AYANEO Pocket AIR Mini The AYANEO Pocket AIR Mini sets a new bar for what to expect from a budget handheld. This level of performance and build quality in a sub-$100 handheld should have other companies rethinking future releases.
AYANEO has been synonymous with premium gaming handhelds for years, so when it announced the sub-$100 Pocket AIR Mini, it immediately caught my attention. This is by far the cheapest device the company offers, but what corners did it cut to hit this price point?
After testing the device, I’m happy to say that it sacrifices surprisingly little. It’s easily one of the best options when it comes to entry-level handhelds, with a level of performance that outshines everything in its price bracket.
It’s so good, in fact, that I’m starting to think it might shift the entire market. Companies that previously charged twice as much for the same level of performance now need to do some serious soul-searching before releasing another budget or mid-range device. But first, let me tell you why the AYANEO Pocket AIR Mini is such a game-changer.
Premium design, budget pricing
Nick Fernandez / Android Authority
As the name implies, the Pocket AIR Mini adopts its design language from the Pocket AIR, which was a breakout handheld for AYANEO in 2023. A lot has changed in terms of chipsets since then, but thankfully, the design still feels modern.
It replaces the all-glass front that most of the company’s handhelds (and increasingly, those of every other company) use with a plastic build that feels sturdy in the hand. The 4.2-inch 4:3 display keeps things nice and compact, with a nice weight to it. Despite the plastic build, this thing doesn’t feel at all like a toy.
AYANEO's premium build quality is still on show, despite the budget pricing.
Speaking of the display, I found it to be excellent for retro console emulation. It gets nice and bright, with a pre-installed screen protector to prevent scratches. I don’t typically like screen protectors, and as punishment, the top right corner immediately came loose when I removed the outer layer. You will see this in every photo, just as I saw it in my dreams every night while testing the device.
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