Handheld gaming devices have become popular for playing retro games on the go. The RG405M, RG505, and RP3+ are three options that often get compared. Each has its own strengths and features that appeal to different gamers.
The RG405M has a 4:3 aspect ratio screen, which is good for older games. The RG505 and RP3+ both use 16:9 widescreen displays. The RP3+ is often seen as having the best overall screen quality of the three devices.
These handhelds can play many classic games from systems like the NES, SNES, and PlayStation. The RG505 and RP3+ tend to handle more demanding games better than the RG405M. Gamers should think about which systems they want to play when picking a device.
Choosing the Right Handheld: RG405M vs. RG505 vs. RP3+
The world of handheld gaming PCs is booming, and three devices often top the recommendation lists: the Anbernic RG405M, the Anbernic RG505, and the Retroid Pocket 3+. All three offer impressive performance for classic games, but they have key differences that cater to different players. Let’s break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the best fit.
RG405M: The Premium Pocket Rocket
The RG405M is the most compact device of the three. Its aluminum body feels sturdy and premium. It boasts a vibrant 4-inch IPS screen with a 640×480 resolution, perfect for retro games.
Pros:
- Build Quality: Solid aluminum construction with a premium feel.
- Portability: Compact size makes it very pocket-friendly.
- Performance: Handles most retro games smoothly.
Cons:
- Screen Size: Smaller screen compared to the others.
- No Wi-Fi 6: May impact online gaming performance in some cases.
RG505: The OLED Powerhouse
The RG505 steps up with a larger 5-inch OLED screen, offering deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. It also has a more powerful processor, allowing it to handle some more demanding Android games.
Pros:
- OLED Screen: Stunning display with rich colors and deep blacks.
- Powerful Processor: Can handle more demanding games than the RG405M.
- Larger Screen: More immersive gaming experience.
Cons:
- Price: Generally the most expensive of the three.
- Battery Life: Can be slightly shorter than the RP3+ due to the OLED screen.
RP3+: The Versatile All-Rounder
The Retroid Pocket 3+ is a well-balanced device that offers a large 4.7-inch IPS screen, good performance, and a comfortable form factor. It’s known for its excellent compatibility with a wide range of emulators.
Pros:
- Large Screen: Offers a good balance of size and portability.
- Great Value: Typically the most affordable of the three.
- Strong Community Support: Active community with custom firmware options.
Cons:
- Plastic Build: Feels less premium than the aluminum RG405M.
- Screen: While decent, it’s not as impressive as the RG505’s OLED.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | RG405M | RG505 | RP3+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | 4-inch IPS | 5-inch OLED | 4.7-inch IPS |
| Processor | Unisoc Tiger T618 | MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ | Unisoc Tiger T618 |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB |
| Battery | 4500 mAh | 4500 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 | Android 11 |
| Build | Aluminum | Plastic | Plastic |
| Price | $$ | $$$ | $ |
Which One Should You Choose?
- For the best portability and premium feel: RG405M
- For the best screen and performance: RG505
- For the best value and versatility: RP3+
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities and budget. Consider what games you want to play, how important screen size and quality are to you, and how much you’re willing to spend.
Beyond the Basics: Accessories and Customization
No matter which device you choose, consider these extras to enhance your handheld gaming experience:
- Protective Case: Keep your device safe from scratches and drops.
- Screen Protector: Prevent screen damage.
- MicroSD Card: Expand your storage for more games.
- Controller Grip: Improve ergonomics for longer gaming sessions.
Many handheld enthusiasts also explore custom firmware options. These can offer performance improvements, additional features, and access to a wider range of emulators. Research the communities surrounding your chosen device to learn more about customization possibilities.
Key Takeaways
- Screen types differ between models and affect game display
- Performance varies with the RP3+ and RG505 being more powerful
- Each device has pros and cons to consider before buying
Design and Build Quality
The RG405M, RG505, and RP3+ differ in their physical design and construction. Each device has unique features that affect how users interact with them.
Ergonomics and Button Layout
The RG405M and RG505 share similar button layouts. Both have a d-pad on the left and face buttons on the right. The analog sticks are placed below these controls. In contrast, the RP3+ has stacked shoulder buttons, which some users find more comfortable.
The RG405M stands out with its metal body. This gives it a premium feel and extra durability. The RG505 and RP3+ use plastic, making them lighter but less sturdy.
Button quality varies between models. The RG405M and RG505 have responsive d-pads and face buttons. The RP3+ offers a good balance of button feel and responsiveness.
Screen Technology and Display
Screen technology is a key difference between these devices. The RG505 boasts an OLED screen, known for deep blacks and vivid colors. The RG405M and RP3+ use IPS displays, which offer good color accuracy but less contrast.
Screen sizes differ too. The RG505 has the largest screen at 4.95 inches. The RG405M and RP3+ have smaller screens, around 4 inches. This affects game visibility and overall device size.
Pixel density varies between models. Higher pixel density means sharper images. The RP3+ leads in this area, followed by the RG405M and RG505.
Device Form Factor and Portability
Size and weight play a big role in portability. The RP3+ is the smallest and lightest of the three. It’s easy to slip into a pocket or small bag.
The RG405M is compact but heavier due to its metal build. This extra weight can cause fatigue during long gaming sessions. The RG505 is the largest, offering a bigger screen at the cost of portability.
Color options vary by model. The RG405M comes in grey and black. The RG505 offers more choices, including turquoise and yellow. The RP3+ also has multiple color options to suit different tastes.
Technical Specifications and Performance
The RG405M, RG505, and RP3+ differ in hardware specs and features. These differences impact gaming performance and user experience. Let’s look at the key components and capabilities of each device.
Internal Hardware Components
The RG405M uses a Unisoc T618 processor. This chip offers good performance for retro gaming. It has 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM. The device comes with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage.
The RG505 shares the same Unisoc T618 chip as the RG405M. It also has 4GB of RAM. Storage options are similar to the RG405M.
The RP3+ uses a different processor. It has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chip. This processor can handle more demanding games. The RP3+ comes with 3GB or 4GB of RAM options.
All three handhelds have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0. They support expandable storage via SD card slots.
Software and Operating System
The RG405M and RG505 run on Android 12. This gives access to the Google Play Store. Users can download many apps and games.
The RP3+ uses Android 11. It also has access to the Play Store. All three devices let users install custom launchers and emulators.
GammaOS is an option for the Anbernic devices. This custom OS is made for retro gaming. It offers a simpler interface than stock Android.
The Android base allows for easy updates and app installs. This flexibility is a big plus for all three handhelds.
Gaming and Emulation Capabilities
These devices excel at retro gaming emulation. They can handle systems up to the PlayStation 1 era with ease.
The RG405M and RG505 can emulate some GameCube and PSP games. Performance varies by title. Dreamcast games run well on both.
The RP3+ has an edge in power. It can run more GameCube and PSP games smoothly. It also handles some PS2 titles, though not all run perfectly.
Nintendo DS emulation works on all three. The RP3+ offers better performance for 3D DS games.
Screen size affects gaming comfort. The RG505 has a larger 4.9-inch display. The RG405M and RP3+ have smaller 4-inch screens. This impacts visibility in some games.
Frequently Asked Questions
The RG405M, RG505, and RP3+ are popular handheld gaming devices. Each has unique features that set it apart. Let’s look at some key questions about these consoles.
What are the technical specifications of ANBERNIC RG405M compared to RG505?
The RG405M has a smaller 4-inch screen. The RG505 boasts a larger 5-inch OLED display. Both use similar processors for gaming.
The RG405M is more compact. This makes it easier to carry. The RG505 offers a bigger screen for a better view of games.
How does the gaming performance of Retroid Pocket 3+ compare to ANBERNIC RG505?
The RP3+ and RG505 can play many of the same games. The RP3+ has a sharper screen. This makes games look clearer.
Both devices run older console games well. The RP3+ might have a slight edge in some newer games.
Which device offers better value for money between the RG405M, RG505, and RP3+?
Value depends on what a person wants. The RG405M is often cheaper. The RG505 has a bigger screen. The RP3+ has good all-around features.
For screen quality, the RP3+ is top. For size, the RG405M wins. The RG505 balances screen size and price.
Are there notable differences in build quality and design between the RG505 and RG556 models?
The RG505 and RG556 have different designs. The RG505 is smaller and more portable. The RG556 is bigger with more buttons.
Build quality is good on both. The RG556 may feel sturdier due to its size. The RG505 fits in pockets more easily.
What is the comparative battery life of the RP3+ and RG505 handheld consoles?
Battery life varies based on use. The RP3+ and RG505 both last several hours. Exact times depend on games played and settings used.
The RG505’s bigger screen may use more power. The RP3+ might last a bit longer on a charge.
How does the user interface and operating system experience differ between the Retroid and ANBERNIC models?
Retroid uses a custom Android system. ANBERNIC often uses Linux-based systems. The RP3+ feels more like a small Android tablet.
ANBERNIC’s interface is simpler. It focuses on gaming. The RP3+ allows more customization and can run Android apps.
