Technology & Gadgets | July 2026 | 4 min read
⚡ Quick Takeaways
- RedMagic has launched the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro in China as the successor to last year’s Astra.
- The compact tablet includes a PC emulator with Steam support through the built-in Game Space app.
- It features a 9.06-inch OLED display with 2.4K resolution and up to 185Hz refresh rate.
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, RedCore R4 and active liquid cooling target sustained gaming performance.
- China pricing starts at CNY 4,999, or around $736, with global launch expected as Astra 2.
RedMagic’s new compact gaming tablet is built for players who want Android portability, high-refresh esports hardware and a way to bring selected PC games into a handheld-style tablet setup.
| 185Hz OLED refresh rate |
8,300mAh battery capacity |
CNY 4,999 starting China price |
Steam Support Makes the Tablet Stand Out
RedMagic has launched the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro in China as the successor to last year’s RedMagic Astra. The compact Android tablet combines high-end mobile gaming hardware with built-in support for running selected PC games through the Game Space application.
The headline software feature is a PC emulator with Steam support. RedMagic says the system uses a custom translation layer to run x86 applications and games on the Android tablet. Users can access and import games from their Steam libraries through the emulator, although compatibility will depend on the title and controls.
The company says supported games can run at resolutions of up to 2K and refresh rates of up to 144Hz. That gives the tablet a wider pitch than a normal Android gaming device, but buyers should still treat PC game support as a feature with limits rather than a guaranteed replacement for a Windows gaming handheld.
| Gaming Note: Steam support is the key attention-grabber, but emulator compatibility can vary by game and control setup. |
185Hz OLED Display Targets Fast Gameplay
The RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro features a 9.06-inch OLED display with a 1504 x 2400 pixel resolution. The refresh rate has increased from 165Hz on the original Astra to 185Hz on the new model, making the display one of the main upgrades for esports-style use.
RedMagic has also included a Synaptics S3930 touch controller with a 300Hz touch sampling rate. This is designed to reduce input delay during fast games, where touch response can matter as much as raw frame rate.
The tablet keeps RedMagic’s transparent gaming-focused design. It is available in Silver Wing and Dark Night finishes, with visible cooling components and RGB lighting on the rear panel to match the brand’s gaming identity.
| Feature | Specification | Why It Matters | Status |
| Display | 9.06-inch OLED, 185Hz | Smoother visuals for fast games | Confirmed |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Flagship Android gaming power | Confirmed |
| Gaming chip | RedCore R4 | Handles gaming-related functions | Confirmed |
| Cooling | Active liquid cooling | Helps control heat in longer sessions | Confirmed |
| Battery | 8,300mAh with 80W charging | Large capacity with fast top-ups | Confirmed |
| Display Impact: The 185Hz OLED panel and 300Hz touch sampling rate are aimed at users who care about fast response and smooth motion. |
Flagship Chip and Liquid Cooling Lead Performance
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 powers the tablet. Buyers can configure the device with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 Pro storage, giving it the kind of specification sheet expected from a dedicated gaming tablet.
RedMagic has also added its dedicated RedCore R4 gaming chip, which handles gaming-related functions alongside the main processor. This type of secondary chip is meant to support features such as touch handling, frame-related tools and other gaming optimizations.
Cooling is another major focus. RedMagic has upgraded the active liquid-cooling system and exposed part of the cooling structure through the transparent rear panel. The company has also integrated RGB lighting into the cooling assembly, turning a thermal feature into part of the tablet’s visual design.
Battery, Ports and China Pricing
The RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro carries an 8,300mAh battery and supports 80W wired fast charging. The company has added a second USB-C connection, which can help users charge the tablet while connecting another peripheral.
The port setup still has limits. Reports note that only the main USB-C port supports faster USB 3.2 speeds, while the second port is mainly useful for convenience during gaming or accessory use. This is still a practical addition for users who connect controllers, docks or display accessories.
In China, the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage model starts at CNY 4,999, or around $736. The 16GB RAM and 512GB version costs about $882, while the 16GB RAM and 1TB model rises to around $1,030.
| RAM | Storage | China Price | Approx. USD |
| 12GB | 256GB | CNY 4,999 | $736 |
| 16GB | 512GB | CNY 5,999 | $882 |
| 16GB | 1TB | CNY 6,999 | $1,030 |
| Availability Watch: The tablet is launching first in China and is expected to arrive internationally under the RedMagic Astra 2 name. |
For now, the RedMagic Gaming Tablet 5 Pro looks like one of the most aggressive compact Android gaming tablets on paper. Its real appeal will depend on global pricing, emulator reliability and how well the cooling system holds performance during long gaming sessions.
Disclaimer: Prices converted from China launch pricing are approximate and may change by region, taxes, exchange rates and availability.
