What you need to know
- RedMagic debuts the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro in China, which will debut as the Astra 2 in global markets (announcement later in July).
- The tablet features a 9-inch 2.4K display with a maximum 185Hz refresh rate, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and more RedMagic AI for optimized gameplay.
- The Gaming Tablet 5 Pro features a large 8,300mAh battery with 80W wired charging in China.
- Consumers will find the tablet in black and silver colorways, starting at 5,299 RMB (~$780).
After earlier teasers, RedMagic is finally ready to debut its latest compact gaming tablet. This tablet boasts powerful specs, ready to take on the world of eSports.
Early this morning (June 30), RedMagic shared details about the launch of the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro in China. However, it adds that global users will see this debut as the Astra 2, the successor to the original Astra, in 2025. Driving the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro forward is its compact design. RedMagic states it's equipped with a 9.06-inch display with "narrow" 4.9mm bezels. The tablet's screen-to-body ratio is reportedly 90%, meaning RedMagic's attempts to immerse you in games might shine even brighter.
The 2.4K OLED display features a 185Hz refresh rate; however, users will have multiple refresh rate options. The tablet can switch between 60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz, alongside the highest choice.
Your reactions and the device's response time can be the deciding factor in many multiplayer games. If you're on it but your hardware isn't, that could spell defeat. RedMagic states its Gaming Tablet 5 Pro improves on its response times with Synaptics S3930 touch solution. Precision, sensitivity, and lower input lag are the hallmarks of this solution.
On the other hand, devices get hot—every mobile gamer knows this. To help, the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro offers liquid cooling. RedMagic reports this is the first tablet in the industry to deploy such a cooling tactic. Internally, the tablet features an ultra-thin micro pump that continuously "circulates coolant through nano-sealed tubing with minimal power consumption..." What's more, several internals, such as the tablet's vapor chambers and heat dissipation hardware, help keep the device cool.
What brings RedMagic's newest tablet together is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC. Not only does the company highlight this tablet's strengths in "portable gaming," but it places its own RedCore R4 gaming chip and Energy Cube 3.0 engine right beside it. Elsewhere, a mobile gaming device is nothing without a capable battery, and that's where its 8,300mAh cell comes into play.
While the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro is RedMagic's China model, its battery differs from that of the global Astra 2.
RedMagic says the Chinese version will feature 80W fast charging. Once the Astra 2 debuts, we'll know for sure what charging wattage it will provide. The company's 1227 stereo speaker system enhances the tablet's audio for "richer bass response, greater spatial depth, and immersive audio for gaming, movies, and music." AI is another aspect RedMagic has worked on to assist gamers.
Its OS 11.5 software introduces MORA AI Agent 2.0 to optimize gameplay and assist with everyday tasks.
eSports and more
RedMagic's efforts in building a capable gaming tablet have resulted in validation for use in eSports environments. The press release states, "The device has received official certification across multiple top-tier mobile esports competitions spanning FPS, MOBA, racing, and tactical shooter genres, demonstrating its ability to meet the demanding standards of professional gaming."
With the official launch underway in China, the RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro is offered in black and silver colorways. Additionally, users in China will find it available in the following RAM/storage options: 12/256GB, 12/512GB, and 16/1TB. The Gaming Tablet 5 Pro starts at 5,299 RMB (~$780).
It's worth remembering that this device will launch as the RedMagic Astra 2 in global markets. More details are set to be revealed on July 17. RedMagic warns that certain features, specs, and configurations may differ between global and Chinese markets, so its upcoming announcement will be important.
Android Central's Take
I'm always for devices that can run games well. By that, I mean there's very little input lag, little FPS drop, and the like. It's a struggle, obviously. Mobile devices are a bit more limited in what they can do due to size and internals. But RedMagic's continued to hammer away at solving that, and the upcoming Astra 2 is no different. Receiving strong eSport validation is a sign that this tablet can hold it's own, and for some pretty big tournament names, like Call of Duty: Mobile Masters and Arena Breakout Vanguard Cup.
