Picking between the RedMagic 11 Air vs Galaxy S25 Ultra is really a question of what kind of “power” you care about. Do you want long gaming sessions with stable frame rates, fast wired charging, and controls that feel closer to a handheld console. Or do you want a polished flagship that nails photos, holds up to rain and sand, and fits into a bigger wireless charging and accessory routine.
As of February 2026, these two phones sit at opposite ends of the same idea: top-tier speed, just aimed at different lives. Below, you’ll see how they compare on gaming performance, display, battery and charging, cameras, build, extras, software feel, and long-term value.
RELATED: RedMagic 11 Air vs OnePlus 15: Which is Better?
Specifications Comparison
Before you get lost in marketing names, focus on what you actually pay for: performance per dollar, camera quality, and the “daily-driver” details (water resistance, wireless charging, update support, accessories).
The RedMagic 11 Air is built to keep games smooth and batteries full, while staying slimmer than most gaming phones. It still isn’t “air-light” compared to ultra-thin mainstream phones, but it’s noticeably less chunky than many dedicated gaming models. The Galaxy S25 Ultra goes the other way: premium materials, premium camera system, and a lot of little quality-of-life features that matter every day.
Here’s the quick side-by-side view of the specs most buyers care about:
| Spec | RedMagic 11 Air | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | Jan 20, 2026 | Feb 7, 2025 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| Display | 6.85-inch OLED, 1.5K, 144Hz | 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED, QHD+, 120Hz LTPO |
| Battery | 7,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | 80W wired (charger commonly included) | 45W wired, 15W wireless (Qi2), reverse wireless |
| Gaming extras | Active cooling fan, vapor chamber, shoulder triggers, Game Space key | Strong sustained performance, broad connectivity |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide | 200MP main + 50MP ultrawide + telephoto zoom cameras |
| Selfie camera | 16MP under-display | 12MP front camera (punch-hole) |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IP68 |
| Storage and RAM | 256GB to 512GB, 12GB to 16GB RAM | Up to 1TB, typically 12GB RAM options |
Pricing shifts a lot by region and sales, but the pattern stays the same. RedMagic often lands in “midrange money, flagship speed” territory, while Samsung usually starts around flagship MSRP (often cited around $1,299 for base storage). For a quick reference point on how Samsung positions pricing and variants, see this PhoneArena S25 Ultra pricing and spec comparison.
What the numbers mean in plain terms: RedMagic is a value-first performance buy, Samsung is the all-around premium pick that charges extra for camera strength, durability, and polish.
Performance and gaming experience
Both phones are fast. The real difference is how they behave after 20 minutes, not the first 20 seconds.
The RedMagic 11 Air runs on Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is still elite-tier for Android gaming. In common benchmark comparisons shared by reviewers, it trades blows with more expensive phones and can even edge ahead in certain GPU tests. That doesn’t mean it “wins” every chart, it means you’re not buying a slow device just because the price is lower. The bigger story is sustained performance: RedMagic designs around it.
You get an active cooling system (fan plus vapor chamber plus heat-spreading layers) meant to reduce throttling in long sessions. That’s the difference between “it ran great in the first match” and “it still holds steady in the fifth match.” The catch is physical reality: if the phone is moving heat away from the chip, some of that warmth ends up where your hand lives. In long, heavy games, you can feel it on the back even if frame rates stay stable.
Samsung’s approach is more classic flagship. With the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, you get fast app launches, stable UI animations, and strong game performance without the phone feeling like a tiny space heater in your pocket. Samsung also tends to do well on the small stuff that affects gaming without being “gaming features,” like reliable radios, quick handoffs between Wi-Fi and cellular, and consistent scheduling so the phone doesn’t stutter when notifications, background sync, and a game all collide.
If you want a deeper hands-on view of why RedMagic prioritized performance-per-dollar here (and where it still compromises), this RedMagic 11 Air hands-on report gives useful context.
Cooling, triggers and Game Space
This is where the RedMagic 11 Air stops trying to be a normal phone.
Shoulder triggers give you a real edge in shooters and action games because you can map aim and fire to your index fingers. Your thumbs stay freer for movement and camera control, so you waste less time doing finger gymnastics. RedMagic also gives you a Game Space launcher (opened with a dedicated key) so you can set performance profiles per game, lock distractions down, and tune touch behavior.
Active cooling helps the phone keep frame rates steadier when the match goes long. The trade-offs are simple: a fan can add a bit of noise at maximum, vents can limit water resistance, and you may feel more heat on the outside because the system is doing its job.
Samsung doesn’t match these hardware extras, but you also don’t have to manage them. You install a game and play, with fewer “tweak this first” moments.
Display, battery and charging
If performance is the engine, the display and battery are the steering wheel and fuel tank. You’ll notice them constantly.
The RedMagic 11 Air’s 6.85-inch OLED panel runs at 144Hz and uses an under-display selfie camera. In real use, that means a clean, uninterrupted view. No punch-hole sitting on top of your minimap, no black dot in the sky of a bright scene. For games and full-screen video, it feels more like a small portable monitor than a typical phone screen.
The catch is brightness behavior outdoors. On paper, peak brightness can look fine, but reviewers have still reported that outdoor visibility is not its strong point, especially for gaming where bright scenes and glare are common. If you play outside often (parks, trains with sun pouring in, walking between buildings), that matters.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 6.9-inch QHD+ LTPO display is a different kind of flex. It’s the “readable anywhere” style of flagship panel, and Ultra-class phones often combine high peak brightness with anti-glare techniques that make the screen easier to see under harsh light. The refresh rate tops out at 120Hz rather than 144Hz, but in practice it still feels fluid, and LTPO helps battery life by dropping refresh when you’re not scrolling or gaming.
Now battery and charging, where RedMagic plays its strongest card. A 7,000 mAh battery is built for long days and long sessions. If your usage looks like an hour of gaming at lunch, a commute full of video, then another gaming run at night, you’ll appreciate not living on a charger.
Samsung’s 5,000 mAh battery is more “reliable flagship” than “endurance monster.” You can still get a full day of heavy use, sometimes more, but it’s not trying to outlast a gaming phone with a much larger cell. Samsung also leans into convenience: solid wired charging, plus wireless and reverse wireless for earbuds or a friend’s phone.
Wireless charging and accessories
If your desk, car, and nightstand all have wireless pads, Samsung fits your routine better. You get Qi2 wireless charging support (often up to 15W), reverse wireless charging, and a huge accessory market built around Galaxy cases, mounts, and chargers.
The small annoyance is magnets. Samsung doesn’t always build magnetic alignment into the phone body, so you may want a magnetic case if you like “snap-on” Qi2-style mounts.
RedMagic is the opposite. It’s about fast wired top-ups and long battery endurance, and it often ships with a compatible charger in the box. If you plug in for 20 to 30 minutes and move on, that’s a practical win.
Cameras, durability and software
If you care about photos and video, this comparison swings hard.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is built for capturing. You get a 200MP main camera, a high-resolution ultrawide, and dedicated telephoto zoom cameras that make far-away subjects usable instead of mushy. In day shots, the detail is strong and exposure is usually reliable. In low light, you tend to get cleaner results with better focus consistency than most non-flagships. Video is also a big part of the Ultra story, with strong stabilization and high-end options like 8K recording, plus high-quality 4K modes that are more useful day to day.
The RedMagic 11 Air can take photos you’ll share, but it’s not trying to be your primary camera. A 50MP main camera and 8MP ultrawide cover the basics, yet the processing and sensor choices usually prioritize cost and gaming features over image quality. The 16MP under-display selfie camera is a classic trade: you gain a perfectly clean screen, but selfies often look softer and less natural than what you get from a normal cutout camera.
If you want a quick spec reference for how S25 Ultra camera hardware stacks up in typical comparisons, this Gadgets360 S25 Ultra spec comparison page is helpful context (even though it compares different Red Magic models, it summarizes the Samsung camera setup clearly).
Durability is another clear split. Samsung’s IP68 rating and titanium build are designed for messy real life: rain, sinks, sand, travel accidents. RedMagic’s IP54 is decent for splashes and dust, but the presence of cooling vents makes “full sealing” much harder, so you should treat it like a phone that prefers dry environments.
Software is more subjective, but here’s the practical way to think about it:
- Samsung’s One UI usually feels more finished for everyday life, with deeper camera features, broader ecosystem support, and strong accessibility options.
- RedMagic’s software tends to focus on gaming controls, performance modes, and game management. It can feel more niche, which is great if you’re the niche.
One more detail that can matter: Samsung’s S Pen experience has changed in recent generations, and some versions removed Bluetooth features that people used for remote camera shutter control. If your work depends on stylus tricks, check the exact S Pen feature set in your region before you buy.
Who each phone is for, pick based on your habits
If you’re trying to avoid buyer’s remorse, match the phone to what you do most days, not what you do once a month.
- You play competitive games for hours: Pick the RedMagic 11 Air. The fan cooling and shoulder triggers support longer, steadier sessions, and the big battery fits marathon play.
- You care about photos, zoom, and video: Pick the Galaxy S25 Ultra. It’s the safer choice for sharp shots, better low-light, and flexible zoom, plus it’s easier to trust for travel memories.
- You want a do-it-all phone for work and travel: Lean Galaxy S25 Ultra. IP68 water resistance, wireless charging, and a more polished “everything phone” vibe reduce friction when you’re moving fast.
- You want the best value performance: Pick RedMagic 11 Air. You’re paying for speed, screen, battery, and gaming controls, not for the most expensive camera stack.
If you still feel stuck, choose based on your top two priorities. If “gaming endurance” is one of them, RedMagic makes the decision easier. If “camera and durability” is one of them, Samsung does.
Pros and cons you’ll actually feel
RedMagic 11 Air strengths
- Outstanding gaming value with flagship-grade speed for less money
- Huge 7,000 mAh battery that suits heavy gaming days
- 80W wired charging and often a charger in the box
- Shoulder triggers and active cooling that help in real matches
- Clean full-screen look thanks to the under-display selfie camera
RedMagic 11 Air drawbacks
- Cameras are average for the price of a premium flagship
- Outdoor brightness can disappoint even if specs look strong
- Lower water resistance (IP54), partly due to cooling vents
- Bold design and fingerprint-prone finishes may bug you
Galaxy S25 Ultra strengths
- Top-tier camera system for photos, zoom, and video
- Stronger durability with IP68 and premium materials
- Better wireless charging lifestyle fit with Qi2 support
- Polished daily software feel and broad accessory support
Galaxy S25 Ultra drawbacks
- Costs a lot more at typical MSRP
- Charging is slower than gaming phones that push 80W to 100W
- No built-in magnetic snap on some setups, so cases matter
- No gaming hardware extras like triggers or a cooling fan
RedMagic 11 Air vs Galaxy S25 Ultra FAQ
Which phone is better for gaming performance and cooling?
If you play demanding titles, you’ll prefer the RedMagic 11 Air. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite, built-in fan, vapor chamber, and shoulder triggers help it hold frame rates longer.
Which one takes better photos and shoots better video?
You’ll get stronger cameras from the Galaxy S25 Ultra. It scores higher for photo and video quality, and it supports 4K at 120fps, while RedMagic’s cameras are more basic.
Which phone lasts longer on battery, especially while gaming?
You’ll usually see longer runtimes on the RedMagic 11 Air. It packs a 7,000 mAh battery, while the S25 Ultra is 5,000 mAh, so heavy gaming drains Samsung sooner.
Which charges faster, and do you get a charger included?
You’ll charge faster with the RedMagic 11 Air at 80W wired, and it typically includes a compatible power brick. The S25 Ultra tops out at 45W wired.
Which display is better for outdoor use and sharpness?
You’ll get a sharper panel on the S25 Ultra (higher resolution on a larger screen). The RedMagic 11 Air runs 144Hz OLED, but brightness can feel limiting outdoors.
Which is easier to carry, thin phone or slim gaming phone?
If you want a lighter daily carry, you’ll likely prefer the S25 Ultra. The RedMagic 11 Air is relatively slim for gaming, but it’s still thick and heavy.
Which is the better value if you’re spending under $700?
If your budget is tight, you’ll get more raw specs per dollar with the RedMagic 11 Air. Pricing commonly starts far below the S25 Ultra’s flagship-level cost.
Which has better durability and water resistance for daily use?
You’ll generally trust the S25 Ultra more for rough daily use, thanks to its flagship build and stronger protection. The RedMagic 11 Air is IP54, a more modest rating.
Should you buy RedMagic 11 Air if you care about cameras?
If photos matter, you’ll probably get frustrated. The 11 Air’s 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, and under-display selfie camera are fine for basics, not flagship shots.
Do you need wireless charging or Qi2 support on either phone?
If wireless charging is a must, pick the S25 Ultra, it supports wireless charging (including Qi2 at up to 15W). The RedMagic 11 Air focuses on wired charging.
Conclusion
The RedMagic 11 Air vs Galaxy S25 Ultra choice gets easy when you stop asking “which is best” and start asking “best for what.” If you want long battery life, fast wired charging, and gaming-first controls, the RedMagic 11 Air is the smarter buy, even if it isn’t the slimmest “Air” phone in the broader market. If you want the safer premium pick with better cameras, stronger water resistance, wireless charging convenience, and a more refined daily experience, the Galaxy S25 Ultra earns its price.
A simple way to decide: pick the phone that wins your top two priorities. That’s the one you’ll still like six months from now.