Gaming phone as daily driver: a brutal experiment reveals the truth

The RedMagic 11 Pro isn’t just a gaming phone; it’s a statement. From the moment I started using it as my daily driver – meticulously setting up my Google Wallet and banking apps, a surprisingly arduous process – it became a constant conversation starter. People were captivated. But beneath the flashy exterior, a stark reality emerged: gaming phones aren’t built for everyday life, and that’s a critical distinction to understand.

Liquid cooling and a stunning design: initial impressions

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the RedMagic 11 Pro’s headline feature – liquid cooling. It’s undeniably impressive, a genuine feat of engineering. Coupled with a gorgeous, almost aggressively stylish design, it immediately grabbed attention. Forget blending in; this phone screams for attention. However, that attention comes at a cost: a genuinely mediocre camera system. Trying to impress anyone with photos taken on this device is a futile effort.

The under-display selfie camera is shockingly bad, a consistent letdown. It's a jarring contrast to the phone’s otherwise premium hardware. While the performance is exceptional – benchmarks show it easily surpassing flagship competitors like the iPhone 17 Pro Max – it’s a trade-off that matters for many users.

Performance that doesn't lie

Don't let the aesthetics fool you; this phone flies. Geekbench 6 scores consistently place it amongst the top performers, beating out devices like the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the ROG Phone 9 Pro. Gaming is buttery smooth, even at maximum settings. Tasks like video editing and multitasking are handled with effortless speed. It’s a powerhouse, a testament to the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and the generous cooling system.

The battery life, however, is remarkable. With a massive 7,500 mAh cell, I routinely achieved two full days of use, with around 20% remaining at the end. Charging is also blazingly fast, reaching 80% in just 30 minutes. That's a huge advantage over many competitors.

The verdict: a niche device

While the RedMagic 11 Pro excels in raw performance and boasts a striking design, its shortcomings – particularly the camera – limit its appeal as a true daily driver. It’s a device that prioritizes gaming above all else, and while it performs admirably in that role, it doesn't quite elevate to the level of a truly versatile smartphone. If you crave a phone that turns heads and delivers uncompromising performance in games, the RedMagic 11 Pro is worth considering. But for those prioritizing a complete camera experience, there are much better options available.