Design and Build Quality
The Miyoo Mini A30 boasts a compact and ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the hands. Measuring 127 x 58 x 15mm, it’s small enough to be highly portable yet large enough for comfortable gameplay. The build quality is solid, with a mix of durable plastic and rubberized materials that ensure longevity and a good grip. The controls, including a d-pad, face buttons, a single analog stick, and comfortable shoulder buttons, are responsive and well-positioned, making it easy to navigate through games.
Performance
Powered by the Allwinner A33 CPU and equipped with 512MB of RAM, the Miyoo Mini A30 handles retro gaming efficiently. The system performs well with 8-bit and 16-bit games, and it can also tackle some 32-bit titles with varying results. The performance is generally smooth, though more demanding games might experience some performance hiccups.
User Interface
The user interface on the Miyoo Mini A30 is straightforward and user-friendly. Running on a Linux-based system, it offers a clean and intuitive layout that provides quick access to game libraries, settings, and emulation options. The navigation through menus is fluid, and users can easily customize the interface to their preferences.
Battery Life and Charging
The device is powered by a 3.7V 2600mAh battery, which offers a battery life of approximately 4-6 hours on a single charge. This is adequate for most gaming sessions, though heavy users might need to recharge more frequently. The handheld charges via USB-C, which supports quick charging and helps minimize downtime.
Display Resolution
The Miyoo Mini A30 features a 2.8-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. This display provides vibrant and sharp visuals for retro games, although its smaller size compared to other handhelds might be a consideration for some users. The IPS technology ensures good color reproduction and wide viewing angles, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Storage and Expansion
With 512MB of internal memory, the Miyoo Mini A30 has internal storage for running the firmware with a single SD Card slot for game storage, with support up to a 128GB SD Card.
Wireless and Connectivity Features
The Miyoo Mini A30 includes 2.4G Wi-Fi, allowing for some basic wireless connectivity. While it does not support Bluetooth, this Wi-Fi capability is useful for firmware updates.
Sound
The audio performance of the Miyoo Mini A30 is satisfactory for casual gaming. The built-in speaker provides clear sound, though it lacks depth and volume due to it being a single mono speaker. The A30 also lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, so connecting wired headphones is done via the provided USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.
Operating System and Emulation
Running on a Linux-based operating system, the Miyoo Mini A30 supports a range of emulators for various retro consoles, including NES, SNES, Genesis, and more. The emulation performance is generally reliable, with most games running smoothly and accurately. The OS is designed for ease of use, with a focus on efficient emulation and straightforward navigation. I do like the stock OS but hopefully we see custom firmware options become available, like Onion OS.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and ergonomic design
- Better shoulder buttons than the Anbernic RG28XX
- Solid build quality
- Responsive controls
- Intuitive user interface
- Expandable storage via microSD
- Decent battery life with quick charging
- 2.4G Wi-Fi for basic connectivity
Cons:
- No Bluetooth support
- Display size may be small for some users
- Average sound quality from built-in mono speaker
Conclusion
The Miyoo Mini A30 is a well-rounded handheld gaming device that excels in portability and performance for retro games. Its compact design, responsive controls, and intuitive interface make it a good choice for on-the-go gaming. While the lack of Bluetooth and the average sound quality might be drawbacks for some, the device’s expandable storage and decent battery life make it a solid option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Miyoo Mini A30 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | MIYOO A30 |
| CPU | Allwinner A33 |
| Screen | 2.8 inches IPS (640×480) |
| Computer Memory | 512MB |
| System | Linux |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4G |
| Batteries | 3.7V 2600mAh |
| Body Size | 127 x 58 x 15mm |
