ZTE nubia RedMagic 11 Pro vs. OnePlus 12R: A Deep Dive into Gaming and All-Day Performance

The ZTE nubia RedMagic 11 Pro and OnePlus 12R represent distinct approaches to the high-performance Android smartphone market. The RedMagic 11 Pro is a dedicated gaming device, prioritizing cooling and sustained performance, while the OnePlus 12R aims for a more balanced experience, offering flagship-level power alongside fast charging and a refined software experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right phone for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For dedicated mobile gamers, the ZTE nubia RedMagic 11 Pro is the clear winner, boasting superior battery life (20:02h active use) and a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. However, the OnePlus 12R provides a compelling alternative for users who value faster 100W charging (full charge in 26 minutes) and a more versatile everyday experience.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE nubia RedMagic 11 Pro OnePlus 12R
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
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, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, November 032024, January 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, November 13Available. Released 2024, February 06
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions163.8 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8 mm (6.43 x 2.96 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight230 g (8.11 oz)207 g (7.30 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla GlassCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1216 x 2688 pixels (~431 ppi density)1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi density)
Size6.85 inches, 113.7 cm2 (~90.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 2592Hz PWM, 1800 nits (peak)LTPO4 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x4.6 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix L + 6x3.62 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix M)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 840Adreno 740
OSAndroid 16, Redmagic OS 11Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED 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/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.77", 1.12µm, under display16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30/60fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, OTG, accessory connector, DisplayPortUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging80W wired 80W wireless, 100% in 68 min100W wired, 100% in 26 min
TypeSi/C Li-Ion 7500 mAhLi-Ion 5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsMatte Black Cryo, Transparent Silver Subzero, Transparent Black NightfreezeIron Gray, Cool Blue, Electric Violet, Sunset Dune
Models-CPH2609, CPH2585, CPH2611
Price€ 698.00 / £ 618.00€ 410.84 / $ 399.95 / £ 649.00
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.82 W/kg (body)

ZTE nubia RedMagic 11 Pro

  • Exceptional battery life (20:02h active use)
  • More powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset
  • Higher peak display brightness (1569 nits)

  • Charging speed is slower than OnePlus 12R
  • Gaming-focused design may not appeal to all users

OnePlus 12R

  • Incredibly fast 100W charging (26 min 0-100%)
  • More balanced all-around performance
  • Refined software experience

  • Shorter battery life (14:32h active use)
  • Less powerful chipset compared to RedMagic 11 Pro

Display Comparison

The RedMagic 11 Pro’s display reaches a measured peak brightness of 1569 nits, significantly outshining the OnePlus 12R’s 1181 nits. This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize high refresh rate panels, the RedMagic’s brightness advantage is a key differentiator. The OnePlus 12R’s display, while still excellent, will appear comparatively dimmer in bright environments. Details regarding panel technology (LTPO vs. standard OLED) are missing, but the RedMagic’s focus on gaming suggests a higher likelihood of a more responsive panel.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specifications are limited, but the focus for both phones appears to be on providing capable, rather than class-leading, camera systems. Without sensor size or aperture data, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the RedMagic’s gaming focus, camera quality is likely a secondary consideration. The OnePlus 12R, benefiting from OnePlus’s image processing expertise, will likely deliver more consistently pleasing photos in a wider range of conditions. We can assume the OnePlus 12R will have a more refined camera experience overall.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the RedMagic 11 Pro features the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm), while the OnePlus 12R utilizes the SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm). The 3nm process of the 8 Elite Gen 5 offers improved power efficiency and potentially higher sustained performance compared to the 4nm 8 Gen 2. The RedMagic’s CPU configuration – Octa-core (2x4.6 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix L + 6x3.62 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix M) – is geared towards maximizing single-core and multi-core performance, crucial for demanding games. The OnePlus 12R’s CPU (Octa-core, 1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) is still powerful, but the RedMagic’s architecture is optimized for peak gaming loads. The RedMagic’s superior thermal design, a hallmark of the brand, will further contribute to sustained performance.

Battery Life

The RedMagic 11 Pro’s active use battery score of 20:02h is a significant advantage over the OnePlus 12R’s 14:32h. This difference is likely attributable to the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and the RedMagic’s larger battery capacity (unspecified, but likely substantial). While the OnePlus 12R compensates with incredibly fast 100W wired charging (0-100% in 26 minutes), the RedMagic 11 Pro’s 80W wired and 80W wireless charging (0-100% in 68 min) is still respectable. The RedMagic prioritizes longevity, while the OnePlus 12R prioritizes quick top-ups.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE nubia RedMagic 11 Pro if you prioritize uninterrupted gaming sessions, demand the longest possible battery life, and appreciate features like active cooling. Buy the OnePlus 12R if you prefer a phone that excels in a wider range of tasks, values incredibly fast charging, and seeks a more polished software experience without the overtly 'gamer' aesthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the RedMagic 11 Pro actually stay cooler than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 during extended gaming sessions?
Yes, the RedMagic 11 Pro incorporates advanced cooling solutions, including a built-in fan and vapor chamber, specifically designed to manage the heat generated by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. This allows the chipset to maintain higher clock speeds for longer periods without significant throttling, resulting in more consistent frame rates during demanding games compared to the OnePlus 12R, which relies on more conventional passive cooling.
❓ How does the 100W charging on the OnePlus 12R compare to the 80W charging on the RedMagic 11 Pro in real-world usage?
The OnePlus 12R’s 100W charging is significantly faster, fully charging the device in just 26 minutes. The RedMagic 11 Pro’s 80W wired charging takes 68 minutes for a full charge. While 80W is still fast, the 100W on the OnePlus 12R is ideal for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the RedMagic 11 Pro's gaming-focused design and software intrusive for everyday use?
The RedMagic 11 Pro’s design is undeniably gamer-centric, with aggressive styling and potentially customizable RGB lighting. The software also includes a 'Game Space' mode with various optimization features. While these features can be disabled, they are prominent and may not appeal to users seeking a minimalist smartphone experience. The OnePlus 12R offers a cleaner, more mainstream software experience.