RedMagic, a Chinese smartphone company, faces an uphill battle in the United States. Despite being one of the few Chinese brands still selling phones here, it struggles to compete with powerhouses like Apple, Samsung, and Motorola. Even OnePlus, another Chinese contender, enjoys greater popularity. However, RedMagic carves a niche for itself by focusing on a specific segment: gaming phones. For gamers in the US seeking dedicated hardware, options remain limited, making RedMagic a notable player. The company recently unveiled the RedMagic 10 Air, a new gaming phone positioned as a more compact version of its flagship, the RedMagic 10 Pro. This new device aims to offer a compelling gaming experience in a slimmer, more affordable package. The RedMagic 10 Air is currently available in China, starting at the equivalent of $475 / €420, a remarkably competitive price for a phone with flagship-level features. Customers can choose between 12GB/256GB and 16GB/512GB storage configurations, as well as Twilight Black and Hailstone White color options. RedMagic typically launches its flagship phones globally after their initial release in China. The RedMagic 10 Air is expected to follow suit, with an international debut slated for April 23. However, ongoing trade tensions between the US and China could potentially delay its availability in the US market, or significantly increase its price. This uncertainty adds a layer of complexity for US consumers eager to get their hands on this new gaming device. One of the key differentiators of the RedMagic 10 Air is its focus on portability. Weighing just 205 grams and measuring 7.9 mm thick, it's noticeably lighter and thinner than the RedMagic 10 Pro, which weighs 229 grams and is 8.9 mm thick. This difference in size and weight makes the 10 Air a more comfortable option for gamers who prefer a device that's easier to handle and carry around. Another difference lies in the display size, with the Air sporting a 6.8-inch AMOLED display compared to the Pro's slightly larger 6.85-inch screen. The RedMagic 10 Air features a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1116 x 2480 pixels. While the display is vibrant and smooth, it's worth noting that the RedMagic 10 Pro boasts a slightly higher 144Hz refresh rate for an even more fluid gaming experience. Under the hood, the RedMagic 10 Air is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. While still a powerful processor, it's a step down from the Snapdragon 8 Elite found in the RedMagic 10 Pro, which represents Qualcomm's latest and greatest mobile silicon. In terms of camera capabilities, the RedMagic 10 Air offers a dual-camera setup with a 50MP main lens and a 50MP ultra-wide lens. While this is a decent configuration, it's important to remember that the RedMagic 10 Air is primarily a gaming phone, and its camera system is not its main focus. Powering the RedMagic 10 Air is a 6,000 mAh battery with 80W wired fast charging support. While still a respectable capacity, it's a downgrade from the RedMagic 10 Pro's larger 7,050 mAh battery. This means that the 10 Air may require more frequent charging during extended gaming sessions. Ultimately, the RedMagic 10 Air presents an intriguing option for gamers seeking a powerful and portable device at an affordable price. While it makes some compromises compared to the flagship RedMagic 10 Pro, its slimmer design, competitive price point, and gaming-centric features could make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious gamers. The success of the RedMagic 10 Air will depend on its availability in key markets like the US, and its ability to stand out in a crowded smartphone landscape dominated by established brands.
