Mangmi Air X

Mangmi Air X – a budget Android handheld that’s surprisingly well-built

The Mangmi Air X is the brand’s first handheld device, and they’ve got it spot on straight away. Here at RetroGear, we always test our devices before listing them in the online shop, and this handheld performed very well in our tests.

This handheld is a real budget winner. It’s rare to find an Android handheld in the under-150-euro price range that’s this well-made. The screen is good and a nice size at 5.5 inches. The analogue sticks are nice and quite precise; L1 + R1 are clicky and feel good. The R2 and L2 triggers also feel good, and the Start, Select, Home and Back buttons are reasonably well positioned. The sound is also excellent for this price range.

The D-pad on this device is quite special. It’s positioned at the top, so this device really caters to older systems. The D-pad is also exceptionally smooth. I found this a particularly enjoyable experience, especially when playing fighting games. But The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker also plays exceptionally well on this handheld.

Read an independent review on RetroReady

For a list of tested games, check out our friends at EMU Ready

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Key features

• 5.5-inch IPS display
• 1920 × 1080 resolution
• Android 14
• Large 16:9 screen
• Smooth analogue sticks
• Top-mounted D-pad
• Clicky L1 and R1
• Active cooling
• Ergonomic grips
• Budget-friendly Android handheld

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Why the ‘ Mangmi Air X ’ is special

This handheld runs 3DS games fairly well, and a number of GameCube games can also be emulated quite well, but don’t expect too much from it.

Due to recent price rises – driven, amongst other things, by AI demand for memory – very few brands are able to produce a decent handheld within this budget, but Mangmi has certainly managed to do so.

What strikes me most is that this device simply feels great in the hand. The ergonomic grip really makes a difference, the large screen is easy on the eyes and gives you a clear overview, and the controls feel much better than you might expect in this price range.

Are there any downsides? Yes. The R1 and R2 triggers aren’t rounded enough for our liking and feel a bit sharp around the edges.

Is it quite nice to play? Yes, definitely. The D-pad in particular is good, and the large screen makes most retro games look really good.

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What you get

• Mangmi Air X -handheld
• USB-C charging cable

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Specifications

• Screen: 5.5-inch IPS
• Resolution: 1920 × 1080
• Refresh rate: 60 Hz
• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Operating system: Android 14
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7025
• Weight: 286 grams
• Dimensions: 203.47 × 87.39 × 16.80 mm
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Extra: active cooling, vibration, ergonomic grip

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this suitable for long gaming sessions?
That’s perfectly fine. It’s precisely because of the ergonomic grips and the large screen that this handheld feels more comfortable to hold than many smaller, budget models.

Can I play PS2 games on this?
Not really as the main aim. Some games do run, but this isn’t a handheld you’d buy for reliable PS2 performance. It makes much more sense right up to the 3DS.

Mangmi air X s vs Ayaneo Pocket Air
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can find the same (and slightly better) performance in the Ayaneo Pocket Air mini; this handheld is a bit more premium.

Is the screen one of this model’s strong points?
Yes, absolutely. Especially in this price range, the 5.5-inch screen is definitely one of the Air X’s biggest selling points.

Do the shoulder buttons feel just right?
Not quite. That’s actually one of the downsides. The edges of R1 and R2 v, in particular, feel a bit sharper than is ideal.

Is this a good choice if I use the D-pad a lot?
Yes, that’s exactly why this is such an interesting model. The D-pad is positioned high up and feels nice and smooth, which makes it particularly good for older systems.

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Why buy from RetroGear

• Dispatched from the Netherlands
• European warranty
• Personalised support with installation and use