REDMAGIC Astra Gaming Tablet review – “Compact, sleek and perfect for gaming on-the-go”

Once more, REDMAGIC has arrived with an exciting offer. If you’re eager for a tablet that matches your upcoming Genshin Impact marathons or high-intensity Cookie Run: Kingdom gaming sessions over the weekend, then the dazzling REDMAGIC Astra might be the perfect new gadget to satisfy your craving.

Upon opening the package, I was just as taken aback as anyone else at its small size. Yet, this discovery only piqued my curiosity further. After all, I’ve previously reviewed the standard-sized Nova gaming tablet and was thoroughly impressed. Given that review, I was eager to find out if Astra could offer something unique with their product.

Spoilers… they did!

REDMAGIC Astra gaming tablet specs

As usual, we’ll start by listing some of the key features of this tiny (but mighty) tablet, which I’m sure will blow you away:

Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
Memory: 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage
Screen Size: 9.06 inch, 90.1% screen-to-body ratio
Screen Refresh Rate: 165Hz
Battery: 8,200 mAh battery with fast charging
Cooling System: 13-layer ICE-X
Hardware: USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2 port), fingerprint unlocking, face unlocking, customizable Magic Key
Software: REDMAGIC OS 10.5, based on Android 15
Camera & Audio: Front Camera 9MP, Rear Camera 13MP, DTS-X ultra immersive audio, Dual 1620 speakers, Dual 0815 X-axis linear motors
Material: Premium transparent metal body design with RGB lighting effects

On July 1st, 2025, the Astra gaming tablet was unveiled worldwide, boasting a compact 9-inch size yet packed with high-end specifications, ready to challenge heavyweights like the Lenovo Legion Y700 and even rival the iPad Mini. However, the question remains: Does it truly meet the hype? I’ve had the opportunity to test the Astra, so let me share my thoughts on whether it’s the undisputed portable gaming champion or simply another attractive contender.

Despite the compact design, it still screams gamer vibes while keeping it classy

Right out of the box, the REDMAGIC Astra feels like it means business. It’s quite light, weighing about 370g, and even though it’s not the heaviest tablet on the market, it can still last for hours. The best part is, your arms won’t scream for mercy after lengthy gaming sessions. Even though it’s so light, it’s sturdy, and you can genuinely feel that it’s a premium piece.

The Eclipse Black Astra model I tried out features a matte surface and a transparent strip of glass at the back, complemented by an RGB-illuminated fan. To put it simply, it exudes a gamer vibe without being overly flashy or excessively futuristic, which is quite appealing to me.

I found the 90.1% screen-to-body ratio ideal for me since I have thinner fingers, but despite that, my husband with larger hands still favors a larger screen. Guess it’s impossible to please everyone!

It’s evident that the REDMAGIC Astra on the left and the REDMAGIC Nova on the right gaming tablets have a significant size disparity.

Outstanding performance in ANY game

I’ve tested the REDMAGIC Astra with several games I’ve been playing for work since I received it, as well as with some of my favourite mobile/tablet-killers: Genshin Impact, Cookie Run: Kingdom, and (believe it or not) PUBG Mobile.

Sure thing!

Indeed, I asked my friend, who is exceptionally skilled in shooter games, to give it a go, and she was quite pleased with how straightforward the gameplay felt for her, considering that she primarily plays on console.

In terms of various games, the Astra effortlessly managed smooth, silk-like frame rates without a bead of sweat, even with a browser running numerous tabs and several other applications in the background. This indicates that it’s highly capable of managing multiple tasks efficiently, much like a seasoned multitasker.

I’m convinced that the impressive performance is largely due to the state-of-the-art cooling mechanism, a feature that REDMAGIC incorporates into every one of their gadgets. So far, it hasn’t fallen short in my experience.

You’ll probably spend a little bit of time uninstalling some apps

Once I unpacked it and finished setting it up, I noticed a little something. My screen had quite a few pre-installed apps that I ended up uninstalling, since I knew I’d never use them. Of course, this is not a dealbreaker, but for a gaming-focused device, I’d prefer a cleaner slate.

You’ve grown accustomed to the Mora AI assistant, our beloved REDMAGIC anime mascot, who is always around. However, if you wish, you can turn her off and send her away to a quiet corner. It might seem harsh, but she won’t harbor any grudges against you, I assure you.

Extensive battery life: a win!

Since this 9″ tablet has an 8,200mAh battery, it means you can spend something like 5+ hours in any demanding game on the highest graphics settings, or go for an entire weekend binge-watching your favourite Netflix shows. In my case, it lasted a full day of mixed gaming, listening to music in the background, and having the browser open for various searches, while still ending up with something like 24% battery at the end of the day.

You have the option to limit charging to a specific level, thus prolonging battery life. I came across this feature while exploring settings, and it’s truly impressive; I strongly suggest you give it a try.

Ideal for those who like to travel or want to pair it with a controller

The REDMAGIC Astra gaming tablet is ideal for those who travel a lot, and still have a powerful computer in their pocket, that they can dedicate to gaming or even work. It’s fast, it has a beautiful resolution and image quality, but if you like something a little bigger, it might not be for you.

I matched it up with the GameSir G8+ Bluetooth gamepad, and they functioned flawlessly as a team.

You can purchase the REDMAGIC Astra gaming tablet starting at €499 on the official website.

2025-07-18 17:48