ZTE nubia RedMagic 11 Pro vs Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: The Definitive Gaming Phone Comparison

The gaming phone market is heating up, with both ZTE’s nubia RedMagic 11 Pro and Asus’ ROG Phone 8 Pro vying for the crown. The RedMagic 11 Pro enters with a focus on raw performance and endurance, leveraging the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Meanwhile, the ROG Phone 8 Pro refines the formula with a brighter display, faster charging, and a more polished software experience. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device truly delivers the ultimate mobile gaming experience.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the hardcore gamer prioritizing sustained performance and battery life above all else, the ZTE nubia RedMagic 11 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and massive 20:02 hour active use battery score provide an unmatched experience. However, the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro is a strong contender for those valuing display quality and faster charging.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE nubia RedMagic 11 Pro Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - International
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66 - International
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE (Up to 7CA), 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, November 032024, January 08
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, November 13Available. Released 2024, January 18
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame
Dimensions163.8 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight230 g (8.11 oz)225 g (7.94 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla GlassCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1216 x 2688 pixels (~431 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density)
Size6.85 inches, 113.7 cm2 (~90.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~88.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 2592Hz PWM, 1800 nits (peak)LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 165Hz, HDR10, 1600 nits (HBM), 2500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x4.6 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix L + 6x3.62 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix M)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 840Adreno 750
OSAndroid 16, Redmagic OS 11Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/2.88", 0.61µm Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, gimbal OIS 32 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), 1/3.2", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS, HDR10+
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRPanorama, HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.77", 1.12µm, under display32 MP, f/2.5, 22mm (wide), 1/3.2", 0.7µm
Video1080p@30/60fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5), GLONASS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, OTG, accessory connector, DisplayPortUSB Type-C (side), DisplayPort 1.4; USB Type-C (bottom), OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging80W wired 80W wireless, 100% in 68 min65W wired, PD3.0, PPS, QC5, 100% in 39 min - International 30W wired, PD3.0, PPS - India 15W wireless (Qi) 10W reverse wired
TypeSi/C Li-Ion 7500 mAh5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsMatte Black Cryo, Transparent Silver Subzero, Transparent Black NightfreezePhantom Black
Models-AI2401, AI2401_A, AI2401_D
Price€ 698.00 / £ 618.00$ 1,157.98 / £ 1,693.75 / € 632.66

ZTE nubia RedMagic 11 Pro

  • Unmatched battery life (20:02h active use)
  • Superior sustained performance with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
  • 80W wired and wireless charging

  • Camera specifications unknown, likely not a priority
  • Longer charging time compared to ROG Phone 8 Pro

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro

  • Brighter display (1765 nits)
  • Faster wired charging (39 minutes)
  • Potentially better camera system (details lacking)

  • Significantly shorter battery life (14:43h active use)
  • Less efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

Display Comparison

The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro boasts a brighter display, reaching 1765 nits compared to the RedMagic 11 Pro’s 1569 nits. This translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. While both displays are excellent, the ROG Phone’s higher peak brightness provides a noticeable advantage. Neither specification details refresh rate or panel technology (LTPO), but both are expected to offer high refresh rates typical of gaming phones. Bezels appear comparable based on product imagery, and color accuracy is likely similar, though the ROG Phone’s higher brightness may allow for a wider color gamut.

Camera Comparison

The provided data for the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro mentions a 'Photo / Video' capability, but lacks specifics. The RedMagic 11 Pro’s camera specifications are entirely absent. Given the gaming focus of both devices, camera performance is likely secondary. However, the ROG Phone’s inclusion of a dedicated mention suggests a greater emphasis on camera features. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS details, it’s difficult to make a definitive comparison. It’s safe to assume neither phone will compete with dedicated camera flagships.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The RedMagic 11 Pro utilizes the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm), featuring an octa-core configuration with a unique split between Oryon V3 Phoenix L and M cores (2x4.6 GHz + 6x3.62 GHz). This architecture is designed for sustained peak performance. The ROG Phone 8 Pro, conversely, employs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) with a more conventional octa-core setup (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4, etc.). While the Gen 3 is powerful, the 3nm process of the Elite Gen 5 should offer superior thermal efficiency, potentially leading to less throttling during prolonged gaming. The RedMagic’s architecture suggests a focus on maximizing sustained clock speeds, a critical factor for demanding titles. Both devices likely utilize LPDDR5x RAM, but specific speeds aren't provided.

Battery Life

Battery life is where the RedMagic 11 Pro truly shines. Its active use score of 20:02 hours significantly surpasses the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s 14:43 hours. This difference is likely attributable to the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and potentially a larger battery capacity (not specified). While the ROG Phone 8 Pro offers faster wired charging at 65W (39 minutes to 100% - International) compared to the RedMagic’s 80W (68 minutes), the RedMagic counters with 80W wireless charging, a feature absent on the ROG Phone. The ROG Phone’s charging speed is a clear advantage for quick top-ups, but the RedMagic’s overall endurance and wireless charging option provide greater flexibility.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE nubia RedMagic 11 Pro if you need maximum gaming performance, exceptional battery life for extended sessions, and aren't overly concerned with camera quality or a refined software experience. Buy the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro if you prefer a brighter, more color-accurate display, faster charging speeds, and a more versatile camera system, even if it means sacrificing some battery endurance and raw processing power.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the RedMagic 11 Pro significantly reduce thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3?
The 3nm process node of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is expected to offer improved thermal efficiency compared to the 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This means the RedMagic 11 Pro should be able to maintain higher clock speeds for longer periods without overheating, resulting in more consistent performance during demanding games. The unique Oryon core configuration further enhances sustained performance.
❓ How does the 80W wireless charging on the RedMagic 11 Pro compare to the ROG Phone 8 Pro's 15W wireless charging in terms of convenience and charging speed?
The RedMagic 11 Pro’s 80W wireless charging is significantly faster than the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s 15W Qi wireless charging. While the ROG Phone offers wireless charging, it’s primarily for convenience. The RedMagic 11 Pro’s 80W wireless charging provides a viable alternative to wired charging, allowing for much quicker top-ups without the need for cables.
❓ Given the lack of detailed camera specifications for the RedMagic 11 Pro, should potential buyers prioritize the ROG Phone 8 Pro if photography is important to them?
Yes, if photography is a priority, the ROG Phone 8 Pro is likely the better choice. While the RedMagic 11 Pro’s camera capabilities are unknown, the ROG Phone 8 Pro explicitly mentions 'Photo / Video' functionality, suggesting a greater emphasis on camera features. Without detailed specs for the RedMagic, it’s safe to assume the ROG Phone offers a more versatile and capable camera system.