Hot on the heels of Retroid’s newest machine comes the Anbernic RG505. Both manufacturers have chosen the same SoC this time around, and the end results are two very similar handhelds.
Despite this, there are some differences between the consoles.
PROS: ANBERNIC RG505
If 2x integer scaling for PSP is a must for you, then Anbernic’s machine is the one. The Anbernic RG505 also contains the same OLED panel as the PS Vita, which is far less power hungry than an LCD equivalent. OLEDs in general have excellent contrast, vivid colours and are able to display deep blacks, the PS Vita OLED was no exception.
However it is an old panel, assuming they are actually using the same SKU, and the Vita was not as bright as modern day OLEDs.
The RG505 also has a larger battery than the 3 Plus by 500mAh and runs Android 12 compared to Android 11. I have no doubt that the pricing of the RG505 was in part decided by the price of Retroid’s console, and assuming Anbernic’s usual build quality I think they’ve done well with the price point this time.
PROS: RETROID POCKET 3+
Whilst the RG505 seems to have it beat on some fronts, the RP3+ has some tricks up its sleeve. Its higher resolution panel is going to look nicer for non-integer scaled systems, and at an advertised 450nits it is a lot brighter than the PS Vita’s OLED panel.
The Anbernic RG505 apparently won’t ship with any Google Play Services, so the Play Store won’t be present on the stock OS. Of course it is probably possible to get it working with some tinkering, but the RP3+ comes with these features already installed as stock. As well as that, you’ll get Retroid’s excellent launcher pre-installed.
The console is also slightly smaller, quite a bit thinner and almost 50g lighter than the Anbernic RG505, but its screen is ~0.3″ smaller than the RG505 too. Retroid’s console also has stacked shoulder buttons unlike the RG505, which is preferable for most people.
The base price is also lower, however current promotions will affect this and certain stores may or may not label the parcel such that it incurs tax on import.
ANBERNIC RG505 vs RETROID POCKET 3+ SPECS
| Retroid Pocket 3+ | Anbernic RG505 | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Unisoc T618 | Unisoc T618 |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR4x | 4GB LPDDR4x |
| Internal Storage | 128GB eMMC | 128GB eMMC |
| WiFi | 2.4 / 5 Ghz | 2.4 / 5 Ghz |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 |
| Battery | 4500mAh | 5000mAh |
| Stated Battery Life | ? | 8 Hours |
| Speakers | Stereo | Stereo |
| Screen Res | 1334*750 | 960*544 |
| Screen Tech | IPS? | OLED |
| Screen Size | 4.7" | 4.95" |
| Screen nits | 450 | ~150 |
| Size | 185*81*24 | 189*87*18 |
| Weight | 235g | 286g |
| Base Price | $149.00 | $157.99 |
The RG505 goes on pre-order today, and there’s a small discount available if you order in the next 12 days. Be aware that shipping from the official store incurs extra tax if you’re in the UK (possibly in the US too) and shipping is extra. It may be cheaper from Aliexpress depending where you are.
Affiliated links above, if you choose.
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