The RedMagic 7 aims to deliver top-tier mobile gaming performance without compromising on everyday usability. As one of the first phones to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, it packs some serious horsepower under the hood. But does it live up to the hype as a gaming powerhouse that can also handle daily tasks? Let’s dive into the key features and performance to find out.
Design and Display
The RedMagic 7 sports a distinctive gamer aesthetic that may not appeal to everyone. It comes in three color options:
- Obsidian (black)
- Pulsar (blue/pink gradient)
- Supernova (transparent back with RGB lighting)
While the Obsidian model keeps things subtle, the other variants fully embrace the gaming phone look with bold colors and lighting effects. The phone’s large 6.8-inch AMOLED display dominates the front, with slim bezels all around.
The screen is a highlight, featuring:
- 1080 x 2400 resolution
- 165Hz refresh rate
- 720Hz touch sampling rate
- 700 nits peak brightness
The buttery smooth 165Hz refresh rate is a standout feature, making animations and scrolling incredibly fluid. The 720Hz touch sampling also provides ultra-responsive touch input for gaming. However, the peak brightness of 700 nits is a bit low compared to other flagships, which may impact outdoor visibility.
Performance and Gaming
At the heart of the RedMagic 7 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, paired with up to 18GB of RAM. This cutting-edge hardware translates to blazing fast performance in benchmarks and real-world use.
In Geekbench 5 tests, the RedMagic 7 scored:
- 1251 (single-core)
- 3874 (multi-core)
These scores outpace most Android flagships, only falling short of the iPhone 13 Pro. The phone handles demanding games like Genshin Impact with ease, maintaining high and stable frame rates.
Gaming Features
The RedMagic 7 includes several gaming-focused features:
- Built-in cooling fan: Activates automatically during gaming to prevent overheating
- Shoulder triggers: Capacitive buttons on the frame for additional control options
- Game Space: Dedicated gaming mode with performance tweaks and customization
The internal cooling fan is particularly effective, allowing for extended gaming sessions without significant thermal throttling. The shoulder triggers also add a nice tactical element for shooters and racing games.
Game Space
Activating the red switch on the side launches Game Space, which provides:
- Performance modes (adjust CPU/GPU/RAM usage)
- Fan speed control
- Screen refresh rate settings
- Notification blocking
- Macro recording for touch controls
This hub gives gamers extensive control over the phone’s behavior during gameplay. Features like zooming the center of the screen or inverting colors can even provide slight competitive advantages in certain games.
Cameras
While not the focus, the RedMagic 7 packs a capable camera system:
- 64MP main camera
- 8MP ultrawide
- 2MP macro
- 8MP front-facing camera
The main 64MP sensor produces detailed shots in good lighting. However, low-light performance and overall image processing fall short of camera-focused flagships. The ultrawide and macro lenses are serviceable but unremarkable.
Video capabilities are more impressive, with support for 8K recording at 30fps. The phone’s powerful processor enables good stabilization and smooth capture at high resolutions.
Battery Life and Charging
The 4500mAh battery may seem small compared to some gaming phones, but it generally lasts through a full day of mixed use. Heavy gaming does drain the battery quickly, with about 25% consumed per hour at max settings.
Fortunately, the included 65W charger mitigates battery anxiety:
- 0-50% in just 15 minutes
- Full charge in under 30 minutes
This rapid charging means you can quickly top up before heading out or between gaming sessions.
Software and Daily Use
The RedMagic 7 runs Android 12 with the custom RedMagic OS 5.0 skin. The interface is relatively clean, with minimal bloatware. However, the update situation is unclear, which may be a concern for long-term software support.
For daily tasks like web browsing, social media, and productivity apps, the phone’s powerful hardware ensures a smooth experience. The 165Hz display makes everything feel incredibly responsive.
Should You Buy the RedMagic 7?
The RedMagic 7 excels as a gaming-focused device, offering top-tier performance at a competitive price point. Starting at $629 for the base model, it’s one of the most affordable Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 phones available.
Pros:
- Excellent gaming performance
- 165Hz AMOLED display
- Effective cooling system
- Fast 65W charging
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- Gamer aesthetic may not appeal to everyone
- Camera performance lags behind other flagships
- Uncertain long-term software support
- No IP rating for water resistance
For mobile gaming enthusiasts, the RedMagic 7 is a compelling option that doesn’t compromise on raw power. However, if gaming isn’t your primary focus, you may find better all-around options in the flagship smartphone market.
The RedMagic 7 proves that gaming phones can deliver serious performance without breaking the bank. While it may not be for everyone, it’s a solid choice for those who prioritize mobile gaming and want bleeding-edge specs at a reasonable price.