Skip to content
All comparisons
Head-to-head comparison

Anbernic RG 55G1 vs Retroid Pocket 2S

The Anbernic RG 55G1 (TBA) 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

Switch Lite style mid-range (announced)
PriceTBA
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 $30 less (TBA vs ~$120) — roughly 20% cheaper than the Anbernic RG 55G1.
  • Processor: Anbernic RG 55G1 runs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (SM4450, leaked) vs Unisoc T610 in the Retroid Pocket 2S.
  • RAM: 4GB LPDDR4X (leaked) vs 3GB — Anbernic RG 55G1 has the memory advantage for multitasking and heavier emulators.
  • Display: 5.5" IPS (resolution TBA, 16:9) vs 3.5" touchscreen 640x480.

Specs comparison

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

SpecAnbernic RG 55G1Retroid Pocket 2S
PriceTBA~$120(best)
Display5.5" IPS (resolution TBA, 16:9)3.5" touchscreen 640x480
ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (SM4450, leaked)Unisoc T610
RAM4GB LPDDR4X (leaked)(best)3GB
StorageTBA + microSD64GB + microSD
BatteryTBA4,000mAh
WeightTBA~190g
OSAndroidAndroid 11 / RetroidOS
Performance comparison
How they stack up in real-world use

Portability

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

Battery

Retroid Pocket 2S wins
Anbernic RG 55G1
75
Retroid Pocket 2S
78

Value

Retroid Pocket 2S wins
Anbernic RG 55G1
80
Retroid Pocket 2S
90

Anbernic RG 55G1 is best for

  • Buyers waiting on a modern Anbernic horizontal
  • Streaming and mid-range Android emulation
  • Switch Lite form factor fans

Retroid Pocket 2S is best for

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

Anbernic RG 55G1 watch outs

  • Not yet released; price unconfirmed
  • Only ~4GB RAM in Geekbench leaks
  • Battery, storage, and final chip still unofficial

Retroid Pocket 2S watch outs

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

Pick Retroid Pocket 2S if you want peak performance; pick Retroid Pocket 2S if price matters more. Both are solid Android handhelds.

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?

Pick Retroid Pocket 2S if you want peak performance; pick Retroid Pocket 2S if price matters more. Both are solid Android handhelds.

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

The Retroid Pocket 2S costs $119 while the Anbernic RG 55G1 is $149 — a $30 difference. Retroid Pocket 2S is the value pick; Anbernic RG 55G1 justifies the premium with 5.5" bezel-less 2.5d glass display.

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

The Retroid Pocket 2S scores higher across aggregated performance metrics, powered by a Unisoc T610 chip with 3GB RAM. The Anbernic RG 55G1 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (SM4450, leaked) and still handles most emulation workloads competently.

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

The Anbernic RG 55G1 ships with a TBA battery. The Retroid Pocket 2S has a 4,000mAh. Real-world runtime depends on workload: retro emulation typically gets double the runtime of native Android or PS2 emulation.

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

The Anbernic RG 55G1 weighs TBA, 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?

Both are currently in market. If your use case fits buyers waiting on a modern anbernic horizontal, the Anbernic RG 55G1 delivers today. If you prioritize entry into android emulation, the Retroid Pocket 2S is the stronger long-term pick. Neither is about to be replaced — both vendors have 12+ month refresh cycles.

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 (~$199) are closely matched Android handhelds. Th...
The Retroid Pocket 2S (~$120) and Retroid Pocket Mini V2 (~$179) go head-to-head in this Android han...