In the realm of mobile gaming, the relentless pursuit of higher performance and immersive experiences has given rise to a curious phenomenon: the emergence of dedicated cooling devices for smartphones. REDMAGIC's VC Cooler 5 Pro is one such solution, promising to mitigate the heat-related issues that plague mobile gamers. But does the sheer existence of such devices reflect a deeper issue within our technological landscape? Let's delve into the world of mobile cooling and explore the implications of this paradox.
REDMAGIC, a brand synonymous with gamer aesthetics, has imbued the VC Cooler 5 Pro with the signature visual elements that have become its calling card. The transparent design, coupled with vibrant RGB lighting, provides a flamboyant yet functional touch, allowing users to customize the lighting patterns through the Goper app.
In terms of versatility, the cooler is equipped with a magnetic plate for iOS MagSafe devices and a separate clip for Android smartphones. This adaptability is a commendable effort towards universality, but as our experience will reveal, it doesn't come without its drawbacks.
The VC Cooler 5 Pro boasts an impressive array of components designed to maximize heat dissipation. REDMAGIC asserts that it can reduce device temperature by up to 35 degrees Celsius, even reaching sub-zero levels of -12 degrees Celsius.
In our testing, the cooler proved effective in lowering the temperature of our REDMAGIC 9 Pro by three degrees during gameplay. This is certainly an improvement over the phone's built-in fan, which only reduced the temperature by 1.5 degrees.
However, it's important to clarify that the cooling effect is not as dramatic as one might expect. While it does provide a noticeable difference, it's not a transformative solution that will render your phone immune to heat accumulation.
While the cooler's cooling capabilities are commendable, its design presents some ergonomic challenges. Despite its lightweight build, the cooler's additional weight can become noticeable during extended gaming sessions.
Moreover, the heat generated by the cooler itself can create discomfort when holding the phone. While the icy surface and fan remain cool, the sides of the cooler emit noticeable heat, which can be an annoyance during extended gameplay.
The positioning of the cooler can also be an issue, especially for non-iOS users. The magnetic plate ensures perfect alignment on iOS devices, but Android users must rely on the clip, which can block important side buttons.
Furthermore, the clip's compatibility is limited. It doesn't fit well on foldable phones or devices with uneven surfaces, and it interferes with the charging cable of REDMAGIC's own GaN charger.
The advent of dedicated cooling devices raises a fundamental question: is it worth the hassle? While it's undeniably impressive to have a device that can actively cool your phone, the practicality of such a solution is debatable.
In our opinion, the comfort of extended gaming sessions outweighs the marginal cooling benefits provided by the VC Cooler 5 Pro. The ergonomic issues and positioning challenges can detract from the overall gaming experience, making it a compromised solution.
Ironically, we found that the REDMAGIC VC Cooler 5 Pro is more effective as a personal cooling device than as a phone cooler. Its icy surface and powerful fan can provide a refreshing respite from the heat, especially during those sweltering summer days.
The prevalence of dedicated cooling devices for mobile phones is a testament to the relentless pursuit of peak performance in mobile gaming. However, it also highlights a paradoxical trend where the increasing power of our devices is accompanied by the need for external solutions to mitigate their shortcomings.
Whether or not a mobile cooling device is a worthwhile investment is a matter of personal preference. For those who prioritize uninterrupted gameplay and are willing to endure the ergonomic compromises, the REDMAGIC VC Cooler 5 Pro is a capable solution.
But for those who value overall comfort and practicality, the pursuit of an ice-cold phone may be better left to the realms of advertising and marketing hype.
