On Thursday, October 15, 2026, nubia unveiled the " REDMAGIC 12 Pro+ " in China—a gaming smartphone featuring the world’s first liquid cooling system that glows in RGB colors.
Globally, the same model is scheduled to launch on Tuesday, November 3, as the “REDMAGIC 12 Pro.”
I got a first look at this smartphone—optimized for mobile gamers—at the launch event held in Beijing.
Currently the only flagship model in its gaming brand
As of 2026, the REDMAGIC series from nubia—a sub-brand of ZTE— is arguably the only dedicated gaming smartphone brand.
The “REDMAGIC 12 Pro+” is the successor to last year’s “REDMAGIC 11 Pro+,” featuring significantly enhanced performance across the board, including the chipset and battery.
The biggest improvement is the display’s refresh rate, which now supports 185Hz.
There are still only a few models on the market—including those from other manufacturers—that offer such a high refresh rate.
Furthermore, like previous models, it features an under-display camera, so the front camera is completely hidden and does not obstruct the screen during gameplay.
REDMAGIC’s Exclusive Liquid Cooling System Has Been Enhanced
Looking at the back, the transparent circular design catches the eye.
In fact, this is a liquid cooling mechanism that contains a liquid inside.
While the previous model was the first in the world to feature this, the REDMAGIC 12 Pro+ extends the cooling area to include not only the center of the back but also the chipset located at the top.
The motor performance that circulates the liquid has also been enhanced, improving the device’s ability to dissipate heat generated during gameplay.
Equipped with 700Hz-driven shoulder triggers
True to its gaming smartphone heritage, the right side of the device features gaming trigger buttons at both ends, boasting a 700Hz sampling rate.
Since the previous model had a 520Hz sampling rate, response speed has also improved.
In fact, the touch sampling rate has also been increased from 360Hz to 500Hz, enhancing the fingertip sensitivity required for gaming.
Additionally, the red button on the side activates the “GameSpace” mode.
While previous models used a slide switch, the REDMAGIC 12 Pro+ features a dedicated button for easy toggling.
On the other hand, it’s a bit disappointing that the 3.5mm headphone jack on the top of the device has been removed.
While previous models allowed for the use of standard, off-the-shelf wired headphones, the REDMAGIC 12 Pro+ only supports USB Type-C or wireless headphones.
Three Color Options + Special Edition
The device measures 163.03 x 75.96 x 8.55 mm and weighs 223 g.
It is 0.35 mm thinner than the previous model and weighs 7 g less.
On the other hand, the battery capacity has increased from 7,500 mAh to 8,400 mAh.
It also supports bypass charging, with charging speeds of 120 W for wired charging and 80 W for wireless charging.
The device is available in three colors: blue, black, and silver.
A special edition model, the Golden Saga, will also be available.
The price for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration is 6,999 yuan (approximately 165,000 yen).
The previous model with the same configuration was priced at 5,699 yuan (approximately 135,000 yen).
This price increase is likely due to the rising cost of memory, but it’s probably unavoidable.
Models with 16GB RAM and 512GB or 1TB of storage will also be available.
The Golden Saga model introduced at the launch event features a 24GB RAM and 1TB storage configuration.
In addition to its black-and-gold color scheme, the cooling system incorporates gold components.
The price has not yet been determined.
Significantly Enhanced Cooling Performance
The REDMAGIC 12 Pro+’s cooling system, known in Chinese as the “ICE Magic Cooling” system, consists of 10 components, including a heat sink and air-cooling fans.
Although we’re a bit late in mentioning it, the REDMAGIC 12 Pro+ is powered by Qualcomm’s latest and most powerful chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6.
Due to its high performance, the CPU and other components generate significant heat during demanding tasks such as gaming, video processing, and AI operations, requiring an advanced cooling system to ensure stable performance.
Dual-loop liquid cooling system covering the back
A transparent model was on display at the launch event, allowing attendees to see the internal components.
The cooling system doesn’t just form a circular loop around the central battery compartment; it also features pathways that direct the coolant all the way to the chipset located in the upper-right corner.
A small pump built into the lower-left corner ensures the fluid circulates smoothly throughout this dual-loop system.
Incidentally, comparing the liquid cooling mechanisms with the previous model clearly illustrates the expanded cooling area.
The volume of the fluid channels has increased by 189%, and the cross-sectional area of the cooling fluid channels alone has increased by 130 %.
Furthermore, by cooling the area around the chipset as well, it enables more stable operation.
Cooling Mechanism Enhanced to the Limit
Incidentally, the coolant used in the cooling mechanism is a fluorine-based compound also used in AI servers.
The new model is equipped with a powerful micro-pump capable of 130 Pa.
Additionally, the liquid metal that directly absorbs heat from the chipset has evolved to “4.0,” a embedded composite structure with an expanded contact area.
Furthermore, we’ve combined a “4D vapor chamber”—which features recesses on both sides to envelop the heat source—with ultra-thin aerospace-grade steel and graphene materials.
This enhances heat absorption, transfer, and dissipation, suppressing temperature rises during high-load conditions.
And, just like previous models, it also features an air-cooling fan.
Features built-in rear LEDs, as expected from a gaming smartphone
True to its gaming smartphone heritage, the built-in LEDs are now even more eye-catching.
While the illuminated areas on previous models—such as around the frame and the air-cooling fan—were relatively inconspicuous, the REDMAGIC 12 Pro+ features a ring of LEDs around the liquid-cooling unit that can be set to glow in your preferred color.
The sight of a large circle glowing in RGB colors is sure to stand out, not just during gameplay but no matter what you’re doing.
Power Up Your Gaming Experience with Game Space
Press the red button on the side to switch to Game Space.
A list of pre-installed games is displayed here, and you can launch them directly from this screen.
In addition to serving as a game launcher, Game Space lets you turn off incoming calls and notifications while in use, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the game.
Furthermore, you can fine-tune settings for each game, such as CPU performance, touchscreen sensitivity, and button assignments for the shoulder triggers.
You can also adjust the operation of the built-in fans and liquid cooling system directly from here, rather than through the smartphone’s settings menu.
This allows you to optimize settings for the specific demands of each game.
It also supports configuration for compatible peripherals, such as keyboards and game controllers.
By consolidating everything from launching games to adjusting controls and cooling settings, as well as managing peripherals, you can tailor your gaming environment to specific titles and play styles.
Enjoy a comfortable gaming experience
At the exhibition, staff allowed visitors to try out actual devices with settings optimized for each game.
Compared to the standard settings, the response to finger movements felt smoother, giving the impression that you could perform intended actions without hesitation.
It wasn’t just a slight difference in feel—it was so comfortable that even on the same device, it felt like a completely different experience.
The REDMAGIC 12 Pro+ isn’t just about high specs; it’s about translating that performance into a responsive feel through adjustments tailored to each game.
The ability to fine-tune settings to match your own playstyle is a major draw as a gaming smartphone.
Furthermore, the REDMAGIC 12 Pro+ allows you to toggle ray tracing on and off while playing supported games.
This rendering technology calculates the path of light rays to reproduce reflections, shadows, and indirect lighting, enabling natural lighting and shadow effects that reflect the relative positions of light sources and objects.
It enhances the detail of light and shadow within games, boosting the realism and immersion of each scene.
Comfortable gameplay with a gamepad and 5K monitor
An official REDMAGIC gamepad was also on display.
The REDMAGIC 12 Pro+ runs REDMAGIC OS 12, based on Android 17.
This OS features a built-in PC emulator, which allows users to connect to Steam, download compatible PC games to the device, and play them.
While there are some restrictions on compatible titles, you can enjoy the device like a handheld gaming console when paired with the gamepad.
Additionally, a 5K-compatible monitor was announced, allowing users to enjoy mobile and Steam games on a large screen.
It features a Mini LED display with 5,184 zones and a peak brightness of 1,400 nits in HDR mode.
It supports up to 5K resolution at 180 Hz and can also be switched to 2K at 330 Hz.
The body is made of slim aluminum and incorporates transparent panels on the back.
The price is reportedly 6,499 yuan (approximately 154,000 yen).
A model expected to launch in Japan
It features two cameras: a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens.
Given its specifications, it’s not only ideal for gaming but also an attractive high-end smartphone for AI applications and other demanding tasks.
Given that past models have been released in Japan, we’re looking forward to the Japanese launch of the global version of the REDMAGIC 12 Pro+ and the REDMAGIC 12 Pro.
▼Photo & Written by Yasuhiro Yamane/Yasuhiro Yamane
Blog: http://www.hkyamane.com/
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