The smartphone landscape is increasingly segmented, with options ranging from ultra-premium flagships to aggressively priced mid-rangers. The ZTE nubia RedMagic Nova and OnePlus 11R represent compelling choices within the latter category, but cater to slightly different priorities. The RedMagic Nova arrives with the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, while the OnePlus 11R leverages the proven Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, offering a balance of power and affordability. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the ZTE nubia RedMagic Nova is the clear winner thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. However, the OnePlus 11R delivers exceptional value with its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, 100W charging, and competitive price, making it the better choice for budget-conscious gamers and everyday users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE (3CA), 5G |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 05 | 2023, February 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September 05 | Available. Released 2023, February 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front, glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 253.3 x 164.6 x 7.3 mm (9.97 x 6.48 x 0.29 in) | 163.4 x 74.3 x 8.7 mm (6.43 x 2.93 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 530 g (1.17 lb) | 204 g (7.20 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1800 x 2880 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~312 ppi density) | 1240 x 2772 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~451 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.9 inches, 344.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, 550 nits | Fluid AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 8-core (1x3.4GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.1GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.9GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.2GHz Cortex-A520) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) | Adreno 730 |
| OS | Android 14, Redmagic OS 9.5 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, OxygenOS 15 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 18GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 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) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (no payments support) | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2, video output, magnetic connector pins | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 80W wired, 100% in 55 min - International model
120W wired, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 45 min - China model | 100W wired |
| Type | 10100 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cyclone, Snowfall, Midnight | Galactic Silver, Sonic Black, Solar Red |
| Models | - | CPH2487 |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 600 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.16 W/kg (head) 0.61 W/kg (body) |
ZTE nubia RedMagic Nova
- Latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for top-tier performance
- Fast charging speeds (80W/120W)
- Excellent battery life (10:51h active use)
- Potentially higher price point
- Display brightness could be better
OnePlus 11R
- Excellent value for money
- Fast 100W charging
- Proven Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 performance
- Older chipset compared to the RedMagic Nova
- Camera performance may not match flagship rivals
Display Comparison
The nubia RedMagic Nova features a display capable of 517 nits of peak brightness, which is respectable but doesn't necessarily stand out in direct sunlight. The OnePlus 11R’s display specifications are not provided, but OnePlus typically delivers vibrant and color-accurate panels. The RedMagic Nova’s focus on gaming suggests a high refresh rate panel, though the exact rate isn’t specified. The absence of LTPO technology in either device means refresh rate adjustments will likely be less dynamic than on higher-end flagships, potentially impacting battery life during mixed usage. The RedMagic Nova’s display is geared towards responsiveness, while the OnePlus 11R likely prioritizes color accuracy and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are lacking for both devices. However, given their positioning, it’s reasonable to expect a focus on computational photography rather than cutting-edge sensor technology. The OnePlus 11R, benefiting from OnePlus’s established image processing pipeline, likely delivers more consistent and visually appealing results in a wider range of conditions. The RedMagic Nova, while potentially offering decent image quality, may prioritize speed and efficiency over absolute image fidelity. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment, but the OnePlus 11R’s brand reputation suggests a more refined camera experience.
Performance
The core differentiator here is the chipset. The ZTE nubia RedMagic Nova’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) represents a significant leap over the OnePlus 11R’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm). The 8 Gen 3’s Cortex-X4 prime core, clocked at 3.4GHz, offers substantial performance gains over the 8+ Gen 1’s Cortex-X2 core at 3.0GHz. The RedMagic Nova’s CPU configuration (1+3+2+2) also indicates a more sophisticated core arrangement for improved multi-tasking and sustained performance. While the 8+ Gen 1 remains a capable performer, the 8 Gen 3’s architectural improvements and higher clock speeds translate to faster app loading, smoother gameplay, and improved AI processing. The RedMagic Nova will likely exhibit less thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions due to the more efficient 4nm process.
Battery Life
The nubia RedMagic Nova boasts impressive charging speeds, with the international model supporting 80W wired charging (100% in 55 minutes) and the China model reaching 120W (50% in 15 minutes, 100% in 45 minutes). The OnePlus 11R offers 100W wired charging, providing a competitive charging experience. The RedMagic Nova’s active use battery score of 10:51h is a strong indicator of its endurance, suggesting efficient power management despite the powerful chipset. While the OnePlus 11R’s battery capacity isn’t specified, its 100W charging capability ensures quick top-ups, mitigating any potential capacity disadvantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE nubia RedMagic Nova if you absolutely need the latest and greatest processing power for demanding mobile games and applications, and are willing to pay a premium for it. Buy the OnePlus 11R if you prioritize a balanced experience with excellent performance, incredibly fast charging, and a more refined software experience, all at a significantly lower price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the RedMagic Nova get noticeably hotter than the 8+ Gen 1 in the OnePlus 11R during prolonged gaming?
While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is more powerful, its increased performance also generates more heat. However, the 4nm process node used in the 8 Gen 3 is more efficient than the 4nm node in the 8+ Gen 1, meaning the RedMagic Nova *should* manage thermal throttling more effectively, especially with a robust cooling system (which RedMagic phones typically feature). Expect both phones to get warm, but the RedMagic Nova is designed to sustain peak performance for longer.
❓ How does the 120W charging on the China-market RedMagic Nova compare to the 100W charging on the OnePlus 11R in real-world usage?
Both 100W and 120W charging are incredibly fast. The RedMagic Nova’s 120W charging (50% in 15 minutes, 100% in 45 minutes) will provide a slightly quicker top-up, but the difference in practical terms is likely to be minimal for most users. Both phones will go from near-empty to a usable charge in under 30 minutes.
❓ Is the performance difference between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 significant enough to justify the price difference?
For casual users, the difference may not be immediately noticeable. However, for demanding gamers and power users who frequently engage in resource-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers a substantial performance boost. The 8 Gen 3’s improved CPU and GPU architecture translate to faster frame rates, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience.
