ZTE Performance Overload - Why the nubia RedMagic 8S Pro+ Reclaims the Throne

The Benchmark Story

nubia RedMagic 8S Pro+ is a high-end gaming [smartphone](/trend/best-smartphones-2026/) featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Leading Version for extreme processing and a built-in cooling fan for sustained performance, aimed at competitive mobile gamers and power users. Released in July 2023, it competes directly with the [ASUS ROG Phone 7 Ultimate](/why-the-thermal-supremacy-of-the-asus-rog-phone-7-ultimate-leaves-competitors-behind/) and the Xiaomi Black Shark series in the niche enthusiast market.

From an engineering perspective, the internal architecture of this handset represents the current peak of thermal management. The integration of the Qualcomm SM8550-AC chipset isn't just a minor clock speed bump; it’s a strategic optimization. By pushing the Cortex-X3 prime core to 3.36 GHz, this model secures a definitive lead in single-core synthetic benchmarks. In our lab testing, we see the Adreno 740 GPU clocked at 719 MHz, providing roughly a 5% increase in graphics throughput over the standard 8 Gen 2 variants found in the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Raw numbers, however, don't tell the full story of the LPDDR5X RAM configuration. This device is the first in the industry to offer a 24GB RAM variant. While critics might argue that 24GB is overkill for Android 13, our performance benchmarking shows that this massive buffer allows the system to keep over 50 applications resident in memory without a single reload. This is achieved through the UFS 4.0 storage standard, which provides read speeds exceeding 4GB/s, ensuring that asset loading in titles like Genshin Impact or Diablo Immortal happens near-instantaneously.

The Real World Reality

Transitioning from synthetic stress tests to real-world usage reveals the true value of the ICE 12.0 cooling system. The built-in cooling fan spins at 20,000 RPM, creating a physical airflow channel through the aviation aluminum middle frame. During a 60-minute session of Honkai: Star Rail at maximum settings, the device maintained a stable 60 FPS with minimal throttling. Most flagships without active cooling would drop to 45 FPS within twenty minutes due to thermal saturation. This active cooling ensures the 120Hz refresh rate remains fluid rather than stuttering under heat pressure.

Visually, the 6.8-inch AMOLED panel is a marvel of engineering because it lacks any punch-hole or notch. By utilizing a second-generation under-display camera (UDC), the screen offers a true full-view experience. While the 1116 x 2480 resolution isn't the highest in the market, the 400 ppi density is sufficient for sharp text and gaming. The 1300 nits peak brightness is adequate for outdoor use, though it trails behind the record-setting panels from Apple and Samsung. The real highlight is the 960Hz multi-finger touch sampling rate, which translates to sub-millisecond input latency—a critical factor for competitive shooters.

Ergonomically, the 230g weight is substantial. This is not a [phone](/trend/best-premium-phones-2026/) for one-handed use. The flat glass back and sharp aluminum edges prioritize a secure grip during horizontal gaming over pocket comfort. The pressure sensitive zones on the side frame are mapped to 520Hz touch-sensing, acting as digital triggers that give players a mechanical advantage in mobile esports. These triggers feel responsive, though they require a learning curve to master the precise pressure required to avoid accidental inputs.

Privacy & Security Features

Running on Redmagic OS 8, the software layer provides several critical security protocols tailored for the modern user. We noticed the inclusion of a dedicated 'Privacy Dashboard' that monitors which apps access the microphone or camera in real-time. This is supplemented by a 'Secure Folder' equivalent that leverages the under-display optical fingerprint sensor for encrypted file storage. This sensor also doubles as a heart rate monitor, though its accuracy is more for general health tracking than medical diagnostics.

For users concerned with offline security, the device supports Google’s 'Find My Device' network and includes hardware-level encryption for data at rest. RedMagic has improved its software transparency, allowing users to granularly control background data usage and permissions for the built-in cooling fan and RGB lighting. Unlike some competitors, this model doesn't force invasive ad-tracking within its gaming hub, providing a cleaner, more professional environment for enthusiasts.

Storage Speed & Expansion

The implementation of UFS 4.0 is a transformative shift for file management. We recorded sequential write speeds that are nearly double those of the previous UFS 3.1 standard. This means that a 10GB 4K video file can be moved or processed in seconds. Unfortunately, the engineering team omitted a microSD card slot. This is a common trend in 2023 flagships, but for a device marketed as a media powerhouse, users must choose their internal capacity wisely at the time of purchase.

Storage options range from 256GB to a massive 1TB. Given the lack of expansion, the 512GB model represents the sweet spot for gamers who maintain a large library of high-fidelity assets. The USB Type-C 3.2 port (on the Chinese variant) supports DisplayPort output, allowing for low-latency wired connections to external monitors. This effectively turns the handset into a portable gaming console when paired with a controller and a large screen.

Connectivity & Signal

Signal stability is reinforced by an 'omni-directional' antenna array. In our testing, the 5G SA/NSA performance remained consistent even in congested urban environments. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 support makes this one of the most future-proof devices on the market in July 2023. Even if your current router only supports Wi-Fi 6, this handset will be ready for the next generation of high-bandwidth, low-latency home networks.

For audio enthusiasts, the 3.5mm jack is a rare and welcome inclusion in the flagship tier. It supports 32-bit/384kHz Hi-Res audio, which, when paired with the Snapdragon Sound suite and aptX Lossless Bluetooth codecs, provides a versatile platform for both wired and wireless audiophiles. The stereo speakers are loud and offer decent separation, though they lack the low-end punch found in thicker, dedicated gaming tablets.

RAM Management

With up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM, memory management issues are practically non-existent. The Redmagic OS 8 kernel is tuned to keep game states cached in the background for hours. Imagine pausing a heavy session of Call of Duty: Mobile, browsing the web for an hour, taking several photos, and then returning to the game exactly where you left off. This model handles that scenario without a hitch.

This extreme RAM capacity isn't just about gaming. It benefits 'Desktop Mode' significantly. When connected to a monitor, the device manages multiple windowed applications with the fluidity of a laptop. We found no evidence of the aggressive background app killing that often plagues Chinese Android skins, suggesting the engineers have prioritized raw multi-tasking performance over extreme battery-saving hibernations.

Performance Summary

The nubia RedMagic 8S Pro+ is an uncompromising piece of hardware designed for a specific demographic that values sustained peak power over camera versatility or slim aesthetics. By combining the 3.36 GHz Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 with the most aggressive active cooling solution in the mobile market, it sets a new bar for what a [gaming phone](/trend/best-gaming-phones-2026/) should be in 2023. The 165W charging capability, which refills the 5000 mAh battery in roughly 14 minutes, further cements its status as a device built for the long haul.

While the camera system—headlined by a 50 MP GN5 sensor—is competent for social media, it is clearly a secondary consideration compared to the processing power. The under-display selfie camera remains a compromise for photography but is a triumph for screen immersion. For those who prioritize frame rates, thermal stability, and charging speeds above all else, the nubia RedMagic 8S Pro+ currently stands alone at the top of the performance hierarchy.