ONE XPLAYER G1 Review: The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 Handheld PC That Doubles as a 2-in-1 Laptop

Introduction: Redefining Portable Gaming and Productivity

The ONE XPLAYER G1 emerges as a compelling contender in the burgeoning handheld PC market, attempting to bridge the gap between dedicated gaming handhelds and ultra-portable laptops. Positioned as a versatile 2-in-1 device, it aims to offer a full Windows PC experience alongside robust gaming capabilities, powered by AMD’s cutting-edge Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor. This report will delve into its design, performance, user experience, and overall value proposition to provide a comprehensive assessment for potential users.

Design & Build: An Ambitious Hybrid with Practical Considerations

The G1 presents a unique design philosophy, attempting to combine the best of both worlds: a compact gaming handheld and a functional mini-laptop.

Physical Aesthetics and Materials

Weighing approximately 900 grams [1, 2], the ONE XPLAYER G1 is relatively lightweight for a full Windows PC, yet its mass may become noticeable during extended handheld gaming sessions. The device’s chassis is meticulously CNC-crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum [3], imparting a premium and luxurious feel to the primary unit.[4] This choice of high-quality materials suggests a commitment to durability and a sophisticated aesthetic. However, this premium exterior contrasts with certain aspects of its user-facing components, which can lead to a less cohesive overall experience.

The 2-in-1 Mechanism

A core feature of the G1 is its detachable keyboard, which enables seamless transformation between a handheld console, a mini-laptop, and a tablet.[1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] This keyboard is securely held in place by magnets.[1] Integrated beneath this detachable keyboard are the device’s game controllers, featuring Hall-based analog sticks and linear Hall triggers designed for precise control, complemented by an upgraded D-pad.[1, 6] This dual-control scheme aims to provide flexibility for both gaming and productivity tasks.

Ergonomics and Comfort

While the G1 is marketed as “thoughtfully engineered to balance portability and functionality” with an “ergonomic grip” for prolonged use [5, 6, 8], real-world user feedback reveals significant practical limitations. The detachable keyboard has been widely criticized, with some reviewers describing it as “super cheap” and “one of the worst keyboards” they have encountered.[9] Similarly, the touchpad is reported to suffer from various “issues”.[9]

A significant observation is that the integrated controllers are often deemed “not comfortable” for extended gaming, and the device’s weight is considered “too heavy for a built-in controller”.[9] This physical discomfort often leads users to consider carrying an external controller, which fundamentally undermines the core utility of a 2-in-1 device designed for integrated versatility.[9] Some users have also noted that the position of the right joystick can feel “slightly off”.[4] These ergonomic shortcomings suggest that while the concept of a multi-mode device is appealing, its practical execution in terms of integrated input peripherals falls short, compelling users to seek external solutions and thus diminishing the device’s inherent all-in-one value.

Image Credit: onexplayerstore.com

Internal Accessibility and Upgrade Options

The G1 offers a notable advantage in its internal design by including a full-size 2280 NVMe SSD slot.[9, 10] This is a significant improvement over many other gaming handhelds that typically utilize smaller 2230s or 2242s, enabling the installation of larger capacity and generally faster drives.[9] This design choice enhances the device’s long-term utility and user- friendliness. However, upgrading the SSD does require a specific procedure: users must unscrew and carefully lift the fans, as the SSD slot is located directly underneath them and the fan cords are attached to the motherboard.[9] This design decision allows for future-proofing through expandability, as users are not locked into the initial storage configuration and can upgrade to higher capacities more cost-effectively than with smaller M.2 form factors.

Display: A Visual Treat with High Refresh Rates

The display is consistently highlighted as one of the standout features of the ONE XPLAYER G1, offering a premium visual experience for both gaming and general productivity.

Specifications

The G1 features an 8.8-inch LTPS/IPS display.[6, 7] It boasts a sharp 2.5K resolution (2560×1600 pixels), ensuring exceptional detail and vibrant colors across various content.[1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8] A high 144Hz refresh rate delivers ultra-fluid gameplay and significantly reduces motion blur, which is crucial for fast-paced action titles.[1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8] The display also offers up to 500 nits of brightness [6, 11], which is generally considered sufficient for good visibility in diverse lighting conditions. While specific color gamut (sRGB, DCI-P3) and contrast ratio figures are not explicitly detailed for the G1, general industry understanding suggests that 500 nits can enhance color vibrancy and provide the perception of improved contrast.[12] Furthermore, the display is a touchscreen, which adds to its versatility for tablet-like interactions and intuitive multitasking.[6]

Visual Experience and Performance Considerations

The high-resolution 2.5K, 144Hz, 8.8-inch display is a significant differentiating factor for the G1, promising an immersive visual experience. However, running modern AAA games at this native resolution and high refresh rate on integrated graphics, even a powerful one like the Radeon 890M, can be exceptionally demanding. Reviewers frequently note the necessity to scale down the resolution (e.g., to 1080p or 800p) or utilize upscaling technologies like AMD FSR to achieve consistently playable frame rates.[11, 13] This implies that while the display’s specifications are impressive, the integrated GPU may struggle to consistently drive demanding content at those peak settings without visual compromises. For users prioritizing uncompromised visual fidelity at native resolution, connecting an external GPU via the OCuLink port would be a viable solution.[1, 2, 11]

Performance Powerhouse: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370

At the core of the ONE XPLAYER G1 lies the formidable AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, a “Strix Point” APU engineered to deliver a potent combination of processing power, robust integrated graphics, and dedicated AI acceleration.

Processor Deep Dive (AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370)

The HX 370 is an AMD Strix Point APU, fabricated using TSMC’s advanced 4nm process technology.[14] It incorporates an innovative hybrid architecture, featuring a total of 12 cores and 24 threads.[1, 2, 7, 14, 15, 16] This configuration comprises 4 high-performance Zen 5 cores, capable of boosting up to 5.1 GHz (with a 2.0 GHz base clock), alongside 8 efficient Zen 5c cores, which can reach up to 3.3 GHz (with a 2.0 GHz base clock).[2, 14, 15, 16] The processor’s typical Thermal Design Power (TDP) is 28W, but it offers configurable options ranging from a low of 15W (TDP Down) to a high of 54W (TDP Up) to adapt to varying performance demands and power efficiency requirements.[2, 6, 15, 16]

Graphics (Radeon 890M)

Integrated within the HX 370 is the Radeon 890M, based on the RDNA 3.5 graphics architecture, featuring 16 Compute Units (CUs) and clocked at 2.9 GHz.[1, 2, 7, 14, 15, 16] This integrated GPU is designed for “extreme graphics performance” and “exceptional graphics capabilities,” facilitating higher resolutions and smoother frame rates.[14] It also provides support for modern video codecs such as HEVC and AV1, and possesses the capability to drive up to four 4K monitors simultaneously [2], underscoring its versatility beyond just gaming.

NPU (XDNA2) and AI Capabilities

A significant aspect of the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is its integrated AMD XDNA2 Neural Processing Unit (NPU), which delivers up to 50 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) for accelerating AI processing tasks.[2, 16] This positions the G1 as a “Copilot+ PC ready” device, aligning with the growing trend of AI-accelerated computing.[17] AMD highlights the NPU’s utility for applications such as photo and video enhancement (e.g., Topaz Labs), streamlining workflows (e.g., BlackMagic), enabling offline AI assistants (e.g., LM Studio), and facilitating AI image generation (e.g., Amuse 2.2 Beta).[17]

However, real-world AI performance testing reveals a more nuanced picture. In an Ollama RAG-based project, the HX 370 achieved approximately 12 tokens/second processing, while an Apple M1 Pro, despite having a lower theoretical TOPS rating, managed 37 tokens/second.[18] This performance disparity is attributed to the HX 370’s dependence on system memory throughput. While Framework laptops, which use the HX 370, typically utilize 2-channel SO-DIMM DDR5 5200MT/s memory (providing 83.2GBps bandwidth), Apple MacBooks employ significantly faster soldered memory.[18] This illustrates that while the NPU’s raw TOPS figure is impressive, its practical performance for certain memory-intensive AI workloads, such as large language model inference, can be constrained by the broader system architecture’s memory bandwidth. This distinction is critical for users expecting top-tier AI performance across all applications.

Gaming Performance

The Radeon 890M integrated GPU is designed to provide ample power for gaming on the go.[11] Benchmark results indicate that the AMD AI 9 HX 370 delivers up to 22% faster performance compared to its predecessor, with an average performance gain of 20% over the Ryzen Z1 Extreme in 30W TDP mode.[14] The device is capable of running graphically intensive titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, God of War Ragnarok, and Marvel Rivals smoothly when settings are optimized.[6, 11, 19] One assessment noted “absolutely amazingly” performance for a game utilizing frame generation at an 18W TDP on the HX 370.[11]

For more demanding games, users will likely need to adjust TDP settings and potentially lower the display resolution or leverage upscaling technologies like AMD FSR to maintain desirable frame rates.[4, 11, 20] The G1 further enhances its gaming potential through the inclusion of USB4 and OCuLink ports for external GPU (eGPU) support.[1, 2, 6, 7] The OCuLink port is particularly advantageous, providing a significant performance boost for desktop-class gaming or intensive creative workloads, and is noted to offer superior stability and smoother gameplay compared to Thunderbolt connections for eGPUs.[4]

Image Credit: onexplayerstore.com

Thermal Management

The G1 incorporates an “advanced thermal design with triple heat pipes and a liquid-bearing fan for efficient cooling”.[14] Initial impressions often describe the cooling as “obviously well cooled”.[9] However, the HX 370 processor is known to exhibit “quite a bit more” power usage and heat output during lighter tasks (idle) compared to its predecessors, a characteristic that is anticipated to improve with future driver updates.[18] Under sustained heavy load, the fans can become “really loud” at TDPs exceeding 28W.[7, 21, 22] One user noted that maintaining performance above 25W often results in thermal throttling unless the fans are operating at maximum speed.[21] Performance fluctuations have also been observed with temperature changes; for instance, a temperature increase from 73°C to 77°C could lead to a drop in frame rates from 43 to 35 FPS.[21] This indicates that while the cooling system effectively prevents critical overheating, it may struggle to maintain sustained peak performance quietly, highlighting a common challenge in compact, high-performance devices. Average gaming temperatures typically range from 70-80°C at 28W.[23]

Memory, Storage & Connectivity: Ample and Modern

The G1 is well-equipped with modern memory, storage, and connectivity options, ensuring fast data access and versatile external connections.

RAM

The device supports dual-channel LPDDR5X RAM, with reported speeds up to 7500MHz or even 8000MHz.[2, 6, 7, 8, 14, 24] Configurations are available with either 32GB or 64GB of RAM.[3, 6, 7, 8, 14, 24] This generous memory capacity is crucial for seamless multitasking and handling demanding applications and games.

Storage

For storage, the G1 utilizes high-speed PCIe 4.0 SSDs, with options ranging from 1TB, 2TB, to 4TB.[2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 14, 24] A significant advantage for a handheld device is the inclusion of a full-size M.2 2280 slot, which allows for user upgrades to higher capacity SSDs.[9, 10, 24] This design choice provides flexibility and cost-effectiveness for storage expansion over the device’s lifespan.

Ports and External GPU Support

The G1 offers robust connectivity, including at least two USB4 ports and a crucial OCuLink port.[1, 2, 6, 7, 24] The OCuLink port is particularly noteworthy as it enables support for external graphics cards (eGPUs), offering a substantial performance boost for desktop-class gaming or demanding creative workloads.[1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 11] Reports indicate that OCuLink connections provide superior stability and smoother gameplay compared to Thunderbolt for eGPU setups.[4] This capability significantly extends the device’s utility and longevity, allowing it to adapt to evolving performance needs.

Wireless Connectivity

For wireless communication, the device supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 [6], ensuring fast and reliable network connectivity and compatibility with a wide range of wireless peripherals.

Battery Life: The Endurance Challenge

Battery life remains a critical aspect for any portable gaming device, and the G1 faces the inherent challenge of balancing powerful components with a compact form factor.

Battery Capacity

The G1 is equipped with a 51.97 Wh (14,283 mAh) battery.[7, 24]

Real-World Usage Estimates

Comprehensive battery tests specifically for the G1 are not extensively detailed in all available information. However, estimations for similar devices featuring the HX 370 or 8840U (such as the OneXPlayer X1 Pro) provide a general indication of endurance, which varies significantly based on workload and TDP settings. For light tasks or video decoding, such as streaming PS5 games via Chiaki at a low 5-7W TDP, the battery life could extend to “hours and hours”.[20] For local gaming, estimates for the X1 Pro (which has a 65Wh battery) suggest a range of 4.5 to 6 hours at lower TDP settings (e.g., 7W).[20] More demanding gaming at higher TDPs (e.g., 15W) might yield approximately 2-3 hours, potentially dropping to as low as 1.5 hours at a 30W TDP.[20, 25] One user explicitly stated that the G1’s battery “isn’t the greatest,” lasting “maybe an hour or so depending on the game,” and that they frequently “need to have it plugged in most of the time”.[4] This indicates that while the battery capacity is decent, the high-performance components and high-resolution, high-refresh-rate display consume power rapidly, limiting untethered gaming endurance. Consequently, the G1 is best suited for shorter gaming sessions on the go or when a power outlet is readily accessible, positioning it more as a portable desktop for gaming rather than a long-lasting mobile console.

Charging

To mitigate battery concerns, the device includes a 100W Gallium Nitride (GaN) fast charger [5, 25], which facilitates rapid replenishment of the battery, allowing users to quickly return to their activities.

Software Experience: Windows with Custom Overlays

The ONE XPLAYER G1 operates on a full Windows operating system, which is supplemented by OneXPlayer’s custom software, “1X Console,” designed to optimize the handheld experience.

Operating System

The device runs Windows 11 [7], providing full PC compatibility. This allows users to install and run virtually any Windows application or game, offering a broad software ecosystem not typically found on dedicated gaming consoles.[26, 27]

1X Console Software

OneXPlayer provides the “1X Console” software (also referred to as OneXConsole Game Center), which serves as a dedicated hub for customization and control.[6, 7, 8] Its features include: adjusting TDP settings (ranging from 4W to 30W) to balance performance and battery life, controlling RGB lighting, fine-tuning fan speeds, creating performance profiles for different tasks, and custom key mapping.[6, 8]

User Experience and Stability

While the 1X Console is praised for being “awesome” and “easy to find” [21], user feedback indicates several areas that require refinement. The “controlling software is really half baked” [4], and it occasionally “bugs the controls,” leading to situations where the overlay opens while the game continues to receive input.[21] Initial Windows setup can be time-consuming, typically taking 4-6 hours, which, while normal for Windows devices, can be an annoying initial hurdle.[4] The “quick resume” feature in Windows is often inconsistent, and with the G1, there are “way more misses,” sometimes linked to the screen not being in native landscape orientation, which can cause application crashes.[21] Furthermore, BIOS updates are typically manual downloads and flashes, rather than being integrated into the OneX Console software for a streamlined process.[13] The device can also exhibit “glitchy” behavior when used as a tablet due2to the underlying Windows operating system.[4] Additionally, the included controller has been criticized as “crap” and “worse than Switch joycons,” with reports of Hall sensor drifts even after firmware updates.[4] This suggests that despite its powerful hardware, the G1’s software ecosystem lacks the polish and maturity found in more established platforms. This may necessitate a higher degree of user patience and technical familiarity to achieve optimal performance and stability.

Pricing & Configurations: A Premium Investment with Evolving Value

The ONE XPLAYER G1 is positioned as a premium device, offering various configurations to cater to different budget and storage needs.

Initial Pricing and Adjustments

The G1 initially launched with a starting price of $899 for the AMD Ryzen 7 8840U variant (32GB RAM, 1TB SSD).[3, 24] The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 models commenced at $1,199 for the 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD configuration.[3] The top-tier Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 with 64GB RAM and 4TB storage was initially priced at $1,539.[3]

One-Netbook has since introduced new configurations and implemented price reductions. For instance, 64GB RAM variants have seen price drops of up to $220.[24] The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 with 64GB RAM and 2TB storage is now available for $1,399.[24] More recently, the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 G1 model has been observed on sale for $920.[28] This dynamic pricing likely reflects market competition and an evolving understanding of consumer willingness to pay for the device’s feature set. While the lower current pricing improves the value proposition, potential buyers should consider whether these adjustments also acknowledge the ergonomic and software compromises identified in user feedback.

Available Configurations & Pricing

Note: INR prices are approximate conversions based on an exchange rate of 1 USD = 85.80 INR.[31] AED prices are not available in the provided research material.

Specifications: ONE XPLAYER G1 Key Features

This table provides a concise summary of the ONE XPLAYER G1’s core technical capabilities, offering a quick reference for its hardware and features.

The Verdict: A Powerful Niche Player with Room for Refinement

The ONE XPLAYER G1 is an intriguing device that pushes the boundaries of portable computing, but it is important to acknowledge its inherent strengths and areas requiring further development.

Ideal User Profile and Recommendations

The ONE XPLAYER G1 is best suited for a niche user who prioritizes raw performance in a compact form factor and intends to use it primarily as a “portable desktop” when connected to an external monitor and peripherals, or for shorter, intense gaming sessions. It represents a strong choice for individuals who value the ability to upgrade storage and connect an eGPU for future-proofing their investment. Users who are comfortable with Windows troubleshooting and do not rely heavily on the integrated keyboard or controllers for extended periods will likely derive the most benefit from this device.

Conversely, if a seamless, “console-like” handheld experience with excellent integrated controls and long battery life is paramount, other devices, such as the Steam Deck or ROG Ally, might offer a more refined and consistent user experience [29, 30], albeit potentially with less raw CPU/GPU power or the same level of versatility and expandability. The G1, therefore, positions itself less as a direct competitor to traditional console-like handhelds and more as a powerful, unique, yet somewhat unrefined portable workstation and gaming rig for the enthusiast market.