Skip to content
All comparisons
Head-to-head comparison

Anbernic RG405V vs Retroid Pocket 2S

The Anbernic RG405V (~$115) 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 RG405V handheld

Anbernic RG405V

Budget vertical Android handheld
Price~$115
VS
Retroid Pocket 2S handheld

Retroid Pocket 2S

Best entry-level Android
Price~$120
Key differences
What sets these handhelds apart
  • Anbernic RG405V (~$115) and Retroid Pocket 2S (~$120) sit at nearly the same price.
  • Processor: Anbernic RG405V runs a Unisoc Tiger T618 (octa-core) vs Unisoc T610 in the Retroid Pocket 2S.
  • RAM: 4GB LPDDR4X vs 3GB — Anbernic RG405V has the memory advantage for multitasking and heavier emulators.
  • Battery: 5,500mAh (9hrs) vs 4,000mAh — Anbernic RG405V lasts longer between charges.
  • Display: 4" IPS 640x480 touch vs 3.5" touchscreen 640x480.
  • Weight: ~282g vs ~190g — Retroid Pocket 2S is more pocketable.

Specs comparison

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

SpecAnbernic RG405VRetroid Pocket 2S
Price~$115(best)~$120
Display4" IPS 640x480 touch3.5" touchscreen 640x480
ProcessorUnisoc Tiger T618 (octa-core)Unisoc T610
RAM4GB LPDDR4X(best)3GB
Storage128GB eMMC + microSD (2TB max)(best)64GB + microSD
Battery5,500mAh (9hrs)(best)4,000mAh
Weight~282g~190g(best)
OSAndroid 12Android 11 / RetroidOS
Performance comparison
How they stack up in real-world use

Portability

Retroid Pocket 2S wins
Anbernic RG405V
84
Retroid Pocket 2S
85

Value

Retroid Pocket 2S wins
Anbernic RG405V
88
Retroid Pocket 2S
90

Anbernic RG405V is best for

  • Entry-level Android emulation
  • GameCube/PSP on a budget
  • Vertical form factor preference

Retroid Pocket 2S is best for

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

Anbernic RG405V watch outs

  • T618 chip is older generation
  • May struggle with demanding PS2 games
  • Installing custom OS voids warranty

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 Anbernic RG405V if you want peak performance; pick Anbernic RG405V 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 RG405V vs Retroid Pocket 2S FAQ

Which is better, the Anbernic RG405V or the Retroid Pocket 2S?

Pick Anbernic RG405V if you want peak performance; pick Anbernic RG405V if price matters more. Both are solid Android handhelds.

What is the price difference between the Anbernic RG405V and the Retroid Pocket 2S?

The Anbernic RG405V costs $115 while the Retroid Pocket 2S is $119 — a $4 difference. Anbernic RG405V is the value pick; Retroid Pocket 2S justifies the premium with android 11.

Which has better performance, the Anbernic RG405V or Retroid Pocket 2S?

The Anbernic RG405V scores higher across aggregated performance metrics, powered by a Unisoc Tiger T618 (octa-core) chip with 4GB LPDDR4X RAM. The Retroid Pocket 2S uses a Unisoc T610 and still handles most emulation workloads competently.

How does battery life compare between the Anbernic RG405V and Retroid Pocket 2S?

The Anbernic RG405V ships with a 5,500mAh (9hrs) 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 RG405V or Retroid Pocket 2S?

The Anbernic RG405V weighs ~282g, 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 RG405V or wait for the Retroid Pocket 2S?

Both are currently in market. If your use case fits entry-level android emulation, the Anbernic RG405V 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...