Mangmi Air X

Mangmi Air X - budget Android handheld that is surprisingly well put together

The Mangmi Air X is the first handheld from this brand and they got it right the first time. We at RetroGear always test our devices before placing them in the webshop and this handheld passed our tests very well.

The handheld is truly a budget stunner. Not often do you see an Android handheld in the segment up to 150 euros that has succeeded so well. The screen is good and also nice and big with its 5.5 inches. The analogue sticks are fine and quite precise, L1 + R1 are clicky and feel good. The R2 and L2 triggers also feel neat and the start, select, home and back buttons are reasonably well placed. In addition, the sound is also fine for this budget.

The D-pad to this device is special. It is top placed, so this device really highlights older systems. Also, the D-pad is particularly smooth. Especially for fighting games, I found this a fine experience. But also The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker plays particularly well on this handheld.

Check out an independent review at RetroReady

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

Key features

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

Why the Mangmi Air X is special

This handheld plays about up to 3DS systems well, and some GameCube games can be emulated well too, but don't expect too much from it.

With recent increases in prices, partly due to AI demand for memory, few brands are able to put down a good handheld around this budget, but Mangmi has certainly succeeded.

What strikes me most is that this device just feels nice in the hand. The ergonomic grip really does something, the large screen gives a lot of peace and overview, and the controls feel much better than you might expect in this price range.

Are there any downsides? Yes. The R1 + R2 triggers are not rounded enough for us and feel a bit sharp around the edges.

Does it play a little fine? Yes definitely. The D-pad is especially good and the big screen makes most retro games look really good.

What you get

• Mangmi Air X handheld
• USB-C charging cable

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

Frequently asked questions

Is this suitable for long play sessions?
That's fine. Precisely because of its ergonomic grips and large screen, this handheld is more comfortable to hold than many smaller budget models.

Can I play PS2 on this?
Not really as a main target. Some of it runs, but this is not a handheld you buy for reliable PS2 performance. Up to 3DS, it feels much more logical.

Mangmi air X vs Ayaneo Pocket air
If you want 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 a strong point of this model?
Yes, absolutely. Especially for this price range, the 5.5-inch screen is really one of the Air X's biggest selling points.

Feel the shoulder buttons perfectly?
Not quite. In fact, that is one of the downsides. Especially the edges of R1 and R2 voelen a bit sharper than is ideal.

Is this a good choice if I play a lot with the D-pad?
Yes, just then this is a very interesting model. The D-pad sits high up and feels nice and smooth, which makes it extra nice for older systems.

Why buy from RetroGear

• Shipping from the Netherlands
• European guarantee
• Personal support for installation and use