Well, I have tested quite a few handhelds in the past, including high-performance ones such as the ROG Ally X, but based on my experience, the MANGMI Air X comes in its own 'dedicated' segment, likely something within the vicinity of retro gaming experience. We'll dive into what the device offers later on, but the core idea here is to provide a platform that could replicate the 'iconic' gaming experience that we could get with Sony's PSP or even the PlayStation 2. Combine retro gaming with modern-day handheld layouts, and you'll get the MANGMI Air X.
MANGMI Air X: Qualcomm's Snapdragon Platform With Decent Specifications For the Price Tag
The marketing material categorizes the MANGMI Air X handheld as an 'Android' device, given that it is pre-installed with the OS, so it isn't entirely wrong. However, when you factor in the true potential of this handheld, calling it an 'emulator-focused' device won't be entirely wrong. We will go into the depths of how emulating PS2 and PSP games on this device turned out, but for now, here's a quick review of the specifications:
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset (SoC) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 |
| CPU | Octa-core (4× Cortex-A73 @ 2.1 GHz + 4× Cortex-A53 @ 2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 |
| RAM | 4 GB LPDDR4X |
| Internal Storage | 64 GB eMMC |
| Expandable Storage | microSD / TF card slot, up to 2 TB |
| Operating System | Android 14 (custom launcher) |
| Display | 5.5-inch IPS touchscreen, 1920×1080 (Full HD), 16:9 |
| Brightness | Approx. 450 nits |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Controls | Hall-effect joysticks (with RGB) • Hall-effect triggers • D-pad • A/B/X/Y • L1/L2/R1/R2 • 6-axis gyroscope • Touchscreen buttons |
| Audio | Dual stereo speakers • Built-in mic • 3.5 mm headphone jack |
| Ports | USB-C • 3.5 mm audio jack • microSD slot |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 • Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | 15 W USB-C charging |
| Cooling | Internal active fan cooling |
| Dimensions | 203.47 × 87.39 × 16.80 mm |
| Weight | 286 g |
| Body Material | Plastic shell with ergonomic grips |
| Color Options | White • Black • Retro-GB theme |
| Price | $89.99 |
The specifications indicate that the device isn't capable of high-end gaming, even on Android titles, given that the Snapdragon 662 processor onboard is known for being a more power-efficient platform rather than a performance-dedicated one. You also get 4 GB LPDDR4X memory onboard, along with 64 GB eMMC storage; hence, in most aspects, the MANGMI Air X is indeed qualified for not-so-high-end gaming experiences. You also have a TFT card option, which helps load titles on the device instantly through the manufacturer's Game Launcher utility, which is onboard.
However, all in all, the MANGMI Air X is certainly a one-of-a-kind device, as I'll delve into more details about it in the upcoming sections. For a quick summary, it offers an amazing retro experience, but that's about it.
MANGMI Air X Handheld - Unboxing & First-Look Experience
Interestingly, my parcel was 'unboxed' by my local customs before I could, and it was quite a hassle to retrieve the package from them, but here we are. The packaging itself is quite solid, considering the handheld's retail price, as it includes the handheld's box, along with a dedicated pouch case to safely carry the device. Inside the packaging, you'll find the device, a USB-A to USB-C cable for charging the handheld, and a screen protector. It's essential to note that if you choose to purchase the pouch and protector for this, you'll incur an additional cost.
One the very first glance of the device, you are instantly hit with a 'nostalgic' sight, if you have managed to spend a hefty time with handhelds like the PS2. The MANGMI Air X offers the conventional four primary face buttons, along with the standard D-Pad on the device, and triggers on both ends to provide the ultimate experience.
The device is also equipped with RGB-lit joysticks, which really complement the overall look of the Air X. Speaking of build quality, it isn't the best, but it certainly gets the job done, as it is both sturdy and lightweight. Although I do feel that the handheld isn't very scratch-resistant, it's essential to handle the device with care. Another interesting element of the device is its 5.5-inch IPS screen display, which is also top-notch, allowing for a pleasant gaming experience, even when playing retro titles.
The speaker for the MANGMI Air X is indeed surprising, as it features a circular cutout at the back. When I first held the device, it felt like the audio was hampered, as it was interfering with my hands. This is something to consider for the manufacturer, and it would've been better if the cutouts were positioned towards the front. However, overall, the sound quality across multiple titles was subpar, which is acceptable given the device's capabilities.
MANGMI Air X Handheld - Android & Retro Gaming Experience
When deciding to test the handheld for synthetic and gaming benchmarks, I decided to switch things up a bit. Usually, we test our devices by running them through multiple software suites, such as Geekbench and CineBench, among others. However, for the Air X, I realized that it would be an injustice, given that the device's intent isn't performance, but rather the experience. So, I made my way through emulating titles, through NetherSX2, and the titles I tested were the iconic ones. These include God of War, GTA: San Andreas, Tekken 5, and Resident Evil 4.
Many famous PS2 titles that I tested on the Air X ran perfectly, without any performance issues at all. I spent almost two hours analyzing individual titles to gain insight into the experience from the perspective of an average gamer. The only issue I encountered was that the controller mappings were a bit off with the NetherSX2 simulator, and I often needed to use the virtual controller to navigate my way into the titles. Nevertheless, it was still an awesome experience, playing the 'OG' titles on a handheld.
Next, we decided to test the MANGMI Air X with Android titles, as it is the default OS. For this, we tested popular games like PUBG: Battlegrounds and Genshin Impact. With the Snapdragon 662 onboard, it was expected that the titles would run smoothly, and this was indeed the case.
I did decide against emulating PSP games on the handheld, mainly since my key priority here was to test the performance of this device, but for the 'ultimate' retro gaming experience, PSP emulation is the go-to process with the MANGMI Air X, especially with the specifications it has onboard.
MANGMI Air X Handheld - Conclusion
The Air X is certainly a unique device, and while the handheld itself isn't as powerful as mainstream options, it's still a great choice for an awesome retro gaming experience. From performance to display and other specifications, the MANGMI Air X excels in all aspects, and more importantly, the device retails for just $89.99. If you want to add extra accessories, the cost will be an additional expense. For gamers out there looking for a 'side-device' for portable gaming, the Air X is defintely an option to consider.
About the author: Muhammad Zuhair is a hardware and technology reporter for Wccftech, specializing in the semiconductor industry and the complex interplay between technology, manufacturing, and geopolitics. His coverage focuses on the corporate strategies and technological roadmaps of industry giants like TSMC, NVIDIA, Samsung, and Intel. Zuhair's expertise lies in deconstructing complex topics such as fabrication nodes (e.g., 2nm process), the economic impact of policies like the CHIPS Act, and the strategic development of AI infrastructure from NVIDIA, AMD and Intel.
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