ZTE Unveils Red Magic 9S Pro and 9S Pro+ With Overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Gaming Power
ZTE has introduced its flagship gaming smartphones in the Chinese market, the Red Magic 9S Pro and 9S Pro+. The core distinction from the Red Magic 9 Pro models released late in 2023 is the inclusion of an overclocked version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version chipset. This variant, which Samsung uses in the Galaxy lineup under the name Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, brings higher performance headroom to the new devices. [Portal]
According to ZTE, the Leading Version of the processor enables the Red Magic 9S Pro family to set a record in the AnTuTu benchmark with scores reaching 2,372,164. In practice, ZTE asserts that the 9S Pro can sustain 60 frames per second in Genshin Impact at ultra settings and 120 fps in Honkai: Star Rail, also at ultra graphics. These capabilities are supported by an upgraded cooling system featuring a large evaporation chamber and an internal cooler capable of spinning up to 22,000 revolutions per minute. [ZTE official announcement]
Other notable specifications include a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2480 by 1116 pixels, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and brightness up to 1600 nits. As with previous Red Magic models, the devices house a 16 MP under-display front camera that remains concealed when not in use. The rear camera array on both models comprises a 50 MP main sensor, a 50 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2 MP macro module. [Product brochure]
Battery configurations differ between the two variants. The Red Magic 9S Pro ships with a 6500 mAh cell and supports 80 W fast charging, while the 9S Pro+ uses a 5500 mAh battery and supports 165 W charging. These choices reflect a balance between endurance and speed of recharging for gamers who demand rapid re-energizing during long sessions. [Technical sheet]
The new Red Magic 9S Pro and 9S Pro+ are scheduled to go on sale on July 9. Initial pricing starts at 4,799 yuan for the 9S Pro and 5,799 yuan for the 9S Pro+, translating to roughly 57,100 and 69,000 rubles at current exchange rates. This pricing places the devices in the premium gaming segment and positions them as direct competitors to other Snapdragon-powered gaming phones in the market. [Market report]
Earlier rumors or reports also referenced a foldable model from another brand that features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, illustrating the ongoing emphasis on high-end silicon in the gaming smartphone category. [Industry coverage]