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The problem is, every time I review a RedMagic phone, I want one. That was the case with the 11 Pro, where I claimed it boasts the best mobile gaming I’ve tested to date. That wasn’t hyperbole.
Now, RedMagic has released the 11 Pro’s little sister in the form of the Air 11
My experience
First off, these RedMagic phones are gorgeous; and I don’t just mean the UI, but also the hardware. I’d describe the Air 11 as slightly boxy, but elegant. This phone not only looks good, but it also feels good in your hand.
But let’s talk about the UI. It’s so smooth, with animations like butter, which is not only due to whatever magic RedMagic did to Android, but also that it’s capable of running up to a 144Hz refresh rate.
In Settings > Display, you can select from Auto, 60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz. By default, it’s set to Auto, and you can watch it change as needed in the top left corner of the display. I noticed that when in the Settings app, the refresh rate automatically dropped to 120Hz. Once it dropped to 120Hz, I was unable to get it to switch back to 144Hz, using day-to-day apps.
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Of course, I could set the refresh rate to 144Hz, but then battery life could become an issue. When dealing with phones and tablets geared for gaming, I like to install “Diablo: Immortal”. During the download of the necessary files, the video playback was stunningly smooth, and the colors were beautiful.
This phone might be aimed at gamers, but I wouldn’t hesitate to make it my go-to phone for all types of use. And with the slick-as-glass UI, this is what Google should aim for with its take on Android.
I know it sounds like I’m laying it on a bit too thick, but you really have to experience the Air 11 to know that I’m not exaggerating. No, this phone doesn’t quite perform as well as the 11 Pro, but I’m confident it would best any phone in its price range ($529 for the transparent black option).
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If you’re looking for a new Android phone and don’t want to spend more than $600, this is, hands down, the phone you want. If it weren’t for my Pixel 9 Pro always getting Android updates sooner than other devices, I would happily jump the Google ship and into the magic dinghy that is RedMagic.
The RedMagic Air 11 will be released globally on January 29, 2026.
RedMagic Air 11 tech specs
- CPU – Snapdragon 8 Elite 4.6 GHz
- GPU – 1.2 GHz
- RAM – 12GB, 16GB, and 24GB LPDDR5T
- Storage – 512GB to 1TB
- Battery – 7,500mAh battery for up to 34.1 hours of daily use and 7.4 hours of Genshin Impact gaming at full frame rate and with 80W Wired and Wireless Fast Charging
- Display – full screen BOE X10 AMOLED 6.5″ at 1,800 Nits, 95.30% screen-to-body ratio, 2688 × 1216 resolution, 3,000 Hz instant touch sampling rate, and wet hand mode.
- Sound – 1015 + 1115E high-fidelity speakers
- Haptics – 0815 x-axis linear motors offer dynamic and immersive 4D vibration feedback
- 3.5 mm audio jack