Smartphones are getting more expensive by the day, especially flagship models. Take the Samsung Galaxy S series, for instance. In the past, a flagship Galaxy S model would cost around $700, like the Galaxy S8 and S9. However, as the years went on, the price kept climbing. The Galaxy S23 Ultra came in at $1,199, and the latest Galaxy S25 Ultra model is now priced at $1,299. While the S25 Ultra is undoubtedly an impressive device, one question has been on my mind lately: How come this $649 phone offers better hardware than the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
Enter the RedMagic 10S Pro, a Chinese gaming phone with some groundbreaking features at a fraction of the price. This phone, priced at $649, has many aspects that rival Samsung’s top-tier phone in terms of performance and innovation. 
But how is this possible?
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs RedMagic 10S Pro
While the Galaxy S25 Ultra does have its strengths, like the camera system and the S Pen, which are features not found on the RedMagic 10S Pro, the latter shines in several key areas, especially considering its lower price.
Chipset
Both phones are equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, Qualcomm’s latest and greatest chip. The Galaxy S25 Ultra version is specially tuned for Samsung, while the RedMagic 10S Pro uses a variant called the ‘Leading Version.’ In terms of raw performance, both phones are very close. Benchmark results show the RedMagic 10S Pro just slightly edging out the Galaxy S25 Ultra by a couple of points in some tests.
GPU Performance
The RedMagic 10S Pro takes the lead when it comes to GPU performance
. Its Adreno 830 GPU is clocked 100 MHz higher than the one in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, resulting in better sustained performance under load. The RedMagic 10S Pro’s cooling system plays a big role in this, with a fan spinning at 23,000 RPM paired with liquid metal cooling material. During stress tests, the RedMagic 10S Pro’s GPU performance dropped only 20%, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s performance dipped by more than 50%.
RAM and Storage
Both phones start with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, but the RedMagic 10S Pro offers an option for up to 24GB of RAM, with prices still lower than the base model of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The 24GB/1TB RedMagic 10S Pro variant costs $999, compared to the $1,299 price of the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s base configuration.
Display
In terms of displays, both phones are top-tier. The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 6.9-inch Super AMOLED panel, while the RedMagic 10S Pro features a 6.85-inch screen with a 144 Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s LTPO display is capable of switching between 1-120 Hz, but the RedMagic 10S Pro’s display can go all the way to 144 Hz, making it feel ultra-smooth, especially during gaming.
Battery and Charging
Battery life is another area where the RedMagic 10S Pro shines. It comes with a massive 7,050 mAh battery, easily outlasting the 5,000 mAh battery in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. When it comes to charging, the RedMagic 10S Pro charges its larger battery in just 38 minutes, thanks to its 80W wired charging. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Ultra takes 1 hour and 9 minutes to reach a full charge.
Design
When it comes to design, the RedMagic 10S Pro stands out with its transparent back glass and RGB lighting, offering a unique, futuristic look. You can even turn off the RGB lighting for a more understated appearance. 
On the other hand, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has a sleek but predictable design that doesn’t offer the same level of innovation.
Conclusion
The RedMagic 10S Pro is a powerhouse at half the price of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. It’s a fantastic choice if you want great hardware without breaking the bank. However, the Galaxy S25 Ultra offers peace of mind with its long-term software support and brand recognition, not to mention the camera system and S Pen, which are unique to the device. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide whether you prefer a cheaper, high-performance device or the full premium experience offered by Samsung.