RedMagic Astra Tablet: A Game-Changer for Mobile Gaming?

The excitement surrounding the RedMagic Astra tablet is palpable, but does it live up to the buzz? We got early access to this gaming-focused device, and here’s our take. This RedMagic Astra review will shed light on what you can expect.

The Specs

Details on the test model’s internals were sparse, but here’s what we know.

The tablet runs on a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, prominently displayed through its glass back. Our unit came with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It features a 9-inch OLED display that dominates the front.

A standout feature of RedMagic devices, including the Astra, is active cooling. The tablet integrates fans, a vapor chamber, and a liquid metal passive system, all designed to keep critical components performing optimally during intensive tasks.

The Tablet

Like other RedMagic devices, the Astra feels sturdy enough to double as a makeshift shield. It’s solid and has a reassuring weight without being cumbersome. The beveled edges and rounded corners make it comfortable to hold.

It’s compact, roughly the length of a Nintendo Switch Lite but wider, with a larger screen. It easily slips into a handbag.

The design is sleek, avoiding the over-the-top sci-fi aesthetic of some RedMagic products. The transparent back, revealing a circuit board, adds a cool retro vibe. Transparent electronics deserve a comeback, and we’re here for it.

Port-wise, it’s minimal with just a USB-C, enhancing its ergonomic feel. The absence of a protruding camera lens further improves comfort.

Upon powering on, the screen immediately impresses. Colors pop vividly, and visuals are razor-sharp, making video playback a delight.

The camera is functional but basic. It lacks the advanced features of the RedMagic 10 Air’s phone camera. For serious photography, a tablet’s form factor isn’t ideal anyway.

The Software

As an Android tablet, the Astra’s OS will feel familiar to Android users, with some RedMagic-specific tweaks.

One minor annoyance is the default browser, which replaces Chrome. You can still access Chrome via the Google Apps button, but we stuck with the familiar option.

The standout software feature is Game Space. By flipping a red switch on the tablet’s top, you toggle between standard Android and a console-like gaming interface. This mode lets you access games, tweak settings for individual titles, and select display modes optimized for different game types.

Game Space also offers video capture tools, gameplay-enhancing plugins, and the ability to use another RedMagic device as a controller—perfect if you own a RedMagic phone.

Then there’s Mora, RedMagic’s animated avatar, similar to Opera GX’s Aura. You can add her to the Android desktop, where she appears in the background and occasionally comments. She once warned me about a low battery—sorry, Mora! It’s a quirky, optional feature that’s fun for some but skippable for others.

The Performance

The Astra is built for gaming, so we tested it with demanding 3D apps from Play Pass.

It handled everything effortlessly. Visually intensive games, including PC ports, caused slight warming, but the cooling system quickly stabilized the device while maintaining smooth performance. The cooling tech clearly works.

We haven’t tested emulators, but based on its performance with standard Android games, it’s a strong candidate for emulation.

Battery life is solid for casual use, lasting days on a single charge for light tasks. Intensive gaming with active cooling drains it faster, but for travel, you could likely skip the charger for regular use.

The Verdict

For a compact, powerful gaming tablet, the RedMagic Astra delivers. It tackles demanding apps with ease and includes thoughtful gaming features. It’s an ideal travel companion for gamers.

Some features feel basic, and not everyone will use every tool it offers, but these quirks don’t detract from its appeal. We’d love to see accessories like a keyboard or stylus, as seen with the Nova, to explore its potential for creative apps given its stellar screen and RAM.

Curious? Visit the RedMagic website for more details.