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Software / Android
With previous generations, the customisations Redmagic make to Android have always felt a bit glitchy and often had minor spelling mistakes
The Redmagic 7 is upgraded to Redmagic OS 5.0 which is based on Android 12. Things seem to have improved considerably. I haven’t noticed the same number of spelling mistakes or any glitchy behaviour.
There is one big problem I have experienced, and this could be due to me using an unreleased review sample. When I tried to add a payment card to Google Pay, Google informed me the phone is rooted or modified. The marketing material states that NFC is there but no embedded secure element (eSE). From what I can tell, Google only strongly recommends the usage of eSE, so I don’t think it is essential for Google Pay to work.
There is no real bloatware installed, the only notable application would be the NextWord browser, but you can uninstall this.
There are a variety of OS-level features. The main modifications are all the gaming features, including a widget to switch on or off the active fan. On the side of the phone is a toggle to go into the gaming mode. All of these features seem to be a benefit to the phone as a whole.
Price and Alternative Options
The Redmagic 7 is priced as follows:
- Obsidian 12+128 Black – $629 / €629 / £529
- Pulsar 16+256 – $729 / €729 / £619
- Supernova 18+256 – $799 / €799 / £679
The Redmagic 7 Pro is launching in the UK but at a later date. I don’t know when or for how much.
The Redmagic 6S Pro pricing is:
- 12+128G Cyborg: £519
- 16+256G Cyborg: £609
- 16+256G Ghost: £629
The Redmagic 6R is £439 for 12GB/256GB
The ASUS ROG Phone 5 starts at £799.
The Black Shark 4 Pro is only just being launched and will be available for £489, but it uses last years chipset.
Overall
Much of the Redmagic 7 is an incremental upgrade from last years Pro models, but the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset performs significantly better for gaming. The improved cooling also allows the phone to run cooler than last year.
The Redmagic 7 launches for £10 more than the launch price of the Redmagic 6S Pro. They are very similar phones, but the new chipset makes a big difference in the performance, and I think it is priced sensibly.
There are not many gaming-specific phones on the market, Black Shark, Asus ROG and LG Legion being the only other proper brands. Each brand seems to approach the niche from a different angle, so it is not necessarily a case of one being better than another. However, as far as Redmagic goes, the active cooling of this phone gives them a significant advantage in sustained performance. The shoulder triggers and all the other gaming tweaks are also fantastic, and this is, therefore, an easy recommendation to anyone wanting the best gaming phone possible.
Redmagic 7 Review Rating
Summary
The combination of the Qualcomm SD8 Gen 1 and active cooling means this is likely to be the best phone on the market for sustained performance until its follow up arrives. The additional shoulder triggers are also very useful for gaming. Pricing is also reasonable, and this will undoubtedly remain one of the best choices for Android gamers throughout the year.
Overall
85%-
Overall - 85%85%
Pros
- Almost certainly the best phone on the market for sustained performance
- Shoulder triggers are excellent for gaming
- Game space is full of useful features
Cons
- Poor battery
- Fan noise can be annoying
- Not the best camera
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
