After teasing its first smartphone, the Pocket Play, since November, Ayaneo has finally disclosed the chipset powering the device. It will feature MediaTek's Dimensity 9300. This detail comes after a December reveal showcasing its design, which evokes the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play. The choice of the 2023 chipset is interesting.

MediaTek's Dimensity 9300 was a top-tier chip in 2023, but it's now somewhat dated. The decision could be a cost-saving measure, as MediaTek chips are often more affordable than Qualcomm counterparts. The Pocket Play will include features like a slide-out gamepad, D-pad, ABXY buttons, touchpads, and shoulder buttons, dual rear cameras, and stereo speakers.

The device is planned to be available in black and white, though the exact launch date remains uncertain. The design pays homage to the Xperia Play, catering to mobile gamers seeking a premium experience. This move highlights Ayaneo's expansion beyond its handheld gaming devices into the broader smartphone market, competing with devices like the ROG Phone series.

Ultimately, the Ayaneo Pocket Play aims to offer a dedicated gaming experience within a smartphone form factor. The use of older silicon may impact performance against competitors leveraging newer chips. It will be interesting to see how Ayaneo prices the device, given the chipset choice and the target audience.