At a look
Skilled’s Score
Execs
- Nice efficiency
- Pretty OLED show
- Good battery life
- Compact and cozy design
Cons
- Fundamental cameras
- No quick charger within the field
- Solely 3 years of software program assist within the US
Our Verdict
The Redmagic Astra is a captivating little gadget that also packs a giant punch. The compact body is comfy to carry for lengthy gaming periods, which is what you’ll be doing rather a lot, because it’s arduous to place down. It’s the very best small Android pill you should purchase proper now.
Value When Reviewed
This worth will present the geolocated pricing textual content for product undefined
Finest Pricing Right this moment
Value When Reviewed
From $549
Finest Costs Right this moment: Redmagic Astra
Nubia’s Redmagic is a model synonymous with gaming smartphones, together with the spectacular. Redmagic 10S Professional. However lately, it’s been dipping its toes within the pill market.
The lineup has now been added to with the compact Astra, which boasts flagship processors, an OLED show and a complicated cooling system, all inside a small body. So, is much less actually extra? I’ve extensively examined it, and listed here are my detailed ideas.
Design & Construct
- Compact and cozy metallic development
- 207mm x 134.2mm x 6.9mm; 370g
- IP54 water and mud resistance
Once I reviewed the Redmagic Nova gaming pill firstly of 2025, I used to be impressed with the general really feel and high quality of the product.
Nonetheless, if there was one space that I want to have seen enchancment from a design standpoint, it will be measurement. The ten.9-inch panel within the Nova meant that the general dimensions have been greater than I felt comfy with for longer gaming periods – at the very least for my arthritic arms.
Martyn Casserly
Redmagic appears to have learn my thoughts, although, because the Astra is a much more compact gadget, and I feel that’s an actual enchancment. That is aided by the smaller 9.06-inch show and skinny 4.9mm bezels that permit Redmagic to slim the dimensions to 1 that’s not solely balanced sufficient to carry for prolonged durations, but additionally mild sufficient to cease my arms aching.
Right here’s how the 2 examine by way of dimensions:
- Redmagic Nova Gaming Pill – 253.3mm x 164.6mm x 7.3 mm; 530g
- Redmagic Astra Gaming Pill – 207mm x 134.2mm x 6.9mm; 370g
As with its predecessor, the Astra includes a metallic physique with a futuristic patterned band on the rear that’s additionally dwelling to the only digicam lens, flash, plus a round view of the fan that options RGB lights. The Redmagic brand additionally has lights beneath, the colors of which could be customised within the settings.
Martyn Casserly
On the edges, there are twin audio system, which have a DTS:X Extremely certification for multi-dimensional audio.
The facility button has a fingerprint sensor embedded, and it labored constantly properly all through my time with the Astra. There are additionally quantity controls and the USB-C charging port.
Don’t take the Astra into the bathtub for a session of Genshin Impression or it might not make it out alive
Common Redmagic customers will know that the purple swap on the highest edge is there to launch the corporate’s devoted Sport House software program, however now you can additionally customise it in settings to set off different instructions as an alternative.
Martyn Casserly
As a compact and light-weight pill, it’s going up in opposition to the likes of the iPad Mini and Galaxy Tab A9, however it undoubtedly feels extra premium than the latter. An IP54 score means it could actually survive a couple of splashes, however don’t take the Astra into the bathtub for a session of Genshin Impression or it might not make it out alive.
The Redmagic Astra is available in two colors – Eclipse (Black) or Starfrost (Silver).
If you wish to add a case, Redmagic affords the bespoke Astra Pill Magnetic Folio case for $32.90/$38.90 (round £28). Must you fancy turning the pill into one thing akin to a Nintendo Swap, there’s the Gamepad case, which provides controllers to both facet of the Astra and prices £109/$129.
Display screen & Audio system
- 9.06-inch OLED show
- 2.4k decision, 165Hz refresh charge
- Twin audio system, however no 3.5mm headphone jack
Whereas the OLED 9.06-inch panel within the Astra could also be smaller than that of the IPS one within the Nova, it has some impressively beefed-up specs as compared. The two.4K (2,400 x 1,504) decision means the show is pin-sharp, with the 165Hz refresh charge maintaining scrolling and on-screen motion buttery easy.
Response occasions are additionally spectacular, due to the 240Hz contact sampling charge and a couple of,000Hz instantaneous contact sampling charge, which means there’s by no means any noticeable lag, together with whereas gaming.
Martyn Casserly
It’s additionally a lot brighter than the Nova, which topped out at 550 nits, as Redmagic states that the height brightness on the Astra goes as much as an eye-burning 1,600 nits. Typically use, I measured the brightness at round 810 nits, which is sufficient to deal with sunny days and half blind you when inside.
The show is pin-sharp, with the 165Hz refresh charge maintaining scrolling and on-screen motion buttery easy
Even with the slim 4.9mm bezels that give the Astra its 90.1% screen-to-body ratio, the front-facing digicam is mercifully saved off the display screen, so there’s no punch-holes or notches to interrupt the gaming or video playback – essential on a smaller show.
It additionally doubles up properly as an awesome gadget for studying books or graphic novels, because the detailed panel boasts wealthy and balanced colors.
Martyn Casserly
Unintentional display screen presses are at all times one thing to fret about when you might have such a small off-screen space to carry, however the Astra did a superb job of ignoring my non-dominant hand once I was working the gadget. Nonetheless, a couple of menus by chance selected the incorrect possibility once I adjusted my grip.
The dual audio system present a superb degree of quantity and keep away from being tinny or shrill. The positioning of them on the high and backside does imply you need to watch out to not cowl them fully throughout gaming periods, however the light-weight design prevented me from gripping too arduous and muffling the sound.
Sadly, there’s no 3.5mm jack on the Astra, so if you wish to use headphones, you’ll need to depend on the Bluetooth 5.4 connection. Nonetheless, this isn’t a giant shock in 2025.
Specs & Efficiency
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor
- Redmagic RedCore R3 Professional devoted gaming processor
- Liquid Metallic 2.0 cooling
Redmagic’s gaming smartphones typically include the most recent, strongest chips, and it’s no totally different this time round.
The Astra will get the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, Qualcomm’s flagship from 2024. That is accompanied by a Redmagic RedCore R3 Professional devoted gaming chip to deal with the livid computations demanded by immediately’s AAA titles.
They show a mighty mixture, as my exploits in Genshin Impression, Asphalt Legends, and a wide range of different video games all went unhampered by slowdowns or any noticeable dropped frames. The whole lot labored easily and with out incident – the Astra bought out of the best way and let me benefit from the video games with out worrying about any efficiency points, which was very reassuring.
Martyn Casserly
I had heard some reviews concerning the Snapdragon 8 Elite doubtlessly having overheating points, however I didn’t expertise that in gaming periods. This could possibly be because of the ICE X cooling system within the Astra, which options Redmagic’s newest Liquid Metallic 2.0 temperature management.
This strikes the liquid metallic to immediately above the CPU itself, positioned between stacked vapour chambers, permitting for extra environment friendly warmth dissipation and serving to forestall the chip from cooking itself when underneath heavy load. A 20,000RPM fan additionally strikes sizzling air away from the essential areas so the Astra can run cool.
Astra bought out of the best way and let me benefit from the video games with out worrying about any efficiency points, which was very reassuring
It did appear to do its job very properly, with no nice improve in temperature once I was enjoying video games. Issues did get hotter, however not a lot that it made me fear or really feel uncomfortable holding the gadget.
The one exception was whereas downloading giant information over Wi-Fi (the gadget has assist for WiFi 7), as this left the Astra feeling highly regarded to the contact. Perhaps it is a scenario that isn’t lined within the software program, however I wouldn’t have needed to carry the pill for very lengthy whereas it was that sizzling.
Reminiscence and storage are additionally premium, with the Astra utilizing LPDDR5T and UFS 4.1, which come within the following configurations:
- 12GB/256GB (Eclipse/Starfrost)
- 16GB/512GB (Eclipse/Starfrost)
- 24GB/1TB (Eclipse)
Redmagic Astra benchmarks
Right here’s how the Redmagic Astra pill fared in opposition to its rivals in our normal benchmark checks:
Cameras
- 13Mp rear
- 9Mp entrance
- Common outcomes
The cameras are very primary on the Astra, with a single 13Mp shooter on the rear and a 9Mp lens unit on the entrance.
Outcomes are satisfactory in adequate mild, however actually, you’ll be higher off utilizing whichever telephone you might have as your foremost digicam. Because of the single lens, you don’t even get a portrait mode for blurred backgrounds, and the 2x and 5x zooms are simply cropping, so that you lose important element.
Martyn Casserly
Photographs from the entrance digicam have been typically washed out and a bit hazy. Usable for video calling, however not for a lot else.
The Redmagic Astra has many nice options, as you’ll be able to see from the remainder of the overview, however don’t even take into consideration shopping for it for the cameras.
The Redmagic Astra has many nice options…however don’t even take into consideration shopping for it for the cameras
Listed here are a couple of pictures to see what you are able to do with the cameras:
Battery & Charging
- 8,200mAh battery with quick charging
- Stable battery life
- 80W charging, however no charger within the field
Because of the small measurement of the Astra, you received’t discover the ten,100mAh battery that got here with the Nova, however Redmagic nonetheless manages to suit an 8,200mAh cell into its diminutive pill.
Battery life can be very strong, with a one-hour gaming session lowering the cost by round 15%-20%, relying on which recreation I used to be enjoying. Clearly, this may range because of many components – together with display screen brightness, whether or not you’re on-line and the way graphically demanding the sport is – however for me, I may get round 4-5 hours of gaming from a single cost, which is similar to that of the Nova.
In our normal PCMark battery check, the Astra scored a time of 6 hours and 27 minutes, which is completely acceptable for a cell of this measurement. I don’t have any battery life considerations by any means.
Martyn Casserly
The Astra helps 80W quick charging, however there’s no charger included within the field, so that you’ll have to purchase one your self.
I didn’t have an 80W charger handy throughout testing, so as an alternative I needed to make do with a 67W unit I had mendacity round. From 0%, this introduced the Astra to 11% after quarter-hour, 22% after half-hour, and again to 100% after 2 hours and 20 minutes.
I don’t have any battery life considerations by any means
Not the quickest I’ve seen, however Redmagic does say that with its 80W charger it’s best to see a full refill in solely 71 minutes, which is considerably higher. It’s a disgrace it doesn’t embrace one with the pill, however this does appear to be the brand new norm throughout the business.
Software program & Options
- Android 15
- Redmagic OS 10.5 UI
- Software program assist for 3 years (US), 5 years (UK/Europe)
Android 15 unpins the Redmagic Astra, with the customized Redmagic OS 10.5 UI on high.
The pores and skin is maturing properly as of late, with hardly any of the fragmented language and occasional Chinese language that have been frequent (and undesirable) options of earlier variations. Today, Redmagic OS is a strong and sturdy UI, with loads of customisation options for themes, icons and wallpapers, in addition to honing the system to your private choice in relation to textual content measurement, layouts and different options.
Martyn Casserly
Alongside the traditional day-to-day options, there’s additionally Sport House. That is Redmagic’s devoted gaming hub, which you’ll entry through the purple swap or by sliding in from the highest left and proper corners when in a recreation.
Today, Redmagic OS is a strong and sturdy UI
It affords a variety of how to handle your library or add plug-ins to enhance your gaming expertise, equivalent to high-sensitivity on-screen joystick controllers, larger body charges in-game, and screen-casting choices. There’s a lot to discover, so if you wish to get probably the most out of your cell gaming expertise, Redmagic has heaps to supply with Sport House.
Martyn Casserly
Once I reviewed the Nova, the primary disadvantage was solely 3 years of software program assist. Issues have improved considerably with the Astra, although, as UK and European clients will now get 5 years of assist due to regional laws. Nonetheless, clients within the US are nonetheless restricted to these 3 years.
Contemplating most individuals improve their pill a lot much less typically than their telephone, it is a little disappointing. There’s additionally no phrase on when the Astra may get Android 16.
Value and Availability
Regardless of loads of premium specs, the Redmagic Astra has a comparatively inexpensive beginning value. Nonetheless, costs climb shortly for those who’re searching for extra RAM or storage.
- 12GB/256GB (Eclipse/Starfrost) – £439/$549
- 16GB/512GB (Eclipse/Starfrost) – £559/$699
- 24GB/1TB (Eclipse) – £739/$899
You should purchase one immediately from the Redmagic website, or through Amazon UK and Amazon US.
Within the small pill area, you’ll be able to’t dismiss the iPad mini. The Apple Arcade platform affords loads of alternative for video games, and the Mini is adept as a normal all-round pill too, with costs beginning at £499/$499.
The Galaxy Tab A9 can be price contemplating, however it’s a lot much less premium (from £169), and a successor may launch quickly. See extra options, together with many greater choices, in our information to the very best tablets you should purchase.
After all, there’s no manner a transportable gaming dialogue could be full with out the Nintendo Swap 2. Sure, you’ll be able to’t do Android issues on it, but when gaming is your main motivation (particularly for one thing simply moveable), then the £395.99/$449.99 price ticket will likely be a tempting one.
Must you purchase the Redmagic Astra Gaming Pill?
The Redmagic Astra is a really good gadget to make use of. Light-weight, simple to carry, however with loads of energy underneath the hood. Battery life is nice, and with the suitable charger, you will get again up and operating fairly shortly.
If you need a compact, moveable gaming platform, plus the complete energy of Android at your fingertips, then you definately’ll need to go an extended technique to beat the Redmagic Astra.
Specs
- 4.32GHz Octa-core Snapdragon 8 Elite processor
- Adreno 830 GPU
- Redmagic RedCore R3 Professional devoted gaming processor
- 9.06-inch OLED show, 2.4K (2,400 x 1,504) decision, 165Hz, 1,600 peak brightness, 240Hz Contact Sampling Charge, 2,000Hz Instantaneous Contact Sampling Charge
- Android 15 with Redmagic OS 10.5
- 12/16/24GB LPDDR5T Reminiscence
- 256GB/512GB/1TB UFS 4.1 storage
- Twin 1620 audio system, DTS:X Extremely certification
- Magic Key (customisable)
- Quantity controls
- Energy button with embedded fingerprint reader
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 charging port
- 13Mp rear digicam
- 9Mp entrance digicam
- 8,200mAh battery with quick charging
- Liquid Metallic 2.0, ICE-X cooling system
- Bluetooth 5.4
- WiFi 7
- IP54
- 207mm x 134.2mm x 6.9mm
- 370g
