Ayaneo unveiled its Pocket Play smartphone back in December, but the reveal was minimal in specs. The company showed off the hardware design, yet stayed quiet on key details like the processor, display, and battery. 

Almost two months later, Ayaneo has finally confirmed the chip powering its first smartphone.

Ayaneo Pocket Play is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 9300

The Ayaneo Pocket Play is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300, a flagship processor launched in 2023 and one that’s more than capable of handling demanding games. Still, it’s a curious choice. 

Ayaneo could have opted for a newer SoC — like the Dimensity 9500 or a year-old Dimensity 9400+ — to deliver more consistent long-term performance and better future-proofing.

Because a chip isn’t just about raw power. It also plays a big role in how long a device stays relevant. Older processors tend to lose manufacturer support sooner, which can affect software updates and long-term stability — something that matters even more for a niche, enthusiast-focused device like this.

Ayaneo also hasn’t backed up the announcement with any hard data. There are no frame-rate figures, no benchmark scores, and no real-world performance claims yet. For now, much of the Pocket Play’s actual gaming capability remains a mystery.

What is Ayaneo Pocket Play

What we do know is that the Pocket Play is trying to blur the line between smartphone and handheld console. It uses a side-sliding mechanism that reveals a full physical controller hidden beneath the display. Inside, there’s a familiar layout with a D-pad, ABXY buttons, shoulder triggers, and dual analog sticks.

Ayaneo has also included dual smart touchpads, which can be customized to function as virtual joysticks or standard touchpads, giving players the flexibility to tailor controls to their liking.

The Pocket Play draws inspiration from the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, which launched in 2011 with a similar sliding controller design.

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The post Ayaneo confirms the chipset powering its first handheld smartphone appeared first on Gizmochina.

Ayaneo has officially unveiled its first smartphone, the Pocket Play, a device designed to merge mobile convenience with console-level gaming. The company describes it as a phone infused with the soul of a handheld console, and it shows.

The Pocket Play features a classic side-slide structure that reveals a full-function physical controller hidden beneath the display. The internal layout includes a D-pad, ABXY buttons, shoulder triggers, and dual analog sticks. Ayaneo has also added dual smart touchpads, which users can configure as either virtual joysticks or standard touchpads. Players can customize control schemes based on their individual preferences.

Ayaneo is positioning this device as more than just a smartphone. The sliding mechanism transforms it into a horizontal handheld console, offering an ergonomic grip and controller layout that rivals dedicated gaming handhelds. The sliding action uses a smooth mechanical design aimed at delivering a satisfying tactile experience.

The concept draws clear inspiration from the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, which launched in 2011 with a similar sliding controller layout. However, the Pocket Play perfects the sliding mechanism and puts a stronger focus on the overall design. It also follows Ayaneo’s signature minimalist aesthetic.

Ayaneo has not disclosed any specifications for the Pocket Play yet. Details about the processor, display, battery, and software remain unknown, and the company has only said the device will launch soon. Even the Kickstarter campaign page lists no technical specs at this stage.

The launch of the Pocket Play marks the return of a sliding smartphone form factor, which has largely disappeared from the market in the past decade. Recent retro-style handhelds like the Anbernic RG Slide have explored the concept in the handheld gaming space, but Ayaneo is the first to integrate this format into a smartphone with modern design and full mobile functionality.

In related news, Ayaneo has recently launched the Pocket DMG Silver Limited Edition with the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 chip, and the company has also unveiled the Pocket Vert with a 3.5-inch LTPS LCD, a dual-mode hidden touchpad, and a 6000mAh battery.

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(Ayaneo)

The post Ayaneo unveils Pocket Play gaming phone with classic slide design and built-in full controller appeared first on Gizmochina.