Tag: Gaming Smartphone

  • Ayaneo Pocket Play hands-on video revives Sony Xperia Play

    Key Takeaway

    – Ayaneo Pocket Play is a smartphone inspired by the Sony Xperia Play with a sliding landscape display.
    – It features touchpads replacing analog sticks, a D-pad, face buttons, and four shoulder buttons for gaming.
    – The device has a high-quality hinge but is bulky, with a 6.8-inch OLED display and thick build.
    – It uses a MediaTek Dimensity 9300 processor and a 165 Hz OLED display, positioning it as a premium mid-range device.
    – No release date or price has been announced yet.


    Ayaneo have so far been known primarily for gaming handhelds, but with Pocket Play, the manufacturer will soon be launching a smartphone on the market that was obviously inspired by the Sony Xperia Play. The design has many similarities, first and foremost a sliding mechanism. This allows the display to be pushed upwards when the smartphone is held in landscape format.

    Unique Design and Controls

    Two touchpads, which replace analog sticks, as well as a D-pad and face buttons are hidden under the screen. In combination with four shoulder buttons, not only retro games can be played via emulators, but also modern Android titles and game streaming services. While Ayaneo Pocket Play has so far only been seen in videos from the manufacturer, PCWorld was able to try out the gaming smartphone at Computex and publish the hands-on video embedded below.

    Performance and Build Impressions

    According to PCWorld, the round touchpads work surprisingly well as a replacement for analog sticks. The hinge looks high-quality, but the Ayaneo Pocket Play is a little bulky. On the one hand, the device is not particularly small with a 6.8-inch OLED display, and on the other hand, the Pocket Play is extremely thick due to the hinge and the dedicated buttons. Ayaneo also makes compromises when it comes to the cameras.

    Ayaneo has not yet confirmed when or at what price the Pocket Play will be launched on the market. With a MediaTek Dimensity 9300 processor, the 165 Hz OLED display and the unusual design, the device could turn out to be as expensive as premium mid-range smartphones.


    Sources

  • RedMagic 11S Pro with Fan & Under-Display Camera $849 Global Launch

    RedMagic 11S Pro with Fan & Under-Display Camera $849 Global Launch

    Key Takeaway

    – Global launch and early-bird benefits: RedMagic 11S Pro released worldwide with Europe/UK Early Bird vouchers (€1/£1) to order a day earlier at a €30/£30 discount.
    – Core specs and price tiers: 12–16 GB RAM options with 256–512 GB storage; starting price $849/€799/£709, up to $949/€899/£799 for the 16/512 config.
    – High-performance cooling and power: Advanced cooling system (liquid cooling + 24,000 rpm fan + vapor chamber) plus a massive 7,500 mAh battery with 80W wired and wireless charging.
    – Gaming-focused hardware: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (slightly faster in 11S Pro up to 4.74 GHz) and a 6.85″ 144 Hz AMOLED display with 1,800 nits brightness; IPX8 water resistance.
    – Camera and sensors: 50 MP main + 50 MP ultra-wide, 16 MP under-display selfie camera, in-display fingerprint sensor, plus touch-sensitive shoulder buttons.


    Overview

    The Nubia RedMagic 11S Pro was only announced in China in mid-May, and now already launches globally. The smartphone can be ordered from June 10, 2026 in the manufacturer’s online store. Customers in Europe and the UK can purchase an “Early Bird” voucher for €1 or £1 from June 3 to 9. This voucher allows customers to order the smartphone a day earlier and €30 or £30 cheaper.

    Pricing

    The base model with 12 GB RAM and 256 GB flash memory costs $849, €799 or £709, respectively. Although this makes the smartphone more expensive than the base model of the RedMagic 11 Pro, even the cheapest version of the RedMagic 11S Pro offers a sophisticated cooling system that combines liquid cooling with a 24,000 rpm fan and a vapor chamber to ensure high performance even during extended gaming sessions. The version with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage costs $949, €899 or £799.

    Specifications

    Apart from the cooling system of the base model, there is only one difference between the RedMagic 11 Pro and 11S Pro – the newer model uses a slightly faster variant of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 which achieves boost clock rates of up to 4.74 GHz instead of 4.6 GHz. With a gigantic 7,500 mAh battery, which can be charged both via USB-C and wirelessly with 80 watts, as well as a 6.85-inch AMOLED display without a notch or punch hole, the RedMagic 11S Pro is aimed primarily at gaming enthusiasts.

    Display and Camera

    The display achieves a brightness of 1,800 nits and a frame rate of 144 Hz. The 16 MP f/2.0 selfie camera and the fingerprint sensor are invisibly integrated into the display. Despite the fan, the smartphone is IPX8-certified and therefore water-resistant. A 50 MP f/1.9 main camera with 1/1.55 inch sensor, a 50 MP f/2.0 ultra-wide-angle camera and touch-sensitive shoulder buttons complete the features. More details can be found in our detailed review of the almost identical RedMagic 11 Pro.


    Sources

  • Honor Win 2 Gaming Phone: Major Upgrades in Every Key Area

    Honor Win 2 Gaming Phone: Major Upgrades in Every Key Area

    Key Takeaway

    – The next Honor Win series phone (likely Win 2) may use a 2nm Snapdragon 8-series flagship chip, a battery exceeding 10,000 mAh, and a second-generation active cooling system with a 6.89-inch 2K+ 185 Hz display.
    – Potential display size is slightly larger than the current Win (6.83″), keeping the same 185 Hz refresh rate.
    – A possible Honor Win RT successor could pack a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with similar overall specs but reduced camera and SoC capabilities; a third variant with a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is also hinted but details are unclear.


    Honor rolled out the Win smartphone line in China late last year, introducing the Win and the Win RT, two gaming-centric phones powered by Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon chipset, active cooling, and a 185 Hz OLED display, all supported by a colossal 10,000 mAh battery. A fresh leak now hints at the series successor, bringing upgrades to the SoC, battery, cooling and display.

    Leak details and potential lineup

    The information comes from Digital Chat Station on Weibo, but no manufacturer name is given. Yet the emoji in the post points to Honor, and the specs align with the Win series. The top variant in the lineup, likely the Honor Win 2, is said to feature a “2nm Snapdragon 8-series flagship chip,” a battery beyond 10,000 mAh, a second-generation active cooling fan, and a larger 6.89-inch 2K+ display with a 185 Hz refresh rate.

    Possible chip and battery enhancements

    The “2nm Snapdragon 8-series flagship chip” hints at either the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 or Gen 6 Pro SoC, while the “10000mAh++” battery signals a charge well past the 10,000 mAh found in the current Honor Win. This improvement is plausible thanks to silicon-carbon batteries that many Chinese brands have moved to. The display is expected to be a tad larger than the Honor Win’s 6.83 inches but would retain the same 185 Hz refresh rate.

    Additional variants and potential tradeoffs

    Digital Chat Station adds that another variant, likely the Honor Win RT successor, would carry a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Judging from the original duo, this version should share most of the flagship’s specs but with compromises in the camera department and the SoC. Moreover, there might be a third model in the lineup featuring a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, though the exact tradeoffs remain unclear.

    Official status and caveats

    Notably, Honor has not disclosed any information about the next-gen Win series, so readers should take these claims with skepticism.

    Sources
  • RedMagic 11S Pro Gaming Phone Pre-Orders Open with New Design Revealed

    RedMagic 11S Pro Gaming Phone Pre-Orders Open with New Design Revealed

    Key Takeaway

    1. RedMagic announced the upcoming RedMagic 11S Pro, an evolution of its previous gaming flagship, with pre-orders now available in China.
    2. The device retains the design and fan/button layout of the RedMagic 11 Pro but reworks the camera placement.
    3. It features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Leading Version chipset, overclocked for enhanced performance.

    Latest Updates on RedMagic 11S Pro

    Just a few days ago, the gaming world received some exciting news about RedMagic’s new flagship, the 11S Pro. For the record, the last update was the RedMagic 11 Pro, which costs around $799, and has been out for about six months. Now, it seems the company is ready to roll out an upgraded model, and fans are eager for more details. It’s pretty clear they are aiming to keep their competitive edge in gaming smartphones with this new release.

    Design and Features Changes

    The new 11S Pro looks quite similar to its predecessor, especially with the same fan and button setups that Gamers loved on the RedMagic 11 Pro. Still, RedMagic decided to do some tweaking in the camera department, shifting one of its main or ultra-wide-angle cameras to the right side for an odd reason. The images we’ve seen confirm this carmera layout change, and also that the new device sport a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Leading Version chip. The design seems almost familiar, but those camera rearrangements and hardware upgrades tell us it’s a fresh upgrade for high-end gamers.

    Technical Specifications and Performance

    • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Leading Version
    • Overclocked Oryon Gen 3 Prime cores: 4.74 GHz (from 4.6 GHz)

    As RedMagic clarified, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Leading Version is a bit different from the regular Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 because it overclocks the Oryon cores. Basically, it’s a version similar to what Samsung uses inside the Galaxy S26 Ultra globally. Though the device isn’t officially launched yet, all signs point to it being quite the powerhouse—offering high performance for gamers who want both speed and reliability. As of now, the company has opened pre-orders in China, but there’s no word on when it will hit other markets or go worldwide.

    Sources
  • Lenovo Legion Gaming Phone Lacks Top-Tier Chip Compared to Rivals

    Lenovo Legion Gaming Phone Lacks Top-Tier Chip Compared to Rivals

    Key Takeaway

    1. The Lenovo Legion Y70 gaming phone will feature an 8,000mAh battery and a “2K high-speed” gaming screen for improved visuals and power efficiency.
    2. It will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (non-Elite), which offers better efficiency but slightly reduced performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
    3. The device will include advanced cooling solutions, such as a 5,500mm VC cooling system, liquid metal conductive element, and high thermal conductivity gel, to maintain performance under heavy load.

    Lenovo is making a comeback with their latest Legion gaming phone, after a break since the Y70 of 2022. They’ve shared some key specs so far, giving us a glimpse into what to expect. One of the most impressive features is an enormous 8,000mAh battery, which is notably larger than what other gaming phones like the RedMagic 11 Pro and iQOO 15 Ultra offer, making it a real powerhouse in battery capacity.

    Display and Power Efficiency

    In past updates, the company indicated that this new device will boast a “2K high-speed” gaming display. It’s designed to deliver better visual quality but with less power drain, compared to the “1.5K” screens used by some competitors. Even though this sounds promising, the overall performance of the upcoming Legion phone might not match some of the latest rivals in terms of raw power, which is an interesting tradeoff that perhaps prioritizes efficiency over sheer speed.

    The Heart of the Device: Snapdragon 8 Gen 5

    Lenovo’s latest teaser confirmed that the 2026 Legion Y70 will run on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip. For comparison, phones like the RedMagic 11 Pro and iQOO 15 Ultra with 16/256GB configurations use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. It’s worth noting that the non-Elite Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 offers performance close to the previous-gen Elite version but isn’t quite as powerful, especially in demanding gaming scenarios. The new chip is more efficient overall, but when it come to peak gaming performance, it falls a little short of the Elite.

    Possible Price Advantage

    However, this choice of chipset might help Lenovo keep the price more affordable. Phones with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, especially without the Elite label, tend to be priced lower and could make the Legion Y70 more accessible for gamers who are budget-conscious. The company seems to be balancing cost with performance, which could make this model pretty attractive for many users.

    Cooling System and Future Details

    Furthermore, Lenovo has announced that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 will be supported by an advanced cooling system, including a 5,500mm VC cooling module, a 12W liquid metal conductive element, and a 10W high thermal conductivity gel. This setup should help keep the device’s performance smooth even during long gaming sessions, as it helps manage heat better. More detailed information is expected to arrive before the official launch scheduled for May 19, 2026, to give us a fuller picture of this device’s capabilities.


    Sources

  • Xiaomi Teases New 165Hz Gaming Phone with 144FPS Performance Test

    Xiaomi Teases New 165Hz Gaming Phone with 144FPS Performance Test

    Key Takeaway

    1. The Xiaomi Redmi K90 Max will feature the flagship MediaTek Dimensity 9500 SoC with dedicated D2 graphics for a premium gaming experience.
    2. It can sustain 144FPS in demanding games like Honor of Kings without exceeding 37°C, thanks to an active cooler and gaming-focused display features.
    3. The phone sports a 6.83-inch 165Hz display with 3,500 nits brightness, optimized for clear visuals and comfortable gaming sessions.
    4. Price details are not yet confirmed, but it is expected to be more affordable than the K90 Pro Max, starting around CNY 4,199 ($614).

    Upcoming Xiaomi Launch Event in China

    Xiaomi is all set to host a significant launch event in China on April 21, 2026. The event is expected to showcase an impressive lineup that includes a new gaming phone, a compact tablet reminiscent of the iPad mini, an affordable tablet, and a series of laptops. Among the new products, some official details about the smartphone have just been released, creating quite a buzz among tech enthusiasts.

    Redmi K90 Max: Power and Performance

    Xiaomi has confirmed that the Redmi K90 Max will feature the latest Dimensity 9500 chipset, MediaTek’s flagship processor. This powerful SoC will be combined with a dedicated D2 graphics chipset, promising users a high-quality gaming experience. The device will also include an active cooling system, which should help maintain optimal performance during heavy usage or intense gaming sessions.

    Gaming Capabilities and Display Features

    The company has teased that the Redmi K90 Max can sustain 144 frames per second (FPS) for games like Honor of Kings, which are known for their high demands. Remarkably, the phone maintains a temperature below 37°C even during such intense gaming sessions. Xiaomi emphasizes that the display is packed with gaming-centric features to provide a smoother, more comfortable experience for gamers.

    • DC dimming for flicker-free brightness adjustment
    • Custom eye protection mode that reduces blue light to lessen eye fatigue

    This setup aims to facilitate long gaming sessions without causing eye strain, making it a great choice for gamers who spend hours in front of their screens.

    Display and Pricing Expectations

    Earlier, Xiaomi revealed that the Redmi K90 Max will come with a 6.83-inch display featuring a 165Hz refresh rate. The display is an M10 panel offering a peak brightness of 3,500 nits, which should ensure bright and vivid visuals. Xiaomi claims that this display is specially optimized for clarity and visual quality.

    As for the pricing, no official details have been announced yet. However, it’s expected that the Redmi K90 Max will be more budget-friendly compared to the K90 Pro Max, which currently starts at around CNY 4,199, or approximately $614. This price point makes it an intriguing option for consumers looking for high-performance gaming phones at a reasonable cost.


  • Lenovo Announces New Legion Gaming Phone to Compete with RedMagic 11 Pro

    Lenovo Announces New Legion Gaming Phone to Compete with RedMagic 11 Pro

    Key Takeaway

    1. Lenovo is preparing to announce a new Legion gaming phone in May 2026, following a previous model released in 2022.
    2. The upcoming device was recently spotted in China, showing a design similar to the Motorola Edge 70 with a prominent Legion branding.
    3. The phone is expected to feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, aiming to compete with other high-end gaming phones like the RedMagic 11 Pro.

    Lenovo’s Gaming Phone Return Could Be Imminent

    Lenovo had been quite steady with its Legion gaming tablets but had stayed pretty hush hush about their smartphone lineup. The last model, the Y70, came out in 2022, packing a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, and it was a pretty notable device for gamers.

    Previous Model and Competition

    Back then, the Legion Y70 was up against competitors like Asus ROG Phone 6 and RedMagic 7S. Yet, it lacked some features, notably a high refresh rate display. Now, fans are anticipating a new release that might change the game completely for Lenovo, since the new model is expected to be announced very soon.

    Teasing a New Launch

    The company has officially teased that a new Legion gaming phone is on the way, with an anticipated launch date around May 2026. They haven’t revealed all details yet, but the hint has stirred excitement among mobile gaming communities.

    Leaked Images Point to a Familiar Design

    What adds fuel to the speculation is a recent leak showing the unannounced Legion phone at an event in China earlier this year. The images show a design that looks surprisingly similar to Lenovo’s Motorola Edge 70, boasting an identical camera module on the back. Still, the back finish appears a bit different, and the Legion logo is unmistakably prominent.

    What We Can Expect?

    Until Lenovo makes an official statement, it’s speculated that the new Legion phone will run on Snapdragon’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. If true, this would position the device as a fierce rival to other high-end gaming phones like the RedMagic 11 Pro.


    Sources

  • Xiaomi Launches New Gaming Phone with 165Hz Display Release Date Announced

    Xiaomi Launches New Gaming Phone with 165Hz Display Release Date Announced

    Key Takeaway

    1. The Redmi K90 Max is set to launch on April 21 in China, with pre-orders now available.
    2. Key features include a 6.83-inch display with a 165Hz refresh rate, 3,500 nits brightness, and an active cooling fan.
    3. The device is water and dust resistant (IP66/IP68/IP69), with a metal frame and a dual rear camera setup.
    4. Leaked info suggests it may be powered by a Dimensity 9500 processor and include a D2 discrete GPU.

    Redmi K90 Max is coming soon with impressive features

    The Xiaomi company’s latest gaming-focused model, the Redmi K90 Max, has been announced with a countdown to the release date. Fans eagerly waiting for new tech can mark their calendars as this device will hit the market soon.

    Launch Date and Availability

    Mark your calendars! The Redmi K90 Max is set to be officially unveiled on April 21 at 7 PM local time in China. Pre-orders are already open on multiple Chinese online shopping sites for those who are eager to grab it when it drops.

    Design and Display Features

    This phone boast a 6.83-inch display with a refresh rate of 165Hz that promise buttery smooth visuals. It also shines bright with a maximum brightness of 3,500 nits, which means it should be easy to see even in bright sunlight. The device’s build includes an aluminum alloy frame, making it sturdy and durable. Currently, it has been shown in a sleek ‘Space Silver’ color, with teasers revealing a dual rear camera setup but no complete specs.

    Cooling System and Resistance Ratings

    One of the key gaming features is its active cooling system, which includes an 18.1mm fan. The company claims this fan can reduce the device’s temperature by around 10°C within just 100 seconds of heavy gaming. Additionally, the Redmi K90 Max is rated IP66, IP68, and IP69 for dust and water resistance, making it exceptionally durable and capable of handling various environmental challenges.

    Expected Hardware and Competition

    Unconfirmed leaks suggest the device may be powered by a Dimensity 9500 processor paired with a D2 discrete graphics chip, promising excellent performance for gaming and multitasking. Interestingly, other brands like Oppo are also launching flagship smartphones such as the Find X9 Ultra and Find X9s Pro on April 21, so this will be a busy day for tech enthusiasts.

    Stay Tuned for More Details

    While all full specifications are yet to be announced, the Redmi K90 Max seems to be packed with powerful features aimed at gamers and tech lovers. Keep an eye out for official updates for more details about this promising new device.


    Sources

  • Redmi K90 Max: Xiaomi’s Flagship Gaming Phone with Built-in Cooling Fan

    Redmi K90 Max: Xiaomi’s Flagship Gaming Phone with Built-in Cooling Fan

    Key Takeaway

    1. The Redmi K90 Max is a gaming-focused flagship with a built-in active cooling fan designed to reduce temperature by 10°C within 100 seconds.
    2. It features a 165Hz display and a dual-chip setup, enhancing gaming performance and visual experience.
    3. The device includes shoulder buttons and gaming optimizations for touch controls, network stability, and in-game audio.

    Introduction to the Xiaomi Redmi K90 Series

    The Xiaomi Redmi K90 series was debuted in October 2025, comeing with two very cool models: the standard Redmi K90 and the Redmi K90 Pro Max. Recently, the company announced a third addition to this lineup called the Redmi K90 Max, which look like a real game-changer.

    Details from Xiaomi President

    Lu Weibing, who helms Xiaomi, has shared some juicy info about the Redmi K90 Max. This phone is made for gaming lovers and sports a built-in active cooling fan to keep things cool while you play those intense games. The fan is 18.1mm thick, designed with a vertical air intake that makes airflow 1.3 times better than other phones with cooling fans. They said it can lower the temperature by 10°C in just 100 seconds of heavy gaming — pretty impressive, huh?

    Display and Performance Features

    • The K90 Max will sport a 165Hz refresh rate, which is even higher than the 144Hz on the RedMagic 11 Pro, currently priced at around $799.
    • It will also have a dual-chip setup, though Xiaomi has’t disclosed the exact model yet. For comparison, the K90 Pro Max is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset.

    Gaming and Launch Details

    This new model will come with shoulder buttons to enhance gaming controls. Plus, the device is optimized for better touch response, stable network connectivity, and in-game sound quality. It’s expected to hit the shelves in China around April, so gamers can start looking forward to this gaming beast.

    In Summary

    The Xiaomi Redmi K90 Max is shaping up as an exciting flagship purely targeted at serious gamers who want top-notch performance and cooling technology. With its high refresh rate display, dual-chip setup, and dedicated gaming features, it is all set to shake up the mobile gaming world soon.


  • RedMagic Unveils Ultra-Thin Gaming Smartphone Refresh with New Version

    RedMagic Unveils Ultra-Thin Gaming Smartphone Refresh with New Version

    Key Takeaway

    1. The RedMagic 11 Air is an ultra-thin gaming smartphone (8 mm) with a large 7,000 mAh battery, making it 10% thinner than the RedMagic 11 Pro.
    2. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, LPDDR5X RAM, and UFS 4.1 storage, along with a 6.85-inch AMOLED display at 144 Hz refresh rate.
    3. The phone includes a 50 MP rear camera, an 8 MP secondary camera, and a 16 MP under-panel front camera, with only the Trace variant offering 512 GB or 16 GB RAM options.
    4. Starting at $599, all Trace pre-orders include a free phone stand, with global shipping beginning April 14.

    New Release Alert: RedMagic 11 Air in a Fresh Finish

    RedMagic just launched a new version of their popular gaming smartphone, the RedMagic 11 Air. Announced only a couple of months ago, this new variant comes with a sleek new look that’s sure to attract gamers and tech fans alike. The latest update marks a quick follow-up to the initial global debut of their ultra-thin gaming device, making it clear that RedMagic is keen on expanding their lineup fast and furious.

    Design & Core Specs

    The RedMagic 11 Air keeps its slim profile at just 8 mm despite packing an enormous 7,000 mAh battery, making it one of the thinnest gaming phones its size around. Comparatively, it’s about 10% thinner when lined up against the RedMagic 11 Pro, which currently costs around $799. The device boasts a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, supported by fast LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, ensuring top-tier performance for gamers and multitaskers alike. Its 6.85-inch AMOLED display delivers 144 Hz refresh rate and an impressive 431 PPI pixel density, so visuals are smooth and sharp as ever.

    Camera & Storage Options

    When it comes to photography, RedMagic keeps things simple yet capable, with a 50 MP primary camera and an 8 MP rear shooter. On the front, a 16 MP camera camouflaged under innovative panel-camera tech allows selfies without compromising screen space. What’s strange is that RedMagic is only offering its new Trace variant with 512 GB of storage and 16 GB of RAM, which is quite a hefty option compared to their previous models. Prices for the new model start at $599, €599, or £529, slightly higher than before, especially considering other options like the Phantom and Prism models, which are around $499 or €599 respectively.

    Additional Perks & Launch Timeline

    • Pre-orderees will get a free phone stand included in their package.
    • Expected shipping date is set for April 14th, ready to reach users worldwide.

    This new release from RedMagic has stirred excitement among fans eagerly awaiting the next big gaming phone. For more detailed hardware insights, stay tuned for the full launch overview, as more specifications and features will be unveiled soon.


    Sources