ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro And 10 Pro+: A Deep Dive Into The Ultimate Flagship Gaming Smartphones Of 2024

Design and Build Quality

The ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and nubia 10 Pro+ embody a premium look and feel. With a size of 163.4×76.1×8.9 mm and weighing 229 g, these phones are substantial in-hand. Both models feature a glass front and back with an aluminum frame and an aviation-grade middle frame for enhanced durability - ready to withstand the wear and tear of intense gaming sessions. Available in four distinct colors, including the bold Dark Knight and transparent-backed Silver Deuterium, these phones cater to users who value aesthetics as much as performance. Here are the relevant specs:

The ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+ are physically identical in dimensions and weight, and target a balance between robust build quality and hand comfort. Those dimensions are comfortable to hold for prolonged gaming sessions for users with average to large hands. However, the 229 g weight is on the heavier side, though its perception can vary based on hand size. These phones appeal to those seeking a more premium, substantial feel.

If your lifestyle includes extensive phone use or multitasking on the go, the thickness and grip of the aluminum and glass design also play a role in comfort. Smooth edges and a slight contour at the back help the phones fit securely in hand, while a grippy surface reduces slip risks.

The ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+ are equipped with glass backs and aluminum frames, giving them a luxury finish and durability. The glass back lends a premium look but can also make the phone slippery and quickly collect fingerprints and smudges. Many users appreciate the aesthetic but might want a case for extra grip.

Aluminum frame is known for its lightweight strength and corrosion resistance. It is also cooler to the touch, adding a sense of quality. Its finely polished edges give these phones a sleek, sophisticated look, enhancing their overall appeal.

The middle frame in a phone acts as the core structural support, housing internal components and reinforcing the device's rigidity. Aviation-grade aluminum is an upgraded material known for being particularly strong, durable, and resistant to deformation, ensuring that the ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+ can endure everyday wear and tear more gracefully.

This frame type is often used in premium devices to provide enhanced durability without adding too much weight, as well as to dissipate heat efficiently, which can be particularly beneficial for phones running powerful hardware.

The color choices for these phones offer various aesthetic vibes:

• Dark Knight: This classic, almost stealthy shade will resonate with users who appreciate understated, professional aesthetics. It's ideal for those wanting an elegant, low-profile device that doesn't demand attention.
• Dark Knight - Transparent: With the transparent design, this variant provides a slightly edgy, tech-inspired look, appealing to users who enjoy showcasing the internal elements of their devices. It's a popular choice among tech enthusiasts who like to celebrate the engineering beneath the surface.
• Silver Deuterium - Transparent: This color brings a futuristic and innovative touch, with the transparency adding a sense of openness and boldness. It suits users who want their phone to feel modern and unique. The metallic tones also give it a sophisticated edge, appealing to those with a taste for the unconventional.
• White Knight: White conveys simplicity, purity, and a touch of luxury, resonating well with users who prefer clean, minimalist designs. It's an excellent option for users who appreciate a bright, timeless look that stands out without being loud.

Overall, ZTE's design choices - spanning materials, frame quality, and color options - offer both durability and style, making these phones suitable for various personalities and lifestyles. Whether you prioritize durability, aesthetics, or performance, these specifications align with the needs of today's discerning users.

If we compare the ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+ with their respective predecessors - the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro and 9 Pro+, they're slightly smaller. The nubia Red Magic 9 Pro and 9 Pro+ were 164×76.4×8.9 mm and 229 g. Material-wise, they featured a glass front (Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for display protection), a glass back, an aluminum frame, and an aviation-grade aluminum middle frame.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

The absence of an official IP rating on the ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+ might raise an eyebrow or two for potential buyers who are cautious about their devices encountering the elements. However, it doesn't necessarily mean these devices are defenseless. Many smartphones, even without official ratings, incorporate design elements that offer a level of protection against accidental spills, rain, or minor dust encounters.

For users keen on adding an extra layer of defense, investing in a protective case for the nubia Red Magic 10 Pro or 10 Pro+ is a pragmatic move. Cases not only shield the device from accidental drops but also act as a barrier against water and dust. Opt for a case that suits your style and provides the level of protection you desire.

The display, being one of the most vulnerable parts of any smartphone, deserves special attention. A high-quality tempered glass screen protector can be a lifesaver. Not only does it guard against scratches and smudges, but it also adds a level of water resistance to the front of your nubia Red Magic 10 Pro or 10 Pro+.

In the absence of an official IP rating, a bit of user-driven precaution can go a long way. In the end, it's about finding the right balance between living on the edge and keeping your tech in tip-top shape.

For comparison, the predecessors ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro and 9 Pro+ did not come with an IP rating, either.

Display

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

The AMOLED display on both models is a visual treat for gamers. With a 6.85-inch size and 2000 nits peak brightness, this display is stunningly vivid and brilliant, ensuring clarity even under direct sunlight. The 144 Hz refresh rate ensures buttery-smooth gameplay, while the 960 Hz touch sampling rate provides ultra-responsive feedback, crucial for fast-paced gaming.

Here are the relevant specs:

The ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+ display specs highlight some seriously impressive features designed to enhance both visual quality and interaction responsiveness. AMOLED technology is known for delivering rich, vibrant colors, deep contrast, and efficient power consumption.

The 144 Hz refresh rate makes these displays extremely smooth, reducing motion blur and ghosting, which is particularly beneficial for fast-paced games and action sequences.

Higher refresh rates improve the fluidity of animations and transitions, offering an immersive experience that feels responsive and lifelike.

With a resolution of 1216×2688 pixels and a pixel density of about 431 PPI, these displays offer sharp, detailed visuals that are crisp and clear.

Such high resolution is more than sufficient for a display of 6.85 inches, providing fine detail for gaming, reading, and video streaming without visible pixelation.

With an extraordinary peak brightness of 2000 nits, these displays handle outdoor visibility effortlessly, even under direct sunlight. This level of brightness also enhances HDR content, ensuring bright highlights and enhanced contrast without losing shadow details.

For gaming, this helps preserve clarity and detail even in scenes with varying lighting.

With support for 1 billion colors, these displays can represent color gradients and subtle shifts in tone exceptionally well.

This capability makes these phones ideal for users who enjoy visually intensive applications, like gaming and multimedia streaming, where rich colors enhance the experience.

The displays' 960 Hz touch sampling rate enables rapid response to touch inputs. This feature is critical for gaming, where quick reflexes and accurate touch response can make a significant difference in gameplay.

The higher the sampling rate, the faster the screen detects and responds to touch, giving you a competitive edge in high-speed games.

The ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+ feature both PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and DC (Direct Current) dimming to adjust screen brightness in a way that reduces eye strain.

PWM dimming works by rapidly switching the display's backlight on and off to lower the apparent brightness. The high frequency (2592 Hz) used in these phones is beneficial because it reduces the visibility of flickering, making it much gentler on the eyes compared to lower frequencies, especially in low-light conditions. A high-frequency PWM rate is ideal for users who are sensitive to flickering, as it lessens the chance of eye strain.

DC dimming, by contrast, controls brightness by reducing the current supplied to the LEDs rather than cycling them on and off. This approach generally avoids flickering issues entirely and is especially effective at maintaining color accuracy and contrast at lower brightness levels. DC dimming is considered a better option for sensitive users, as it provides a more stable brightness adjustment than PWM.

DC dimming doesn't involve a switching frequency like PWM dimming does. Since it's a direct adjustment of current, there's no pulsing or flickering involved; DC dimming's brightness adjustment remains continuous.

So why both PWM and DC dimming? Well, including both dimming methods allows the nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+ to cater to a wide range of users, from those who need a flicker-free display (which DC dimming provides) to those who prefer the power efficiency of PWM dimming. The choice between the two modes can also depend on the ambient lighting or personal sensitivity.

In conclusion, these display setups, with their combination of AMOLED, high resolution, vivid color depth, and advanced dimming technologies, are engineered for both visual quality and user comfort. You will experience smooth visuals in any environment, excellent outdoor visibility, and a choice of brightness adjustment options for extended comfortable use. Whether you're gaming, watching HDR videos, or just browsing, these displays are tailored to deliver clarity and smoothness without compromising on comfort.

For comparison, the predecessors ZTE nubia Red Magic 9 Pro and 9 Pro+ featured 6.8-inch, 1116×2480 px AMOLED displays, with 120 Hz refresh rates and 1600 nits peak brightness. The China model of the 9 Pro also sported 1 billion colors.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

Equipped with comprehensive network technology, the ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+ support GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, LTE, and 5G, ensuring versatile cellular connectivity options.

GSM, the reliable workhorse, lays the foundation for 2G connectivity, ensuring seamless voice calls and text messages. CDMA is a parallel powerhouse, offering a different approach to network communication with distinct coding techniques. Then, HSPA steps up to the plate, championing 3G connectivity, providing faster data transfer rates and improved multimedia capabilities.

Enter EVDO, a CDMA-based technology, excelling in delivering high-speed data, particularly suited for broadband internet access on mobile devices.

LTE, the bedrock of 4G networks, elevates the user experience with swift internet speeds and enhanced call quality. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. This powerhouse not only promises lightning-fast download and upload speeds but also significantly reduces latency, opening up a realm of possibilities for innovative applications and technologies that will shape the future.

SIM

The ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+ support dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by). This capability adds a layer of convenience for those juggling work and personal life on a single device.

Chipset - Performance

At the core of both devices is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Edition, Qualcomm's high-end processor built on a 3-nm architecture. This chip's octa-core CPU (with a mix of high-performance cores) and Adreno 830 GPU are designed to maximize both power and efficiency, delivering smooth, lag-free gameplay and app performance. Here are the relevant specs:

The ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+ are equipped with Qualcomm's latest high-performance chipset: the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Edition (SM8750-AB), a beast of a processor designed specifically for gaming and high-performance needs. This chipset is built on TSMC's advanced 3-nm fabrication process, which improves both performance and energy efficiency by increasing transistor density.

A smaller node like 3-nm translates to better power efficiency, higher processing speeds, and less heat, which are all essential for gaming phones that tend to run intensive applications for extended periods. Qualcomm's "Elite Extreme" edition designation is a step above the regular Snapdragon 8 series, meaning this version has optimizations specifically for enhanced gaming performance, sustained multitasking, and heat management.

The CPU setup in these phones consists of two types of cores. This core arrangement reflects a balanced configuration geared for both heavy-lifting and efficient multitasking:

• Oryon V2 Phoenix L Cores (4.32 GHz): These two high-performance cores are optimized for handling the most demanding tasks, such as gaming at high frame rates, AR/VR applications, and complex calculations.

  At 4.32 GHz, they're clocked higher than typical "big" cores in many flagship chips, giving a noticeable boost to CPU-intensive tasks. The extra clock speed improves frame rates in games and minimizes load times for heavy applications.

  Qualcomm's Oryon technology has focused on bringing ARM's efficiency together with performance, helping the cores perform more calculations per clock cycle, which is vital for lag-free gaming.

• Oryon V2 Phoenix M Cores (3.53 GHz): The six Phoenix M cores act as mid-performance cores, capable of handling background tasks, moderate multitasking, and everyday app usage without significantly draining power.

  These cores are designed to manage everything from switching between apps to handling light multitasking tasks, ensuring smooth background performance and efficient energy use when the high-performance cores aren't needed.

  At 3.53 GHz, these cores are also faster than what we'd typically see for efficiency cores, meaning the chipset can deliver smooth performance across various tasks while using less power.

This CPU arrangement aligns with Qualcomm's approach of creating a big-middle-little structure, where both high-powered and mid-powered cores work together for balanced power efficiency.

The Adreno 830 GPU is the graphical powerhouse here, with enhancements specifically for gaming and rendering high-resolution content. The Adreno 830 is optimized for pushing high frame rates and handling advanced graphics effects like ray tracing, detailed textures, and high polygon counts, all without dropping frames. This means smooth, high-definition visuals with little lag, perfect for games that demand top-tier graphical output.

Adreno GPUs are known for their efficiency, and in a 3-nm chipset, the Adreno 830 can perform heavy graphical tasks while maintaining lower temperatures, allowing for sustained gameplay sessions without thermal throttling. The GPU also supports the latest graphics APIs, like Vulkan and OpenGL ES, enabling the nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+ to run the latest and most demanding games and VR applications.

Together, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Edition's CPU and GPU deliver a high-performance experience that's especially advantageous for gaming and resource-intensive tasks. The high-clocked Oryon V2 Phoenix L cores and efficient Phoenix M cores work together for optimized power and performance, allowing games to run smoothly while preserving battery life during less demanding tasks. The Adreno 830 GPU adds that layer of visual and graphical finesse, making these phones formidable for both gaming and day-to-day usage.

All in all, the nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+ are armed to deliver a powerhouse performance that is well-suited for today's demanding apps and heavy multitasking needs, with hardware that efficiently balances power and efficiency for long-term, lag-free use.

For comparison, the predecessors nubia Red Magic 9 Pro and 9 Pro+ featured the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) chipset, housing an octa-core CPU (1×3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 + 3×3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 + 2×3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 + 2×2.3 GHz Cortex-A520) and the Adreno 750 GPU.

Memory and Storage

Here are the relevant specs:

The Pro model offers 12 GB of RAM with options for 256 GB or 512 GB of storage, while the Pro+ kicks it up to 16 GB or a whopping 24 GB of RAM with up to 1 TB of storage. Both models use UFS 4.1 Pro storage for rapid data transfer and loading times, ensuring minimal wait even in the most resource-intensive games.

UFS 4.1 Pro is a new and improved version of the UFS, developed to enhance performance, efficiency, and storage density beyond what UFS 4.0 offers. Early benchmarks for UFS 4.1 Pro indicate a noticeable boost in speed compared to UFS 4.0. It's expected to offer faster sequential read and write speeds, possibly bringing it close to certain NVMe storage standards, at least in terms of read speeds, though NVMe still generally has the edge in random access performance.

For comparison, the predecessor nubia Red Magic 9 Pro came in four variants with 8 GB to 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB or 512 GB of UFS 4.0 internal storage; whereas the nubia Red Magic 9 Pro+ came in three variants offering 16 GB or 24 GB of RAM paired with 256 GB to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 internal storage.

Cameras

Both the nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+ offer a triple-camera setup. The primary camera is a 50 MP wide lens with OmniVision OV50E40 sensor, PDAF, and OIS, delivering detailed images even in low-light settings. The 50 MP ultrawide sensor provides an expansive field of view for landscapes, while the 2 MP macro lens allows for close-up shots.

The 16 MP under-display selfie camera is a notable addition, allowing for an uninterrupted screen experience. While it performs well enough for most, the under-display tech could mean a slight compromise on image quality compared to traditional front cameras. It supports 1080p video recording at 30/60 fps, a good fit for vloggers and social media enthusiasts.

Battery and Charging

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

Battery capacity is another area (besides the memory configuration) where these two models diverge. The nubia Red Magic 10 Pro houses a 6500 mAh battery with 80 W wired charging, while the Pro+ packs a slightly larger 7050 mAh battery and 120 W wired charging that can reach 50% in 11 minutes and 100% in just 30 minutes.

The battery life on both should be sufficient for all-day usage and extended gaming sessions, while fast charging on the Pro+ will be particularly appealing to heavy users who can't afford much downtime.

For comparison, the older nubia Red Magic 9 Pro came with a 6500 mAh battery with 80 W wired charging, whereas the 9 Pro+ featured a 5500 mAh Li-ion battery with a blazing fast 165 W wired charging.

Sound

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

Both models feature stereo speakers with 32-bit, 384 kHz Hi-Res audio and Snapdragon Sound for a premium listening experience. They retain the 3.5 mm headphone jack, a feature beloved by audiophiles and mobile gamers who prefer low-latency wired audio. Whether you're playing games or listening to music, the audio quality here should be crisp and immersive.

Hi-Res Audio (High-Resolution Audio) is an audio technology that goes beyond the limitations of standard audio formats, delivering a richer, more immersive listening experience. Its higher bit depth can capture more detail in the sound, and its higher sampling rate (standard CD-quality audio often has a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz) allows the audio system to capture more nuances in the music. In essence, Hi-Res Audio transforms your listening experience from ordinary to extraordinary. It's about hearing your favorite tunes and audio content in a way that's truer to the artist's vision. With the nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+ supporting Hi-Res Audio, you're not just listening; you're diving deep into a sonic universe, where every note, every beat, and every whisper comes alive in exquisite detail.

Snapdragon Sound is a comprehensive audio platform created by Qualcomm, the mastermind behind the Snapdragon chipset residing within the nubia Red Magic 10 Pro series. It's not just a single feature but a synergy of technologies aimed at delivering an immersive and high-quality audio experience. With support for high-resolution audio, you can enjoy your favorite music with exceptional clarity and detail. For those who revel in wireless audio, Snapdragon Sound brings low-latency Bluetooth connectivity to the table, which means that the audio you hear is in near-perfect sync with the video you're watching - crucial for gaming, video streaming, and virtual meetings. It also enhances your communication experience; with advanced noise cancellation algorithms, your voice comes through crystal clear during calls, even in noisy environments.

For comparison, the predecessors nubia Red Magic 9 Pro and 9 Pro+ sported similar audio setups.

Connectivity

The ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro series leaves no stone unturned in connectivity options. With support for Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, this duo covers all the bases, ensuring you can connect to any Wi-Fi network, old or new. But it doesn't stop there - it's tri-band, meaning it operates on three different frequency bands, reducing congestion and ensuring a smoother internet experience. And then there's Wi-Fi Direct, a feature that allows direct device-to-device connections without the need for a router. It's perfect for fast file transfers and seamless collaboration.

Both phones boast Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring a seamless and high-quality connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.

With GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO support on both phones, you can navigate with confidence, whether exploring new cities or embarking on outdoor adventures.

Depending upon the market where you get your nubia Red Magic 10 Pro or Pro+, it may have NFC, the digital magician! This technology allows you to make contactless payments, share files, and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your device interactions effortless.

The ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and nubia Red Magic 10 Pro+ also sport infrared port.

Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 ensures a fast and reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology. And the support for OTG (USB On-The-Go) enables your device to act as host and connect to other USB devices, such as flash drives, keyboards, cameras, and more, without needing a computer as an intermediary.

The USB-C connector on these phones can be used for DisplayPort, a digital video and audio interface that's used for connecting displays to devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets. It's like the bridge that carries the sights and sounds from your device to your monitor or TV.

The ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and nubia Red Magic 10 Pro+ also include the accessory connector, a specialized port designed to connect external accessories or peripherals to your device. Despite being a specialized port distinct from the USB-C port, it often utilizes the USB protocol for data transfer, as is the case here. For gaming enthusiasts, the accessory connector opens up possibilities for connecting gaming peripherals like external controllers, specialized gaming pads, or other accessories that enhance your gaming prowess. It can potentially support a variety of other accessories too, such as external sensors, measurement devices, and even innovative hardware that might emerge in the future.

Sensors and Other Features

The ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and nubia Red Magic 10 Pro+ come equipped with the following sensors:

• Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
• Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is the in-display, optical type in both the models.
• Gyro: The gyroscope can detect when your device is being twisted or turned in any direction. It enhances the accuracy of apps and games that rely on precise motion, like augmented reality (AR) apps and racing games.
• Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
• Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.

For gamers, a standout feature included in both the phones is pressure-sensitive zones (with 520 Hz touch-sensing), designed to provide an edge in gaming performance by adding customizable touch controls for a more immersive experience.

Imagine having an extra set of buttons that respond to the slightest touch - that's the magic of pressure-sensitive zones or gaming triggers. Strategically placed on the device, these zones turn your phone into a gaming controller, adding a tactile layer to your gaming strategy. It's not just gaming; it's gaming with precision.

Touch-sensing refers to how many times per second the phone can register and respond to touch inputs. A higher frequency like 520 Hz means a more responsive touch experience. This is particularly crucial in gaming, where split-second reactions can make all the difference.

Another unique feature of the ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and nubia Red Magic 10 Pro+ is their active cooling system, which includes a built-in 23000 RPM fan. This keeps temperatures under control by reducing heat buildup even during long gaming sessions, ensuring that performance doesn't throttle due to overheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro+ release date?

  The ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro and nubia Red Magic 10 Pro+ has been announced on the 13th November, 2024. It is expected to release on the 18th November, 2024.

• What is ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro price?

  The ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro is priced at CNY 5299 (about USD 731) for the 12 GB / 256 GB variant, and CNY 5799 (about USD 800) for the 12 GB / 512 GB variant.

• What is ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro+ price?

  The ZTE nubia Red Magic 10 Pro+ is priced at CNY 5999 (about USD 828) for the 16 GB / 512 GB Dark Knight variant, and CNY 7499 (about USD 1035) for the 24 GB / 1 TB variant. A special Golden Saga edition (24 GB / 1 TB) will be priced at CNY 9499 (about USD 1311).