Retroid recently revealed the much-anticipated Retroid Pocket 5, a powerful Android gaming handheld. With impressive specifications and a sleek design, it’s shaping up to be a significant contender in the handheld gaming space. Here’s everything we know so far about the Retroid Pocket 5.
The Retroid Pocket 5 Design
The Retroid Pocket 5 features a modern, streamlined design, likely boasting a single glass front panel, giving it a premium look and feel similar to the AYANEO Pocket S design. The device’s dimensions are 199.2 x 78.5 x 15.6 mm / 7.84 x 3.09 x 0.61 inches, and it weighs just 280g / 0.61 lbs, making it light and portable enough for extended gaming sessions without feeling too bulky.
While the official names for the case colors have not been released, it’s expected to come in white, grey, black, and purple. Additionally, Retroid will offer customizable back cases, allowing users to personalize their handhelds to fit their style.
The Retroid Pocket 5 Display
The device comes equipped with a 5.5-inch AMOLED display, supporting a resolution of 1080p.
This 16:9 aspect ratio should provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and an excellent viewing experience, making it well-suited for retro gaming and modern Android titles alike.
Retroid Pocket 5 Technical Specifications
Under the hood, the Retroid Pocket 5 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 SoC with a Kryo 585 CPU, paired with the Adreno 650 GPU. This is a robust combination that was used in flagship smartphones in recent years.
The handheld will likely feature LPDDR5 RAM, with configurations ranging between 8GB and 16GB, ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming performance. Additionally, the device supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, offering fast and stable connectivity for multiplayer gaming and wireless accessories.
Android OS and Software
The Retroid Pocket 5 is expected to run on Android 13, continuing Retroid’s tradition of using a custom launcher tailored for gaming. This interface, likely similar to previous Retroid devices, should simplify accessing games and managing settings, making it user-friendly and optimized for the handheld experience.
Retroid Pocket 5 Performance
The Snapdragon 865 processor is known for its excellent performance, particularly in gaming. According to benchmark tests, it scores around 600,000 on AnTuTu, and its Adreno 650 GPU provides solid graphics performance. It will also be used in the forthcoming Retroid Pocket Mini.
In gaming scenarios, the chip is capable of running titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile at high frame rates. The LPDDR5 RAM further enhances the gaming Android handhelds ability to handle multitasking and complex games with minimal lag, offering an impressive gaming experience for its size and making it a great option in the realm of Android gaming consoles.
Dual boot to Android and Linux supported
On 4th September, Retroid announced that the Retroid pocket 5 will also support dual booting via a micro SD card to Linux. Batocera and Armbian will be officially support and developers are invited to request a sample developer unit to add support for additional distributions.
Summary
With its top-tier specifications, compact design, and competitive features, the Retroid Pocket 5 is poised to be a popular choice for handheld gaming enthusiasts and could rival the Pocket 4. If Retroid can offer a lower price point than competitors like the AYN Odin 2 or AYN Odin 2 Mini Pro, this device could easily carve out a dominant spot in the market, appealing to both retro gamers and those looking for a powerful, portable Android gaming device.
Share your thoughts on the Retroid Pocket 5
What do you think about the Retroid Pocket 5 as a potential upgrade from the Retroid Pocket 4? Does it live up to your expectations, or are you waiting to see more? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!