Odin 3 Max Review – Snapdragon 8 Elite Powers the Most Powerful Android Handheld Yet
Odin 3 Max Review – Snapdragon 8 Elite Powers the Most Powerful Android Handheld Yet
Introduction
The AYN Odin 3 Max arrives as the latest flagship in the Android handheld market, promising unmatched performance thanks to Qualcomm’s brand‑new Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. With a 6‑inch OLED display, full‑size analog sticks, and a range of RAM and storage configurations, the Odin 3 aims to set a new benchmark for ARM‑based portable gaming. This first‑look examines its design, hardware specifications, software features, and real‑world performance.
Design and Build
AYN has opted for a premium feel with a mix of matte and transparent elements. The device is available in several colour schemes:
- Black, White, and Rainbow (colour‑coded buttons)
- Clear Blue and Atomic Purple (transparent side and rear panels)
The transparent rear reveals the cooling system that sits atop the Snapdragon 8 Elite. The chassis incorporates a grippy texture on the back, a subtle curvature for comfortable hand‑hold, and a robust fan with three programmable performance modes (Quiet, Balanced, Sport). Buttons include:
- Two programmable front buttons
- Shoulder buttons and analog triggers
- Power button with integrated fingerprint sensor
- Volume rocker
- D‑pad with dome switches (similar to Retroid devices)
- Micro‑SD slot, 3.5 mm audio jack, and USB‑C port (supports 60 W PD charging and 4K 60 fps video output)
Weighing 390 g, the Odin 3 Max balances portability with a solid, premium feel.
Display
The handheld sports a 6‑inch OLED panel with a native resolution of 1920 × 1080 (16:9 aspect ratio) and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. Key specifications include:
- 152 % sRGB colour gamut with vibrant oversaturation typical of OLED screens
- Peak brightness of 650 nits
- Support for native Android games that can run at 120 Hz
While the aspect ratio is widescreen, users can retain black borders for games that prefer a retro 4:3 format.
Performance – CPU, GPU, and Memory
At the heart of the Odin 3 Max lies the Snapdragon 8 Elite:
- 2x Orion L cores – up to 4.32 GHz
- 6x Orion M – up to 3.53 GHz
- Adreno 830i GPU – up to 1.1 GHz
Memory and storage options are generous:
- Base – 8 GB RAM, 128 GB internal storage
- Pro – 12 GB RAM, 256 GB storage
- Max – 16 GB RAM, 512 GB storage (the model reviewed)
- Ultra – 24 GB RAM, 1 TB storage
All variants support micro‑SD expansion. The combination of high‑clocked cores and ample RAM ensures smooth gameplay even in demanding titles.
Connectivity and Battery Life
- Wi‑Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 provide the latest wireless standards.
- 8,000 mAh battery paired with 60 W Power Delivery enables rapid charging.
- USB‑C port also serves as a 4K 60 fps video output.
Software and User Interface
The Odin 3 ships with Android 15 and the custom Odin Launcher. Users can also install third‑party launchers if preferred. Built‑in utilities include:
- Performance menu (accessed by swiping from the right) with controller mapping, screen recording, Do‑Not‑Disturb, real‑time FPS counter, and memory management.
- Fan control panel allowing manual fan speed adjustment up to 100 %.
- Integrated Google Play Store for native Android games, emulators, cloud‑gaming apps, and x86 emulation tools such as GameHub.
Gaming and Emulation Capabilities
The Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers strong performance across native Android titles and emulation:
- Minecraft runs at 120 FPS with the OLED display.
- Redream (Dreamcast) and Marvel vs. Capcom 2 run smoothly using the responsive dome‑switch D‑pad.
- PS2 emulation (ePSXe/RetroArch) achieves 3×‑4× resolution scaling at 60 FPS.
- GameCube emulation reaches 4×‑5× scaling, delivering 60 FPS on titles like Metroid Prime and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.
- PC game emulation via GameHub (x86) delivers 40‑55 FPS on modest AAA titles, showcasing the chip’s ability to handle legacy PC workloads without cloud streaming.
Benchmark Results
3DMark Wildlife (GPU)
- Odin 1 (Snapdragon 865) – 662 points
- Odin 2 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2) – 3,722 points
- Odin 3 (Snapdragon 8 Elite) – 5,780 points
Geekbench 6 (CPU)
- Odin 2 – Single‑core 2,550, Multi‑core 5,723
- Odin 3 – Single‑core 3,000+, Multi‑core 7,388
Antutu 2024
- Odin 3 – 3,163,250 overall (CPU, GPU, Memory, UX)
- Odin 2 – 1,594,666 overall
These scores confirm a generational leap from the Odin 2, particularly in GPU performance and overall system responsiveness.
Comparison to Previous Odin Models
| Model | SoC | RAM / Storage | GPU Score (3DMark) | Geekbench Multi | Antutu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odin 1 | Snapdragon 865 | 8 GB / 128 GB | 662 | N/A | N/A |
| Odin 2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | 12 GB / 256 GB | 3,722 | 5,723 | 1,594,666 |
| Odin 3 Max | Snapdragon 8 Elite | 16 GB / 512 GB | 5,780 | 7,388 | 3,163,250 |
The Odin 3 Max not only outpaces its predecessors in raw numbers but also offers a more refined chassis, higher‑refresh OLED display, and next‑gen connectivity.
Conclusion
The AYN Odin 3 Max establishes a new performance ceiling for Android handhelds. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, it delivers a striking combination of high‑speed CPU cores, a robust GPU, and ample memory, translating into fluid gameplay across native Android titles, high‑resolution emulation, and even modest PC game emulation.
Its 6‑inch 120 Hz OLED provides vivid colour reproduction and smooth motion, while the full‑size analog sticks, responsive D‑pad, and programmable buttons cater to serious gamers. The inclusion of Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and a sizable 8,000 mAh battery with fast charging rounds out a well‑balanced package.
For enthusiasts seeking the most powerful ARM‑based handheld currently available, the Odin 3 Max represents a compelling, feature‑rich option that pushes the envelope of portable gaming.