RedMagic 11S Pro: A Gaming Phone That’s More of the Same
The latest release from Nubia has arrived, and it’s time to dive into the RedMagic 11S Pro. While it’s true that this phone has some impressive specs, it seems to be more of an incremental upgrade rather than a groundbreaking one. The RedMagic 11S Pro still holds the title of one of the best gaming phones out there, but the differences from its predecessor might leave some gamers scratching their heads.
Let’s talk about the heart of the beast: the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor. Sure, it’s slightly faster than the one found in the previous RedMagic 11 Pro, but is that bump in performance worth an extra $100 (approx. Rs 27,800)? The new model does maintain the same sleek design, weight, and feel—meaning you’re getting a familiar package with a few tweaks under the hood.
In terms of design, the RedMagic 11S Pro sticks to the same boxy look as its predecessor. You’ll still find that beautiful 6.85-inch OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a 50MP camera setup, and a hefty 7,500mAh battery. All the beloved features from the original, like wireless charging, IPX8 water resistance, and responsive touch triggers, are present without any new flashy additions. The only notable change is the switch to LPDDR5X Ultra RAM, which isn’t exactly a game-changer for the average user.
What’s great about the RedMagic 11S Pro is its performance. Nubia has a solid reputation for delivering powerful gaming phones, and this one is no exception. Whether you’re diving into Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile, expect buttery-smooth gameplay. Despite some earlier concerns about performance throttling during benchmarks, the phone performs admirably in real-world gaming scenarios. You can seamlessly play demanding titles without any hiccups.
However, the small performance upgrade of around 3.5% might not justify the higher price tag. For gamers who want to push their devices for emulation or heavy gaming, that added performance could be beneficial, but for casual gamers, it might not make much of a difference.
On the durability front, the RedMagic 11S Pro is tough. It boasts an IPX8 rating, meaning it can withstand being submerged in water for a brief period, which is a rarity among gaming phones. The design features an aviation-grade aluminum frame and a Gorilla Glass 7i display, ensuring it can handle a few knocks here and there.
One of the standout elements is the display itself. It’s bright, vibrant, and handles motion flawlessly, making it a joy for gaming or streaming. The high refresh rate ensures that whether you’re gaming or just browsing, everything looks sharp and smooth.
For connectivity, the phone allows easy access to external monitors and gaming peripherals. With the right adapters, you can transform your mobile gaming experience, making it feel more like a portable console. This feature is a game-changer for those looking to connect a keyboard or mouse for a more immersive gaming experience.
Battery life is also impressive. The 7,500mAh battery can easily last several days under casual use, and it charges quickly thanks to its 80W fast charging capabilities. Whether you’re gaming or just using the phone for daily tasks, it won’t leave you hanging.
Now, let’s get real about the cameras. As expected from a gaming phone, the camera setup isn’t its strong suit. It carries the same 50MP main and ultrawide lenses as its predecessor, and while they’re decent, they won’t compete with dedicated flagship cameras. If photography is high on your list of priorities, you might want to look elsewhere.
Ultimately, if you’re considering the RedMagic 11S Pro, think about how much you value that slight performance increase. At a higher price point and with very little in terms of new features, it might be wiser to stick with the original RedMagic 11 Pro unless you’re keen on squeezing out every bit of performance for gaming.
In conclusion, the RedMagic 11S Pro is a powerful device that stays true to its gaming roots, but it doesn’t quite redefine what we loved about the previous model. For most gamers, the original may just be the better buy.
Note: PKR figures are approximate, based on a rate of Rs 278.00 per USD. Exchange rates fluctuate — please check the latest dollar rate for exact pricing.