Uncovered an iPad mini solution for Android enthusiasts, and it surpasses expectations

The Red Magic Astra, launched in 2025, is a compact tablet designed for high-performance gaming and content consumption, produced by Nubia under the REDMAGIC brand. This device surpasses the iPad mini in many aspects, boasting a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, up to 24GB RAM, a 9.06-inch 2.4K OLED display, and a peak brightness of 1,600 nits – significantly higher than the 500 nits of the iPad mini.

One of the standout features of the Red Magic Astra is its exceptional heat management. The tablet is equipped with 13 dedicated cooling components inside its all-metal chassis, including multiple layers of graphene and copper foil, a dual-layer vapor chamber, and liquid metal, similar to high-end gaming laptops like the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18. The fans in the Red Magic Astra can reduce the tablet's temperature by up to eight degrees Centigrade, ensuring optimal performance during intense gaming sessions.

The Red Magic Astra's unique design is another highlight. It features a glass strip at the back that reveals the silicon and vapor chamber areas, an RGB-lit fan, and shark fin blades. This tablet also adopts dual X‐axis linear motors for haptics, enhancing the gaming experience.

In terms of performance, the Red Magic Astra outperforms the Red Magic Nova tablet and demonstrates superior stability compared to the M4 iPad Pro and the iPad mini in performance tests. The tablet's Game Space launcher supports native Android games, emulated titles for legacy consoles, and even emulated PC games, without running into any performance shortfalls.

The Red Magic Astra offers a plug-and-play approach for connecting to a larger screen, transforming into a desktop gaming center. It comes equipped with a dual-cell 8,200 mAh battery, providing a battery life of approximately 8-10 hours for non-gaming usage and around 6-7 hours for intense gaming sessions. The tablet also supports 80W charging, capable of filling the battery up to 60% in about 30 minutes and a full charge in an hour.

The Red Magic Astra's OS update situation is limited to 3 years, and it is priced starting at $499 for the variant with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage, offering excellent value compared to the iPad mini. The tablet has significantly smaller bezels compared to the iPad mini, making the display more immersive.

Lastly, the Red Magic Astra has an IP54 clearance for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability for everyday use. With its powerful performance, unique design, and compact size, the Red Magic Astra is a compelling choice for gamers and content consumers alike.