The upcoming RedMagic 11 Air has taken a significant step toward its official launch, with its design now fully unveiled. Following an initial specifications listing, China's TENAA certification agency has published a full set of images, giving us our first clear look at the gaming smartphone and the substantial design changes Nubia has in store.
The new images confirm that the RedMagic 11 Air will be easily distinguishable from the RedMagic 10 Air, which launched just a few months ago in April 2025. While the front of the device remains a mystery with the screen shown powered off, industry watchers expect it to continue the tradition of housing the selfie camera underneath the display for an uninterrupted viewing experience.
A Bold New Aesthetic and Camera Intrigue
The most dramatic changes are reserved for the phone’s back panel and sides. The rear camera module has been completely redesigned, now featuring four distinct circular rings. This is an intriguing choice, as the official spec sheet confirms only two rear cameras: a 50MP primary sensor and an 8MP secondary shooter. The purpose of the two additional rings is currently unknown but could be for additional sensors like a macro lens or a dedicated depth sensor.
The positioning of the LED flash has also been moved from the top of the camera array to the bottom, further signaling a redesign. Beyond the cameras, the back panel sports an aggressive new aesthetic. A pattern of lines covers nearly two-thirds of the surface, and a prominent RedMagic logo is housed within a circle adjacent to the camera module. Adding to the industrial, gamer-centric look, the back is adorned with visible screws, a design choice reminiscent of the CMF Phone 2 Pro.
This bold design language, featuring visible screws for a tactical feel, is also found in other modern devices. For instance, the CMF Phone 2 Pro (currently available on Amazon.de for €199) utilizes a similar approach, appealing to users who prefer a hardware-focused aesthetic.
Enhanced Gaming Controls and the Return of Active Cooling
For dedicated gamers, the changes to the phone's sides are perhaps the most exciting. The TENAA images reveal that the RedMagic 11 Air has swapped the pill-shaped capacitive shoulder triggers of its predecessor for new rectangular ones. This could suggest a larger surface area for touch input, potentially improving control in fast-paced games.
The physical buttons have also been reshaped. The circular power button and the dedicated "Magic Key" on the left spine have been replaced with pill-shaped buttons, creating a more uniform look.
A significant and welcome addition is the presence of slits on the right side of the phone. These are almost certainly intake vents for an active cooling fan. The RedMagic 10 Air notably lacked a built-in fan, relying on passive cooling, so the return of active cooling in the 11 Air will be a major selling point for users who engage in long, intensive gaming sessions, as it helps maintain peak processor performance and prevent throttling.
The model shown in the certification images is a crisp white variant, but it is highly likely that Nubia will announce additional color options at the device's official launch. With the design now fully revealed and key features like active cooling confirmed, the tech community is eagerly awaiting the full performance specs and pricing details. For more in-depth coverage on the emerging specs, you can check out the detailed report on ITHome.