Comparing ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro and Red Magic 9 Pro: Which gaming powerhouse is the ultimate buy?

So, is the ROG Phone 8 Pro worth the investment over Red Magic 9 Pro? Let's uncover the answer through the article below.

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro Features Customizable Mini-LED Back Panel

One of the most standout features of the ROG Phone 8 Pro is its customizable LED design. The phone's rear panel comprises 341 Mini-LED lights that can be turned on or off to display various types of text and dynamic images. ASUS dubs this feature AniMe Vision and it supports over 20 pre-installed animation effects, allowing gamers to personalize it according to their preferences.

If you're not interested in Mini-LED animations and prefer more color options to choose from, Red Magic 9 Pro offers black, along with transparent silver and black finishes to reveal some internal components of the phone. Meanwhile, the ROG Phone 8 Pro only comes in black.

Red Magic 9 Pro integrates a cooling fan 

A standout feature of Red Magic 9 Pro is the Magic ICE 13.0 cooling system, with a larger area than its predecessor by over 18% to allow for more airflow and potentially reduce CPU core temperatures by up to 25°C. Moreover, you can even customize the lights on the cooling fan system, which can spin at 22,000 revolutions per minute to make it stand out at the back of the phone.

On the other hand, the ROG Phone 8 Pro comes equipped with the advanced GameCool 8 cooling system, which enhances thermal performance by up to 22% compared to its predecessor, along with quick cooling conduits to evenly dissipate heat from all thermal layers. Additionally, the phone offers the option of attaching the AeroActive Cooler X cooling fan, but this accessory is only included as a gift when you pre-order the phone before February 4, 2024. Otherwise, you'll need to purchase this accessory separately.

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro features a brighter display 

When it comes to the display, the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro has some advantages over its Nubia rival. The display on the ROG Phone 8 Pro is brighter, reaching up to 2500 nits, making gaming and viewing under sunlight easier. The AMOLED display also boasts an extremely fast 165Hz adaptive refresh rate and features AOD settings to quickly view time or notifications when the phone is locked.

Meanwhile, the AMOLED display on the Red Magic 9 Pro has a refresh rate of only 120Hz and a maximum brightness limited to 1600 nits, and lacks the AOD feature.

Red Magic 9 Pro features a larger battery 

Battery life is another crucial factor for gaming phones, and the Red Magic 9 Pro excels in this aspect.

The latest gaming phone from Nubia boasts a whopping 6,500mAh battery capacity, supporting impressive 80W fast charging. Meanwhile, the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is powered by a smaller 5,500mAh battery and only supports 65W fast charging. However, the ASUS device also features convenient 15W wireless charging, providing users with a more enjoyable charging experience.

ROG Phone 8 Pro features water resistance 

The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro features a durable design thanks to its IP68 dust and water resistance rating. This is the same IP rating found on the latest premium phones from other leading brands like Apple and Google. This gives gamers peace of mind in using the device more than the Red Magic 9 Pro, which lacks an IP rating for water resistance and dust protection.

Red Magic 9 Pro is more affordable 

If budget is the deciding factor for you, Red Magic 9 Pro might be a more attractive choice. The phone starts at just $649 (approximately 15.9 million VND), significantly lower than the $1,199 (approximately 29.38 million VND) price tag of the ROG Phone 8.

Should You Buy ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro or Red Magic 9 Pro?

Through the comparison above, it's evident that both gaming phones are highly worth considering, with each device having its own pros and cons. Red Magic 9 Pro is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable gaming phone, with a large battery, and great performance. On the other hand, ROG Phone 8 Pro is ideal for gamers who prioritize display quality, eye-catching design, multiple accessories included, wireless charging, water resistance, and dust protection.