Nubia Red Magic 5G – CPID Approved WithOut Box

About This Item

 

T

Nubia Red Magic 5G Review: A Gaming Powerhouse Built for Speed

Launched in March 2020, the Nubia Red Magic 5G was one of the earliest smartphones to bring a 144Hz refresh rate to the mobile gaming market. Tailored specifically for gamers, this device combines cutting-edge hardware with game-enhancing features to create a powerful and immersive mobile gaming experience.

---

Design and Display

The Red Magic 5G features a 6.65-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 388 pixels per inch (ppi). While this isn’t the sharpest screen in its class, it’s more than sufficient for gaming and media consumption. What truly sets this display apart is the 144Hz refresh rate, which was a world-first at launch. This ultra-smooth refresh rate ensures seamless gameplay, fluid animations, and a faster response time compared to conventional 60Hz or even 90Hz panels.

The design reflects the phone’s gaming DNA. It has an aggressive, futuristic aesthetic with bold colors, RGB lighting accents, and a robust build that feels sturdy in hand. It doesn’t shy away from looking like a gaming device — and that’s precisely the point.

---

Performance and Hardware

At its core, the Red Magic 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, a flagship processor known for its impressive speed and efficiency. Paired with the Adreno 650 GPU, this combination ensures that even the most graphically demanding games run smoothly. Whether you’re playing “Call of Duty: Mobile,” “PUBG Mobile,” or “Genshin Impact,” the phone delivers a consistent and high-performance experience.

The device comes in multiple RAM and storage configurations: 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and either 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.0 storage. While the storage isn’t expandable via microSD card, UFS 3.0 ensures faster read/write speeds, which is beneficial for app loading times and game performance.

---

Gaming-Specific Features

Nubia has equipped the Red Magic 5G with several features designed explicitly for gaming. One standout is its active cooling system — a built-in fan that helps maintain optimal thermal performance during long gaming sessions. Unlike passive cooling solutions in most smartphones, this fan actively reduces heat, allowing the processor to sustain higher performance for longer periods without throttling.

The device also includes shoulder trigger buttons, which provide additional control for gamers. These capacitive buttons can be mapped to on-screen controls, giving players a significant edge in competitive games by freeing up more screen space and offering faster inputs.

The inclusion of 5G connectivity ensures that gamers can enjoy ultra-fast online multiplayer sessions with minimal latency, assuming they have access to a 5G network.

---

Camera System

While the camera is not the primary focus of this device, the Red Magic 5G offers a versatile triple-lens setup on the back. It includes a 64MP wide lens, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP macro camera. The front-facing 8MP camera is sufficient for selfies and video calls. Overall, the camera system delivers decent results, but it won’t compete with flagship devices from photography-focused brands like Apple or Samsung.

---

Battery Life and Charging

The phone houses a 4500mAh battery, which is more than adequate to get through a day of regular use or several hours of intense gaming. The inclusion of 55W fast charging means the battery can be topped up quickly, reaching a significant charge in under 40 minutes, depending on usage and background activity.

---

Software and User Experience

Running on Android 10 with RedMagic OS 3.0, the phone provides a unique user interface tailored to gamers. The OS includes a dedicated gaming mode that enhances performance, disables notifications, and customizes controls to optimize the gaming experience. However, the software may not be as refined as stock Android or other manufacturer skins, and some users may find minor bugs or translation issues in the UI.

---

Conclusion

The Nubia Red Magic 5G stands out as a compelling choice for mobile gamers. Its high-refresh-rate display, powerful internals, and gaming-specific features like shoulder triggers and an active cooling fan make it one of the most distinctive gaming phones of its time. While it may not be the best all-around smartphone for every user — especially those who prioritize camera performance or software polish — it excels in its niche as a true gaming powerhouse.

Feature	Details
Model	Nubia Red Magic 5G
Display	6.65-inch AMOLED, 1080 x 2340 pixels, 144Hz
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G
RAM	8GB / 12GB / 16GB
Storage	128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.0, non-expandable)
Operating System	Android 10, RedMagic OS 3.0
Rear Camera	64MP (wide) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro)
Front Camera	8MP
Battery	4500mAh, 55W Fast Charging
Connectivity	5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C
Sensors	Fingerprint (under-display), Accelerometer, Gyro, Proximity, Compass
Dimensions	168.6 x 78 x 9.8 mm
Weight	218 grams
Colors	Eclipse Black