nubia's top-tier gaming smartphone model from the REDMAGIC series, the REDMAGIC 11S Pro, has been released in Japan.
The device underwent a model change just about five months after the debut of its predecessor, the REDMAGIC 11 Pro. We examined exactly what has changed, focusing primarily on its exterior.
Reaching the Pinnacle with a High-Performance Chipset
The REDMAGIC 11S Pro features Qualcomm's "Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Leading Version" as its chipset.
While it belongs to the same generation of chipsets as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 used in its predecessor, the REDMAGIC 11 Pro, the Leading Version is a special edition containing only individual chips binned for stable operation at higher clock speeds.
As a chip with a similar concept, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy intended for Samsung's Galaxy is also a model that boosts performance through higher clocks and specialized tuning, despite being based on the same generation's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
While Qualcomm's chipset generations change every year, REDMAGIC did not wait around, creating the industry's best model by equipping it with the high-clock version.
The display is 6.85 inches with a resolution of 2688 x 1216 pixels and a 144Hz refresh rate, while the front camera features an under-display 16-megapixel sensor.
Performance remains almost identical apart from the chipset, making it a minor refresh model arriving roughly half a year later.
Even so, their commitment to boosting gaming user satisfaction by packing an even higher-performance chipset is highly commendable.
Minor Design Refresh
REDMAGIC carried over the eye-catching water-cooling mechanism on the back exactly as it was from the previous model.
However, several design changes stand out, such as the REDMAGIC logo moving to the bottom, firmly asserting the device as a distinct successor despite being a minor refresh.
The camera system has a flat structure with no protrusion, featuring a 50-megapixel wide-angle and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens. The camera performance is also quite high.
Equipped with 520Hz Shoulder Trigger Buttons
The side features an air intake vent for the cooling fan.
The left and right shoulder trigger buttons boast a maximum touch sampling rate of 520Hz, ensuring a snappy response to touch inputs.
The red slider switch is a key unique to REDMAGIC that launches the dedicated gaming console mode, Game Space.
The design of the sides remains unchanged from the predecessor.
The body measures 163.82 x 76.54 x 8.9mm and weighs 230g.
Despite this body size, it packs a massive 7500mAh battery inside.
The device supports 80W fast charging.
It also supports bypass charging, so as long as you keep the USB cable plugged in during long gaming sessions, you will not have to worry about running out of battery or battery degradation.
Proof of Industry-Leading Specs
The transparent back panel reveals the nameplate for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Leading Version.
The predecessor lacked the Leading Version text, so looking right here tells you instantly that this model boasts the ultimate specifications.
It is definitely a detail you might want to show off a little.
We compared the exterior changes with the previous model using the Chinese silver version.
The predecessor is on the left, and the new product is on the right.
Can you spot the presence of Leading Version below the Snapdragon nameplate, or the difference in the position of the REDMAGIC logo underneath the water-cooling system?
The Performance Gap is Small, But Crucial for Gaming
When actually using the REDMAGIC 11S Pro, day-to-day tasks reveal barely any noticeable difference from its predecessor. Variations only emerge in scenarios where frame rates or stability improve slightly during heavy gaming.
Because of this, upgrading from the REDMAGIC 11 Pro isn't a must, but in gaming, a slight difference in control responsiveness can make or break a match.
If you are pursuing even a bit more performance, upgrading to the REDMAGIC 11S Pro will be a compelling option.
Additionally, first-time gaming smartphone buyers will greatly benefit from choosing a device with industry-leading performance at this point in time.
Moreover, even for non-hardcore gamers, keeping the REDMAGIC 11S Pro for two to three years after purchase is an excellent choice, thanks to features like its gaming-optimized display performance and shoulder triggers.
A Future as an AI Smartphone as Well
The REDMAGIC 11S Pro also holds high potential as an AI smartphone.
In addition to various AI features like in-game assistance, you can interact with Mora, their exclusive AI assistant character.
Furthermore, general AI services like Google's Gemini run flawlessly.
Much like gaming PCs increasingly serve as AI PCs these days, if agent functions and applications that process AI locally continue to grow in the future, gaming smartphones equipped with high-performance CPUs, GPUs, and NPUs will inevitably gain even more value as AI smartphones capable of handling AI smoothly.
The REDMAGIC 11S Pro is ideal not just as a gaming smartphone, but also for users looking for a device to stick with for the long haul, keeping future AI integration in mind.
Alongside top-tier gaming performance driven by the high-clock chipset, a cooling design utilizing both liquid and air cooling, and dedicated features like shoulder triggers and bypass charging, it also incorporates AI experiences such as AI assistance and Mora.
For anyone looking to fully enjoy both gaming and AI, it stands as a highly refined smartphone that represents nearly the perfect answer at present.
▼Photo & Written by Yasuhiro Yamane
Blog: http://www.hkyamane.com/
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