If you are searching for a compact tablet that delivers high performance in 2025, the REDMAGIC Astra Gaming Tablet and the upcoming iPad Mini 7 are two strong contenders. While both are small and powerful, they are built for very different types of users.
One is purely performance focused with gaming in mind while the other blends iPadOS power with portability and Apple’s polished ecosystem.
Design and Display Quality
The REDMAGIC Astra comes with a 9.06 inch OLED display that offers a 165 Hz refresh rate and up to 1600 nits brightness. It is designed to deliver ultra smooth visuals for gaming. The Astra also has a gamer focused design with an RGB cooling fan and active thermal control which makes it thicker and more performance centric.
On the other hand, the iPad Mini 7 is expected to keep its compact form with an 8.3 inch LCD display and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz based on the latest leaks. Apple’s design is sleek, lightweight and ideal for one handed use. However, the lack of OLED and the lower refresh rate may not appeal to gamers looking for ultra fast frame support.
Performance and Processor Comparison
The REDMAGIC Astra runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite chip with additional performance tuning from the RedCore R3 Pro system. It supports LPDDR5T RAM and UFS 4.1 storage which means apps and games load instantly. The built in cooling system ensures consistent gaming at 120 to 165 frames per second with no overheating.
The iPad Mini 7 is expected to launch with the A17 Pro or the M2 chip. While Apple’s chips are extremely fast and good for multitasking and creativity apps, they do not include any built in cooling system. As a result, they may throttle slightly during long gaming sessions.
If you want top level gaming performance with active thermal cooling, the REDMAGIC Astra offers a clear advantage. But if you need a tablet for general use with a smooth experience in the Apple ecosystem, the iPad Mini 7 makes sense.
Battery Life and Charging Speed
REDMAGIC Astra features an 8200 mAh battery with 80W fast charging. It can recharge from zero to fifty percent in about twenty minutes and gives more than six hours of continuous gaming or over thirty hours of video playback.
The iPad Mini 7 is expected to come with a smaller battery and the usual USB C port but without fast charging above 30W. While the iPad will offer good standby time, it will not match the Astra in fast charge speed or gaming endurance.
Software Experience
The REDMAGIC Astra runs on Android 15 based RedMagic OS 10.5 which is optimized for gaming. It includes Game Cube features, PC style emulation and real time performance control. However, app support and tablet optimized interfaces can still be hit or miss on Android tablets.
The iPad Mini 7 will run iPadOS 18 with access to Apple’s App Store and years of software updates. It is a more polished software experience for creative tasks, note taking and media editing but it does not offer any gaming enhancements or thermal management features like the Astra.
Camera and Audio Performance
REDMAGIC Astra includes a 13 megapixel rear camera and a 9 megapixel front camera which are fine for video calls and document scanning. It also features dual DTS X Ultra speakers and X axis linear motors for haptic gaming feedback.
iPad Mini 7 will likely continue with a 12 megapixel rear and front camera combo with Center Stage support for video calls. Its audio is usually balanced but lacks the deep vibration feedback that gaming tablets like the Astra offer.
Price and Value
REDMAGIC Astra starts at a lower price point compared to iPad Mini 7. Depending on the region, it costs around 549 dollars in the USA, 439 pounds in the UK, 729 dollars in Canada and 849 dollars in Australia for the 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage variant.
iPad Mini 7 is expected to start at a higher price without major hardware improvements over the previous model. Apple’s storage options and accessories often cost extra, and the base variant may still ship with limited internal storage and no charger in the box.
Also Read:Â iPad Air M2 features a premium aluminum Tablet
Which One Should You Buy
If you are a gamer who wants top performance, high refresh rate display, fast charging and advanced cooling, the REDMAGIC Astra is the better option. It delivers value for money and is designed specifically for gaming use. It is also ideal for users who want Android flexibility and smooth frame rates.
If you are a student, artist, or someone deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem and need a small iPad for daily use, note taking, or light content creation, then the iPad Mini 7 could be a more balanced choice. However, for raw power and gaming features, it falls behind.
