The KT Pocket KT-R1S is finally stepping out of the shadows. After years of silence following the KT-R1’s sluggish release cycle, KT Pocket appears ready to take a second swing this time with more power and flexibility.
KT Pocket KT-R1S trades Helio for Dimensity
It’s no secret the original KT-R1 arrived late to the party. Released with a Helio G99 chip in early 2023, it already felt outdated. Now, it is ditching that lagging hardware in favor of the Dimensity 7300, bringing with it a noticeable jump in CPU and GPU performance.
This new chip combines Cortex-A55 and Cortex-A78 cores with a Mali-G615 MP2 GPU, delivering around 20% better performance compared to its predecessor. It’s not flagship-level muscle, especially when compared to handhelds using the Dimensity 8300, but it should be more than enough for smooth Android emulation and lighter 3D gaming.
Design options add a surprising twist
In a move that sets it apart from other compact handhelds, the KT Pocket KT-R1S will ship in two design variants. The difference? Joystick placement. One version features the left joystick above the D-pad, while the other flips that layout with the joystick below a small but impactful change for player comfort.
Both models appear to carry the same button configuration elsewhere, though full specs and exact dimensions haven’t been shared yet.
Challenge on flexibility
KT Pocket seems to be leaning into customization where rivals are playing it safe. Compared to similarly priced options from Anbernic or AYN, this flexibility in layout is rare and could be the KT-R1S’s key advantage.
Other known highlights so far:
- Dimensity 7300 processor
- Two joystick layouts available
- Android-based handheld
- Modern performance tier for 2D and some 3D games
What remains to be seen is how aggressive KT Pocket gets with pricing and storage configurations. If they undercut bigger brands without cutting corners, the KT-R1S might carve out a niche of its own.
KT Pocket KT-R1S edges closer to launch
Pre-orders for the KT Pocket KT-R1S are expected to go live soon, though no firm date has been given. Given the company’s track record, caution is warranted but so is curiosity. This second-gen model looks better prepared for today’s handheld market, with sharper silicon and design choice baked in.
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