Head-to-Head
Retroid Pocket 5 vs RG-556
Retroid Pocket 5 vs RG-556: a head-to-head comparison of specs, performance, screen, battery, and which one is the better buy for your retro library.
| Spec | Retroid Pocket 5 | RG-556 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Retroid / Moorechip | Anbernic |
| Form Factor | Horizontal | Horizontal |
| Operating System | Android 13 / Linux (Batocera) | Android 13 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 | UNISOC Tiger T820 |
| RAM | 8 GB LPDDR4x (2133 MHz) | 8 GB LPDDR4X |
| Screen | 5.5 inch | 5.48 inch |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 5500 mAh |
| Price | $199 (Early Bird) $209 (Preorder) $225 (Retail) | 175.0 |
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The Retroid Pocket 5 and RG-556 are two retro handhelds that often end up on the same shortlist. They are not identical, and the right choice depends on what you actually want to play and how much you want to spend.
Performance and emulation ceiling
The Retroid Pocket 5 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 with 8 GB LPDDR4x (2133 MHz). The RG-556 uses a UNISOC Tiger T820 with 8 GB LPDDR4X. On our performance scale, the Retroid Pocket 5 scores 4.50 and the RG-556 scores 3.00. The Retroid Pocket 5 grades Game Boy, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance as A-level, The RG-556 grades Game Boy, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance as A-level, with GameCube, Wii, Nintendo 3DS in the B range. In practice, the Retroid Pocket 5 reaches Gamecube, Wii, PS2 playable, some Switch barely playable. The RG-556 reaches N64, Dreamcast, PSP all full speed, Gamecube and Wii almost all full speed, PS2 playable, Switch mostly unplayable.
Screen and ergonomics
The Retroid Pocket 5 has a 5.5 inch display at 1920 x 1080. The RG-556 has a 5.48 inch display at 1920 x 1080. The Retroid Pocket 5 is a horizontal device, while the RG-556 is horizontal. That shape difference matters for how the device feels in the hand and how comfortable it is for longer sessions.
Battery and price
The Retroid Pocket 5 carries a 5000 mAh battery, and the RG-556 a 5500 mAh battery. On price, the Retroid Pocket 5 sits around $199 (Early Bird) $209 (Preorder) $225 (Retail), while the RG-556 is around 175.0.
Which should you buy?
Choose the Retroid Pocket 5 if you want the stronger overall package for the money. The best handheld is the one that makes the games you actually play feel natural.