Red Magic 5S: A Gaming Powerhouse at a Competitive Price
The Red Magic 5S, launched in August 2020, was designed specifically for mobile gamers. With its high refresh rate display, supercharged performance, and advanced cooling system, it was ahead of its time and continues to be a strong contender in the gaming smartphone category, even as of 2025.
Developed by Nubia, a subsidiary of ZTE, the Red Magic 5S has been praised for offering flagship-level performance at a more affordable price compared to other gaming smartphones from brands like Asus or Xiaomi. If you’re into competitive mobile gaming or just want a phone that’s built for speed and performance, the Red Magic 5S is worth considering.
Red Magic 5S Price in 2025
In 2025, the Red Magic 5S has significantly dropped in price from its initial launch, making it a great option for gamers on a budget.
- Base Variant (8GB/128GB): $350 – $400 USD / ₹30,000 – ₹34,000 INR
- Higher Variant (12GB/256GB): $450 – $500 USD / ₹37,000 – ₹42,000 INR
- Refurbished Price (2025): $300 – $380 USD depending on condition
Even as a refurbished device, the Red Magic 5S offers incredible value for anyone looking for gaming performance without paying a premium price for the latest models.
Red Magic 5S Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 2020 |
| Display | 6.65-inch AMOLED, Full HD+ (2340 x 1080), 144Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (7nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage Options | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) |
| Rear Camera | Triple: 64MP (main) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 2MP (macro) |
| Front Camera | 8MP |
| Battery | 4,500mAh, 55W fast charging, USB-C |
| Operating System | Android 10 with Red Magic OS |
| Build | Aluminum frame, Glass front and back (Gorilla Glass) |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Under-display sensor |
| Cooling System | Active Liquid-Cooling with fan (7,000 RPM) |
| Weight | 218 grams |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C, NFC |
| Other Features | Stereo speakers, Game mode, Dual SIM, RGB lighting, Game triggers (shoulder buttons) |
Is the Red Magic 5S Worth Buying in 2025?
Yes! The Red Magic 5S still offers incredible gaming performance and features, even several years after its launch. Here’s why it’s a great choice for gamers in 2025:
Why Buy the Red Magic 5S in 2025?
✅ Unmatched Gaming Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 865 and paired with up to 12GB of RAM, the Red Magic 5S can handle the most demanding mobile games, including PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Genshin Impact, with ease. The 144Hz refresh rate display provides super-smooth visuals, making it ideal for competitive gaming.
✅ Advanced Cooling System: The active cooling system with a built-in fan ensures that the phone stays cool even during extended gaming sessions. This liquid-cooling technology prevents thermal throttling, ensuring peak performance.
✅ Fast Charging: The 55W fast charging ensures that you can quickly recharge the 4,500mAh battery and get back to gaming without long interruptions. This is perfect for gamers who need to stay powered up throughout the day.
✅ RGB Lighting and Game Triggers: For an immersive gaming experience, the Red Magic 5S features customizable RGB lighting and shoulder buttons (game triggers) that make controlling your game even more enjoyable. The stereo speakers also enhance the audio experience.
✅ Great Value for Money: Considering its powerful specifications and gaming features, the Red Magic 5S offers exceptional value compared to other gaming smartphones, especially in 2025 when it’s available at a much lower price than its original launch.
Considerations
- No 5G in Some Regions: While the Red Magic 5S supports 5G, it’s important to check if your region or carrier supports 5G bands compatible with this device. In areas with limited 5G coverage, you may be limited to 4G LTE speeds.
- Large and Heavy Design: The Red Magic 5S is on the larger and heavier side, which might not be ideal for users who prefer more compact devices. Its gaming-centric design may also feel too bulky for users looking for a sleek, professional phone.
- Camera Quality: While the 64MP rear camera is decent for casual photography, it’s not as advanced as the mainstream flagship cameras you find on devices like the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra or iPhone 12 Pro. It’s more about performance than photography.
Conclusion
The Red Magic 5S remains a fantastic option in 2025 for anyone looking for a gaming smartphone that delivers superior performance at a reasonable price. With its 144Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865, and active cooling system, it continues to be one of the best choices for gamers on a budget.
If you’re an avid mobile gamer and want a phone designed specifically for gaming, the Red Magic 5S is still a top contender, offering a premium gaming experience at a fraction of the cost of newer models.
