Nubia Redmagic 11 Air Review: Cool, Light Gaming On the Go
The Redmagic 11 Air is the latest addition to the Redmagic gaming smartphone lineup, offering a slimmer and lighter alternative to the flagship Redmagic 11 Pro. With upgrades in hardware and cooling capabilities, the 11 Air aims to cater to mobile gamers who prioritize portability without compromising performance.
### Design & Build: Slimmer but still chunky
The Redmagic 11 Air features a metal and glass construction that feels solid yet relatively lightweight at 207g. The phone sports a futuristic design with a rear glass panel illuminated by RGB lights and a camera module housing a 24,000RPM fan for improved cooling. The shoulder triggers and Magic Key enhance the gaming experience, although the phone can be a bit slippery due to its smooth surfaces.
### Screen & Speakers: Full screen fun
The 6.85-inch OLED display of the Redmagic 11 Air offers an uninterrupted viewing experience with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1800 nits peak brightness. The under-screen selfie camera allows for a high screen-to-body ratio, while the dual speaker setup provides decent audio quality. However, the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack may be a downside for some users.
### Specs & Performance: Plenty of power onboard
Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, Adreno 830 GPU, and RedCore R4 gaming chip, the Redmagic 11 Air delivers top-of-the-line performance for gaming. The inclusion of 12GB or 16GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, while the cooling system with a 24,000RPM fan keeps temperatures in check during intense gaming sessions.
### Cameras: Capable but not class-leading
The 11 Air features a 50MP main camera and an 8MP wide-angle lens, delivering good image quality in favorable lighting conditions. The under-display selfie camera has seen improvements in sharpness, although low-light performance may not be as impressive. The phone is capable of recording up to 8K video but produces more shareable results at lower resolutions.
### Battery Life & Charging: Bigger battery, longer playtime
With a 7,000mAh battery, the Redmagic 11 Air offers extended battery life for both everyday use and gaming sessions. The included 80W wired fast charging capability ensures quick recharging times, making it convenient for users who need to top up their battery quickly.
### Software & Apps: Minimal bloatware and excellent Game Space
Running on Android 16 with Redmagic OS 11, the 11 Air provides a clean user experience with minimal bloatware. The Game Space suite offers tools for enhancing gameplay, managing screenshots, and optimizing in-game controls, making it a valuable addition for mobile gamers.
### Price & Availability
The Redmagic 11 Air is available in two configurations: 12GB+256GB and 16GB+512GB, priced at £439/$529 and £529/$629 respectively. The phone can be purchased directly from the Redmagic website. While the 11 Air faces little direct competition in the gaming smartphone market, users can also consider the Redmagic 11 Pro for additional features and performance.
### Should you buy the Redmagic 11 Air?
The Redmagic 11 Air offers a compelling option for mobile gamers seeking a lighter and more portable gaming smartphone. With its capable hardware, clean design, and excellent cooling system, the 11 Air provides a solid gaming experience. However, users looking for the ultimate gaming performance may opt for the Redmagic 11 Pro with its additional features. Ultimately, the choice between comfort and speed will determine whether the 11 Air is the right fit for your gaming needs.
