Ayaneo confirms the chipset powering its first handheld smartphone

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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