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

REDMAGIC is at it again. If you’ve been itching for a tablet that can keep up with whatever Genshin Impact marathons or intense Cookie Run: Kingdom gaming sessions you have planned for the weekend, the REDMAGIC Astra might just be the shiny new toy you’ve been waiting for.

I was as surprised as the next person when I unboxed it, only to find out just how compact it was. However, that didn't change a thing - in fact, it made me even more intrigued. Why, you might wonder? That's because I've already reviewed the Nova gaming tablet, which is a regular-sized tablet. I already mentioned how impressed I was with it, so I was eager to see if Astra could bring something else to the table. 

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

Launched globally on July 1st, 2025, this 9-inch gaming tablet is a sleek, spec-heavy beast that’s ready to take on the likes of the Lenovo Legion Y700 and even give the iPad Mini a run for its money. But does it live up to the hype? I’ve spent some quality time with the Astra, and here’s the lowdown on whether it’s the ultimate portable gaming champ or just another flashy 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 I tested has a matte finish with a transparent glass strip on the back, coming together nicely with the RGB-lit fan. I have to say, it’s got that gamer aesthetic without going full-on “neon rave party” or leaning towards the "something weird is going on futuristic aesthetic", which I appreciate.

The 90.1% screen-to-body ratio worked extremely well for me, given I have slimmer fingers, but my husband, who has slightly bigger hands, still prefers a bigger screen. Oh well, can't make everyone happy!

You can see the size difference between the REDMAGIC Astra (left) and the REDMAGIC Nova (right) gaming tablets, which is quite considerable!

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. 

Yeah, I actually asked my friend (who is arguably 100x better than I at shooters) to give it a try, and she was thrilled at how easy it was for her to play on it, given she mostly plays games on console. 

As for some of the other games, the Astra didn’t break a sweat maintaining its silky-smooth frame rates in any game, while still running my million-tab browser in the background and a few other tools (I always forget to close the apps, oops). So, it can handle multitasking like a champ.

I believe this is all thanks to the advanced cooling system, which is a system REDMAGIC has included in all of their devices, and so far, it has never disappointed me. 

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.

The Mora AI assistant, which we've gotten pretty familiar with by now (REDMAGIC’s anime mascot), is ever so present, but again, you can choose to shut her off and banish her to her corner. It sounds rough, but she won't hold it against you, trust me.

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 can actually set it up to charge only up to a certain point, so you can preserve your battery life, which is something I found while looking around the settings. That is absolutely fantastic, and I highly recommend it. 

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 personally paired it with the GameSir G8+ Bluetooth controller, and they worked perfectly together.

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