ONEXFLY Apex Handheld Pushes Limits with Liquid Cooling, Massive Storage and High‑End Performance
ONEXFLY Apex Handheld Pushes Limits with Liquid Cooling, Massive Storage and High‑End Performance
Introduction
The handheld gaming market has taken a bold step forward with the ONEXFLY Apex. Announced on Indiegogo after an initial teaser, this device promises unprecedented power, innovative liquid‑cooling, and up to 8 TB of storage in a portable form factor. Below we break down the key specifications, design choices, and pricing that make the Apex one of the most ambitious handhelds ever released.
Design and Build
The Apex blends a rugged chassis with practical ergonomics. A built‑in kickstand turns the device into a mini‑dock, while a removable 85 Wh hot‑swappable battery sits at the rear for easy replacement. The rear also houses a dedicated port for the optional Frost Bay liquid‑cooling module, which slots in when the handheld is used in dock mode.
Key Physical Features
- Kickstand for tabletop gaming
- Hot‑swappable battery (85 Wh) with quick‑sleep swap mode
- Water‑cooling port for the Frost Bay attachment
- Programmable buttons and trigger locks for customizable input
- Fingerprint sensor and 3.5 mm audio jack on the top panel
Innovative Cooling System
What truly sets the Apex apart is the optional Frost Bay external water cooler. When attached, the system can sustain a 120 W TDP, dramatically increasing GPU performance while keeping temperatures in check. Without the cooler, the handheld still manages a respectable 80 W sustained TDP.
How It Works
- Attach Frost Bay to the rear cooling port.
- Connect the liquid‑cooling loop to the supplied pump and radiator.
- Power the unit via the included 180 W charger for maximum performance.
The cooling solution is optional, allowing users to choose between raw power or longer battery life.
Power and Battery Management
- External 180 W power supply (included) powers the device and charges the battery.
- Hot‑swappable 85 Wh battery can be replaced without fully shutting down, using the console’s quick‑sleep mode.
- The Apex can operate without a battery when plugged into mains power, ideal for docked play.
Display
The Apex features an 8‑inch 120 Hz variable‑refresh‑rate (VRR) IPS panel, the same high‑quality screen seen in devices like the AOK Zoë A1X, MSI Claw 8 AI, and Lenovo Legion Go S. While it isn’t an OLED, the IPS panel delivers vibrant colors and smooth motion for demanding titles.
Connectivity and Ports
| Port | Specification |
|---|---|
| USB‑C (Top) | USB 4, full‑size USB 3.2, DC input for charging |
| USB‑C (Bottom) | USB 3.2 (dual‑port) |
| Micro‑SD Slot | Up to 2 TB card support |
| Mini‑SSD Slot | Supports 2280 M.2 SSDs up to 2 TB |
| 3.5 mm Audio Jack | Standard headphone/mic combo |
The rear water‑cooling port is sealed with a rubber plug when the Frost Bay is not installed.
Performance – APU Options
The Apex offers two AMD Ryzen AI APU configurations, each paired with Radeon integrated graphics.
High‑End Model – Ryzen AI Max Plus 395
- CPU: 16 cores / 32 threads
- GPU: Radeon 8060 SI (40 compute units, up to 2.9 GHz)
- Performance: Comparable to a mobile RTX 4060 at 120 W TDP
- Target Users: Enthusiasts seeking desktop‑class performance in handheld form
Mid‑Range Model – Ryzen AI AX 385
- CPU: 8 cores / 16 threads (tested in GPD Win 5)
- GPU: Radeon 8050 S (32 compute units, up to 2.8 GHz)
- Performance: Strong at 45‑65 W TDP, balanced power and efficiency
- Target Users: Gamers prioritizing battery life without sacrificing playability
Both variants support 32 GB, 48 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB of RAM, allowing users to tailor memory to their workload.
Storage Capabilities
Storage flexibility is a standout feature:
- Primary SSD: 2280 M.2 NVMe, up to 4 TB (user‑installable)
- Micro‑SD Card: Up to 2 TB capacity
- Mini‑SSD Expansion: Additional slot for another 2 TB drive
Combined, the Apex can hold up to 8 TB of data—unprecedented for a handheld device.
Pricing and Configurations
The Apex is positioned as a premium handheld, with prices reflecting its high‑end components and optional liquid cooling.
| Configuration | Specs | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Base (Standard) | Ryzen AX 385, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD | $1,399 |
| Base (Liquid Cooled) | Same as above + Frost Bay | $1,459 |
| Mid‑Tier (Standard) | Ryzen Max Plus 395, 48 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD | $1,599 |
| Mid‑Tier (Liquid Cooled) | Same + Frost Bay | $1,659 |
| High‑Tier (Standard) | Ryzen Max Plus 395, 64 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD | $1,799 |
| High‑Tier (Liquid Cooled) | Same + Frost Bay | $1,859 |
| Ultimate (Standard) | Ryzen Max Plus 395, 128 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD | $2,239 |
| Ultimate (Liquid Cooled) | Same + Frost Bay | $2,299 |
While the price points are steep, even the entry model offers a monster handheld capable of handling modern AAA titles.
Conclusion
The ONEXFLY Apex redefines what a handheld gaming device can achieve. By combining high‑performance AMD Ryzen AI APUs, optional liquid cooling that pushes TDP to 120 W, and a massive 8 TB storage envelope, it blurs the line between portable and desktop gaming.
For power users who crave desktop‑class performance on the go—and are willing to invest in a premium device—the Apex is a compelling, if costly, option. Its modular design, hot‑swappable battery, and extensive connectivity make it a versatile platform that could set a new benchmark for handheld gaming.
Stay tuned for hands‑on performance reviews once the device reaches the market.