Ayn Thor Review: The Ultimate Clamshell Android Handheld

The clamshell design holds a special place in the history of portable gaming. From the iconic silver Game Boy Advance SP to the beloved Nintendo DS Lite, the combination of two screens and a protective hinge defined a generation of handhelds. Decades later, that same form factor has been reimagined with modern power.

The Ayn Thor is an Android-based clamshell device that captures the essence of classic handhelds while delivering specifications that rival contemporary mobile gaming. It’s a device designed for those who cherish the past but demand the performance of the present.

Two screens and a clamshell case is far and away my favorite handheld design.

With a design that immediately triggers a sense of nostalgia, the Thor aims to be more than just a retro novelty. It positions itself as a serious contender in the handheld market, offering a unique blend of aesthetics and raw capability.

Visuals are the centerpiece of the Thor experience. The device boasts two beautiful AMOLED screens, delivering deep blacks and vibrant colors that make games and videos pop.

The top screen is a 6-inch 1080×1920 panel with a fluid 120Hz refresh rate, perfect for high-speed action. The bottom screen, a 3.92-inch 1080×1240 display running at 60Hz, serves as a dedicated touch interface or secondary display for various applications.

With a peak brightness of 550 nits, the screens remain surprisingly clear even in bright sunlight, a crucial feature for a portable device. While the user can lock the top screen to 60Hz to conserve battery life, a quick toggle in the custom settings menu allows for an instant switch to the full 120Hz experience.

• Top Screen: 6-inch, 1080×1920, 120Hz
• Bottom Screen: 3.92-inch, 1080×1240, 60Hz
• Brightness: 550 nits for outdoor visibility
• Technology: AMOLED panels for superior contrast

Under the hood, the Ayn Thor is a powerhouse available in four distinct configurations. The Base, Pro, and Max models are powered by the formidable Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 CPU and Adreno 740 GPU, paired with DDR5 memory for top-tier performance.

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Thor Lite features a Snapdragon 865 CPU, Adreno 650 GPU, and DDR4 memory. All models come equipped with a robust 6000mAh battery, active cooling fans, and drift-less Hall effect joysticks.

Storage options scale with the price point, from 127GB in the entry-level models to a massive 1TB in the Max variant. A Micro SD port is available on all versions for further expansion.

• Lite ($249): Snapdragon 865, 8GB RAM, 127GB Storage
• Base ($309): Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 8GB RAM, 127GB Storage
• Pro ($369): Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 12GB RAM, 256GB Storage
• Max ($449): Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 16GB RAM, 1TB Storage

Weighing in at 380g—comparable to the New 3DS XL—the Thor feels substantial yet balanced. The device is encased in layers of glass over both screens, with a plastic chassis that feels sturdy and high-quality. It is available in four colors: Clear Purple, Rainbow, Black, and White.

Despite its flat-edged design, the Thor remains comfortable for extended play sessions. The build quality is robust, and the active cooling system ensures the device stays at a reasonable temperature, even under heavy load, with surprisingly quiet fans.

However, the design is not without its critiques. The flat-edged L2 and R2 trigger buttons can feel awkward during intense gaming sessions, lacking the ergonomic curve of traditional controllers. Additionally, the placement of the right joystick can feel cramped for users with larger hands, occasionally requiring the use of the thumb's middle section to maneuver effectively.

Even with its flat bottom, using the Thor for longer stretches was still pretty comfortable.

The Thor runs on a clean version of Android 13, offering a familiar interface with minimal bloatware. Users are greeted with a standard Android experience, allowing them to download their preferred games and apps directly from the Google Play Store.

Connectivity is robust on the non-Lite models, featuring Wi-Fi capabilities and the ability to output 4K video at 60fps via DisplayPort. This transforms the Thor from a handheld into a portable media center.

While the front-facing speakers provide adequate sound, they lack the depth for an immersive experience, making wireless earbuds a preferred choice for many users. A minor design quirk includes a small gap between the two halves when closed, though this can be mitigated with a protective shell or the included foam insert.

• OS: Android 13 with a clean interface
• Video Out: 4K 60fps via DisplayPort (non-Lite models)
• Audio: Front-facing speakers (adequate for casual use)
• Build Gap: Small gap when closed, easily protected

The Ayn Thor successfully marries the beloved clamshell form factor with cutting-edge Android hardware. Its dual AMOLED screens are the undeniable star of the show, offering a visual experience that is rare in the handheld market. For those who grew up with the Game Boy Advance SP or Nintendo DS, the Thor offers a powerful dose of nostalgia.

While minor ergonomic issues like the flat trigger buttons and cramped joystick placement exist, they do not overshadow the device's overall capability. With a price range from $249 to $449, there is a configuration for every type of user, from casual gamers to those looking to replace their primary handheld.

Ultimately, the Thor stands as a compelling option for anyone seeking a portable, powerful, and visually stunning Android gaming device. It proves that classic design can indeed be revitalized with modern technology.