Gaming-focused smartphones have become a niche but highly competitive category, and two names frequently stand out: RedMagic and ASUS ROG Phone. In this article, we’ll compare the RedMagic 11 Air with ASUS’s flagship gaming lineup — typically represented by devices like the ROG Phone 9 series — across key aspects you care about most: performance, display, battery life, cameras, and price/value.
1. Performance & Gaming Power
- RedMagic 11 Air packs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite and up to 16 GB RAM with UFS 4.1 storage, delivering flagship-level performance for intense gaming and multitasking. It also includes an advanced active cooling fan for better heat management during extended sessions.
- ASUS ROG Phone flagships (like the ROG Phone 9 family) often feature similarly high-end Qualcomm chips and are highly optimized for gaming with features like specialized game-tuning software and efficient thermal systems — though often relying more on passive cooling.
Verdict: RedMagic 11 Air may sustain peak performance more aggressively in long gaming sessions thanks to its active cooling system.
2. Display & Visual Experience
- RedMagic 11 Air uses a large 6.85-inch 144 Hz AMOLED panel with impressive resolution, vivid colors, and excellent touch responsiveness — ideal for fluid gameplay and media.
- ASUS ROG Phones, on the other hand, commonly boast higher-refresh-rate displays (up to 165 Hz or more) with even brighter panels and HDR support, giving smoother visuals and better outdoor visibility.
Verdict: ROG Phones often hold a slight edge in display tech due to higher refresh rates and brightness.
3. Battery Life & Charging
- RedMagic 11 Air stands out with a massive 7,000 mAh battery and fast-charging support — meaning more hours of playtime and less frequent charging interruptions.
- ASUS ROG Phones typically use around 5,500 mAh batteries and may include features like wireless charging and reverse charging, which can be handy for daily use.
Verdict: For pure endurance, RedMagic has the advantage; for versatility and everyday convenience, ROG Phones are strong.
4. Cameras & Daily Use Features
Gaming phones vary substantially in camera performance:
- RedMagic 11 Air focuses on gaming and performance first, offering decent cameras — but they typically don’t match premium flagship quality.
- ASUS ROG Phones often include more advanced camera systems with better main sensors, ultrawide options, and more robust video capabilities — giving them an edge for creators or social media users.
Verdict: ROG Phones deliver better camera performance and overall multimedia versatility.
5. Price & Value Proposition
This is where the comparison becomes most striking:
- RedMagic 11 Air aims for competitive pricing (around ~$500 – $630), bringing flagship-caliber performance and massive battery life within reach of many more gamers.
- ASUS ROG Phones often sit at much higher price points (around ~$900 – $1,000+), reflecting premium materials, display tech, and balanced feature sets.
Verdict: RedMagic 11 Air offers exceptional bang-for-buck gaming performance; ROG Phones provide a more refined, premium experience at a higher cost.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Raw Gaming Performance | RedMagic 11 Air |
| Display Quality | ASUS ROG Phone |
| Battery Endurance | RedMagic 11 Air |
| Cameras & Multimedia | ASUS ROG Phone |
| Value & Affordability | RedMagic 11 Air |
🔍 Summary:
- 💥 If gaming performance, battery life, and value are your top priorities — RedMagic 11 Air is a standout choice. Its active cooling, massive battery, and flagship chip at a mid-range price make it hard to overlook.
- 🎮 If you want a well-rounded device that balances gaming with premium display tech, better cameras, and lifestyle features — an ASUS ROG Phone (especially models like the 9 series) remains a solid option — though new models may be limited due to ASUS’s strategic pivot in 2026.