The gaming phone market is heating up with the imminent arrival of the Asus ROG Phone 9 series and the recent launch of the Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+ in China. The ROG Phone 9 series is scheduled to launch in multiple markets on Nov. 19, whereas the Red Magic 10 Pro series is currently limited to the Chinese market. Likely, only the Pro model may arrive in the global market in December like its previous generation.
Both brands are known for pushing the boundaries of mobile gaming, offering top-tier specs and innovative features. But how will the upcoming ROG Phone 9 stack up against the Red Magic 10 Pro? Let’s delve into the anticipated differences based on available information.
1. Display Differences
The ASUS ROG Phone 9 and the Red Magic 10 Pro each offer impressive displays, but there are distinct differences. The Red Magic 10 Pro sports a 6.85-inch BOE Q9+ OLED display with a resolution of 2688 x 1216 pixels. It supports a 144Hz refresh rate, 2,000 nits peak brightness, and 2592Hz PWM dimming. The advantage with Red Magic 10 Pro series is that since it is equipped with an under-display selfie camera, there is no camera cutout on the screen, which allows it to offer truly full-screen experience for immersive gaming.
In contrast, the Aus ROG Phone 9 has a slightly smaller 6.78-inch FHD+ Flexible Samsung AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. It has a lower refresh rate of 120Hz but compensates with a higher peak brightness of 2,500 nits and HDR10 support. There’s a possibility that the Pro variant in the series may support a 185Hz refresh rate. The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection on the ROG Phone 9 adds extra durability, making it resistant to scratches and drops.
2. Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, both devices feature the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. The Red Magic 10 Pro’s chip is paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. It also features a self-developed R3 chip that enhances gaming performance, particularly for 2K resolution at 120fps gaming. The Red Magic 10 Pro’s battery is substantial at 6,500mAh with 80W charging, ensuring long gaming sessions without frequent recharging. It also supports 50W wireless charging.
The Red Magic 10 Pro+ variant, which is likely to remain exclusive to the Chinese market, has 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM, 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, and a 7,050mAh battery with 120W fast charging. The Red Magic 10 Pro series, running Android 15 with Red Magic OS 10 UI, introduces major improvements like the Red Magic AI Cube 2.0 for a smoother and smarter interface. Key features include the AI Game Model for game commentary, win rate prediction, and gameplay assistance. The Red Magic Assistant, Mora, offers conversational AI for chatting and smart responses. The X Gravity Platform 2.0 supports AR/VR devices, cloud gaming, console streaming, and various peripherals, enhancing the mobile gaming experience.
On the other hand, the Asus ROG Phone 9 is expected to have a powerful chipset that supports up to 24GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB UFS 4.0 storage. This extensive memory and storage configuration is ideal for gaming and multitasking. Its 5,800mAh battery supports 65W fast charging, slightly lower than the Red Magic 10 Pro, but still impressive for quick power-ups. It is also expected to support 15W wireless charging.
The ROG Phone 9 series will also run on Android 15 and the company teased some AI features, which might include gaming-related enhancements, adding another layer of sophistication to its gaming performance.
3. Camera Capabilities
Camera capabilities also show notable differences. The Red Magic 10 Pro features a triple rear camera setup: a 50-megapixel OmniVision OV50E40 main sensor with OIS, a 50-megapixel OV50D ultra-wide sensor, and a 2MP OV02F10 macro sensor. The front camera is a 16-megapixel under-display OmniVision OV16A1Q sensor, designed to be unobtrusive for a seamless display experience.
In contrast, the ASUS ROG Phone 9 has a 50-megapixel Sony Lytia 700 primary camera, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a 32-megapixel telephoto camera with f/2.4 aperture, OIS, and 3X optical zoom. For selfies, it boasts a 32-megapixel front camera. The ROG Phone 9’s camera setup, particularly the telephoto lens with optical zoom, offers more versatility for photography enthusiasts.
4. Design and Other Features
In terms of design, the Red Magic 10 Pro maintains its gaming-centric aesthetics with an active cooling fan and a 10,000mm²-level VC for thermal management. It includes a 3.5mm audio jack, dual 0815 x-axis linear motors, and triple microphones, enhancing the gaming and multimedia experience. The phone is available in Dark Knight and Day Warrior colors, with Deuterium Front Transparent Black and Silver Wing options offering a premium look with transparent elements. Weighing 229g and measuring 8.9mm in thickness, it is designed to be robust yet ergonomic.
The Aus ROG Phone 9, revealed in Phantom Black with a textured back panel, sports a more subtle design compared to its predecessors. It includes a punch-hole display and a small rear camera island, housing a triple-camera setup. The AeroActive Cooler X accessory helps keep the phone cool during intense gaming sessions. The phone is also expected to come in White, offering a sleek alternative. It features an in-display fingerprint sensor, dual stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The inclusion of accessories like the Clear Case, Aero Case, and AeroActive Cooler X Pro in the box adds value and enhances the overall user experience.
5. Pricing and Availability
In terms of pricing, the Red Magic 10 Pro starts at around $690 for the 12GB+256GB variant, going up to $800 for the 12GB+512GB model. The Red Magic 10 Pro+ variant offers higher RAM and storage options, priced up to $1,040 for the top model with 24GB RAM and 1TB storage.
To recall, the 16GB+512GB edition of the Red Magic 9 Pro was priced at $799 globally. Likely, the same version of the Red Magic 10 Pro may arrive with a $50 to $100 price hike. A recent report revealed that the 12GB+512GB edition of the ROG Phone 9 will be priced at around €1,320 (~$1,390) in Denmark.
6. Final Thoughts
The Red Magic 10 Pro has a clear edge in terms of its hard-core gaming design, featuring a full-screen experience thanks to the under-display camera, and a larger battery with faster charging capabilities. It also retains the classic 3.5mm audio jack, a feature increasingly missing from other flagships, which will appeal to users who still value wired audio.
That said, the ROG Phone 9 is no slouch with its versatile camera and expected accessories, making it a strong contender. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on individual preferences and priorities. The Red Magic 10 Pro’s name also sounds more advanced, with “10” appearing a generation ahead of “ROG Phone 9,” and it’s likely to be more affordable globally.
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