RedMagic 10 Air Review - Does The Budget Gaming Phone Deliver?

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We’ve been huge fans of the RedMagic series here at DG, so we were genuinely excited to get our hands on the latest addition: the RedMagic 10 Air. This device aims to deliver a more budget-friendly alternative compared to its more powerful siblings, while still offering a premium mobile gaming experience for gamers on the move.

So, does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in and find out.

First Impressions

Having previously reviewed the RedMagic 8 Pro, I was curious to see how this newer model would compare. One of the first noticeable differences was the design language. The RedMagic 10 Air opts for a more subdued aesthetic compared to its older sibling. Gone are the bold comic book-style panels on the packaging—replaced instead with a sleek black and silver finish featuring just the brand logo.

The phone itself also dials back the futuristic flair seen on previous models. Instead of sci-fi-inspired paneling, it features a minimalist brushed metal side design and a prominent RedMagic logo. While some might miss the edgier look, the toned-down style makes the phone more discreet—perfect for situations like meetings where you don’t want it to be obvious that you’re playing Downwell.

Setting up was seamless thanks to USB-C data transfer from my previous device. Even niche apps like PojavLauncher (which aren’t available on Google Play) migrated smoothly and were ready to use almost immediately.

The Tech Specs

Let’s talk specs—the RedMagic 10 Air is clearly built with performance in mind, especially for gaming.

• Display: A vibrant 6.8-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate that dominates most of the front panel.
• Processor: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, ensuring top-tier performance.
• RAM & Storage: Our review unit came with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage—an impressive combo for multitasking and game libraries.
• Cooling System: Utilizes a unique passive cooling system with phase-change metal that melts at specific temperatures to dissipate heat efficiently.
• Battery: A robust 6,000mAh battery offers excellent endurance. For everyday use, it lasts well over a day, and during intensive gaming sessions, expect around 3–4 hours of playtime.

In terms of performance, the RedMagic 10 Air handled every game we threw at it without any hiccups or overheating issues. Even demanding titles from Game Pass ran flawlessly. The only potential struggle could come from heavy emulation setups, but even then, the customizable settings can help optimize performance.

The Gaming Features

What truly sets the RedMagic 10 Air apart is its tailored feature set for gamers. At the heart of this is the Game Center, an optional launcher dedicated entirely to games. It took us a little time to locate it initially, but once found, it proved to be incredibly useful.

With Game Center, users can:

• Customize performance settings per app
• Record gameplay effortlessly
• Screencast directly from the interface
• Access a variety of plugins—from distance calculators to probability aids in card-based games

It’s clear that Nubia didn’t just slap a red-and-black skin on the UI—it's a deeply thought-out ecosystem designed specifically for gamers.

One quirky feature includes an optional anime girl assistant who refers to you as “Commander.” While not everyone’s cup of tea, it's fully optional and doesn’t interfere if you choose to disable it.

Beyond gaming, the camera impressed me more than expected. Equipped with multiple lenses including macro mode, along with real-time editing tools, it delivers solid results. While not the highest-end camera system available (50MP main + 16MP selfie cam), it’s more than sufficient for casual photography and supports up to 8K video recording at 30fps.

Overall, the RedMagic 10 Air feels less like a one-trick pony and more like a well-rounded daily driver that just happens to be great for gaming.

What We Didn’t Like

While the overall experience was positive, there were a few drawbacks worth noting:

• Browser Choice: The default browser is proprietary, though Chrome was pre-installed after setup. Still, having to switch browsers initially felt inconvenient.
• UI Clunkiness: The user interface has improved from earlier versions but still feels slightly clunky. It takes some getting used to, but remains functional.
• Weight & Size: Despite being thinner and lighter than past models, the RedMagic 10 Air still weighs in at 205g—definitely not a featherweight phone.
• Charging Plug Variants: Our unit came with a two-pin plug, so it’s unclear whether UK-compatible versions are standard or require an adapter.

Final Verdict

Compared to the RedMagic 8, which was fun but somewhat impractical for daily use due to its weight and quirks, the RedMagic 10 Air feels like a mature evolution. It balances raw power with thoughtful usability, making it a viable option for both hardcore gamers and general users alike.

Nubia continues to refine their approach with each generation, proving they're not resting on their reputation alone. If you're looking for a capable, reasonably priced gaming phone that can also serve as your primary daily driver, the RedMagic 10 Air deserves serious consideration.

A Gaming Phone You Can Actually Use Daily

It retains the signature RedMagic charm while streamlining the experience with better build quality, refined performance, and a subtler design. Whether you're chasing frame rates or just need a reliable smartphone, the RedMagic 10 Air delivers a compelling package.

[ttpp]

Ratings Breakdown:
Speed: 9 | Build Quality: 9.5 | Features: 9.5 | Screen: 9.5 | Camera: 8 | OS: 8