This device is a serious powerhouse. I've been fiddling with it for a few days and am very satisfied with it.
We already know it highlights: swappable button modules for all needs, best sticks in the business and (one of the) best screens in the business too. But the pricing and weak hardware can be a letdown. 865 in 2026 does not sound like it can do very much, but the potential you can unlock on this is much more than one can initially imagine, and I am here to show you how to do it!
1. Root
First thing first, if you're like me, chances are that your android handhelds do not contain critical private information. With that in mind, we can root the Pocket Max for maximum customization/performance.
I follow the fantastic guide in this video by @What Obi Plays, please do remember to use the Retroid variant script in the description. For the Pocket Max, you can access Settings -> Handheld Settings -> Advanced for the Run script as Root option.
Now after you've sucessfully flashed Magisk, turn on your device and install Shizuku from the Play Store. Now open Magisk, click the gear icon on the top right, scroll down and enable Zygisk. This will prompt you to restart again, yes there is a lot of restarting involved when working with root.
2. Overclock your GPU
The 865 is the most stable and well studied Qualcomm SoC ever, it limits are thoroughly tested and documented. Its GPU, the Adreno 650, came with a stock clock of 680 MHz, which is frankly limiting much of its true capacity.
Mangmi did mention that they have overclock the Pocket Max out of the box, but the OC they apply is 800MHz, still way too safe even compared to popular OC schemes used on phones! What we want to do is OC this baby to 905 MHz, similarly to what the Retroid Pocket 5/Mini/Flip 2 can achieve. And since the Pocket Max have a much bigger surface area and battery, thermals and battery drain is a no brainer.
The way to do it is through an app called KonaBess, following this guide by u/The412Banner. Just do the exact same steps, since we are dealing with our GPU, which is the exact same model and is not tied specifically to the device. To check if it's effective, you can use many apps, I personally use 3C All in One Manager from the Playstore.
3. Fix your speakers
One of the worst things about this device is the speakers, the sound is boxy/muted, tho not as bad as the Ayaneo Pocket Evo. Now you want to follow this wonderful video by @Ryan Retro, just get the string numbers from the comment, download the O2PTweaks app, install James DSP and apply. I know the guide is for the Odin 2 Portal, but from what I've tested it applies well to the Pocket Max too, I can promise you it will change the whole experience.
4. Some other things
Rumble fix: This has been mentioned in many reviews, but no hurt to mention again: the vibration/rumble modules are overboard, feel stiff and robotic. You can go to Handheld Settings -> Advanced -> set vibrator strength to whatever you like.
Display: in that same Handheld setting, go to Display and select refresh rate, I recommend take advantage of the full 144hz on this one. Next go to settings, search display, scroll to Colors and select Adaptive, this will make the colors pop while not being too vibrant.
5. Frame Generation (optional but highly recommended)
This has been my saving grace for retro emulation, it can be used on almost any game or emulators. When combined with the GPU overclocks above, the Mangmi Pocket Max plays PS2 Shadow of the Colossus at 60fps 540p with full details/visual effects (fyi the original PS2 usually dropped to 15-20fps in this game, and with no effects removed using cheat codes it is one of the hardest tests for NetherSX2) and BOTW on Eden at 60fps 540p (can even reach 100fps+ in dungeons). And those games I tested are "worst case scenarios", for something easier to handle you can enjoy fps in the hundreds without stressing your device. Things like your GTA San Andreas will run 60fps 1080p no problem. Even PC games. For example, Hades 2 on Gamenative runs at 110-140 fps 720p, which is crazy considering this is a 2020 mobile GPU.
Although still early access, in my testing it works great in most game. There's also MFG (upto x5) but mostly experimental with many artifacts and bugs. At x2 however I can't perceive major input lags or graphical glitches.
The obvious setbacks here are: 1) you have to pay 5$ for a single device license. 2) you have to be rooted. But imo price is really cheap for a software with such huge application. You can view the details here. The author is very detailed about the installation and use of it, UI is pretty janky and does take a bit of setup tho, so you might wanna join their telegram for assistance if you do purchase it.