ZTE Nubia Red Magic 11 Pro+ vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Two of the most powerful phones you can buy in Malaysia in 2026 — but built for completely different users. The Red Magic 11 Pro+ is a purpose-built gaming beast with a 7,500mAh battery, 120W fast charging, built-in cooling fan, and 520Hz shoulder triggers. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a polished all-rounder with the best-in-class S Pen, Hasselblad-rivalling cameras, 7 years of OS updates, and Samsung’s seamless Galaxy ecosystem.
Red Magic 11 Pro+ starts from RM3,598 • Galaxy S25 Ultra starts from RM5,999 — a RM2,401 gap. We break down every category to tell you which one is worth it for Malaysian buyers.
Meet the Competitors
Sources: Phoneaqua.com Malaysia (Red Magic 11 Pro+ RM3,598–RM4,470); Samsung Malaysia official (S25 Ultra RM5,999–RM7,799); TechNave Malaysia; SoyaCincau Malaysia S25 launch coverage Jan 2025.
Full Specifications — Head to Head
Category Scores — Who Wins What?
| Category | 🎮 Red Magic 11 Pro+ | 👑 S25 Ultra | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw Performance | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Snapdragon 8 Elite | 🔴 Red Magic (newer chip) |
| Gaming Hardware | Fan + 520Hz triggers + bypass | Software only | 🔴 Red Magic (no contest) |
| Battery Capacity | 7,500mAh | 5,000mAh | 🔴 Red Magic (+2,500mAh) |
| Charging Speed | 120W wired + 80W wireless | 45W wired + 15W wireless | 🔴 Red Magic (fastest here) |
| Display Quality | FHD+ 165Hz AMOLED | QHD+ 120Hz LTPO AMOLED | 🔵 S25 Ultra (sharper, adaptive) |
| Camera System | 50MP + 50MP (no zoom) | 200MP + 50MP 5× + 10MP 3× | 🔵 S25 Ultra (vastly better) |
| RAM (max) | 24GB | 12GB | 🔴 Red Magic (double RAM) |
| AI Features | Gaming AI | Full Galaxy AI + Gemini | 🔵 S25 Ultra (much broader) |
| S Pen / Stylus | None | Built-in S Pen | 🔵 S25 Ultra |
| Build Quality | IPX8, glass/aluminium | IP68, titanium + Gorilla Armor 2 | 🔵 S25 Ultra (titanium) |
| Software Support | ~2 years | 7 years guaranteed | 🔵 S25 Ultra (5 more years) |
| Malaysia Warranty | Grey market only | Full official Samsung MY | 🔵 S25 Ultra |
| Headphone Jack | ✅ 3.5mm included | ❌ None | 🔴 Red Magic |
| Price Value | RM3,598 (flagship specs) | RM5,999 (RM2,401 more) | 🔴 Red Magic (gaming value) |
🎮 Gaming Performance — Where Red Magic Dominates
This is where the Red Magic 11 Pro+ makes its case so compelling. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra can certainly play any mobile game — but it’s doing so as a side feature. The Red Magic was engineered from the ground up for one purpose: gaming performance and endurance.
For Malaysian competitive gamers — Mobile Legends ranked, PUBG Mobile tournaments, COD Mobile, or Genshin Impact on max settings — the Red Magic 11 Pro+ is the clear winner. The S25 Ultra plays all these games well, but will throttle faster in Malaysia’s heat, lacks physical triggers for FPS games, and its 5,000mAh battery will need a mid-session top-up in a long gaming day. For phones with similar gaming focus, see best gaming phones under RM1000 Malaysia.
📷 Camera Comparison — Samsung’s Overwhelming Advantage
The camera difference between these two phones is enormous — and it represents the biggest reason to choose the S25 Ultra if photography matters to you.
| Camera | Red Magic 11 Pro+ | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 50MP f/1.8 | 200MP f/1.7 OIS — 4× more detail |
| Ultra-wide | 50MP | 50MP dual-pixel PDAF |
| Telephoto | ❌ None | 50MP 5× periscope OIS + 10MP 3× OIS |
| Zoom capability | Digital crop only — degrades fast | 100× Space Zoom (3×, 5× optical) |
| OIS | Main only | 3 lenses with OIS |
| Night photography | Decent | Nightography — class-leading |
| Video | 8K@30fps | 8K@30fps + ProRes-level quality |
| Selfie | 16MP under-display (visible quality loss) | 12MP — much sharper output |
🔋 Battery & Charging — Red Magic’s Biggest Win
The 7,500mAh vs 5,000mAh gap is substantial — the Red Magic carries 50% more battery capacity. In practice: where the S25 Ultra typically lasts a full standard day of Malaysian use (calls, social media, Waze, occasional streaming), the Red Magic 11 Pro+ comfortably reaches two days for moderate users or a full marathon gaming session for heavy gamers. The 120W charging fills the massive 7,500mAh from 0 to 100% in approximately 50 minutes — remarkably fast for such a large cell. Samsung’s 45W charging fills the 5,000mAh in about 65–70 minutes.
The bypass charging feature deserves special mention for Malaysian gamers: when plugged in during gaming, power goes directly to the phone without routing through the battery — the battery stays cool and doesn’t degrade from charging heat. For long Raya gaming sessions or overnight streaming, this matters. For more on battery phones, see best 7000mAh battery phones Malaysia.
🇲🇾 Malaysia-Specific Considerations
| Factor | Red Magic 11 Pro+ | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia Warranty | ❌ Grey market only | ✅ Official 12-month Samsung MY |
| 5G Band Support | ⚠️ Verify before buying | ✅ All Malaysian carriers supported |
| Repair Centres | ❌ Limited/none official | ✅ Samsung Experience Stores nationwide |
| Resale Value | Low (niche brand) | High (Samsung brand premium) |
| Touch ‘n Go NFC | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Price Stability | Grey market — fluctuates | Fixed official Malaysia pricing |
Who Should Buy Which — Malaysia Decision Guide
- Are a serious mobile gamer — Mobile Legends ranked, PUBG tournaments, COD, Genshin
- Want the longest battery life of any flagship-tier phone available (7,500mAh)
- Play marathon gaming sessions (4+ hours continuous) and need bypass charging
- Want flagship performance at RM3,598 — RM2,401 cheaper than S25 Ultra
- Love specs — 24GB RAM / 1TB storage / 120W charging is genuinely impressive
- Want a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio during gaming
- Are comfortable buying grey market with global warranty
- Don’t care about camera quality beyond basic social media snapshots
- Want the best camera system available in Malaysia — 200MP, 5× periscope, 100× zoom
- Use the S Pen for notes, sketching, or productivity
- Need official Malaysia warranty and Samsung service centre support
- Want 7 years of OS and security updates — keeping the phone until 2032
- Are invested in the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem (Galaxy Watch, Buds, DeX)
- Use Galaxy AI features (Circle to Search, Live Translate, Now Brief) daily
- Want a premium titanium build with Gorilla Armor 2 durability
- Are a business professional or content creator needing a reliable all-rounder
- Value resale — Samsung flagships hold value better in Malaysia
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Red Magic 11 Pro+ available officially in Malaysia?
As of February 2026, the Red Magic 11 Pro+ does not have an official Malaysia launch or SIRIM certification. It is available through grey market channels, Shopee international, and parallel importers at approximately RM3,598–RM4,470. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra was officially launched in Malaysia in January 2025 with full Samsung Malaysia warranty and official support.
Which has better battery life in Malaysia — Red Magic 11 Pro+ or S25 Ultra?
The Red Magic 11 Pro+ wins significantly — 7,500mAh vs 5,000mAh is a 50% larger battery. For gaming sessions (Mobile Legends, PUBG Mobile) the Red Magic lasts 10–12 hours continuous versus the S25 Ultra’s 6–7 hours. For standard daily Malaysian use (WhatsApp, social media, streaming), the Red Magic easily reaches 2 days while the S25 Ultra manages a full day. The Red Magic’s 120W charging also refills its larger battery faster than S25 Ultra’s 45W charging refills its smaller 5,000mAh.
Which phone is better for photography in Malaysia?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is not close — it wins comprehensively. The 200MP main sensor with OIS, 50MP 5× periscope telephoto, and 100× Space Zoom deliver capabilities the Red Magic’s dual-camera system cannot approach. Malaysian travel photography, food shots, family events, and content creation for Instagram or YouTube will produce dramatically better results on the S25 Ultra. The Red Magic’s cameras are adequate for gaming highlights and quick social media snaps but are not the reason to buy the phone.
What is the price difference in Malaysia?
Red Magic 11 Pro+ starts at approximately RM3,598 (12GB/256GB, grey market). Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at RM5,999 official Samsung Malaysia (12GB/256GB). The gap is RM2,401 at base configurations. For equivalent storage (1TB), Red Magic reaches RM4,470 vs S25 Ultra at RM7,799 — a RM3,329 difference.
Does the Red Magic 11 Pro+ support Malaysian 5G bands?
The global Red Magic 11 Pro+ supports 5G SA/NSA Sub-6GHz bands including n1, n3, n5, n8, n28, n41, n77, n78, n79. Malaysian carriers (Maxis, Celcom-Digi, U Mobile, Yes) primarily use n1, n3, n28, n78, and n79. Band n28 (700MHz) and n78 (3.5GHz) used by Malaysian 5G carriers are supported, but always verify the specific model variant (Chinese vs Global) before purchasing grey market. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Malaysia set is fully certified for all Malaysian carrier bands.
The 2025 flagship race in Malaysia is heating up, and two brands stand out — ZTE Nubia Red Magic 11 Pro Plus and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Both promise cutting-edge hardware, stunning displays, and next-gen performance.
We tested both devices hands-on for gaming, photography, and daily multitasking to help you decide which one truly offers better value for Malaysians. By the end of this comparison, you’ll know which flagship suits your lifestyle best — whether you’re a gamer, creator, or everyday user.
Speed vs Clarity
The Red Magic 11 Pro Plus is built for gamers. Its 165Hz AMOLED panel delivers ultra-smooth visuals in games like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact. The touch response feels instant, making gameplay extremely responsive.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Ultra prioritizes visual excellence. Its QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen offers richer contrast, precise color calibration, and outstanding HDR performance — perfect for streaming and creative work.
Verdict:
Performance: Raw Power vs Refined Efficiency
Both phones run the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset, Qualcomm’s fastest to date. The Red Magic 11 Pro Plus pushes limits with up to 24GB LPDDR5X RAM, achieving remarkable benchmark results and smooth gaming without overheating, thanks to its built-in cooling fan.
Samsung’s S25 Ultra delivers top-tier performance with a focus on consistency and thermal balance. Even during 4K video recording or multitasking, the phone stays cool and efficient.
Camera: Pro Photography vs Functional Simplicity
Samsung maintains its dominance in smartphone photography. The 200MP ISOCELL HP2 sensor on the S25 Ultra captures outstanding detail, even in dim lighting. Photos look natural with refined dynamic range and AI-driven image clarity.
The Red Magic 11 Pro Plus offers a capable 50MP Sony sensor that performs well in daylight but lacks the same depth and detail in low-light or portrait shots.
Verdict:
- For photography and videography: Galaxy S25 Ultra
- For casual shots: Red Magic 11 Pro Plus
Battery & Charging: Quick Power vs All-Day Efficiency
The Red Magic 11 Pro Plus includes a 6500mAh battery with unbelievably fast 165W charging, reaching full power in about 16 minutes — ideal for users who are always on the go.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a 5000mAh battery with 45W charging, which is slower but optimized for endurance. During testing, it easily lasted a full day with heavy use and still had power left at night.
Verdict:
- For ultra-fast charging: Red Magic 11 Pro Plus
- For longer daily runtime: Galaxy S25 Ultra
Software & User Experience
The RedMagic OS 9 is designed with gamers in mind — offering performance modes, fan control, and RGB lighting customization. It’s fast and clean but lacks deep ecosystem integration.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra with One UI 7 provides a polished, consistent experience. Integration with Galaxy Buds, Watches, and Tabs makes it feel complete. Samsung’s 7-year OS and security update policy adds significant long-term value.
Verdict:
- For gaming enthusiasts: Red Magic 11 Pro Plus
- For long-term everyday use: Galaxy S25 Ultra
ros & Cons
| Model | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| ZTE Nubia Red Magic 11 Pro Plus | Blazing 165Hz display, top-tier gaming, 165W charging, massive 24GB RAM | Average camera, limited software polish |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Stunning display, best camera system, strong ecosystem, 7-year updates | Expensive, slower charging |
Comparison Summary
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Performance | ZTE Nubia Red Magic 11 Pro Plus |
| Camera | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Battery | ZTE Nubia Red Magic 11 Pro Plus |
| Software/Updates | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Overall Value (RM) | ZTE Nubia Red Magic 11 Pro Plus |
FAQ ZTE Nubia Red Magic 11 Pro Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Malaysia
The ZTE Nubia Red Magic 11 Pro Plus is better suited for gaming, thanks to its 165Hz display and cooling system.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra wins with its 200MP main sensor and superior image processing.
It supports 165W fast charging and reaches 100% in around 16 minutes.
Yes, the Galaxy S25 Ultra supports the built-in S Pen for note-taking and creative use.
Samsung offers better endurance, though ZTE recharges faster.
Red Magic 11 Pro Plus starts from around RM3,999, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra begins near RM6,299.
Value & Verdict
Both flagships shine, but they’re built for different audiences.
- If you’re a gamer or power user looking for maximum performance, ZTE Nubia Red Magic 11 Pro Plus offers unbeatable specs for its price.
- If you’re a photographer, professional, or everyday user who values premium design, ecosystem integration, and long-term updates, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the better investment.
Our Verdict:
✅ Best for Gaming & Performance: Red Magic 11 Pro Plus
✅ Best for Photography & Ecosystem: Galaxy S25 Ultra
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