ZTE nubia RedMagic 8S Pro vs. OnePlus 11R: A Deep Dive into Gaming and Everyday Performance

The ZTE nubia RedMagic 8S Pro and OnePlus 11R represent distinct approaches to the high-performance Android smartphone market. The RedMagic 8S Pro is unapologetically geared towards mobile gamers, prioritizing raw power and cooling. Conversely, the OnePlus 11R aims for a more balanced experience, offering strong performance alongside faster charging and a more mainstream design. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For dedicated mobile gamers, the ZTE nubia RedMagic 8S Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset delivers superior performance and thermal management. However, the OnePlus 11R provides excellent value for users prioritizing fast 100W charging and a more versatile everyday experience.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE nubia RedMagic 8S Pro OnePlus 11R
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE (3CA), 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA 800
Launch
Announced2023, June 052023, February 07
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, July 11Available. Released 2023, February 21
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, aluminum frameGlass front, glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions164 x 76.4 x 9.5 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.37 in)163.4 x 74.3 x 8.7 mm (6.43 x 2.93 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight228 g (8.04 oz)204 g (7.20 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5-
Resolution1116 x 2480 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)1240 x 2772 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~451 ppi density)
Size6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.74 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors (China only), 120Hz, 1300 nits (peak)Fluid AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1450 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 740 (719 MHz)Adreno 730
OSAndroid 13, Redmagic OS 8Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, OxygenOS 15
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 18GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-16 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, under display16 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30/60fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2 (China), 3.1 (Global), 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, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging80W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 35 min (China) 65W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 40 min (International)100W wired
TypeLi-Po 6000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMidnight, Platinum, AuroraGalactic Silver, Sonic Black, Solar Red
Models-CPH2487
PriceAbout 650 EURAbout 600 EUR
SAR-1.16 W/kg (head)     0.61 W/kg (body)

ZTE nubia RedMagic 8S Pro

  • Superior gaming performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • Advanced cooling system for sustained performance
  • Potentially higher refresh rate display with LTPO

  • Charging speed slower than OnePlus 11R
  • Camera system may not be as refined as competitors

OnePlus 11R

  • Incredibly fast 100W charging
  • Balanced performance for everyday tasks and gaming
  • Sleek and mainstream design

  • Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is less powerful than Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • May experience more thermal throttling during prolonged gaming

Display Comparison

The RedMagic 8S Pro boasts a 784 nits max brightness, providing a reasonably vivid viewing experience, though not class-leading. While the OnePlus 11R’s display specs aren’t provided, OnePlus typically utilizes AMOLED panels with excellent color accuracy. The RedMagic’s focus on gaming suggests a higher refresh rate, potentially with LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rate control, conserving battery life during static content. The RedMagic’s under-display camera design also contributes to a more immersive, bezel-less experience, a key advantage for gaming.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems, but details are limited. The RedMagic 8S Pro’s camera is listed as 'Photo / Video' without specifics, suggesting a focus on general usability rather than groundbreaking innovation. The OnePlus 11R, based on OnePlus’s recent history, likely features a more refined camera system with a larger main sensor and advanced image processing algorithms. Without sensor size or aperture information for the RedMagic, it’s difficult to assess its low-light performance. The OnePlus 11R’s camera is likely to offer more consistent results across various lighting conditions, though the RedMagic may excel in specific gaming-related video capture scenarios.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the RedMagic 8S Pro utilizes the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm), while the OnePlus 11R features the older, but still potent, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm). The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s Cortex-X3 prime core, clocked at 3.36 GHz, offers a significant performance uplift over the 11R’s Cortex-X2 core at 3.0 GHz. The 8 Gen 2’s improved architecture and 4nm process node also translate to better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions. While the 11R’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is no slouch, the RedMagic 8S Pro will consistently deliver higher and more stable frame rates in demanding titles. The RedMagic’s likely inclusion of faster LPDDR5x RAM further enhances its performance advantage.

Battery Life

The RedMagic 8S Pro has an endurance rating of 132 hours, indicating solid battery life. It supports 80W wired charging (China) or 65W (International), reaching 100% in 35 or 40 minutes respectively. The OnePlus 11R, however, boasts a significantly faster 100W charging capability, allowing for a full charge in a shorter timeframe. While the RedMagic’s battery endurance is commendable, the OnePlus 11R’s faster charging is a major convenience factor, especially for users who frequently top up their devices. The actual battery capacity of both devices isn't specified, but the RedMagic's endurance suggests a reasonably sized battery optimized for gaming.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE nubia RedMagic 8S Pro if you demand the highest possible frame rates in demanding games, require active cooling for sustained performance, and appreciate gaming-centric features like shoulder triggers. Buy the OnePlus 11R if you prioritize a sleek design, incredibly fast 100W charging, and a more balanced experience for everyday tasks and casual gaming, all at a potentially lower price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the RedMagic 8S Pro's cooling system actually make a difference in gaming?
Yes, the RedMagic 8S Pro incorporates an advanced cooling system, likely including a vapor chamber and fan, designed to dissipate heat effectively. This prevents the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 from throttling under sustained load, maintaining higher frame rates and consistent performance during long gaming sessions. The OnePlus 11R, while capable, will likely experience more performance degradation over time due to thermal constraints.
❓ How does the 100W charging on the OnePlus 11R compare to the 80W/65W charging on the RedMagic 8S Pro in real-world use?
The OnePlus 11R’s 100W charging is noticeably faster. While the RedMagic 8S Pro’s 80W (China) or 65W (International) charging is still quick, the 11R can top up from 0% to 100% in a significantly shorter time, potentially under 30 minutes. This is a major convenience factor for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ Is the RedMagic 8S Pro's gaming-focused design practical for everyday use?
The RedMagic 8S Pro’s design, while visually striking, is more aggressive and less subtle than the OnePlus 11R. Its larger size and potentially more prominent cooling vents may make it less comfortable to hold and carry for everyday tasks. The OnePlus 11R offers a more refined and understated aesthetic.