We've always had a soft spot for RedMagic devices here at DG, so getting hands-on with their latest budget-friendly powerhouse - the RedMagic 10 Air - felt like unwrapping an early Christmas present. Positioned as a more affordable alternative to RedMagic's flagship models, this device aims to deliver top-tier gaming performance without emptying your wallet.
Initial Reactions
Coming from my previous experience reviewing the RedMagic 8 Pro, the first thing that caught my eye was the 10 Air's more mature design language. Gone are the flashy comic book-inspired packaging and sci-fi aesthetic, replaced by sleek black and silver tones with subtle branding. While I'll admit part of me misses those bold design choices, there's something liberating about not broadcasting "I'm sneakily playing Downwell during board meetings" to the entire office.
Setting up was refreshingly simple - a quick USB-C transfer had all my apps (including niche ones like Pojav) up and running in no time. The phone actually remembered more of my settings than I did!
Under the Hood
Don't let the "budget" tag fool you - this phone packs serious heat. The 6.8-inch AMOLED display refreshes at buttery-smooth 120Hz, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor handles everything we threw at it with ease. Our review unit came loaded with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage - specs that would make most PCs jealous.
RedMagic's innovative passive cooling system deserves special mention. Using phase-change metal alloys that absorb heat as they melt, it kept temperatures surprisingly manageable even during marathon gaming sessions. The massive 6,000mAh battery consistently delivered 3-4 hours of intensive gameplay before needing a recharge.
Gamer-Focused Features
The Game Center (once we found it hidden in the settings) proved to be a Swiss Army knife for mobile gamers. Beyond simply aggregating your games, it offers granular performance tweaks, built-in screen recording, and even gameplay utilities like distance calculators. The attention to detail shows - this isn't just shallow "gamer aesthetic" but genuinely thoughtful software design. Well, except maybe for the optional anime assistant who addresses you as "Commander" - though we'll admit she grew on us after a while.
The real surprise came from the camera system. For a gaming-focused device, the 50MP main sensor and macro capabilities outperformed expectations. While it's no Pixel or iPhone competitor, it's more than capable of capturing great shots when you're not busy fragging noobs.
Room for Improvement
While impressive overall, the 10 Air isn't perfect. The custom Android skin takes some getting used to, and being forced to use the pre-installed browser initially felt unnecessarily restrictive. At 205g, it's certainly not the lightest phone around either - though considering the specs, it carries its weight well.
Our review unit came with a two-pin charger, leaving us uncertain about UK plug availability - potential buyers might want to verify this beforehand.
Final Thoughts
Where the RedMagic 8 Pro felt like a gaming experiment that occasionally worked as a phone, the 10 Air strikes a fantastic balance. It delivers uncompromising gaming performance while being polished enough for daily use. Nubia's growth is evident in every considered design choice and practical feature.
For gamers who want serious horsepower without the "look at me" gamer aesthetic (and without the flagship price tag), the RedMagic 10 Air represents incredible value.
