Skip to content
All comparisons
Head-to-head comparison

Anbernic RG 55G1 vs Retroid Pocket 2S

The Anbernic RG 55G1 ($140–$175) and Retroid Pocket 2S (~$120) are closely matched Android handhelds. The right pick comes down to display, battery, and form factor — not raw performance.

Anbernic RG 55G1 handheld

Anbernic RG 55G1

Anbernic's first Snapdragon Switch Lite
Price$140–$175
VS
Retroid Pocket 2S handheld

Retroid Pocket 2S

Best entry-level Android
Price~$120
Key differences
What sets these handhelds apart
  • Retroid Pocket 2S costs $21 less ($140–$175 vs ~$120) — roughly 15% cheaper than the Anbernic RG 55G1.
  • Processor: Anbernic RG 55G1 runs a Qualcomm Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 (Adreno A12) vs Unisoc T610 in the Retroid Pocket 2S.
  • RAM: 4GB or 8GB vs 3GB — Anbernic RG 55G1 has the memory advantage for multitasking and heavier emulators.
  • Listed battery specifications: 6,000mAh, 18W charging (~8 hrs claimed) vs 4,000mAh. Capacity alone does not establish runtime; game, settings, and power draw matter.
  • Display: 5.5" IPS 1920x1080 60Hz (16:9, laminated) vs 3.5" touchscreen 640x480.
  • Weight: 339g vs ~190g — Retroid Pocket 2S is more pocketable.

Specs comparison

Side-by-side technical details. The glowing value wins its row.

SpecAnbernic RG 55G1Retroid Pocket 2S
Price$140–$175~$120(best)
Display5.5" IPS 1920x1080 60Hz (16:9, laminated)3.5" touchscreen 640x480
ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 (Adreno A12)Unisoc T610
RAM4GB or 8GB(best)3GB
Storage64GB or 128GB + microSD (up to 2TB)64GB + microSD
Battery capacity6,000mAh, 18W charging (~8 hrs claimed)(best)4,000mAh
Weight339g~190g(best)
OSAndroid 14 (RG Home)Android 11 / RetroidOS
Performance comparison
Spec-based catalog ratings, not measured game benchmarks

Portability

Anbernic RG 55G1 wins
Anbernic RG 55G1
86
Retroid Pocket 2S
85

Battery

Anbernic RG 55G1 wins
Anbernic RG 55G1
82
Retroid Pocket 2S
78

Value

Retroid Pocket 2S wins
Anbernic RG 55G1
88
Retroid Pocket 2S
90

Anbernic RG 55G1 is best for

  • First Anbernic Snapdragon buyers under $175
  • Switch Lite form-factor Android emulation
  • PS1/PSP and mid-tier PS2/GameCube on Adreno drivers

Retroid Pocket 2S is best for

  • Entry into Android emulation
  • Touchscreen for Android games
  • Budget-conscious buyers stepping up

Anbernic RG 55G1 watch outs

  • G1 Gen 2 is mid-range; Nova's QCS8550 still wins heavy cores
  • Base config is only 4GB/64GB
  • IPS, not AMOLED like the RG556

Retroid Pocket 2S watch outs

  • Less powerful than RP5/Mini
  • Screen is smaller than modern handhelds
  • Some setup required for dual boot
The verdict

Compare the specs and tradeoffs for your target games. Anbernic RG 55G1 has the higher or equal average catalog rating; Retroid Pocket 2S has the lower or equal listed starting price. Catalog ratings are not measured game benchmarks.

Still unsure?

Let our picker quiz find your perfect handheld in 60 seconds.

Take the quiz

Anbernic RG 55G1 vs Retroid Pocket 2S FAQ

Which is better, the Anbernic RG 55G1 or the Retroid Pocket 2S?

Compare the specs and tradeoffs for your target games. Anbernic RG 55G1 has the higher or equal average catalog rating; Retroid Pocket 2S has the lower or equal listed starting price. Catalog ratings are not measured game benchmarks.

What is the price difference between the Anbernic RG 55G1 and the Retroid Pocket 2S?

The catalog lists Retroid Pocket 2S from $119 and Anbernic RG 55G1 from $140, a $21 starting-price difference. Configuration, shipping, tax, and availability can change the final cost. A higher price does not by itself establish better performance.

Which has better performance, the Anbernic RG 55G1 or Retroid Pocket 2S?

The Anbernic RG 55G1 uses Qualcomm Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 (Adreno A12) with 4GB or 8GB RAM; the Retroid Pocket 2S uses Unisoc T610 with 3GB RAM. Catalog ratings are not measured game benchmarks. Check testing for your games, emulator version, resolution, and power settings before choosing.

How does battery life compare between the Anbernic RG 55G1 and Retroid Pocket 2S?

The Anbernic RG 55G1 ships with a 6,000mAh, 18W charging (~8 hrs claimed) battery. The Retroid Pocket 2S has a 4,000mAh. Capacity alone does not establish battery life. Compare runtime tests using the same game, brightness, and power settings; manufacturer claims may use different workloads.

Which is more portable, the Anbernic RG 55G1 or Retroid Pocket 2S?

The Anbernic RG 55G1 weighs 339g, while the Retroid Pocket 2S weighs ~190g. Lighter devices are easier for pocket carry and long sessions but often tradeoff battery capacity or grip comfort.

Should I buy the Anbernic RG 55G1 or wait for the Retroid Pocket 2S?

Check each official store for current stock, preorder status, and shipping estimates. Choose around the games and features you need now. This comparison does not verify delivery dates or predict when either manufacturer will release a replacement.

More comparisons

The Anbernic RG556 (~$250) and Retroid Pocket 2S (~$120) are closely matched Android handhelds. The ...
The Retroid Pocket 2S (~$120) and Retroid Pocket 5 ($179) are closely matched Android handhelds. The...
The Retroid Pocket 2S (~$120) and Retroid Pocket Mini V2 (~$179) go head-to-head in this Android han...