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For a gaming-first replacement, start with the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro and the REDMAGIC 10 Pro or 10S Pro. ASUS documents configurable shoulder controls, gaming software and a dedicated thermal design, while REDMAGIC specifies a dedicated cooling system. Neither source establishes a controlled, same-game test proving one delivers higher sustained frame rates than the other. Your country, carrier bands, warranty, software-support needs, preferred games and tolerance for camera compromises should decide the final purchase.
What makes a better gaming replacement for an S21 or S22?
The Galaxy S21 and S22 can still run many Android games, but someone replacing one specifically for gaming usually wants more than a newer processor. Long sessions expose heat, battery drain, throttling, touch-control limitations and storage constraints that a short benchmark may not reveal. A suitable replacement therefore needs a complete gaming system: sustained cooling, controls that work with your games, a responsive display, adequate battery capacity and software that remains practical away from a game.
The available product information supports gaming-oriented hardware in the ASUS and REDMAGIC candidates, but it does not provide a directly comparable independent test using the same title, graphics settings, room temperature and session length. Treat the specifications below as design evidence, not as a guaranteed ranking of frame rates.
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ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro: the most complete control-and-everyday package
ASUS positions the ROG Phone 9 Pro around gaming controls, configurable software and a dedicated thermal system. Its official specification lists a Snapdragon 8 Elite platform with Adreno 830 graphics, 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage for the Pro model. The ROG Phone 9 Pro Edition is listed with 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent performance measurements.
#1 Best Overall
- Ultra-high Performance Chipset: This cell phone is equipped with a powerful and efficient Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, using 4nm technology and a full-core 3.2GHz CPU, supporting 24GB LPDDR5X memory + UFS 4.0 flash memory, and equipped with an AI engine, with comprehensive performance upgrades.
- Revolutionary 50MP Quad Camera System: This smartphone is equipped with All 50MP four camera system: Including a Main Camera, a Periscope, an Ultra-wide Camera, and a ultra-clear Front Camera; this cell phone support Ultra XDR 4K video, Auto Tone, Portrait Optimiser, Motion Capture Mode, Night Mode; Whether you're a photographer, vlogger, or social media enthusiast, with the pro-grade camera system and AI enhancements, this Nothing phone can ensure every shot is masterpiece-ready.
- One-Touch Control, AI-Powered Organization：ESSENTIAL KEY: A new button on the side of your device.Press once to capture your screen, long-press to record voice and ideas, and double-press to access Essential Space; ESSENTIAL SPACE: Everything in one place, organised the way you want it to be，AI mobile phones helps organise your captures, generating suggestions, and staying on top of what matters; Explore more AI features, Let AI enrich your life
- GLYPH INTERFACE: Where Light Speaks; The Glyph Matrix transforms your phone into an interactive playground—smart animations turn notifications, tools, and games into living light experiences; NFC: An animation comes to life when NFC is triggered; Glyph Button: Quick-tap to browse Glyph Toys, long-press to launch—from utilities to games; Smarter Alerts: Notifications now speak in light and sound, blending visuals with meaning; Beyond illumination; This is interaction, redefined.
- Larger and Brighter FHD Display: 6.67" FHD+ 1.5K AMOLED flex screen with 1.07B colors & 120Hz adaptive refresh for ultra-smooth visuals; Vs Nothing Phone (2)/(3a): Phone (3) boasts 181.2% brighter (4500 nits), 16.7% sharper (460 PPI), and 316% faster touch response (1000Hz); IP68-rated—tough enough for any adventure.
The 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display can be set to as much as 165 Hz in system settings or 185 Hz through Game Genie, according to ASUS. That setting does not force a game to render at 185 frames per second: the game, graphics workload, temperature and selected frame-rate mode still determine what you see. Check the individual games you play before paying extra for a high-refresh display.
For control, ASUS lists AirTriggers and Game Genie controls. AirTriggers can be useful for games that benefit from shoulder inputs, but their value is title-dependent. Some games support external or mapped controls well; others limit input methods or offer no meaningful advantage from shoulder buttons. ASUS also promotes the ROG Tessen mobile controller. Check phone fit, case clearance and support in each game before buying an accessory.
Cooling is handled by ASUS’s GameCool 9 design. The ROG Phone 9 Pro feature and specification pages also list a typical-equivalent 5,800 mAh battery and compatibility with 65 W wired charging. Capacity and charging compatibility are specifications, not a promise of a particular number of gaming hours. Screen brightness, network use, graphics settings, refresh rate and heat all change endurance.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe official specification page lists IP68 protection and Android 15. Those details make the Pro easier to consider as an all-purpose phone than a device built only for play. The Pro Edition’s box includes an AeroActive Cooler X Pro, while the standard Pro’s listed box contents differ; verify the exact regional SKU and included accessories before ordering. See the ROG Phone 9 Pro specifications and ASUS’s ROG Phone 9 Pro feature page for the model-specific list.
Choose the ROG Phone 9 Pro when shoulder controls, configurable gaming tools, cooling accessories and mainstream daily features matter together. ASUS’s performance and gaming-duration statements remain manufacturer claims rather than independent head-to-head results.
REDMAGIC 10 Pro and 10S Pro: a gaming-first approach to cooling and long sessions
The REDMAGIC 10 Pro specification page lists an ICE-X Magic Cooling System. That dedicated thermal architecture makes the 10 Pro a relevant alternative for players who put sustained sessions and heat management ahead of conventional flagship priorities. The exact model, regional software, network compatibility, warranty and stock still need to be checked in your country.
Rank #2
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
A TechRadar review of the REDMAGIC 10S Pro discusses its cooling and battery focus while describing camera and general-use compromises compared with camera-oriented phones. That is a qualitative review perspective, not a standardized laboratory comparison with the ROG Phone 9 Pro. Read it alongside the official REDMAGIC 10 Pro specifications and the TechRadar REDMAGIC 10S Pro review.
REDMAGIC is the better direction to investigate when gaming hardware is the primary purpose of the purchase and you accept that cameras, software polish or support arrangements may not match a mainstream flagship. Do not assume that the 10 Pro and 10S Pro have identical radios, software or accessories; confirm the generation and regional version shown on the seller’s page.
ROG Phone 9 Pro versus REDMAGIC: what the documented specifications actually show
| Decision point | ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro | REDMAGIC 10 Pro / 10S Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming focus | AirTriggers, Game Genie controls and GameCool 9 cooling are listed by ASUS. | The 10 Pro page lists the ICE-X Magic Cooling System. |
| Display information | 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED; up to 165 Hz in system settings or 185 Hz in Game Genie. | The supplied product information does not establish a directly comparable display specification. |
| Battery information | 5,800 mAh typical-equivalent capacity; 65 W wired charging compatibility. | The review discusses battery focus, but no directly comparable capacity or endurance figure is established here. |
| Memory and storage | 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage for Pro; 24 GB RAM and 1 TB for Pro Edition. | The supplied product information does not establish a directly comparable RAM and storage configuration. |
| Protection and software | ASUS lists IP68 and Android 15. | Exact regional software and protection details should be verified for the specific model. |
| Accessory path | Pro Edition box listing includes AeroActive Cooler X Pro; ROG Tessen is promoted as a mobile controller. SKU and fit matter. | Confirm which cooling or controller accessories are bundled and supported in your region. |
| Evidence boundary | Official specifications and manufacturer claims; no same-condition sustained-frame-rate comparison. | Official cooling specification plus a qualitative 10S Pro review; no same-condition sustained-frame-rate comparison. |
When a mainstream flagship is the smarter alternative
Not every S21 or S22 owner needs a specialist gaming phone. A mainstream flagship may be preferable if the phone must also deliver dependable cameras, long software support, local service, carrier compatibility and accessories that are easy to replace. Samsung’s own gaming-phone guide treats display characteristics as part of the gaming decision and points readers toward its current flagship line, but that is manufacturer guidance rather than independent comparative evidence. Use the Samsung gaming-phone guide as a starting point, then compare the exact model sold in your country.
The trade-off is control and cooling. A conventional flagship may offer excellent everyday balance without dedicated shoulder buttons or a gaming-specific thermal system. If your games are short sessions of turn-based, puzzle, card or casual titles, that balance can matter more than specialized controls. If you play demanding 3D games for hours, investigate the ROG and REDMAGIC designs first.
How to choose based on the games you actually play
Competitive shooters and action games
Shoulder controls can move aiming, firing or other actions away from the touchscreen, but only if the game recognizes the input method or the phone’s mapping tools work acceptably. Test the control layout in a practice mode. A high refresh setting is useful only when the game offers a matching frame-rate mode and the phone can sustain it under your chosen graphics settings.
MMORPGs and long open-world sessions
Cooling, battery capacity and charging convenience become more important than a peak refresh number. The ROG Phone 9 Pro’s documented GameCool 9 system and 5,800 mAh typical-equivalent battery, or REDMAGIC’s specified ICE-X system, are relevant design features. They do not establish how either phone behaves in your particular game, network conditions or room temperature, so check return terms and test early if possible.
Rank #3
- GSM Unlocked: Use your preferred GSM carrier with ease. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, and others. Sim card not included. For availability on select networks, please consult your service provider. Note: This device is not compatible with AT&T/Cricket or CDMA networks like Verizon and Sprint.
- Two Screens, More Control: Large 6.78” curved main display for streaming, gaming, and browsing, plus a smaller, rear screen for quick selfies, messages, and music controls.
- Smooth Performance: Handles your favorite apps, games, and multitasking without slowing down, with plenty of space for all your photos and videos.
- Capture Your Best Moments: Triple rear camera and high-quality selfie camera for bright, detailed photos and 4K videos.
- All-Day Battery: Stay powered all day with our 5,000mAh battery, and recharge in a flash with our 66W quick charge technology that tops you up from 0 to 100% in just 20 minutes.
Emulation and controller-based play
Controller compatibility can matter more than built-in shoulder buttons. Check the emulator or game documentation, the controller’s supported operating-system version and whether your case blocks the connector or attachment. ASUS promotes ROG Tessen, but compatibility and fit must be checked for the exact phone and case.
Cloud gaming
For cloud play, network stability, Wi-Fi performance, latency and a comfortable display may outweigh peak on-device graphics performance. A gaming-focused phone can still be attractive for its controls and battery, but do not buy solely for local rendering if most of your games stream from a server.
Display: interpret refresh-rate claims correctly
The ROG Phone 9 Pro’s 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel and settings reaching 185 Hz in Game Genie are useful headline specifications. Refresh rate describes how often the panel can update; it is not the same as a game’s frame rate. A title capped at 60 frames per second remains a 60-fps experience even when the phone is set to 185 Hz. Some games also lower frame rate automatically when heat, battery saver or a graphics preset requires it.
- Check the game’s own frame-rate options rather than relying on the phone’s maximum setting.
- Use the game’s supported resolution and quality modes as the basis for comparison.
- Expect higher refresh and brightness settings to affect battery use.
- Use Game Genie to confirm that the selected mode is active, then monitor for heat or dropped performance during a long session.
Battery, charging and thermal comfort
A larger stated capacity does not translate directly into a fixed number of gaming hours. Radio activity, brightness, refresh rate, title complexity, volume, ambient temperature and charging habits all change the result. ASUS’s 5,800 mAh figure is described as a typical-equivalent capacity, and its 65 W figure describes wired charging compatibility; neither is an independent endurance test.
For long sessions, decide whether you prefer to play unplugged, use a cooler, or charge while playing. Charging during a demanding game can add heat. A compatible cooler may help the phone remain comfortable, but it adds cost, bulk and another accessory to carry. Verify whether the AeroActive Cooler X Pro is included with your exact ROG SKU; the Pro Edition listing differs from the standard Pro listing.
REDMAGIC’s official page identifies a dedicated cooling system, while the 10S Pro review emphasizes cooling and battery focus. That supports considering REDMAGIC for extended play, not promising a specific runtime or temperature. The only reliable way to know your result is to test your own game at your preferred settings.
Rank #4
- USA MARKET ONLY WORK ON TMOBILE MINT TELLO OR ANY UNDER TMOBILE NETWORK PHONE NEEDS A SIM CARD ALREADY ACTIVATED ,OUTSIDE USA WORKS ANY GSM CARRIER SIM GSM FCC ID: 2AFZZPC0AG
- Dual sim (NO MICRO SD) 5G: 5G SA: n1/2/3/5/7/8/20/26/28/38/40/41/66*(70M)/71/77/78/485G NSA: n1/3/5/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/66*(70M)/71/77/784G LTE TDD: B38/40/41/42/484G LTE FDD: B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/18/19/20/26/28/66*(70M)/713G WCDMA: 1/2/4/5/6/8/192G GSM: 2/3/5/8Supports 4x4 MIMO*5G SA/NSA N66(70M) and 4G B66(70M): UL 1710MHz～1780MHz, DL 2110MHz～2180MHz*5G connectivity may vary based on region availability and local operator support.
- 6.59" 1.5K 120Hz ultra-bright AMOLED displayResolution: 2756*1268Contrast ratio: 8,000,000:1Refresh rate: Up to 120Hz*Refresh rate can be adjusted to up to 120Hz for supported apps.Peak brightness: 3500 nits covering 25% display areaHBM brightness: 2000 nitsTypical brightness: 800 nitsTouch sampling rate: Up to 480HzInstant touch sampling rate: 2560Hz*2560Hz instant touch sampling rate is activated under Game Turbo Mode.12-bit color depth, 68 billion colorsDCI-P3 wide color gamut3840Hz PWM dimmingOriginal color PROPro HDR displayWet Touch display 2.0HDR10+TCertifiedTÜV Rheinland Flicker Free CertifiedTÜV Rheinland Circadian Friendly CertifiedDolby VisionCorning Gorilla Glass 7i
- Dimensity 8500-Ultra4nm manufacturing processOcta-core CPU, up to 3.4GHzMali-G720 MC8 GPU / 6500mAh (typ)100W HyperChargeUSB Type-C charging portUp to 27W reverse chargingSupports PD3.0/PD2.0Smart charging
- Wi-Fi Protocol: Wi-Fi 6/ Wi-Fi 5/ Wi-Fi 4 and 802.11a/b/g*Wi-Fi 6 capability may vary based on regional availability and local network support. Wi-Fi connectivity (including Wi-Fi frequency bands, Wi-Fi ratified in IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications) may vary based on regional availability and local network support. The function may be added via OTA when and where applicable.WLAN frequency: 2.4G Wi-Fi | 5G Wi-FiSupports 2x2 MIMO, 8x8 Sounding for MU-MIMO, Wi-Fi Direct, MiracastBluetooth 6.0Supports SBC / AAC / LDAC / LHDC 5.0 / LC3 / ASHA / AuracastNFC -
Everyday-phone trade-offs to check before buying
Size, weight and pocket comfort
Gaming phones and their coolers or controllers can be larger and less convenient than an S21 or S22. The supplied specifications do not establish a complete, directly comparable size-and-weight table for these candidates, so handle the exact model if possible. Consider one-handed use, car mounts, wireless charging requirements and whether your case works with an attached controller or cooler.
Cameras and general use
The REDMAGIC 10S Pro review specifically notes camera and general-use trade-offs against camera-focused phones. If photography, video stabilization or fast point-and-shoot results are central to your daily use, compare sample output and camera software rather than choosing on gaming hardware alone. The ROG Phone 9 Pro is positioned with broader flagship features, but the available material does not establish an independent camera winner.
Water protection and durability
ASUS lists IP68 for the ROG Phone 9 Pro. Verify what the rating covers for your region and remember that resistance can change after drops, repairs or port damage. Do not infer an equivalent rating for a REDMAGIC model from the information above; check the exact official regional specification.
Software support and service
Confirm update policy, repair arrangements, warranty coverage and local service before ordering. The available evidence does not establish a universal support lifetime for either gaming-focused candidate. A phone with excellent gaming hardware is a poor replacement if your carrier does not support its bands or the seller cannot honor warranty service in your country.
Buying checklist for an S21 or S22 replacement
- Identify the exact country and carrier. Check the model number, supported bands, eSIM or SIM arrangement, warranty location and return window.
- Match the phone to your games. List the games you play most, their supported frame-rate modes, controller rules and any anti-cheat restrictions on mapped inputs.
- Choose the hardware priority. Select ROG when AirTriggers, Game Genie and accessory integration matter; investigate REDMAGIC when gaming-first cooling and long sessions dominate; consider a mainstream flagship when cameras and support are equally important.
- Confirm the memory and storage SKU. For ROG, distinguish the 16 GB/512 GB Pro from the 24 GB/1 TB Pro Edition. Do not assume the higher specification is sold or bundled identically in every market.
- Check what is in the box. Verify whether a cooler, charger, case or controller is included. The ROG Pro Edition and standard Pro listings differ.
- Verify accessory clearance. Check case thickness, connector position, controller fit and cooler compatibility before buying add-ons.
- Review software and protection details. Confirm the advertised Android version, update commitments, IP rating and regional support on the exact seller page.
- Plan an early real-world test. Install your demanding games, play a full session at intended settings, and check heat, comfort, battery drain, touch response and network behavior while the return period remains open.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Picking by processor name alone: a fast chipset does not prove sustained performance after a long, hot session. Look for cooling design and test your own games.
- Assuming 185 Hz means 185 fps: panel capability and game rendering are separate. Confirm the title’s frame-rate mode.
- Comparing battery numbers without conditions: capacity, charging wattage and real endurance are different measurements. Treat ASUS’s figures as specifications.
- Buying the wrong regional version: radios, software, warranty and included accessories can vary by market. Verify the SKU and seller.
- Ignoring camera and support compromises: a gaming-first phone may be less satisfying for photography or service. Read the 10S Pro’s general-use caveats and compare mainstream options if those needs are important.
- Assuming every game supports shoulder or controller input: test controls in the specific title and account for anti-cheat or layout restrictions.
Which alternative fits which type of S21 or S22 owner?
Choose the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro if…
- You want dedicated shoulder inputs and configurable gaming tools.
- You value a documented cooling design plus a large AMOLED display.
- You want IP68 listed by the manufacturer and Android 15 on the specification sheet.
- You are willing to verify the correct Pro or Pro Edition SKU and accessory bundle.
Investigate REDMAGIC 10 Pro or 10S Pro if…
- Your highest priority is gaming-focused cooling and extended sessions.
- You accept that camera and general-use trade-offs may matter.
- You can confirm local software, network compatibility, warranty and stock.
Stay with a mainstream flagship direction if…
- Your phone must balance gaming with cameras, software support and local service.
- You mostly play shorter or less demanding sessions.
- You prefer broadly available accessories and carrier support over specialist controls.
Bottom line: the best replacement depends on your definition of gaming phone
The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro is the strongest all-round candidate to investigate when gaming controls, cooling, display features and everyday usability must coexist. REDMAGIC 10 Pro and 10S Pro are credible gaming-first alternatives for buyers who prioritize cooling and long sessions and can accept more general-use compromises. A current mainstream flagship remains sensible when camera quality, support and local service are as important as game performance.
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There is no evidence here for naming a universal sustained-frame-rate winner. Before replacing an S21 or S22, verify the exact regional SKU, carrier bands, warranty, software support, accessory bundle and game compatibility, then test the games you actually play during the return period.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
