OneXPlayer X1 Air Review – Powerful Handheld That Also Works As a Laptop
OneXPlayer X1 Air Review – Powerful Handheld That Also Works As a Laptop
Introduction
The OneXPlayer X1 Air arrives as a truly versatile 3‑in‑1 device that can function as a laptop, tablet, or gaming handheld. With a 10.95‑inch 120 Hz LTPS display, an Intel Core Ultra 7 2588V processor, and detachable controllers, it promises desktop‑level performance in a portable form factor. This review breaks down its design, hardware, connectivity, software features, and real‑world gaming performance.
Design and Build Quality
The X1 Air feels solid despite its size. The chassis is milled from aluminum, giving it a premium weight and a sleek finish. Key design elements include:
- Rear kickstand that folds out for tablet mode.
- Detachable controllers that slide into the sides via a refined locking mechanism, eliminating any wobble.
- RGB lighting around the analog sticks and front panel, which can be disabled for a low‑profile look.
- Ventilation integrated into the rear for the cooling system.
Overall, the device is lighter than expected for a handheld with a screen larger than most dedicated gaming consoles.
Display
The X1 Air sports a 10.95‑inch LTPS panel with a native resolution of 2560 × 600 and a 120 Hz refresh rate. Color reproduction is strong, covering 138 % sRGB, and brightness reaches up to 540 nits. While the display is not variable‑refresh, the high refresh rate and vivid colors make both gaming and productivity enjoyable.
Core Hardware Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 7 2588V, 8 cores / 8 threads, up to 4.8 GHz |
| GPU | Intel Arc 140V, 8 Xe‑cores, up to 1.95 GHz |
| RAM | 32 GB LPDDR5X (on‑package, 8,533 MT/s) |
| Storage | 1 TB 2280 M.2 SSD (expandable via mini‑SSD slot, micro‑SD, up to 6 TB total) |
| Battery | 72.77 Wh, expected up to 17 h video playback or ~10 h office work |
The combination of a high‑performance CPU and the latest Intel Arc graphics delivers smooth frame rates at 1080p‑class resolutions, even on demanding titles.
Connectivity and Expandability
- Power button with protective cover for ports.
- Mini‑SSD slot and 3.5 mm audio jack hidden beneath the cover.
- Full‑size USB 3.2 Type‑C and micro‑SD slot on the right side.
- Two USB 4 (Thunderbolt 4) ports on the left, supporting 40 Gbps for fast external storage or eGPU connections.
- Magnetic keyboard/folio attachment that converts the device into a laptop; the folio also doubles as a screen protector.
- Dedicated turbo button for quick access to the OneX console UI, where performance, fan, and RGB settings can be tweaked on the fly.
Software, Controls, and Customization
The detachable controllers feature hall‑effect analog sticks, mechanical‑switch D‑pads (available in dish or standard style), and a set of programmable buttons. The OneX console overlay lets users adjust:
- TDP from 4 W to 30 W, with short‑term boost windows (e.g., 30 W can temporarily rise to ~34 W).
- RGB lighting intensity and patterns.
- Fan curves for silent or performance‑focused operation.
- Resolution, scaling, and CPU boost options.
- On‑screen keyboard and game‑bar shortcuts.
These controls enable rapid performance tuning without leaving the game.
Gaming Performance
AAA Titles
- Forza Horizon 5 – 1200p medium, 17 W TDP: ~80 FPS (up from ~58 FPS on the earlier 2580V). The improvement is largely due to newer Intel Arc drivers.
- Cyberpunk 2077 – 1200p medium with XESS frame generation, 30 W TDP: ~100 FPS average, showcasing Intel’s AI‑upscaled frame generation.
- God of War Ragnarök – 1200p low, 30 W TDP: ~70 FPS (requires FSR scaling; XCSS not supported).
- GTA 5 Enhanced Edition – 1200p high, 30 W TDP: mid‑90s FPS with no scaling.
Fighting and Arcade Games
- Street Fighter 6 – 1200p medium, 17 W TDP: smooth performance with the mechanical‑switch D‑pad, offering an arcade‑stick feel.
Indie and 2D Games
- Shredder’s Revenge – 1200p, 8 W TDP: ~60 FPS with total power draw around 6.7 W, translating to excellent battery endurance.
Overall, the X1 Air handles modern AAA titles at 1080p‑class resolutions with respectable frame rates, especially when leveraging Intel’s AI‑based upscaling technologies.
Battery Life
Battery consumption varies dramatically with workload:
- Light indie/2D gaming (≈8 W total draw) – ~9 hours.
- AAA gaming at 17 W TDP (≈26 W total draw) – ~2 hours 45 minutes.
- AAA gaming at 28 W TDP (≈43 W total draw) – ~1 hour 40 minutes.
These figures were measured with screen brightness at 50 %, RGB off, and the refresh rate capped at 60 Hz to conserve power.
Verdict
The OneXPlayer X1 Air delivers a compelling blend of productivity and gaming in a single, well‑engineered package. Its aluminum chassis, high‑refresh display, and powerful Intel Core Ultra processor make it suitable for work, school, and on‑the‑go gaming when paired with the detachable controllers.
Strengths
- Premium build quality and flexible form factor.
- Strong performance across a range of titles, especially with Intel Arc AI upscaling.
- Expandable storage options and fast USB 4 connectivity.
- Comprehensive on‑device performance controls.
Weaknesses
- Lack of a variable‑refresh display.
- Battery life limited during high‑performance gaming.
- Dedicated handheld competitors may offer longer gaming sessions.
If you need a device that can switch between laptop, tablet, and handheld modes without sacrificing desktop‑level performance, the OneXPlayer X1 Air is an excellent choice. For users seeking a pure handheld gaming experience, other options may provide longer playtime and a lower price point, but the X1 Air’s versatility makes it a standout in the hybrid market.
For further specifications and purchasing information, refer to the official OneXPlayer website.