The €899 handset combines Qualcomm’s latest high-end chip, a 185Hz display and active liquid cooling, but its software and cameras fall short of its gaming hardware.
RedMagic’s latest flagship arrives as a familiar but more refined proposition: a gaming phone built around Qualcomm’s newest high-end chip, a flat design and a cooling system that is as much a spectacle as a thermal solution. SmartWorld says the RedMagic 12 Pro keeps the brand’s transparent rear panel and visible liquid channels, while adding a larger cooling assembly and a built-in fan with RGB lighting. The official specification sheet confirms the 6.85-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 processor, up to 16GB of RAM, storage as high as 1TB and a battery capacity of 8,400mAh.
That hardware package is paired with a chassis that is slimmer and lighter than the previous model, at 8.5mm thick and 223g, according to SmartWorld, which also notes Gorilla Glass 7i on the back, an aluminium frame and a largely flat profile that should suit controller play. The company says the device carries IP68 and IP69 ratings, although the open fan structure means the cooling system itself is not dust-sealed. Other reports describe the flat sides as one of the more practical design choices for a gaming handset, especially when used with clip-on accessories or external controllers.
The display is one of the phone’s clearest strengths. SmartWorld describes it as a 6.85-inch panel with 2,688 by 1,216 resolution and a 185Hz refresh rate, while the manufacturer says peak brightness reaches 1,900 nits. The lack of a cut-out for the front camera helps the screen feel uninterrupted, which is unusual even in the premium segment. On the gaming side, the review says titles run smoothly and that the handset’s thermal management keeps performance steady during extended play. Android Authority and 9to5Google both point to the combination of liquid cooling, the active fan and the large battery as central to the phone’s appeal.
Battery life is another area where the 12 Pro appears to stand out. SmartWorld says the 8,400mAh cell comfortably lasts a full day in mixed use, and that the phone can still deliver several hours of demanding gaming or PC emulation. The company confirms support for wired charging at up to 80W and for wireless charging as well. On software, the picture is less polished: SmartWorld criticises the interface for uneven translations and a lack of refinement for everyday use, even while praising the extensive gaming tools, trigger customisation and the expanded Gravity X environment, which now includes PC-game emulation. Camera performance remains secondary, with the two rear 50-megapixel sensors judged adequate rather than exceptional and the under-display 16-megapixel selfie camera described as weak.
Pricing reflects the phone’s positioning as a specialist device rather than a mainstream all-rounder. SmartWorld places the launch price at €899, above the earlier 11S Pro but still below many rivals that use the same class of chipset. The review’s overall verdict is that the RedMagic 12 Pro is a technically impressive gaming smartphone with strong value for buyers who prioritise performance, cooling and battery endurance over camera quality and software polish. In that sense, it continues RedMagic’s established formula, but with a larger battery, wireless charging and one of the most aggressive cooling systems on the market.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
