Gaming tablets have always occupied this weird middle ground between smartphones and laptops, never quite knowing what they want to be. Most manufacturers either go full throttle with aggressive designs that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie, or they play it safe with boring slabs that could put you to sleep. The REDMAGIC Astra Gaming Tablet tries to walk this tightrope.

At 9.06 inches, the REDMAGIC Astra presents itself as something different, a gaming device that doesn’t scream for attention but whispers confidence instead. It’s compact enough to slip into a backpack without making you look like you’re carrying a small TV, yet powerful enough to handle whatever you throw at it. But does this tablet actually deliver on its promise of being both a serious gaming machine and a device you’d be proud to use in public? We give it a spin to find out.

Designer: REDMAGIC

Aesthetics

The REDMAGIC Astra represents one of those rare Android tablets that actually gets gaming aesthetics right without going completely overboard. While other gaming devices look like they were designed by someone who watched too many Transformers movies, the Astra opts for restraint. The flat design eliminates that annoying camera bump that makes tablets wobble on desks, creating clean lines that wouldn’t look out of place anywhere.

The “transparent” metal body sounds way cooler than it actually turns out to be. It’s basically just a small window at the top of the device, which is marketing speak for a tiny see-through section. But honestly, it works better than expected. This design choice adds just enough visual interest without making the tablet look like a prop from a cyberpunk movie. The aviation aluminum frame feels premium in your hands, giving you that satisfying weight that screams quality.

What really sets the REDMAGIC Astra apart are the configurable RGB lighting elements strategically placed on the REDMAGIC branding and within the turbofan assembly. Unlike those garish gaming laptops that light up like Christmas trees, these lights can be customized or turned off completely. You can match your mood, your setup, or just turn them off when you want to look professional during video calls. It’s that kind of flexibility that shows thoughtful design.

The color options are refreshingly simple, with Eclipse (black) and Starfrost (silver) variants that both look sophisticated. The flat design philosophy extends to every surface, creating a device that sits flush on tables and feels comfortable in your hands. Even the bezels, at just 4.9mm, manage to look intentional rather than cheap, framing the display without wasting precious screen real estate.

The overall aesthetic strikes that perfect balance between “I’m serious about gaming” and “I’m not embarrassed to use this in public.” It’s the kind of design that makes you want to show it off to friends, but not in a flashy way. The REDMAGIC Astra looks like it belongs in the hands of someone who knows what they’re doing, whether that’s dominating a mobile game or presenting in a boardroom.

Ergonomics

At 370 grams and just 6.9mm thick, the REDMAGIC Astra feels almost impossibly light for what it packs inside. You can easily hold this thing with one hand for basic tasks, though gaming naturally requires both hands for any serious action. The weight distribution feels perfectly balanced, preventing that awkward hand fatigue you get with poorly designed tablets during extended sessions.

The real genius lies in the off-center USB port placement, which might seem like a weird design choice until you actually start gaming. This positioning allows you to charge the tablet while playing in horizontal orientation without the cable getting in the way of your hands. It’s one of those small details that shows REDMAGIC actually thinks about how people use their devices in real life, rather than just making them look pretty.

Physical button placement follows conventional tablet wisdom, so you won’t spend time hunting for the power button or volume controls. The Magic Key adds a nice touch of customization, defaulting to Game Space access but letting you assign it to whatever function you use most. The surface textures on the aluminum frame provide just enough grip without making the device feel rough or cheap. Everything feels deliberate and well-considered.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, boosted by REDMAGIC’s RedCore R3 Pro gaming chip, delivers the kind of performance that makes you forget you’re using a tablet. Real-world gaming tests show this thing can handle demanding titles without breaking a sweat, maintaining smooth frame rates even during those intense battle royale moments when everything’s exploding on screen. It’s the kind of power that makes other tablets look like toys.

The REDMAGIC Astra stands out as one of the few tablets with a built-in turbofan, complete with configurable speed settings. You can hear it working, but it’s not obnoxiously loud like some gaming laptops. The fan does its job keeping things cool, though the device still runs noticeably warm during intensive gaming sessions. It’s not uncomfortably hot, just warm enough to remind you there’s serious hardware working inside that aluminum frame.

The 2.4K OLED display with its 165Hz refresh rate makes everything look buttery smooth. Colors pop with that OLED richness that LCD screens just can’t match, and the high refresh rate means fast-paced games feel incredibly responsive. The 90.1% screen-to-body ratio creates an immersive experience that draws you into whatever you’re playing, while the 1,600 nits peak brightness ensures visibility even in bright sunlight.

Gaming performance really shines with features like frame interpolation technology that makes games look smoother than they actually are. The Game Space software provides quick access to performance tweaks, screen recording, and other gaming-focused tools without cluttering up the main interface. It’s the kind of thoughtful software integration that enhances the experience rather than getting in the way of what you’re trying to do.

Fast charging lives up to the hype, getting the massive 8,200mAh battery from zero to full in about 71 minutes when using the proper 35W charging brick. That’s genuinely impressive for such a large battery, and it means you’re not tethered to a wall outlet for hours when you need a quick top-up between gaming sessions. No wireless charging, though, which isn’t that unusual for a tablet.

The cameras do their job without trying to be something they’re not. The 13MP rear and 9MP front cameras handle video calls and casual photos adequately, which is exactly what you’d expect from a gaming-focused tablet. They’re not going to replace your smartphone camera, but they don’t need to. This tablet knows what it is and doesn’t pretend to be a photography powerhouse.

Sustainability

The integrated turbofan, while great for performance, introduces some legitimate concerns about long-term durability. Moving parts always represent potential failure points, and the IP54 rating provides only basic protection against dust and water. For a device with active cooling, you’d really want better protection against particles that could gum up the works over time. It’s a trade-off between performance and longevity.

The build quality appears solid, with premium materials that should withstand normal use without showing excessive wear. The aluminum frame and glass construction feel robust, though the specialized gaming features might require more careful handling than your average tablet. Repairability remains a question mark, especially regarding the cooling system and internal components that make this device special. That turbofan could become a costly repair down the line.

REDMAGIC hasn’t committed to any specific software update schedule for the Astra, which creates uncertainty about how long this tablet will stay current. Without guaranteed update timelines, you’re essentially gambling on the company’s goodwill for future Android versions and security patches. This approach feels outdated when other manufacturers are promising years of support for premium devices. It’s honestly disappointing for a tablet at this price point.

Value

Pricing starts at $499 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage model, jumping to $649 for 16GB/512GB and $849 for the top-tier 24GB/1TB configuration. These aren’t budget prices by any stretch, but they reflect the specialized hardware and premium materials packed inside. You’re paying flagship tablet money for flagship tablet performance, plus gaming-specific features you won’t find elsewhere in this form factor.

Compared to mainstream tablets in similar price ranges, the REDMAGIC Astra offers unique gaming-focused features that justify the premium. The active cooling, high-refresh OLED display, and gaming-optimized software provide value that generic tablets simply can’t match. If you’re serious about mobile gaming, these features become essential rather than nice-to-have extras. The question becomes whether you actually need what this tablet offers.

The device proves worth every penny for users who fully utilize its gaming capabilities and appreciate the thoughtful design choices. However, casual users looking for general tablet functionality might find better value in mainstream alternatives that prioritize different features. The REDMAGIC Astra succeeds as a specialized tool for dedicated mobile gamers willing to pay for performance and unique capabilities that you can’t get anywhere else.

Verdict

The REDMAGIC Astra Gaming Tablet successfully navigates the tricky balance between gaming functionality and mainstream appeal. Its thoughtful design choices, from the restrained aesthetics to the practical port placement, show a genuine understanding of what users actually want from a gaming tablet. While it’s not perfect, particularly regarding sustainability concerns and premium pricing, the device delivers on its core gaming promises with surprising style and sophistication.

For design-conscious users seeking serious mobile gaming performance, the REDMAGIC Astra represents a compelling option that doesn’t compromise aesthetic sensibilities. Its combination of premium materials, thoughtful ergonomics, and powerful hardware creates a device that feels equally at home in professional environments and gaming setups. The REDMAGIC Astra proves that gaming devices can be both functional and beautiful, setting a new standard for what portable gaming should actually look like.

The post REDMAGIC Astra Gaming Tablet Review: Compact Power, Premium Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

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If you’re someone who enjoys scrapbooking or cardmaking in their free time, then you’ve landed in the right space. There is something truly therapeutic in creating something, and then maintaining it. And maintaining a scrapbook or journal, or creating a card for a loved one is always fun, wholesome, and productive. To assist you in your scrapbooking endeavors, we’ve curated a collection of functional and exciting stationery items, that are not only essentials but a joy to use. From a Pen Fan with 8 sketch pen flat-heads to a photo printer that transforms images for your smartphone into cute little stickers – these must-have designs are excellent for those who love scrapbooking, journalling, and putting their creative juices to good use!

1. Pen Fan

Dubbed the Pen Fan, this one-of-a-kind stationery product is a cross between a Pantone shade card, and a stationery set. It is equipped with 8 flat-head sketch pens and is packaged in a compact and portable form that you can carry anywhere with you with ease. The different choice of pens makes the product a great fit for scrapbooking or cardmaking.

Why is it noteworthy?

The flat pens are all connected, and they form an adorable little Japanese-fan-style layout that beautifully displays all 8 colors. You can easily pick and choose from them. The flat pens are detachable, and you can easily snap them on and off, building a palette that perfectly caters to your needs.

What we like

• Portable set that you can carry with you
• The pens cannot be easily misplaced or lost

What we dislike

• It only includes 8 color options, which can be a bit limiting if you prefer a wide variety of colors

2. Memories Log Book

We usually tend to discard business and shop cards or throw them away into a forgotten drawer. But what if we carefully gather them in a minimalist and profound log book, that lets us pen down our thoughts and memories about the people and events we experienced, allowing us to create little stories that let us travel back in time?

Click Here to Buy Now: $35.00

Why is it noteworthy?

Named the Memories Log Book, this unique little book lets you transform every business card, shop card, or photo into a wonderful and memorable experience to look back at. You simply need to fit the two corners of a card into the slit, and it will stay securely in place, without the need for adhesives or pockets.

What we like

• It can accommodate business cards, shop cards, and even small Instax photos
• Includes blank canvases to note down your reflections on the person or event

What we dislike

• Only fits one specific size of cars or photos

3. Craftmaster EDC Utility Knife

Called the Craftmaster EDC Utility Knife, this minimal and clean EDC knife resembles an everyday paper cutter. It is equipped with an all-metal body and a textured knob which lets you easily deploy and lock the blade. The knife’s handle is pretty grippy and weighted, so holding it is an easy task.

Click Here to Buy Now: $79.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The knife is amped with a simple, subtle, and sophisticated aesthetic and a CNC-machined handle. It also features an enclosed blade which is machined to perfection. The blade is enclosed, so it glides with smoothness, and no hassle at all, providing a seamless and harmonious experience.

What we like

• Equipped with a 45° slant to help you open boxes with ease
• Features a metal scale, making it a multifunctional design

What we dislike

• It has a magnetic back, which can attract small metal bits

4. ColorPik Pen

Meet the ColorPik Pen – a super extraordinary pen that accommodates 16 million colors! With the ColorPik Pen, you don’t need to buy different pens, you can simply use it and have fun with an unlimited number of colors. You simply need to scan the item whose color you want to imitate, and then doodle with it.

Why is it noteworthy?

The ColorPik Pen uses a smart color, that is light fast, and water resistant, and can’t just be weathered away. You can control the texture and dimension for writing by selecting any of the multiple tips, allowing you to write beautifully as well as draw.

What we like

• Combines 16 million colors into one nifty pen
• Features re-fillable smart cartridges

What we dislike

• Some users say the pen doesn’t produce the color accurately
• The app isn’t very easy to use

5. Scissors w/ Base

These unique scissors are called the Scissors w/ Base, and they feature a magnetic basic, making the product a really cutting-edge one. The scissors have an innovative design that lets you renovate your workspace organization, ensuring your scissors don’t lie around, simply creating clutter.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

Why is it noteworthy?

The scissors have a magnetic base which makes it a complete game-changer. They are made from lustrous Japanese steel, and serve as a handy little tool, while also making for a good-looking addition to your work desk.

What we like

• The magnetic base can be utilized as a dedicated spot for your scissors
• Features a built-in cutter, which is quite an innovative forward-thinking detail we appreciate

What we dislike

• You cannot use them for difficult tasks

6. Penxo

Say hello to Penxo – the most minimalist pencil out there! Penxo is designed with complete simplicity, and it features a last-lead release mechanism. The designer spent countless hours refining the Penxo, adding some modernity while maintaining its traditional form. It is a 2mm lead holder pencil, milled from a single block of aluminum.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Penxo has a simple design, cutting out springs, buttons, and other mechanical parts found in mechanical pencils. It has a center gap which serves as a lead trigger release, and an indicator window for lead color, markings, and usage.

What we like

• Has the fastest lead release compared to any other lead pencil

What we dislike

• It can only hold one piece of lead
• It is a bit difficult to deploy the lead

7. Potto

Called Potto, this conceptual design is a toy camera that prints out different kinds of photos for you. It doesn’t print out your typical pictures for you, instead, it delivers an outline of the image you clicked or sent to the camera. It provides a line drawing you can keep as it, or color, creating a creative and colorful element for your scrapbook.

Why is it noteworthy?

The camera helps you indulge in some coloring, making your scrapbook or journal even more elaborate. It is a product both kids and adults can use and appreciate, as coloring is something people of all age groups enjoy.

What we like

• Has a display screen, so you can see the images before clicking them

What we dislike

• Uses thermal paper which eventually fades over time, so it’s not very long-lasting

8. Passion Planner

This is the Passion Planner – the one space for all your thoughts. It includes an appointment calendar, goal-setting guide, journal, sketchbook, gratitude log & personal and work-to-do lists – all in one notebook. It is a paper planned and designed with your passions and personal goals in mind, helping you strike a balance between functionality, personal reflection, and goal setting.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Passion Planner has a beautiful handcrafted design which makes it great to carry almost anywhere. It measures 5.5′ x 8.5′, and is printed on premium quality, recycled, and bleed-resistant paper.

What we like

• Features a durable and low profile soft faux leather cover with an elastic enclosure strap

What we dislike

• The visioning place is a little small
• The design of the planner is a bit boring

9. 30° Ruler

Called the 30° Ruler, this innovative ruler features a simple elevation. The slope on the ruler’s face is lifted by 30°, which makes it easier to use, and also expands its utility. The slope allows you to read measurements from a glance without needing to lean over to use the device. You switch from a tilted neck to a tilted ruler, while your back is straight and your eyes are on the target.

Why is it noteworthy?

Since the ruler is elevated, you can also easily grab it, without the need to drag it towards the edge of the table or dig your nails underneath it. The angled nature makes the ruler pretty safe for cutting too.

What we like

• Features large fonts and clear indications
• You can read the measurements from a distance

What we dislike

• Users may take some time to adjust to the ruler’s new form

10. Canon IVY 2 Mini Photo Printer

Named Canon IVY 2 mini photo printer, this unique little device lets you capture and cherish your memories in a fun way. You can transform the images from your smartphone into personalized photo stickers without using any ink. The photo printer has a compact form, and it fits easily into your pocket, so you can carry it anywhere with you.

Why is it noteworthy?

The photo printer uses ink-free technology, so it maintains a vibrant print quality without the extra mess or cost of traditional ink. You can connect it to compatible smartphones via Bluetooth 5.0 for quick and easy printing.

What we like

• It easily recharges within 45 minutes
• You can modify photos using the free Canon Mini Print App

What we dislike

• It supports only Bluetooth connectivity
• It is a bit on the pricier side

The post Top 10 Essential Scrapbooking & Cardmaking Supplies For Crafters first appeared on Yanko Design.

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