PGC NEWS

With the ever-increasing power of smartphones and the rise of mobile gaming, controllers have become essential accessories. Gamers now have various options, from traditional console-style controllers to phone-grip controllers that turn your phone into a handheld gaming device. The EasySMX M15 aims to fill the gap in the budget-friendly phone-grip controller market, offering a compelling feature set and modern hardware. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the EasySMX M15 to explore its strengths and weaknesses.

EasySMX M15 Box

Design and Features

The EasySMX M15 arrives in simple packaging, showcasing the controller’s design and highlighting compatibility with various cloud gaming services. Unlike some previous EasySMX controllers, the M15 comes with only a multilingual instruction manual and the controller itself, without any additional accessories.

The M15 boasts a full-size form factor, resembling a traditional controller adapted for mobile gaming. Compared to other full-sized mobile controllers like the Razer Kishi Ultra, the EasySMX M15 meets the standard with some key differences, offering appealing improvements alongside some compromises due to its lower price point.

EasySMX M15 open box

Similar to other EasySMX controllers, the M15 features Hall effect sensors in both joysticks and shoulder buttons, a rarity in phone-grip controllers. This technology minimizes dead zones, reduces drift, and improves durability compared to traditional analog joysticks. However, the M15’s joysticks have a smaller range of motion and feel less refined, while the shoulder buttons lack depth, resulting in slightly less precise controls.

The M15 also features “Mecha-Tactile” mechanical buttons for ABXY and the D-pad, similar to the EasySMX X10. These buttons offer a light, clicky actuation with a smooth surface similar to the Xbox Series X/S controller. This allows for rapid button presses, ideal for mobile gaming, while maintaining grip and reducing required pressure for a comfortable gaming experience.

Back Buttons and Customization

The back of the EasySMX M15 includes two easily accessible back buttons that can be remapped to other controller buttons. While the M15 offers customization options on paper, including button mapping, response speed, and layout changes, it lacks app-based customization like the Razer Nexus, making adjustments more cumbersome.

EasySMX M15 close up

Connectivity and Compatibility

Instead of using spacers like the Razer Kishi, the EasySMX M15 features an adjustable USB-C connector that slides up and down. This design simplifies attachment and expands compatibility with various phone sizes. However, the two-piece clamp design with a large contact area struggles to securely hold phones with large camera modules, like the iPhone 15 Pro and Samsung S23.

The EasySMX M15 offers multiple connection modes for both Android and iOS devices, including HID, XInput, and virtual touch for Android, and a dedicated mode for iOS. It also supports wireless Bluetooth connectivity via XInput to various platforms, although the phone must remain attached, or a separate power source is needed to connect to PCs or consoles.

Performance

Testing the EasySMX M15 with PPSSPP emulator on Android revealed quick connectivity and impressive precision thanks to the Hall effect sensors. The four axes responded instantly, even to the smallest movements. Using Steam Link for remote PC gaming, the M15 functioned as a standard controller with decent rumble feedback.

EasySMX M15 back buttons

EasySMX M15 attached to a phone

EasySMX M15 open view

Conclusion

The EasySMX M15 provides a satisfactory mobile gaming experience with a few trade-offs. Limited customization options, build quality concerns, and less secure clamping for phones with large camera modules are notable drawbacks. However, the incorporation of Hall effect sensors, mechanical buttons, and a budget-friendly price make it a viable option for those seeking an affordable way to enhance their mobile gaming.

Pricing

The EasySMX M15 is available for purchase directly from the manufacturer’s website for $69.99.
Purchase Link