If you’ve been watching the Android retro handheld scene, you know that the price tag usually jumps up quickly once you start asking for premium features. Well, the Mangmi Air X is here to completely redefine what an entry-level budget handheld looks like.
For a shockingly low sale price of $79.99, the Mangmi Air X aims to deliver an unexpected combination of performance, control, and display quality that’s usually reserved for devices well over the $150 mark.
Performance and hardware punch above their weight
The most compelling aspect of the Mangmi Air X is the hardware running inside this compact shell. It’s powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor, paired with 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM and running the modern Android 14 operating system. This is a crucial distinction from many budget handhelds that run much older, less-efficient chips.
But interestingly, it also offers 64GB of storage on an eMMC chip (an embedded solid state device) and a TF slot for SD cards. Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 should handle all connectivity options, along with the USB-C port. There’s also a 3.5mm headphone jack.
This setup means the device is designed to handle far more than just 8-bit emulation; it promises:
- Seamless retro games across multiple platforms.
- The ability to play modern Android games.
- Smooth performance for AAA streaming titles.
Plus, they even threw in active cooling—a large, low-noise fan—to ensure consistent performance without overheating. That’s a feature rarely seen at this price point.
Flagship features at a budget price
I’m not quite sure how this device is being sold at this price. The design seems to focus on the player experience, pulling key features from more expensive consoles:
- Premium Controls: The device features RGB 3D Hall Joysticks and Linear Hall Triggers. Hall-effect controls use magnets and are known for avoiding stick drift and offering superior precision and durability.
- Flagship Display: You get a crisp 5.5-inch IPS touchscreen with a 1920 x 1080 (FHD) resolution. A 1080p screen at this size provides high pixel density for a beautiful, sharp retro experience.
- Big Battery: A 5000mAh battery provides up to 8 hours of playtime on a single charge, keeping those sessions going strong.
The device also supports flexible gaming, allowing you to switch between Handheld Mode, Streaming Mode (for AAA PC games), and TV Mode (using 5G Wi-Fi to cast to the big screen). It also includes a custom launcher software, called M Space, for easy game organization and key mapping. This isn’t unusual — the Retroid Pocket 3+ (also Android) features something similar.
The MANGMI AIR X is currently available for a sale price of $79.99 (regularly $89.99) in three colors: White, Black, and a very cool Retro GB gray with heavy Game Boy vibes. This looks like one of the best budget retro handhelds to hit the market this year.
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.
