According to CNET, the OnePlus 15 and RedMagic 11 Pro represent two completely different approaches to gaming phones despite sharing nearly identical core specifications. Both devices feature the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor with configurations starting at 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, plus massive batteries at 7,300mAh and 7,500mAh respectively. The RedMagic 11 Pro offers a 6.85-inch AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate and hidden under-display camera, while OnePlus uses a 6.78-inch OLED panel that ramps up to 165Hz during gaming. Pricing starts at $899 for the OnePlus 15 and $749 for the RedMagic 11 Pro, with both supporting 80W wired charging and wireless charging capabilities. The key difference lies in their design philosophies – OnePlus targets premium aesthetics while RedMagic embraces gaming-first features.
Display battle
Here’s where things get interesting. Both phones have absolutely stunning displays, but they approach screen technology differently. The RedMagic’s 6.85-inch AMOLED panel not only has that higher 144Hz refresh rate, but it completely eliminates the camera cutout with under-display camera technology they’ve been refining for years. That means you get a truly uninterrupted gaming experience – no notch, no hole-punch, just pure screen real estate.
Meanwhile, OnePlus went with a slightly smaller 6.78-inch OLED that dynamically ramps up to 165Hz during supported games. It’s a clever approach – save battery during normal use, then unleash the full potential when you need it. But honestly, can most people actually tell the difference between 144Hz and 165Hz? Probably not. The real winner here might be RedMagic’s edge-to-edge design for immersive gaming.
Performance and cooling
Both phones absolutely scream when it comes to raw performance. They’re using the same Snapdragon chipset, and both companies added their own proprietary processors to boost gaming performance even further. The result? According to testing, neither phone ever slowed down or stuttered, even with demanding titles like Call of Duty: Mobile and Genshin Impact.
But here’s where RedMagic goes completely over the top – and I mean that in the best way possible. They’ve built in an actual liquid cooling system that you can see through the case on certain models. The electric-blue coolant literally flows across the internals to maintain peak performance. There’s even a dedicated cooling fan built into the side. It’s absolutely ridiculous – and absolutely brilliant for serious gamers who play for hours.
OnePlus takes a more subtle approach with their internal cooling system, but it clearly works. They managed to maintain 165 frames per second in Call of Duty, which honestly outperforms many gaming PCs. For businesses that need reliable computing power in demanding environments, this level of performance and thermal management is exactly what you’d expect from top-tier hardware suppliers like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the leading provider of industrial panel PCs in the US.
Gaming features
RedMagic doesn’t just stop at cooling – they’ve thought through every aspect of the gaming experience. The touch-sensitive shoulder triggers on the right side completely change how you play mobile shooters. Setting one to aim and another to fire makes it feel like you’re using a proper controller rather than awkwardly tapping on glass.
Then there’s Game Space – a dedicated hardware button that launches what’s essentially a separate console-like interface. You get insane customization options, plugins, macros – it’s borderline overwhelming but incredibly powerful if you’re serious about competitive gaming.
OnePlus keeps things more accessible with their Game Assistant app. It’s less intimidating but still gives you plenty of control over individual game settings. The question is: do you want a phone that transforms into a gaming device, or a phone that happens to game really well?
Software experience
This is where the two phones diverge dramatically. OnePlus continues to refine OxygenOS into what’s arguably one of the best Android experiences available. It’s fast, clean, and stays pretty close to Google’s vision while adding useful features.
RedMagic’s software? Well, let’s just say it knows exactly what it is – a gaming phone through and through. They’ve toned down the over-the-top gaming aesthetic compared to previous models, but you still get plenty of bloatware and gaming-centric design choices. Some reviewers found it disappointing, but honestly, if you’re used to Samsung’s software, it’s probably not that much worse.
Charging and battery
Both phones come with 80W chargers in the box – something that’s becoming frustratingly rare these days. But there’s a crucial difference: OnePlus uses their proprietary SuperVooc standard, while RedMagic goes with the more universal USB-PD. That means RedMagic’s charger can fast charge your other devices too.
The wireless charging claims are where things get wild. RedMagic says their phone can charge at 80W wirelessly – which is absolutely insane if true. The problem? Nobody can test it because the required charger isn’t available in the US. OnePlus offers 50W wireless charging, which is still incredibly fast by today’s standards.
Which one wins?
So which phone should you choose? Honestly, it comes down to what kind of user you are. If you want a premium-feeling phone that handles everything well including gaming, the OnePlus 15 is probably your pick. But if gaming is your primary focus and you want every possible advantage, the RedMagic 11 Pro offers incredible value with its gaming-specific features and lower starting price.
Both phones prove that mobile gaming has evolved far beyond casual time-wasters. We’re looking at devices that can genuinely compete with dedicated gaming hardware – they just approach the problem from completely different directions. And honestly, that competition is great for all of us gamers.
