How powerful is Pocket Play? Ayaneo reveals the chip in the gaming smartphone

After a period of relative silence that had left room for speculation and doubts, Ayaneo has finally broken its silence regarding the heart of its first gaming smartphone.

The company’s recent communications, focused mainly on an internal restructuring to improve customer service and logistics, had put the technical details of the Pocket Play in the background.

However, an official update has now clarified one of the most crucial aspects for enthusiasts: the processing power.

Ayaneo Pocket Play, the company reveals the processor of the gaming smartphone

The confirmation arrived via a post on the X platform, where the manufacturer officially announced the adoption of the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset.

Although it’s not the very latest development in the semiconductor market, being a high-end processor dating back to 2023, the choice appears far from a concession. The Dimensity 9300 remains a top-tier component, capable of competing on equal terms with renowned rivals such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, especially in tasks that require heavy CPU usage.

For a gaming-oriented device, the ability to sustain high frame rates for long periods is fundamental, often more than the theoretical peaks achievable in synthetic benchmarks.

In this context, Ayaneo’s ace in the hole does not lie solely in the silicon, but in the integration of an active cooling system. The presence of a dedicated fan will allow the Dimensity 9300 to unleash its potential without incurring thermal throttling, a problem that afflicts many traditional smartphones during prolonged gaming sessions.

Design inspired by the past and modern specifications

Beyond the processor, the Pocket Play confirms its unique identity that nods to Xperia Play nostalgia. The device stands out for its sliding controls that reveal a full physical keypad, rear triggers and two touchpads, offering ergonomics that screens alone cannot match.

The visual experience will be delivered by a 6.8-inch OLED panel with a 165 Hz refresh rate, ideal for ensuring maximum fluidity in competitive titles.

Also interesting is the stylistic choice for the front camera: the selfie camera has been positioned in the bezel, avoiding holes or notches that could interrupt the gaming area.

On the back, the camera module presents itself deliberately sober, clearly signaling that the priority of this hardware is gaming, not advanced computational photography.

The wait for launch

Despite these revelations, the launch date remains uncertain.

The Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign has not yet started, a direct consequence of Ayaneo’s decision to prioritize transparency in shipping and the quality of after-sales service before accepting new orders.

The pre-launch page is still active, and the confirmed specifications suggest that when it hits the market, the Pocket Play will have what it takes to establish itself as a solid solution for those seeking a pocket-sized console experience.