# Ayaneo Pocket S Review: The Luxury Android Gaming Handheld
The Ayaneo Pocket S has generated significant buzz within the gaming community as one of the most robust Android handhelds currently available. Merging a sophisticated, high-end design with the versatility of Android and the impressive capabilities of the Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 2, the Pocket S emerges as a formidable player in the handheld gaming sector. Nonetheless, with a hefty price and fierce rivals on the horizon, is it a worthwhile purchase? Let’s explore the specifics.
## **Android Central Verdict**
### **Rating: 4 out of 5 stars**
The Ayaneo Pocket S is a top-tier Android gaming handheld that provides outstanding performance, albeit at a high cost. Equipped with the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2, it presents a remarkable level of power and adaptability, ranking it among the finest Android gaming devices on the market. However, with two significant handheld releases approaching, the Pocket S may encounter challenging competition.
### **Pros:**
– **Exquisite design quality**: The Pocket S is built with aluminum, glass, and plastic, giving it a robust yet luxurious appearance.
– **Edge-to-edge display**: The 6-inch screen, offered in both 1080p and 1440p, looks impressive, particularly with its borderless aesthetic.
– **Enhanced software functionality**: Ayaneo has significantly improved its software, resulting in a smoother overall user experience.
– **Excellent performance**: Thanks to the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 and up to 16GB of RAM, the Pocket S smoothly handles even the most demanding titles.
### **Cons:**
– **High price point**: With a starting price of $509, the Pocket S ranks among the more expensive Android handhelds available.
– **Limited refresh rate**: Despite its premium price, the Pocket S is restricted to a 60Hz refresh rate, which may not satisfy all gamers.
– **Slower storage on the entry-level model**: The 128GB variant features UFS 3.1 storage, which lags behind the UFS 4.0 storage found in more advanced models.
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## **Price and Availability**
The Ayaneo Pocket S was unveiled in December 2023 and launched through Indiegogo in April 2024, with shipping commencing in June 2024. As of September 2024, it can be purchased directly from Ayaneo’s official website.
### **Models and Pricing:**
– **12GB RAM / 128GB storage**: $509
– **16GB RAM / 512GB storage**: $609
– **16GB RAM / 1TB storage**: $669
– **16GB RAM / 1TB storage (Unbranded Edition)**: $749
While the entry-level model presents reasonable specifications, the higher-tier options deliver quicker storage and increased RAM, rendering them better suited for gamers seeking top-notch performance.
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## **What I Appreciate About the Ayaneo Pocket S**
### **Luxury Build**
The Ayaneo Pocket S is perceived as a high-end device, attributed to its material selection. The combination of an aluminum body, glass front, and limited plastic usage imparts a robust, quality feel. It’s a handheld that feels solid in your grasp, assuring you of its durability during prolonged gaming sessions.
### **Borderless Screen**
The 6-inch borderless display can be found in both 1080p and 1440p options. The latter, which I tested, provides crisp visuals that enhance the gaming experience. Although it’s not an OLED screen, the IPS technology still showcases vibrant colors and decent contrast.
### **Feature-Rich**
Ayaneo has incorporated numerous features into the Pocket S. It boasts a microSD card slot, a power button that also functions as a fingerprint scanner, and a physical switch for toggling performance settings. These thoughtful additions contribute to the device’s premium feel.
### **Performance**
Backed by the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2, the Pocket S excels in performance. Whether you’re engaging in Android games or emulating demanding platforms like the Nintendo Switch, the Pocket S operates without a hitch. The 16GB RAM and 512GB storage setup I tested facilitated smooth gameplay, even during intensive activities like Windows emulation through Winlator.
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## **What I Dislike About the Ayaneo Pocket S**
### **Ergonomic Design**
Even though the Pocket S is visually appealing and luxurious, its flat sides and absence of ergonomic contours can lead to discomfort during extended use. After approximately 30-45 minutes of gaming, I noticed my hands beginning to cramp. Ayaneo offers an optional “Ergonomic Case” to help mitigate this issue, but it’s not included with the device and can be challenging to locate.
### **Cost**
At $509 for the entry-level model
