With a 9.06-inch OLED display and top-tier internals, the $499 Astra is an impressive gaming tablet.
Redmagic is evidently focused on expanding its offerings this year; the 10S Pro has demonstrated itself to be an excellent gaming phone, and now the brand is stepping into the realm of Android tablets. The Astra sits in the mid-range category with a sleek design that aligns with the aesthetics of the brand’s smartphones, powered by the latest Qualcomm processor and an 8,200mAh battery.
What stands out the most for me is that the Astra features an OLED display. While many Android tablets still utilize LCDs, which lack the deep contrast and vibrancy of OLED, Redmagic’s choice gives the Astra a competitive edge over its counterparts.
Additionally, there’s the pricing; the Astra is offered at just $499 on Redmagic’s website, which is remarkable considering the impressive specifications. On Amazon, the same tablet is priced at $699, indicating that Redmagic is promoting its launch with a significant discount on its own site. The entry-level model includes 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, with a 16GB/512GB variant priced at $649, and a 24GB/1TB option available for $849.
A design that stands out
It’s clear the Astra is designed for gaming; it features a striking design reminiscent of Redmagic’s gaming phones, making it quite unique. There’s RGB lighting on the back (naturally) around the Redmagic logo and the built-in fan located next to the camera, which is customizable.
The tablet’s back is crafted from aluminum, enhanced by a glass insert that effectively breaks up the aesthetics while adding a touch of style. The Astra feels excellent in hand; the dimensions are spot on, and it’s quite comfortable to hold. Weighing in at 370g, it doesn’t feel heavy, allowing for hours of usage without any discomfort.
Notably, the tablet has a flat back with no camera bump — similar to the 10S Pro — which makes it much easier to use. There’s no wobble when placing the Astra on a table, and its 6.9mm side width with rounded edges makes it very easy to hold.
The build quality is outstanding; the mid-frame is also made from aluminum, and I encountered no issues during the month I tested the tablet. It has IP54 ingress protection, and the stereo speakers provide impressive sound quality.
The bezels are slimmer than those on most Android tablets I’ve used recently, and they are uniform on all sides, which is an accomplishment in its own right. I appreciate Redmagic’s choice of a 9.06-inch OLED panel instead of the typical 11 or 12-inch displays, as the smaller size enhances the Astra’s portability while still offering ample screen space.
A gaming powerhouse
The display is exceptional; it boasts a resolution of 2400 x 1504 and supports up to 165Hz refresh rate in specific games. This OLED panel provides superb color richness and contrast, clearly setting it apart. It features LTPO technology and 5,280Hz PWM dimming, and it achieves sufficient brightness to remain usable even in direct sunlight. While it may not be a tandem OLED panel like the iPad Pro M4, it surpasses any other Android tablet I’ve previously used.
Gaming on the Astra is an absolute pleasure, with the tablet handling graphically intensive titles effortlessly. It employs an active cooling system (a small fan located at the back) along with an inventive thermal management framework, resulting in no throttling even under demanding conditions. Occasionally, it tends to run warm, but it’s significantly more tolerable than a gaming phone due to the larger surface area, and this issue was primarily observed during 3DMark stress tests.
Essentially, this is the most economical method to access the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the U.S., and the gaming tablet truly meets its potential. I opted for the 16GB/512GB variant, which I believe is the ideal choice; all versions are equipped with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage.
Much like Redmagic’s gaming phones, the Astra offers high refresh rate gaming in select titles, providing an enjoyable experience. The built-in sound is loud and clear, and there’s a customizable Magic Key on the side. The tablet also incorporates a fingerprint sensor and face unlock, both of which are quick and efficient. The vibration motor is impressive, providing satisfactory feedback.
Thanks to the 8,200mAh battery, the Astra easily endures
