GPD Win Mini Review: The Perfect Gaming Handheld Console
Today, we’re taking our look at the highly anticipated GPD Win Mini. As a devoted fan of the GPD handheld line, especially their latest 7000 series, I’ve been eagerly waiting for this device. One of my favorites from this lineup is the Win Max 2, and the Win Mini seems to have taken the best aspects of the Max 2 and compacted them into a smaller form factor.
The standout feature that catches the eye immediately is the built-in keyboard. This isn’t just any keyboard – it’s a full QWERTY keyboard that’s backlit for added convenience. But that’s not all; there’s also a trackpad and a built-in gamepad. It’s reminiscent of the Win Max 2, just in a more compact package. Speaking of size, the 7-inch 120Hz display is a beauty to behold, boasting a maximum brightness of 500 nits. And under the hood, it’s powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor, ensuring great performance.
GPD Win Mini: Video Review
| Specs | GPD Win Mini |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7640U, AMD Ryzen 7840U |
| GPU | Radeon 780M |
| RAM | 16GB/32GB/64GB, LPDDR5x 7500 MT/s |
| Storage | 512GB/2TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 SSD |
| OS | Windows 11 Home |
| Display | 7-inch, LTPS, 1920×1080, 120 Hz, 314 PPI |
| Audio | AAC Hyper-Linear Dual Speaker |
| Input | QWERTY keyboard, touchpad, game controllers, hall-effect joysticks |
| Ports | 1 x USB 4 port, 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C port, 1 x microSD card slot, |
| 1 x Oculink connector (SFF-8612, 63 Gbps connection) | |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 |
| Wi-Fi 6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2.4G/5G |
| Battery | 44.24Wh |
| Battery Life | Heavy Use For 3h, Moderate Use For 6-8h, Light Use For 14h |
| Weight | 520g |
| Dimensions | 168 x 109 x 26 mm |
What’s in the box
Inside the box, you’ll find the Win Mini, a 65W charger, a USB Type-C charging cable, and a lanyard.
GPD Win Mini: Design
In terms of design, the GPD Win Mini has managed to strike a fantastic balance in its size ratio. As I hold the unit in my hands, it’s impressive to note that I can easily access all the buttons and controls without any discomfort. This level of accessibility extends even to the QWERTY keyboard, where I can type seamlessly. Notably, the keyboard is backlit for added convenience. Similarly, the trackpad is within easy reach, eliminating the need to shift my grip while navigating.
A new addition to the Win Mini is the option for dedicated grips, available separately for around $30. These attach to the bottom of the device, providing users with additional handhold options, enhancing the ergonomic experience. This simple addition goes a long way in making the device more comfortable to hold.
The built-in controller is worth mentioning as well. Sporting Hall-based analog sticks, it provides a tactile and responsive experience. The D-pad, inspired by the one found in the PS Vita, is a standout feature, although it uses Dome switches. This could be a downside for those who prefer a different type of switch. Nevertheless, the analog sticks also offer L3 and R3 functions, enabling additional inputs through pressing them down, similar to the PS Vita. This setup finds its strengths with the Dome switches, which are also present in the Vita, creating a sense of familiarity.
Turning our attention to the rear of the device, Hall sensor-based analog triggers offer a surprisingly satisfying amount of travel, a noteworthy achievement considering the handheld’s compact size. The inclusion of a backlit QWERTY keyboard is intriguing, with its functionality managed through dome switches to ensure the device remains compact yet still offers a comfortable typing experience.
Further enhancing the control scheme are programmable buttons positioned on the upper section. Labeled as L4 and R4, these buttons can be configured using software, allowing for customization based on individual preferences. Continuing with the analog sticks, they support L3 and R3 functionalities, a feature that adds another layer of convenience during gameplay.
A notable addition to the design is the attachment point for a lanyard. Given the handheld’s diminutive form factor, the option to add a lanyard seems like a practical choice, adding security when carrying it around. The rubber strips on the sides further enhance the grip, a smart addition for a handheld device that’s meant to be used on the go.
When it comes to connectivity, the GPD Win Mini doesn’t disappoint. The introduction of an Oculink port is an interesting move, replacing a full-size HDMI port. This strategic swap allows for more efficient eGPU connectivity, promising excellent performance. Additionally, the inclusion of a Micro SD card slot, a 3.5mm audio jack, mode switch buttons, and USB 3.2 and USB 4.0 ports provide a versatile range of options for connecting peripherals and external devices.
Performance
The GPD Win Mini comes in two different models, each offering distinct specifications. The model I’m examining features the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor. Another variant, the 7640U, is also available. Both models are based on the Zen 4 architecture. The Ryzen 7 7840U boasts 8 cores and 16 threads, with a base clock of 3.3 GHz and a boost clock that can reach up to an impressive 5.1 GHz. This powerful APU, known as the “Phoenix Point,” comes equipped with the Radeon 780M iGPU, which is built on the RDNA3 architecture and features 12 compute units. This iGPU is capable of running at speeds of up to 2700 MHz.
Memory options are versatile, offering either 16 or 32 gigabytes of LP DDR5X RAM, with an impressive speed of up to 7500 megatransfers per second. The Gaming Handheld Console boasts a stunning 7-inch 120 Hz LTPS display, which unfortunately lacks Freesync support. Nonetheless, its 1920×1080 resolution at 314 pixels per inch and maximum brightness of 500 nits make for a vivid visual experience.
Storage is efficiently managed by a 2230 PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe SSD. The unit I have comes with a substantial 32 gigabytes of RAM and a generous two terabyte SSD, which is pre-installed from the factory. The GPD Win Mini is powered by a 44.24 watt-hour battery and runs on Windows 11. For those interested in running Linux, the x86 platform offers easy compatibility.
There are several notable features that enhance the user experience. The inclusion of linear Rumble Motors on the z-axis provides immersive haptic feedback, adding to the gaming experience. The MicroSD card reader supports SD 3.0, capable of reading up to 160 megabytes per second.
To support various motion-based interactions, the GPD Win Mini features a three-axis Gravity Sensor and a three-axis gyroscope. These sensors contribute to the device’s versatility, making it suitable for various applications beyond gaming.
The trackpad is a standout feature, and holding the device in handheld mode allows comfortable access to the central keyboard and trackpad. While those with smaller hands might find it a bit challenging to reach the center comfortably, the compact size overall makes it manageable.
The multi-gesture support of the trackpad, combined with its portability, makes the GPD Win Mini an attractive option for on-the-go productivity tasks. However, its main allure lies in its gaming capabilities. The 120 Hz display allows for smooth gameplay, especially for indie games like Shredder’s Revenge, which the APU handles with ease.
Despite the default maximum TDP of 18 watts, the GPD Win Mini’s performance shines, even on more demanding titles. However, power enthusiasts can take advantage of BIOS modifications or third-party applications to increase the TDP for even better performance. Games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Street Fighter 6 run smoothly at 120 Hz, showcasing the device’s gaming potential.
The GPD Win Mini also holds its own in larger games like Horizon Zero Dawn and Forza Horizon 5, both of which are playable with satisfying frame rates. In terms of performance improvements, the linear Rumble Motors, Hall-based analog triggers, and the d-pad inspired by the PS Vita contribute positively to the overall gaming experience.
While God of War exhibits some performance limitations due to the device’s compact form factor, the GPD Win Mini manages to run it adequately at 720p and low settings. Lastly, even a demanding game like Cyberpunk 2077 proves to be playable at 720p and low settings, with the promise of further improvements with a higher TDP setting.
Battery life
Let’s delve into the GPD Win Mini’s battery performance. To provide insight into this aspect, I conducted some TDP (Thermal Design Power) testing, which involved examining the power consumption at various levels of load. Utilizing Hardware Info, I initiated a workload that engaged both the CPU and GPU, and at a TDP of 10 watts, the total power drawn from the battery registered around 19 watts. This data forms the basis for calculating the device’s estimated battery life at different TDP settings.
All these tests were conducted with the screen brightness set at its maximum, 100 percent. At the aforementioned 10-watt TDP, the GPD Win Mini exhibited a total battery draw of approximately 19 watts. Employing a simple calculation method by considering the battery’s capacity and the wattage drawn, it’s possible to extrapolate an estimated runtime of around 139 minutes under these conditions.
Drawing parallels to the Steam Deck, another handheld gaming device, the GPD Win Mini demonstrates similar power draw characteristics. For instance, at a TDP of 15 watts, the battery draw escalates to 27 watts. Applying the same estimation formula, this translates to an expected runtime of approximately 98 minutes.
Elevating the TDP further to 18 watts, the total power draw surges to 31 watts from the battery. Calculating the potential runtime using the formula, an estimated 85 minutes of operation can be projected. However, it’s essential to bear in mind that these estimates are based on the testing results and should be taken as a general guideline. Real-world usage might yield slightly lower runtimes than the calculated values due to various factors affecting battery performance.
GPD Win Mini: Conclusion
In conclusion, my first impressions of the GPD Win Mini are overwhelmingly positive. Its compact size, versatile built-in controls, and impressive gaming performance make it a compelling handheld device.
Whether you’re a gamer or someone who needs a portable workstation, the GPD Win Mini could be an excellent choice. Stay tuned for further testing and a detailed review in the near future.
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You’re blatantly lying about the battery life. 14 hours at light use means a total draw of 3w.
*total*
100% brightness is 10w+cpu.
Lets be generous at half that.
CPU running at 1 watt gives you 7 and a bit hours. And that’s not going to be possible.