Nubia's gaming phone subsidiary, RedMagic, is gearing up to expand its flagship lineup. Following the launch of the RedMagic 11 Pro series, the company has now officially teased the arrival of a more accessible model. The upcoming RedMagic 11 Air promises to bring top-tier gaming performance to a broader audience, with key specifications and a potential release window already emerging from official hints and regulatory filings.
Official Confirmation and Launch Timeline
The existence of the RedMagic 11 Air was confirmed by RedMagic's own Product Manager, Jiang Chao, via a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. By resharing a leak from reputable tipster Digital Chat Station, the company has signaled that the device's launch is on the horizon. The tipster specifically indicated a debut in China in January 2026, which would mark a significant acceleration compared to the previous generation. The RedMagic 10 Air launched globally in April 2025, several months after its Pro sibling. This shortened gap suggests Nubia is aiming to capitalize on market momentum and get its full portfolio to consumers more quickly.
Comparison with Predecessor (RedMagic 10 Air):
| Feature | RedMagic 10 Air (Released Apr 2025) | RedMagic 11 Air (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| Battery | 6,000mAh | 7,000mAh |
| Front Camera | 16MP Under-display | 16MP Under-display |
| Launch Timeline | ~5 months after Pro model | ~3 months after Pro model (Expected) |
| Price (Launch) | USD 549 | TBD (Expected to be competitive) |
Power and Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Elite Advantage
At the heart of the RedMagic 11 Air is expected to be Qualcomm's next-generation flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This processor is rumored to offer a substantial performance uplift, with claims of up to 28% faster CPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in the current RedMagic 10 Air. For a device positioned in the mid-to-high tier, featuring a chipset of this caliber is a major selling point. It positions the 11 Air not just as a "lite" version, but as a performance powerhouse capable of handling the most demanding mobile games. This is further bolstered by the inclusion of RedMagic's signature active cooling fan system, a critical feature for sustaining peak performance during extended gaming sessions.
Key Specifications (Rumored via TENAA & Leaks):
- Model Number: NX799J
- Display: 6.8-inch OLED, 1216 x 2688 resolution
- Front Camera: 16MP (Under-display)
- Rear Cameras: Dual 50MP
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
- RAM/Storage Options: 12GB/256GB, 24GB/1TB
- Battery: 7,000mAh (Expected upgrade from 6,000mAh in predecessor)
- Cooling: Active cooling fan system
- Launch Region/Date: China, January 2026 (Rumored)
Display and Camera Specifications
The device is tipped to sport a large, immersive 6.8-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1216 x 2688 pixels. A key design feature carried over from the Pro models is the under-display front camera technology, which Digital Chat Station claims will make the 11 Air the first phone of 2026 to feature it. This allows for a truly uninterrupted, full-screen viewing experience ideal for gaming and media. On the camera front, the TENAA certification lists a 16MP sensor for the under-display selfie camera. The rear camera system is expected to consist of a dual setup, headlined by a 50MP primary sensor.
Major Battery Upgrade and Storage Configurations
One of the most notable upgrades rumored for the RedMagic 11 Air is its battery capacity. While its predecessor, the 10 Air, housed a 6,000mAh battery, the new model is expected to receive a significant boost to a 7,000mAh unit. This addresses a common desire among power users and gamers for longer endurance, potentially setting a new benchmark for battery life in its segment. In terms of memory, the phone is expected to launch in two configurations: a high-end variant with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, and a more standard option with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
Addressing Past Shortcomings and Market Position
The previous RedMagic 10 Air, while praised for its performance-per-dollar at its USD 549 price point, faced user criticism in specific areas. Reports of display issues, such as green lines, and the mediocre image quality from the under-display camera were notable drawbacks. The 11 Air appears to retain the same 16MP front-facing camera, suggesting selfie quality may remain a secondary concern. Furthermore, with a weight likely around 205g, it continues the trend of being a substantial device, distancing itself from the "Air" moniker's typical connotation of lightness. The success of the RedMagic 11 Air will hinge on whether its raw performance, massive battery, and aggressive pricing can outweigh these persistent compromises for the target audience of budget-conscious gamers.
Conclusion and Anticipated Impact
With an official tease pointing to a January 2026 launch, the RedMagic 11 Air is shaping up to be a compelling contender in the gaming phone arena. Its speculated combination of the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a colossal 7,000mAh battery, and a sleek under-display camera design presents a strong value proposition. If Nubia can maintain a competitive price similar to the outgoing model—around USD 549—while mitigating past issues like display reliability, the RedMagic 11 Air could dominate the mid-range gaming segment. It represents a strategic move to deliver near-flagship performance in a more accessible package, just in time for the new year.