The RedMagic Astra isn’t just another Android tablet; it’s a dedicated gaming powerhouse built for enthusiasts who demand peak performance on the go. After extensive testing, it’s clear this device surpasses competitors like the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 in key areas, making it the top choice for mobile gamers – and earning our Editor’s Choice award. While the Legion Tab remains a solid general-purpose option, the Astra delivers unmatched speed and features, justifying its premium price tag.
Unrivaled Performance in a Pocketable Design
RedMagic has successfully crammed flagship specs into a surprisingly compact form factor. The Astra features a 9-inch screen housed in a sleek design that easily fits in a large pocket. Its symmetrical 4.9mm bezels make even the iPad Mini look dated. Beyond aesthetics, the device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, up to 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and up to 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage, ensuring smooth, lag-free gaming. The inclusion of RedMagic’s R3 Pro gaming chip further optimizes performance by offloading tasks from the main chipset, preventing throttling during extended sessions.
The Astra’s 9.1-inch OLED display boasts a 2,400×1,504 resolution (331 ppi) and a blistering 165Hz refresh rate, making every game visually stunning and incredibly responsive. Peak brightness reaches 1,600 nits, ensuring readability even in direct sunlight. This is one of the best screens available on any tablet.
Power and Endurance: A Battery That Keeps Up
Despite its high-end components, the Astra doesn’t compromise on battery life. The 8,200 mAh battery supports up to 80W fast charging and easily lasts through several days of moderate use, including hours of gaming. CNET’s streaming tests show an average of 10 hours and 32 minutes of playtime, although actual gaming performance will vary.
The dual DTS:X Ultra speakers provide surprisingly good sound quality for a small tablet, though dedicated gaming headphones are still recommended for competitive titles where audio cues are critical.
Design Quirks and Their Logic
RedMagic made a deliberate design choice by positioning the USB-C port towards the top of the tablet. This placement prevents charging cables from obstructing gameplay while plugged in, a common issue with other devices. The offset power button, positioned directly across from the USB-C port, can be a minor annoyance when connecting controllers, but the trade-off is worth it for uninterrupted gaming sessions. Bluetooth controllers bypass this issue entirely.
RedMagic confirms this layout was intentional, designed to accommodate third-party controllers and prioritize usability for the majority of players who game without wired connections.
Software and Updates: A Mixed Bag
The Astra runs Android 15 with a significantly streamlined software experience compared to RedMagic’s earlier offerings. While some bloatware remains, it’s largely removable. However, long-term software support is a concern. Users shouldn’t expect major platform updates, with security patches being the most likely form of ongoing maintenance. The company’s track record suggests limited commitment to timely Android version upgrades. This isn’t ideal for all users, but given the Astra’s primary function as a gaming device, it’s a tolerable compromise.
The Bottom Line: A Worthy Investment for Serious Gamers
The RedMagic Astra sets a new standard for mobile gaming tablets. Its unmatched performance, sleek design, and long-lasting battery make it the best option for enthusiasts who prioritize gaming above all else. While the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 offers a more affordable alternative, the Astra’s superior specs and features justify the higher price. If you’re serious about mobile gaming, the Astra is the device to buy.
