Anbernic RG556: A Comparison to the RP4 Pro

The start of 2024 has been intriguing. The Gameforce Ace is finally shipping, Powkiddy has its Max 3 (non-pro), and Ayaneo has already released a couple of handhelds. A pair of gadgets priced between $150 and $200 stood out among the throng of handhelds that were issued at random— at least mine, although a lot of things surprise me. I am referring to the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro and the Anbernic RG556.

Priced at $175 and $200, respectively, or $185 once pre-orders close. Given their comparable costs, these two gadgets have a lot to offer, and one might be the perfect fit for you based on your needs.

This first-glance comparison of the RP4 Pro and RG556 should help you decide which of these two is best for you if you're undecided about which to get. Don't anticipate the key performance questions to be answered because it's a first look. That will be covered in the video reviews on the Retro Handhelds Channel or in our comprehensive written evaluation of the RG556!

Prior to beginning, I bought the RP4 Pro from Retroid and received the Anbernic RG556 from Anbernic. However, all of the ideas (and perhaps incorrect opinions) are mine, and you must read them.

Quick Specs Rundown

Let's get right to the point: I'm not too interested in specs, and the complete reviews will tell you more.

A Unisoc T820, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage power, the RG556. A 5500mAh battery powers the device, which has a 5.48-inch 1920x1080 AMOLED screen. I addition to the standard Wi-Fi channels and Bluetooth 5.0, it now enables display out over the Type C connection, which is an outstanding feature.

In contrast, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is equipped with a Mediatek Dimensity D1100, 128GB of internal storage, and 8GB of RAM. It also has a 4.7" 1334 x 750 IPS display, a 5000mAh battery, and standard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth accessories. O, and it also has a Micro HDMI port and USB-C display. Of course, if that's all you're interested in, but for Retroid, it's now a standard feature.

Ergonomics and Size

A reasonably simple comparison comes first. t e dimensions and hand-feel of these portable devices. The RG556 is a more significant gadget. B th the grips and the screen are more oversized. Compared to the Pocket 4 Pro, it is bigger, thicker, and taller. T isn't what you're looking for if you want a portable gadget. But that's my perspective; I wouldn't claim the RP4 is either.

There are certain advantages to the increased size; the RG556 is much more comfortable. My thumbs quickly go to the buttons, and the grips fit my hand nicely. In the meantime, the RP4 carries on the legacy of the RP3 and RP3+, which were, well, not very ergonomic. It's okay, although occasionally it seems unnatural to hold, and using the sticks teaches me not to. Nevertheless, I did, and it is effective. I give the RG556 points.

Finally, the 556 feels like naked, smooth, smudgy plastic, whereas the RP4 Pro has a beautiful textured finish that makes it incredibly easy to grasp. When I first grabbed it, it squeaked, but now it doesn't. However, it could have been my unit alone. The RG556 is the winner for ergonomics overall.

Weights

RP4 Pro – 274 grams

RG556 – 351 grams

Controls and Screen

I will include two items in this section since they are among the most crucial aspects of utilizing a mobile device: the screen and the controls.

First, controls: compared to the RP4 Pro, the RG556 often features more extensive controls. Although they are both good, I don't like the RG556's somewhat harsher buttons and looser, less clicky D-pad compared to the RP4. The button feel of the 556 is similar to that of the 35XXH, which is around one-third the price. In contrast, the RP4 features a d-pad that is reminiscent of the original Vita, which I have grown to really enjoy, and buttons that are less rigid to press. I can see what everyone has been talking about now that I have a Vita.

Triggers and Shoulders? R 4 prevails. In contrast, the triggers have a lighter and potentially smoother motion, and the shoulders are less clicky. I'm not a fan of the RG556, which has more resistance.

Both devices include hall sticks, but the RP4 hall sticks are superior once more, even though the Switch-like sticks work well on the 556. They feel lighter because they're smoother, and for some reason, they feel like they travel better.

The RP4 wins in terms of controls.

The choice of screens will depend on personal taste. 4 7" as opposed to 5.5". 1 80p versus 750p. AMOLED vs. IPS—wait, that one isn't really that simple.

With software updates, the RP4 Pro's lovely IPS display—which was initially green in tint—has gotten closer to that of my RP3+ and RP3. But in my experience, the RG556's AMOLED display is better. For me, it's a better experience overall, with a slightly larger screen and somewhat higher resolution.

I would have found a winner if I had installed the RP4 buttons in the RG556.

The Android OS

Android 13 is installed on both devices right out of the box, which is a pleasant touch and extends the devices' perceived lifespan.

The 556 didn't walk you through the setup process, adding emulators that you can install or letting you decide if you want the Retroid launcher, as the RP4 did. The RG556 was already configured in Android with emulators from Flycast to AetherSX2 and even Moonlight pre-installed; however, this might be my unit. Naturally, I have included their vintage animation anime girl background for this comparison.

The swipe-down menus on both devices offer a variety of settings to help you customize the handheld to your preferences. The RP4 has fan controls, performance modes, and forced landscape. Mapping, fan control, CPU performance toggles, and controller modes to swap between Xbox and Nintendo mapping are all features of the RG556. An excellent choice for ensuring that you can enjoy game streaming in the right way!

Additionally, they each have their launchers, which feel basic these days when compared to Pegasus or Daijisho. Nothing goes wrong with either device, and I doubt you'll have any trouble configuring them.

But please, GammaOS for the 556.

The Gaming Experience

Once more, this isn't a comprehensive assessment; instead, read the review on the RH YouTube channel or our following in-depth analysis of the RG556. However, it wouldn't be a handheld discussion without discussing the gaming experience.

On both of these, Android gaming is fantastic. On the RG556, I found myself going back to Dead Cells and Horizon Chase Turbo after playing a lot of Dicey Dungeons on the RP4 Pro. In light of this, I will now attempt Grid Autosport on the 556. O that gadget, the stick is positioned correctly.

Dreamcast functions flawlessly on both handhelds. Which of them will be a better fit for you, though, depends on whether you want stick-up tops or d-pads up top. I have such systems, anyway. Your experience will be hit or miss once you get to the Gamecube, PS2, and Switch. The PS2 turns into a non-concrete system, the Gamecube functions rather well on both devices, and the Switch will be a system where you have to choose your battles. Even so, there are already some excellent videos available about Switch emulation on the RP4 Pro. Although the RP4 can typically brute force more games because of its more powerful processor, the RG556 isn't a slouch either and provides an enjoyable experience.

Unfortunately, Burnout 3 Takedown still wasn't flawless for me on either device.

Conclusion… for Now

Ultimately, I would choose the RP4 Pro over the 556 if I could only choose one of these devices and had to sell the other. It has a smaller screen but more performance, and it feels better in the hand. Additionally, the Android games, Dreamcast games, and some Lighter Gamecube titles are the better options for me. Although it isn't as ergonomic, that's why the $15 grip case exists.

However, the RG556 isn't a bad option. o od screen, good d-pad and face buttons, Android 13, and an easy-to-use interface. And an excellent screen. You would have a 95% chance of winning if they had installed an RP4 Pro in the RG556 body and screen. The unfinished plastic body and the creaking that eventually stopped were my most outstanding complaints.

You really can't go wrong either way. It's a give-and-take situation, just as with every other handheld device on the market. I can't obtain that, but I want this. T is a decent starting point for $175 to $200. But, please. In any case, avoid purchasing the RG552. It's not worth the $190 that it still costs. Please, Anbernic.