The REDMAGIC 10 Air: Gaming Phone Redefined
This phone was provided, on loan, by RedMagic for review. No money was exchanged and no links in this article are monetized.
In a sea of smartphones vying for attention, the REDMAGIC 10 Air stands out not just as a gaming phone but as an emblem of what an ideal smartphone should be in 2025. Priced at an accessible $549, it delivers a thin and lightweight design, an immersive display, and impressive performance that will appeal to both mobile gamers and the tech-savvy crowd.
Design and Durability
At first glance, the 10 Air’s “Air” designation is evident in its sleek build. Measuring a mere 7.85 mm thick and weighing just 205g, it feels incredibly comfortable in hand, especially when compared to its bulkier siblings, the RedMagic 10 Pro and 10S Pro. Its matte metal body, adorned with anti-glare glass, proves resistant to fingerprints—a blessing for those who often find their devices smudged.
The absence of an active cooling fan is a significant design choice. While this may slightly impact gaming performance during extended sessions—especially in high-demand scenarios—it enhances the phone’s overall durability. With an IP54 rating, the 10 Air is resistant to dust and water splashes, adding peace of mind for daily use. The integrated RGB lighting offers a customizable touch, allowing users to set it to match their style, such as the vibrant “Flare” colorway.
Immersive Display
The 6.8-inch AMOLED display is nothing short of impressive, boasting a resolution of 2480 x 1116 pixels. While not the absolute highest available, the difference in clarity compared to its Pro counterparts is negligible in everyday use. The 120Hz refresh rate and rapid touch sampling at 2000Hz provide seamless scrolling and responsive touch input, which is especially beneficial for gaming.
An interesting feature of the 10 Air is its under-display front camera, allowing for almost uninterrupted screen space. This results in a staggering 93.7% screen-to-body ratio. The peak brightness of 1600 nits ensures that you can comfortably read even under direct sunlight—though be aware that its passive cooling may limit sustained brightness in demanding scenarios.
Performance and Cooling System
At the heart of the REDMAGIC 10 Air is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, coupled with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. While it may not match the top-tier “Elite” chip found in the Pro models, it provides ample power for most gaming applications. The incorporation of the RedCore R3 and Energy Cube Technology results in enhanced performance in haptics and audio.
The ICE-X cooling system offers a clever approach to maintaining thermal performance. The 9-layer design, which includes materials like graphene and copper, enhances passive cooling capabilities—an essential design choice that complements the phone’s slim profile. Users should note, however, that the passive cooling system may cause temperatures to rise during extended gaming, particularly in resource-intensive titles.
Power and Connectivity
A standout feature of the 10 Air is its large 6,000 mAh battery, a considerable asset for those who desire longevity in their device. Reports suggest that the phone can last over 20 hours on a single charge. Additionally, it supports 80W fast charging, allowing users to recharge within 48 to 52 minutes, meaning little downtime between gaming sessions.
With modern connectivity options, the 10 Air supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 5G, and NFC, allowing for quick data transfer and seamless connections. It also offers Dual SIM compatibility, although some users may experience challenges on certain US networks.
Gaming-Centric Features
For gaming enthusiasts, the REDMAGIC 10 Air packs a punch with dedicated features designed to enhance every gaming experience. The touch-sensitive shoulder triggers provide a rapid response rate of 520Hz, complete with customizable RGB lighting for added flair.
The customizable Magic Key allows users to launch Game Space—a hub for gaming purposes—fight for frameless gameplay. Within Game Space, unique features like “X-Gravity Gaming Center” enable further customization, while gaming plugins such as “Scout Mode,” “AI Trigger,” and “Multi-Screen Mode” elevate the gaming experience to new heights.
Camera and Audio Experience
The camera setup, featuring dual 50-megapixel rear lenses, can deliver satisfactory shots in various situations. However, the 16-megapixel under-display front camera can struggle in lower light—undoubtedly a point of compromise for the uninterrupted full-screen experience.
For audio, the dual stereo speakers offer DTS:X certification, promising a more vibrant audio experience for gaming, calls, or streaming. Whether you’re listening to a podcast or diving deep into gameplay, the audio quality matches expectations, enhancing overall enjoyment.
Software Experience and Daily Usability
Running on REDMAGIC OS 10—based on Android 15—the 10 Air incorporates Google Gemini AI for tasks ranging from image editing to real-time translations. While the software integrates gaming features effectively, users may prefer a more stock Android experience. Daily usability is robust, with impressive responsiveness, battery efficiency, and an overall user-friendly interface.
Who is this for?
The REDMAGIC 10 Air makes an excellent choice for mobile gamers looking for high performance without a lofty price tag. Its balance of power, durability, and ergonomics offer a rare combination in the current smartphone market. For those valuing a sleeker design that doesn’t sacrifice functionality, coupled with robust battery life, the 10 Air may be the perfect device. Whether for gaming, browsing, or media consumption, it promises satisfaction without breaking the bank.
For more information on the REDMAGIC 10 Air, check out RedMagic’s official site.