Mangmi makes three Android handhelds we sell, and they are easy to mix up. Here is the short version. Get the Air X (from ₱7,799) if you want a big 5.5" widescreen handheld on a budget. Get the Air Y (from ₱7,499) if you mostly play Game Boy, SNES, arcade and other 2D games and want a vertical, Game Boy-style body. Get the Air Y Pro (from ₱12,999) if you want that same vertical shape with enough power for PS2 and GameCube.
Specs side by side
| Air X | Air Y | Air Y Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| From | ₱7,799 | ₱7,499 | ₱12,999 |
| Shape | Horizontal | Vertical | Vertical |
| Chip | Snapdragon 662 | Snapdragon 662 | Snapdragon 865 |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 | Adreno 650 |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR4X | 3GB LPDDR4X | 4GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | 64GB eMMC + microSD | 32GB eMMC + microSD | 64GB UFS 2.1 + microSD |
| Screen | 5.5" IPS touch, 1920×1080 (16:9) | 4.2" IPS touch, 1280×960 (4:3) | 4.2" IPS touch, 1280×960 (4:3) |
| Sticks | Two Hall effect sticks + triggers | One Hall effect stick | Two analog sticks |
| Battery | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | 5000mAh |
| Android | Android 14 | Android 14 | Android 13 |
Chip: Snapdragon 662 vs Snapdragon 865
This is the biggest difference. The Air X and Air Y share the Snapdragon 662, an efficient chip with four 2.0GHz and four 1.8GHz cores. It plays 8-bit and 16-bit consoles, Game Boy Advance, PS1, many PSP and Nintendo DS games, and Dreamcast well. It is not a PS2 or GameCube chip.
The Air Y Pro uses the Snapdragon 865, a former flagship chip with a much faster Adreno 650 GPU. It is the same chip used in the Mangmi Pocket Max and plays most PS2 and GameCube games at full speed, along with everything the 662 can do. For more on PS2 picks, see our PS2 and GameCube handheld guide.
Shape and screen: horizontal 16:9 or vertical 4:3
The Air X is a horizontal handheld with a 5.5" Full HD screen. That widescreen shape suits PSP, Android games and game streaming, and the large screen is easy to read. The two Hall effect sticks and triggers make it comfortable for 3D games.
The Air Y and Air Y Pro are vertical, like a classic Game Boy, with a 4.2" 1280×960 screen. The 4:3 shape matches most retro consoles, so SNES, PS1, arcade and GBA-style games fill the screen without big black bars. Vertical handhelds are also very pocketable.
Controls: one stick or two?
The Air Y has a single analog stick. That is fine for 2D games and many PS1 titles, but games that need a second stick for the camera, common in PS2, GameCube and later PSP games, will feel limited. The Air Y Pro has two symmetrical sticks, which is a big reason to step up if you play 3D games. The Air X has two Hall effect sticks, which resist drift over time.
Which one should you buy?
Buy the Air X if...
- You want the biggest screen for the lowest price.
- You play PSP, DS and Android games, or stream games from a PC or console.
- You prefer a horizontal, controller-like grip.
Add-ons: Air X owners can pick up a matching tempered glass screen protector and carrying case from our accessories.
Buy the Air Y if...
- You mostly play Game Boy, GBA, SNES, NES, Genesis and arcade games.
- You want a vertical, pocketable Android handheld at the lowest price.
- You rarely play games that need two analog sticks.
Buy the Air Y Pro if...
- You love the vertical shape but also want PS2 and GameCube.
- You want two analog sticks for 3D games.
- You want faster UFS storage for quicker loading.
How they compare to other options
If you like the Air X but want more power, the ANBERNIC RG556 (from ₱11,999) adds an AMOLED screen, and the Retroid Pocket 6 (from ₱17,990) adds a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. If you like the Air Y but do not need Android, the Linux-based ANBERNIC RG40XX V (from ₱3,999) is a cheaper vertical option for retro games up to PS1.
FAQ
Is the Air Y Pro worth ₱5,500 more than the Air Y?
Yes, if you want PS2, GameCube or 3D games with two sticks. If you only play 2D retro games, the Air Y is enough.
Can the Mangmi Air X play PS2?
Only very light PS2 games, and not reliably. Its Snapdragon 662 is best for systems up to PS1, PSP and DS.
Do Mangmi handhelds have the Google Play Store?
They run Android, so you can install apps and games from the Play Store, including emulators and streaming apps.
Which Mangmi is best for kids?
The Air Y. It is simple, vertical and affordable. For younger kids who only need classic games, a Linux handheld like the R36S costs even less.
Still choosing? Browse our Mangmi collection or message GameCove on chat or Facebook.