RedMagic 11S Pro Review: Gaming Phone with Liquid Cooling and Active Fan System

The RedMagic 11S Pro has landed in our review unit, continuing ZTE's line of dedicated gaming smartphones with a familiar yet refined approach to mobile gaming hardware. This device represents RedMagic's global strategy, offering a balanced package of gaming features without the fragmentation seen in their Chinese market offerings.

First impressions reveal a phone that stays true to RedMagic's design philosophy—clean surfaces with no camera bumps or islands, just flush panels and flat sides that create a distinctive gaming aesthetic. The craftsmanship feels solid, with attention to detail that makes the device stand out in a market increasingly homogenized by notch displays and camera modules that protrude awkwardly.

The RedMagic 11S Pro comes in two configurations globally: 12GB RAM with 256GB storage, and 16GB RAM with 512GB storage. Color options include Nightfreeze (black) and Subzero (silver), with our review unit being the former. The package includes an 80W charger, USB cable, and a notably slim soft-touch case that's more refined than typical silicone offerings.

Gaming Hardware and Cooling System

What sets the RedMagic 11S Pro apart is its comprehensive gaming hardware. The device features an active cooling fan with RGB lighting, liquid cooling technology, and physical shoulder triggers—all hallmarks of RedMagic's gaming-focused approach. The RedCore R4 gaming chip works alongside the main processor to optimize gaming performance, while the shoulder triggers light up, adding visual flair that complements the phone's gaming aesthetic without being overdone.

The liquid cooling system, branded as AquaCore, represents an interesting approach to thermal management. Unlike traditional water cooling in gaming PCs that uses circulating liquid through tubes, RedMagic's implementation likely focuses more on battery temperature management than directly cooling the SoC. The primary cooling benefits still come from the large vapor chamber and active cooling fan, but the visual presentation of the liquid cooling system certainly adds to the device's gaming credibility.

"The liquid cooling is cool, but it's not exactly like something you'd find on a big, proper gaming computer," explains our hands-on experience. "There, you get a water-cooling loop that circulates through tubes. On the 11S Pro, the AquaCore system likely makes more of a difference to the battery thermals than to the SoC. The biggest cooling effect is still down to the large vapor chamber and the active cooling fan."

Battery and Charging

The global version of the RedMagic 11S Pro features a 7,500mAh battery with 80W wired and wireless charging capabilities. This differs from the Chinese market variants, which offer two options: either an 8,000mAh battery with 80W charging or the same 7,500mAh capacity with faster 120W wired charging. RedMagic has chosen to balance battery capacity and charging speed for the global market, likely considering charging infrastructure differences and usage patterns outside China.

Display and Design

The RedMagic 11S Pro maintains the clean design language that defines the series. The 9mm thick frame gives the device a substantial feel in the hand, contributing to its premium gaming experience. The all-flat design ensures nothing protrudes, creating a refreshing alternative to devices with cameras and buttons that extend beyond the phone's profile.

The frame uses a matte finish that resists smudging, a practical improvement over the glass back panel, which readily shows fingerprints and requires frequent cleaning. This combination creates a device that feels substantial in the hand while maintaining a clean, uncluttered appearance.

One notable feature is the under-display selfie camera, which is nearly invisible during normal use. This implementation likely carries over from the RedMagic 11 Pro, offering a clean front display without the compromises of some other under-display camera implementations.

Ecosystem Considerations

The RedMagic 11S Pro represents an interesting case study in market segmentation. By offering a single global model rather than the two variants available in China, RedMagic simplifies their international distribution while potentially maximizing economies of scale. This strategy suggests confidence in the global market's preference for balanced specifications rather than pushing extreme capabilities in one direction or another.

For mobile gaming enthusiasts, the RedMagic 11S Pro offers a compelling package that combines gaming-specific features with mainstream smartphone functionality. The inclusion of both wired and wireless charging at 80W speeds addresses the practical needs of power users who may not always have access to high-wattage charging stations.

The device's cooling system, while not matching desktop gaming PCs, represents a thoughtful approach to mobile thermal management that should help maintain performance during extended gaming sessions. The combination of active cooling, vapor chamber, and liquid cooling creates multiple layers of thermal management that work together to prevent throttling.

Priced at €728.63 for the 12/256GB model and €849.00 for the 16/512GB configuration, the RedMagic 11S Pro positions itself in the premium gaming phone segment. For more details, you can visit the official RedMagic website or check the full specifications on GSMArena.