Redmagic 9 Pro
November 2023Type
SmartphonePrice
$649Camera
Perhaps the most important aspect for me about a smartphone, other than its software, is the camera on the back. I am not just a writer or a gamer but an amateur photographer, as well, and I take a lot of pictures provided I have enough subjects or time to go out and about. Now, the Redmagic 9 Pro is a gaming phone, and by that definition, I would not expect it to bring a stellar camera onto the table.
The Redmagic 9 Pro has two 50-megapixel sensors on the back. The primary sensor is a Samsung GN5. It's a 1/1.57", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS sensor with a 50-megapixel resolution. The second is a Samsung JN1 sensor, which is another 50-megapixel sensor with a 1/2.76", 0.64µm. The third sensor is a 2-megapixel macro camera, and I can assure you that you will not use it.
The primary camera is, honestly, a lot better than I expected. I am not sure about the exact color science Redmagic 9 Pro uses, but the images come out looking great in terms of dynamic range and contrast. This is one of the few times when I can take a picture from the primary camera and not edit it in Lightroom to make it look better. You can actually just look at the pictures and realize that they have all the details you need.
As far as the ultra-wide sensor is concerned, it is not as good as the primary sensor, but if you are in good enough light, the phone is going to do a great job at ensuring that you are not running into any issues with how the images come out. The sensor is adequate enough to handle itself in well-lit conditions, and I guess that is exactly what most people would want from an ultra-wide sensor, especially when you consider the fact that there is very little fun in taking ultra-wide shots indoors. Unless you are in a wide-open space, still, I'll let the pictures do the justice.
On the front, you will find a 16-megapixel camera tucked neatly under the display. It is not entirely invisible, and you can still see it even with the screen turned on, but the technology has greatly improved. However, I would still prefer an actual hole-punch camera instead of a UDC because, honestly, the quality does not really give you something that you would want from a front camera. However, if you are in well-lit environments, you can take selfies that are passable at best and have a lot of softness in them. You can use the magic of Lightroom to bring some life into the photos.
Simply put, I would say that the camera system on the Redmagic 9 Pro is decent at best. It does have flagship specs all around, but not when it comes to cameras. However, considering how this is a gaming phone, I can let it go, knowing that ZTE is more than capable of making a phone with excellent cameras (just look at the ZTE Z60 Ultra), and you will know what I am talking about. Still, this is a huge upgrade for me in terms of quality over the OnePlus 10 Pro, so I cannot really complain.
Contents
Based alone on its price and performance, the Redmagic 9 Pro is the best gaming smartphone that you can pick up with more than enough features to make sure that it becomes your daily driver going into 2024.
- Excellent display
- One of the fastest phones I have used
- Loud and clear speakers
- Battery champion
- Main camera is actually great
- Built like a tank
- Game Space is fun to use
- Lightly skinned Android 14 with a lot of useful features
Pros
- The front-facing camera needs improvement
- Macro camera is only a novelty addition
Cons
About the author: I have been tinkering with Android devices ever since the early days of the HTC Desire. Over time, I have grown a fondness for the ecosystem and now I cannot live without it. Although some might believe that I have sold my soul to Android, but I believe it is not the case. You can find me writing tutorials and posting guides on a number of different smartphones. When I am not writing here, I am wasting myself away in books, journals, or on Steam.
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