Retroid Pocket 4 vs 5 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Retroid Pocket 5 & Retroid Pocket 4 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Retroid Pocket 5 rather than the Retroid Pocket 4.

Why Do I Recommend The Retroid Pocket 5?

  • The Retroid Pocket 5 features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor for higher sustained performance in demanding PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Switch emulation, while the Retroid Pocket 4 uses the MediaTek Dimensity 900 processor.
  • Retroid Pocket 5 comes with 8GB LPDDR4x RAM for smoother multitasking between emulators, Android apps, and background services, whereas the Retroid Pocket 4 includes 4GB RAM.
  • It includes 128GB internal storage for storing a larger game library without relying immediately on external storage, while the Retroid Pocket 4 includes 64GB internal storage.
  • The Retroid Pocket 5 features a 5.5-inch 1920×1080 AMOLED display for sharper text rendering and higher contrast during gameplay and media playback, compared to the Retroid Pocket 4’s 4.7-inch 1334×750 IPS display.
  • Retroid Pocket 5 supports Wi-Fi 6 connectivity for faster download speeds and lower latency when streaming games or transferring large files, whereas the Retroid Pocket 4 supports Wi-Fi 5.
  • It comes with a 6,150mAh battery for extended gaming sessions without frequent charging, while the Retroid Pocket 4 includes a 5,000mAh battery.
  • The Retroid Pocket 5 supports microSD expansion up to 2TB for accommodating extensive ROM collections and media files, while the Retroid Pocket 4 supports microSD expansion up to 1TB.
  • Retroid Pocket 5 comes with Android 13 for broader app compatibility and updated security support, whereas the Retroid Pocket 4 uses Android 11.

Maybe the Retroid Pocket 4 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureRetroid Pocket 5Retroid Pocket 4
Operating SystemAndroid 13Android 11
System-on-ChipQualcomm Snapdragon 865MediaTek Dimensity 900
CPU Clock2.84 GHz2.4 GHz
GPU ModelAdreno 650Mali-G68 MC4
RAM8 GB4 GB
Internal Storage128 GB64 GB
Screen Size5.5 in4.7 in
Screen TypeAMOLEDIPS
Screen Resolution1920×10801334×750
Pixel Density400 ppi325 ppi
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 5
Battery Capacity6,150 mAh5,000 mAh
SpeakersFront-facingBottom-facing
Dimensions199.2×78.5×15.6 mm184.8×82.6×15.8 mm
SD Card SupportmicroSD up to 2 TBmicroSD up to 1 TB
PriceCheck Retroid Pocket 5 PriceCheck Retroid Pocket 4 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Form Factor: Both devices use a horizontal handheld design with integrated controls on each side of the display. This layout provides balanced weight distribution and console-style ergonomics suitable for extended gaming sessions.
  • Built-in Controls: Each model includes physical gaming controls integrated into the chassis. This eliminates the need for external controllers and ensures consistent input response across emulators and Android games.
  • Dual Analog Sticks: Both handhelds feature two clickable analog sticks. This allows full compatibility with modern 3D titles and console emulation that requires dual-stick input.
  • Hall Effect Triggers: Each device includes Hall effect analog triggers. This technology reduces mechanical wear and provides consistent trigger actuation over long-term use.
  • D-Pad: Both models include a dedicated directional pad. This is essential for retro console emulation and 2D platforming precision.
  • ABXY Buttons: Each system has a standard ABXY button layout. This ensures compatibility with common console control schemes used in Android and emulator environments.
  • Start/Select Buttons: Both devices include system navigation buttons for in-game and emulator menu control. These buttons support traditional console mapping standards.
  • Shoulder Buttons: Each model includes L1/R1 shoulder buttons. This expands compatibility with PlayStation, GameCube, and other console emulators that rely on multiple input layers.
  • Touchscreen: Both devices use capacitive touch displays. This enables Android UI navigation and supports touchscreen-based games or emulator configuration.
  • USB-C Port: Each handheld charges and transfers data through USB-C. This allows standardized cable compatibility and supports modern charging solutions.
  • microSD Card Slot: Both models support expandable storage via microSD. This allows users to store large ROM libraries and media files beyond internal storage limits.
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Each device supports wireless internet connectivity. This enables app downloads, cloud saves, streaming services, and firmware updates.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: Both handhelds support Bluetooth for wireless peripherals. Users can connect controllers, headphones, and keyboards without physical cables.
  • Internal Cooling Fan: Each device includes active cooling with an internal fan. This helps maintain stable performance during extended gaming sessions.
  • Stereo Speakers: Both models include dual-channel speaker systems. This provides spatial audio separation without requiring external headphones.
  • 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Each system includes a standard 3.5mm audio port. This ensures compatibility with wired headphones and external speakers.
  • Android Platform: Both devices run Android-based operating systems. This allows access to Android applications, emulator frontends, and customization tools.
  • 16:9 Aspect Ratio: Each display uses a widescreen 16:9 format. This supports PSP, Android titles, and modern video playback without cropping.

Common Features

FeatureRetroid Pocket 5Retroid Pocket 4
Form FactorHorizontal handheldHorizontal handheld
Built-in ControlsYesYes
Dual Analog SticksYesYes
Hall Effect TriggersYesYes
D-PadYesYes
ABXY ButtonsYesYes
Start/Select ButtonsYesYes
Shoulder ButtonsYesYes
TouchscreenYesYes
USB-C PortYesYes
microSD Card SlotYesYes
Wi-Fi ConnectivityYesYes
Bluetooth ConnectivityYesYes
Internal Cooling FanYesYes
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
3.5mm Headphone JackYesYes
Android PlatformYesYes
16:9 Aspect RatioYesYes
Price Check Retroid Pocket 5 Price
Check Retroid Pocket 4 Price

FAQ

Is the Retroid Pocket 5 more powerful than the Retroid Pocket 4?
Yes, the Retroid Pocket 5 uses the Snapdragon 865 processor with 8GB RAM, while the Retroid Pocket 4 uses the Dimensity 900 with 4GB RAM, resulting in higher processing headroom for demanding emulators and multitasking.

Do both devices support PlayStation 2 emulation?
Yes, both handhelds can run PlayStation 2 emulators, though performance settings and compatibility depend on the specific game and configuration.

Can the Retroid Pocket 5 run Nintendo Switch emulation?
The Retroid Pocket 5 hardware is capable of limited Nintendo Switch emulation through Android-based emulators, while the Retroid Pocket 4 hardware is generally focused on systems up to PlayStation 2 and similar performance tiers.

Do both models have touchscreen displays?
Yes, both devices feature capacitive touchscreen panels, allowing full Android navigation and support for touchscreen-compatible games.

Is storage expandable on both devices?
Yes, both the Retroid Pocket 5 and Retroid Pocket 4 include a microSD card slot for expanding storage beyond the internal memory.

Do both handhelds support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
Yes, both models include built-in Wi-Fi for internet connectivity and Bluetooth for pairing wireless controllers, headphones, and other accessories.

Are the controls the same on both devices?
Both devices include dual analog sticks, a D-pad, ABXY buttons, shoulder buttons, and analog triggers, maintaining a consistent console-style layout.

Do both devices have active cooling?
Yes, each handheld includes an internal cooling fan to maintain stable temperatures during extended gaming sessions.

Is the screen size the same on both models?
No, the Retroid Pocket 5 features a 5.5-inch display, while the Retroid Pocket 4 has a 4.7-inch display.

Do both devices run Android?
Yes, both handhelds are built on the Android platform, allowing installation of emulators, Android games, and third-party applications.

Can external controllers be connected to both models?
Yes, both devices support external controllers through Bluetooth connectivity.

Do both systems include a headphone jack?
Yes, each device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio output.

Is battery capacity the same on both models?
No, the Retroid Pocket 5 includes a higher-capacity battery compared to the Retroid Pocket 4, resulting in longer potential play sessions depending on usage.

Are both devices suitable for retro gaming?
Yes, both handhelds are designed primarily for retro gaming and support a wide range of classic console emulators.

Can both devices output audio through built-in speakers?
Yes, both models include stereo speakers, allowing gameplay without headphones or external speakers.