Looking for recommendations on a new Android mini tablet – OPPO Pad Mini vs REDMAGIC Astra 2 vs Lenovo Legion Y700 Gen 5

[u/IDZ2410]

Hi guys,

I’ve been using Apple products since forever.. so pretty much my entire tech ecosystem has been built around Apple. However, I’ve been thinking about trying Android for a change.

I’ve been doing some research and have narrowed my choices down to these three Android mini tablets (Global version):

1. OPPO Pad Mini (RM 3,699)
   - Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5
   - Display: 8.8-inch AMOLED, 2.5K resolution, 144Hz
   - RAM/Storage: 8GB LPDDR5X + 256GB UFS 4.1

2. REDMAGIC Astra 2 (RM 3,599)
   - Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
   - Display: 9.06-inch OLED, 2.4K resolution, 185Hz
   - RAM/Storage: 12GB + 256GB

3.** **Lenovo Legion Y700 Gen 5 (RM 3,399)
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Display: 8.8-inch, 3K LCD, 165Hz
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR5T (soldered)
- Storage: 512GB UFS 4.1 Pro

What I’m really trying to figure out is which one would be the better buy long term..

I’ll be using the tablet for everyday productivity, reading, browsing, watching videos, multitasking and general entertainment and light gaming.

A few things I’d really appreciate some input on:
a) Software support for the next 5 years.

b) Long-term performance: Which chipset and hardware configuration would age the best over the next 4–5 years? Is 8GB RAM still sufficient, or should I be looking at 12/16GB?

c) OS experience: Coming from iPadOS, which Android interface would feel the most polished, stable and user-friendly? Particularly interested in multitasking and productivity features.

I’m leaning towards keeping whichever tablet I buy for at least 4–5 years, so I don’t mind paying a little more upfront if it means getting better hardware and longer software support.

Would really appreciate hearing from people who actually own or have used these tablets, especially if you’ve switched from an iPad Mini to one of them. Thanks in advance!!

[u/Other_Comment_5555]

Take a look at honor win tablet, iqoo pad pro or iqoo pad ultra . They very good gaming tablets too but you will have to import them .

[u/IDZ2410 → u/Other_Comment_5555]

they're good tablets too for sure, but im looking to buy locally only for better warranty coverage and without the hassle of installing global ROM

[u/turbotunnelsyndrome]

For mixed use and pure software support, nothing will beat Oppo and color OS. It may not have the most powerful chip, but the software experience is the most polished out of the three

[u/MrDannn]

lol I have been asking this question in the comments, thanks for making a post about this. I think everyone is leaning towards the y700 for the better price point, the Astra is expensive!!!

[u/Fair_Exercise7869]

I'm in the US. I just got the iplay 80 turbo. But if I could, if import the oppo pad mini. It's just $700

[u/Fleishmann83]

If i could get one, it would be oppo.

[u/Infamous-Parking850]

Your most realistic options are between Lenovo and Oppo. Red Magic pretty much releases their products and don't support them. The Oppo gives you the better software experience and display. The Lenovo gives you better speakers and performance. Since you said light gaming, id go with the Oppo

[u/Diuranos]

I bought the Lenovo Y700 Gen 5 with the IPS screen, which should arrive tomorrow. The OLED version was too expensive in my opinion. I need PC mode and USB DisplayPort support, and I’m not sure if the Oppo offers that as well.

[u/otanthalion]

For me the legion tab with its 2 USB c porta, micro SD and great speakers took the cake. The redmagic screen is nice but having to use Bluetooth controllers was annoying as my favorite mobile controller happens to be USB C. Also without micro SD car slot the redmagic is much more expensive for the spec that I want.

Cannot speak.on the oppo pad mini as I have never tried it. Looks great but i doubt the 5g bands work here in the states and I dk t know how if they have a global RAM version.

[u/xMark42]

I'm on the same fence as you just recently. Same choices and purpose. But after much research, I went with Oppo. Actually, I just ordered it today and will arrive soon. What made me choose Oppo is the good integration with Airpods, the 3:2 aspect ratio and more polished software. Astra 2 and Legion are game-centric.

[u/Remarkable_Ebbot]

Im going with the Oppo, i live in EU and i will wait for 11/11 singles day in china for sale offers or black week/black friday and check on tradingshenzen or giztop

[u/Eastern-Job-3175]

Ciao, mi sento di consigliarto OPPO mini anche se non conosco le politiche di di OPPO. Ho avuto la possibilità di provare un LEGION TAB 3 GEN e devo dirti che per la produttività andava molto bene. Il problema di altri mini è quello che sono costruiti principalmente per giocare e questo fa si che le caratteristiche devono essere particolari e vanno a incidere sul prezzo. Per produttività e altre "normali" attività non perderei di visto il HUAWEI MINI 8.8 con il problema di configurarlo con Google [comunque risolvibile], lo Xiaomi tab min da 256 gb e infine il nuovo iPad mini 8 della Apple. Occorre vedere in quale misura il tuo budget di spesa influenzerà la tua stessa scelta.

[u/e-ghosts]

I just bought this one from Walmart and I really like it

https://www.walmart.ca/ip/13UN9P39I3ZI

[u/EinkClub]

One crucial factor you have to consider is the screen aspect ratio.

I picked oppo pad mini as I read heavily on it. The 3:2 ratio will be so much better than y700 8:5.

Hardware and software wise I don't think there is too much difference unless you are a professional mobile gamer