The RedMagic Astra has entered the competitive tablet market with a strong focus on display quality, battery life, and fast charging. Known for its gaming smartphones, RedMagic has applied the same philosophy to this 9-inch tablet, combining high refresh rates, powerful hardware, and long-lasting performance. In this review, we will take a detailed look at its display, performance, battery life, charging speed, and audio capabilities.
Display Quality and Features
One of the main highlights of the RedMagic Astra is its display. The tablet features a 9.06-inch LTPO OLED panel with a resolution of 2400 x 1504 pixels, translating to a pixel density of 313 ppi. The screen supports 10-bit color depth, HDR10 video, and a refresh rate of up to 165Hz.
Summary Table
Specification |
Details |
|---|---|
Display |
9.06-inch LTPO OLED, 2400 x 1504 pixels, 313 ppi |
Brightness |
1,000 nits typical, 1,600 nits peak |
Refresh Rate |
60Hz / 120Hz / 165Hz (Auto mode supported) |
HDR Support |
HDR10 (limited, only works well on YouTube) |
Battery |
8,200mAh |
Battery Life |
11h+ active use, ~60h calls, 8h browsing, 8h gaming |
Charging |
80W fast charging, 63 min full charge with RedMagic charger |
Charging Features |
Turbo, Bypass, 80% charge cap |
Speakers |
Dual stereo, Good loudness, clear vocals, minimal bass |
Official Website |
Brightness and Visibility
According to the official specifications, the Astra can reach 1,000 nits of typical brightness and 1,600 nits of peak brightness. In real-world testing, the tablet easily crosses 1,000 nits in Auto mode under bright ambient light. When adjusting brightness manually, the maximum level is 682 nits, which is more than adequate for most indoor and outdoor situations.
Refresh Rate Modes
The RedMagic Astra offers multiple refresh rate settings:
-
Auto Mode: Switches between 60Hz, 120Hz, and 165Hz depending on the app in use. The OS and non-gaming apps generally run at 120Hz, while games and benchmarks can push it to 165Hz. Static images revert to 60Hz to save power.
-
165Hz Mode: Similar to Auto, but it forces compatible apps and UI elements to operate at 165Hz. However, not many non-gaming apps currently support this mode.
-
60Hz Mode: Locks the display to 60Hz for extended battery life.
HDR Performance
Although the tablet officially supports HDR10 video, the actual experience is limited. YouTube is the only app that offers HDR playback, and even then, the HDR effect is underwhelming compared to what you would expect from other premium OLED devices.
Battery Life
Powering the RedMagic Astra is a massive 8,200mAh battery, which is a solid capacity for a 9-inch device.
Real-World Endurance
In testing, the Astra achieved an Active Use Score of 11 hours and 12 minutes. The breakdown of usage is as follows:
-
Wi-Fi calls (WhatsApp): Around 60 hours
-
Web browsing: Over 8 hours
-
Gaming: Over 8 hours
-
Video streaming: Nearly 11.5 hours
While web browsing fell slightly below expectations, the tablet performed well for gaming and video streaming. Given the display and hardware power draw, these results are more than acceptable.
Charging Speed
One of the most impressive aspects of the RedMagic Astra is its 80W fast charging support. Unlike some tablets, it does not include a charger in the box, but it works with USB-PD chargers.
Charging Tests
-
Using a RedMagic 80W PD charger, the device charged from 0% to 100% in just 63 minutes. In 30 minutes, it reached 69%, which is remarkable for such a large battery.
-
With a 120W PD+PPS charger, charging was slower, reaching 19% in 15 minutes, 41% in 30 minutes, and 100% in 82 minutes.
This indicates that while the tablet is compatible with third-party chargers, the official RedMagic charger is the fastest option.
Extra Charging Features
The Astra includes several advanced charging options:
-
Turbo Charging: Boosts charging speeds to maximum levels.
-
Bypass Charging (Charge Separation): Powers the device directly without charging the battery, reducing heat and extending battery health during long gaming sessions.
-
80% Charge Limit: Allows users to cap charging at 80% for better long-term battery preservation.
Audio and Speakers
The RedMagic Astra comes equipped with dual stereo speakers placed symmetrically across the shorter edges of the device.
Sound Quality
In loudness tests, the speakers achieved a Good rating. Audio reproduction is clear, with excellent vocals and sharp high frequencies. However, the bass response is minimal, making the sound somewhat flat for music but still enjoyable for movies and gaming.
FAQs
1. Does the RedMagic Astra come with a charger in the box?
A. No, the tablet ships without a charger. For best results, it is recommended to use the official RedMagic 80W charger.
2. Can the RedMagic Astra play HDR content from Netflix or Prime Video?
A. Currently, HDR playback works only on YouTube, and the HDR effect is limited.
3. How fast can the RedMagic Astra charge?
A. With the official 80W charger, it can fully charge its 8,200mAh battery in about 63 minutes.
4. Is the RedMagic Astra suitable for gaming?
A. Yes, with its 165Hz OLED display, strong hardware, and gaming-focused charging modes, it is designed with gamers in mind.
5. How good are the speakers on the RedMagic Astra?
A. The speakers deliver good loudness and clarity, with strong vocals and highs, but the bass response is weak.
Conclusion
The RedMagic Astra is a well-rounded tablet that caters especially to gamers and multimedia users. With its 165Hz OLED display, large battery, and ultra-fast charging, it stands out among its competitors. While the HDR performance and bass output could be better, the device still delivers excellent value for users seeking high refresh rate visuals and fast performance in a compact 9-inch form factor.
For More Information Click HERE
