that means serious business when it comes to exceptional mobile gaming, and that is REDMAGIC. We managed to get our hands on the REDMAGIC 8 Pro, and we’re going to tell you why you shouldn’t sleep on this device.
REDMAGIC 8 Pro: Pricing and variants in Malaysia
REDMAGIC introduced the REDMAGIC 8 Pro back in February this year. It comes in two RAM/storage configurations: a 12GB+256GB variant that comes only in Matte Black; and a 16GB+512GB that comes in a mecha-like design in Void (black and gold) and Titanium (white) colours, with a pretty cool RGB ring pattern.
The Matte Black retails at RM3,699, while the Void and Titanium options retail at RM4,299.
The version we reviewed is the 12GB+256GB model in Matte Black. Unfortunately, no cool shiny RGB rings here.
REDMAGIC 8 Pro: Built, and What’s in the box
The REDMAGIC 8 Pro is a solid, solid device. It’s thick and blocky, and does pack some weight – and we are big admirers of that. ‘Lightweight’ phones tend to be far too flimsy, so it’s nice to have a device with some heft to it.
As the design name suggests, it has a smooth Matte texture on its back panels, and the phone sports a rectangular-ish form factor. On the right panels you’ll find the shoulder triggers (one on each end), power button, Game Space switch, and air vent; while the volume rockers are on the left panel alongside another air vent.
The charging brick and cable comes in the box, as well as a plastic clear case which only covers the back, top, and bottom of the device. The side panels are left without protection, presumably so it doesn’t cover the shoulder triggers.
REDMAGIC 8 Pro Spec Sheet
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Red Core |
| GPU | Adreno 740 |
| RAM/Storage | 12GB+256GB (Matte Black), 16GB+512GB (Void, and Titanium) |
| Display | 6.8” AMOLED, 2480p, 120Hz Refresh Rate, 960Hz Touch Sampling Rate, 1,300 peak brightness |
| Main Camera | 50MP Main Camera + 8MP Ultrawide + 2MP Macro |
| Front Camera | 16MP; Under display |
| Battery & Charging | 6,000mAh; 65W Wired Charging |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers |
| 3.5mm Jack | Yes |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
| Gaming Features | 520Hz Shoulder Triggers, Built-in Turbofan, Game Space Overlay |
What makes the REDMAGIC 8 Pro powerful?
We tested the REDMAGIC 8 Pro on several games, with extensive playing time on Mobile Legends, FC Mobile, and F1 Mobile Racing. All in all, the REDMAGIC 8 Pro proved to be a no-nonsense gaming device that can cater even to pro-level gaming.
We experienced no lag or delays even when used for prolonged periods, and toggling between in-game pages was swift. Touch responses were extremely quick, and gameplay was – in the most cliché sense – buttery smooth.
In essence, our gaming experience was, dare we say – perfect!
Now, if you’re wondering how it’s able to extract that much power from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 – a chipset widely used by many flagships this year – it’s because it’s helped by another dedicated chip, the Red Core 2.
This chip is responsible for many of the 8 Pro’s gaming functions, including haptics, audio processing, and lighting effects. This apparently takes the load off the Snapdragon, freeing up capacity to excel in processing.
Additionally, the built-in turbofan in the 8 Pro is no joke either. At its maximum, it can run at 20,000rpms. Of course, you can choose whether you’d want it on max speed, or on auto mode, where it adjusts according to temperature.
Don’t worry, even on full blast it barely makes a noise. At most, just a slight buzz that will go unnoticed once you’re locked in to your game.
Gaming features that makes the REDMAGIC 8 Pro standout
While you may argue that there are a few non-gaming flagships on par with the processing powers of the REDMAGIC 8 Pro, they simply don’t have the gaming features that pins them down as a true gaming device.
Here’s where the REDMAGIC 8 Pro really puts some distance over the rest.
The two shoulder triggers on the right panel are a much-welcomed option in a gamer’s arsenal. From our experience, it does take a little getting used to. Of course, it will also depend if the game you are playing allows for the use of shoulder triggers in the first place. Nevertheless, having two additional controls will certainly elevate your gaming experience.
The REDMAGIC 8 Pro also comes in a new Game Space overlay, which is easily accessible by swiping right twice on your screen when you’re in-game. Two symmetrical menus will slide from both ends of the screen. There, you can monitor CPU and GPU performance; and easily control various functions including video recording, turning the built-in fan on/off, putting the phone on Do Not Disturb Mode, and activating the shoulder triggers, among many others.
It can even support a smaller pop-up window for WhatsApp, Telegram, and Discord so you can reply to your messages while in-game without needing to exit to the homepage.
When you’re not in-game, you can enter Game Space by toggling the red side switch on the right panel. Here’s where you can access all your games and further personalize your gaming settings.
Last but not least, don’t overlook the widgets! There are a bunch of useful widgets to choose from, but the ones we found most useful were Game Fan for controlling fan speeds and Refresh Rates to toggle between 60Hz and 120Hz. You can also put up your Game Screen Time to keep track of your usage.
Light Strip Setting: Not what we need, but what we want
The REDMAGIC 8 Pro is solid black, with inconspicuous design patterns that are pretty much unnoticeable unless you see them up close.
So it was to my gleeful surprise when I found out that those subtle etchings were in fact RGB lights. And although it isn’t really necessary – it’s still pretty cool.
You can set the RGB to light up on a variety of occasions: when you’re gaming, when media is playing (YouTube, Spotify, etc.), as well as for notifications, incoming calls, and even charging. You can also select from different lighting effects, such as Breathing (pulsing), Flashing, Flow, or just a solid light without any patterns.
It’s like what they say – if you don’t have RGB lighting on a gaming phone, is it really a gaming phone?
Final verdict on the REDMAGIC 8 Pro
In every sense of the word, the REDMAGIC 8 Pro is powerful. From built and design, to processing speeds and gaming features, this is a gaming phone through and through.
It would feel almost like an insult if you were to use this phone for anything else other than gaming. Of course you can, we’re not ones to tell you how to use your phone.
But if you’re a hardcore, serious, competitive gamer – then the REDMAGIC 8 Pro must be in your shortlist.
Read more of our reviews here!
