Tablets have long occupied a strange middle position in the world of video games. Although they have larger screens than smartphones, they generally don’t offer much of an increase in processing power needed to play better games. There are many good reasons for this, including the fact that tablets are often cheaper than phones and the fact that many people buy tablets to replace a computer or streaming device, not really for gaming. Heat is a factor that slows down their performance, and when tablets or phones are working hard, they can become hot, leading to slow performance and unexpected shutdowns.
RedMagic claims to have found an answer with its Astra 2, a new liquid-cooled gaming tablet that the company says is the first of its kind, designed to break this trend. It has 12 GB of RAM, a 4.6 GHz processor and a 9.06 inch screen. The Astra 2’s screen is an OLED, which also has the advantage of offering deeper colors. These are impressive specs, but with prices starting at $699, it’s a significant purchase, comparable to gaming consoles and even mid-range laptops. As such, RedMagic could face an uphill battle convincing buyers that its products are worth it, especially as hardware costs continue to rise due to the industry’s shortage of memory chips.
To complicate matters further, people wanting to play on the go have never had more options before. The Astra 2 is powered by a custom version of Google’s Android mobile device software, not Microsoft’s Windows or Valve’s SteamOS. Portable computer consoles, like Valve’s Steam Deck, cost just $90 compared to the Astra 2 and are compatible with more than 30,000 Steam titles.
An interesting concept but which lacks appeal for the general public
The value of liquid cooled tablets really depends on each user. If you’re heavily invested in mobile games and want the best experience possible (or play for longer than your phone’s battery can handle), they can be a decent choice. However, if you just want to game on a larger screen, a basic USB-C to HDMI cable can often connect your Android device to a TV. There are also a variety of free Android emulators that run directly on your PC, potentially giving you the best of both worlds, rather than limiting you to just one choice.
Then there is the exclusivity aspect. Many of the biggest mobile games are also available on gaming consoles, including Roblox, EA Sports FC, PUBG, and Hole.io. Console versions allow developers to take full advantage of higher-performance hardware, leading to smoother visuals and perhaps even additional features not present in the mobile app.
Finally, let’s talk about maintenance. The Astra 2 comes with a one-year warranty, and then if something breaks, you’re on your own. Since the Astra 2 isn’t as hot a seller as Apple’s game consoles, PCs, or even iPad tablets, it can be difficult to find technicians who can repair RedMagic devices. Additionally, some replacement parts for things like the motherboard cost almost as much as the tablet itself. You not only pay more up front, but potentially down the line as well.
There’s no doubt that the Astra 2 represents a significant step forward in tablet technology. Liquid cooling opens up many possibilities for better performance and reliability. That said, only time will tell if liquid cooling will become the industry standard or if it will die out. As mobile devices become more powerful and games more resource-intensive, this may even become a requirement for anyone planning long gaming sessions.
