Retroid Pocket 3 Review: A Versatile Android Handheld for Retro Gaming
Retroid Pocket · 2022-08-01
The Retroid Pocket 3 is a mid-range Android handheld gaming device with a 4.7-inch 16:9 IPS touchscreen, Unisoc T310 processor, and up to 3GB RAM. It offers solid emulation for N64, Dreamcast, PSP, and some GameCube, with a starting price of $120.
Overview
The Retroid Pocket 3 (also known as RP3 or 'Sand Sculpture 3') is a horizontal Android handheld gaming device released in August 2022. It features a 4.7-inch 16:9 IPS touchscreen with a resolution of 1334x750, powered by a Unisoc T310 processor (Cortex-A75/A55) clocked at 1.8-2.0 GHz and a PowerVR GE8300 GPU. Available in multiple colors (black, white, indigo, yellow, gray, transparent purple, transparent blue), it offers 2GB or 3GB LPDDR4X RAM and 32GB eMMC storage, expandable via MicroSD.
Key Specs Highlights
- Display: 4.7-inch IPS touchscreen, 1334x750, 60Hz, 325.61 PPI
- Processor: Unisoc T310 (4 cores, 4 threads)
- RAM: 2GB or 3GB LPDDR4X
- Storage: 32GB eMCP + MicroSD expansion
- Battery: 4000 mAh
- Connectivity: WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, Micro HDMI out, 3.5mm audio jack
- Sensors: Microphone, gyroscope, optional Hall effect joysticks (sold separately)
- Weight: 230 grams
- Dimensions: 184.65 x 81.38 x 24.23 mm
Who It Is For
The Retroid Pocket 3 is ideal for retro gaming enthusiasts who want a portable Android device capable of emulating N64, Dreamcast, PSP (playable), Saturn (mostly playable), and some GameCube titles. It's also suitable for Android gaming and media consumption, thanks to its 16:9 screen and HDMI output. The device offers good value for its price range ($100-$150), especially for those who prefer a horizontal form factor with physical controls.
Buying Notes
The Retroid Pocket 3 is available in two RAM variants: 2GB ($120) and 3GB ($130). The 3GB model is recommended for better multitasking and emulation performance. Note that Hall effect joysticks are not included and must be purchased separately. The device runs Android, providing access to the Google Play Store for apps and emulators. As of 2022, it remains a popular choice in the mid-range handheld market.
| CPU | Cortex-A75 / Cortex-A55 |
|---|---|
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 |
| RAM | 2 GB / 3 GB LPDDR4X |
| Name | Retroid Pocket 3 |
| Alias | Sand Sculpture 3, RP3 |
| Brand | Retroid Pocket |
| Weight | 230 grams |
| Battery | 4000 mAh |
| Storage | Internal 32 GB eMCP, external MicroSD |
| Speakers | Dual stereo |
| Grip Type | Horizontal |
| Processor | Unisoc T310 |
| Vibration | Yes |
| Dimensions | 184.65 mm x 81.38 mm x 24.23 mm |
| Screen PPI | 325.61 |
| Body Colors | Black, White, Indigo, Yellow, Gray, Transparent Purple, Transparent Blue |
| Price Range | $100 - $150 |
| Screen Size | 4.7 inches |
| Screen Type | IPS touchscreen |
| Audio Output | 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Connectivity | WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Release Date | 2022 / 08 |
| Screen Ratio | 16:9 |
| Video Output | Micro HDMI |
| CPU Frequency | 1.8 GHz - 2.0 GHz |
| Other Sensors | Microphone, gyroscope, Hall effect joysticks (sold separately) |
| Shell Material | Plastic |
| Starting Price | $120 (2 GB RAM); $130 (3 GB RAM) |
| Operating System | Android |
| Screen Resolution | 1334 x 750 |
| GPU Core Frequency | 800 MHz |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| CPU Cores and Threads | 4 cores, 4 threads |
| Emulator Game Support | N64, Dreamcast, PSP (playable), Saturn (mostly playable), Gamecube (some playable), Wii (mostly unplayable) |