Anbernic RG-505 Review: A Solid OLED Handheld for Retro Gaming

Anbernic · 2022-11-01

Anbernic RG-505 Review: A Solid OLED Handheld for Retro Gaming

The Anbernic RG-505 is a powerful Android-based handheld gaming device featuring a 4.95-inch OLED touchscreen, Unisoc Tiger T618 processor, 4GB RAM, and 128GB storage. It excels at emulating N64, PSP, and Dreamcast, with some GameCube playability.

Overview

The Anbernic RG-505 is a horizontal handheld gaming console running Android, designed for retro game emulation. It features a vibrant 4.95-inch OLED touchscreen with a 960×544 resolution, providing excellent color and contrast. Powered by the Unisoc Tiger T618 octa-core processor (2.0 GHz) and Mali-G52 MP2 GPU, coupled with 4GB LPDDR4x RAM and 128GB eMMC 5.1 storage (expandable via TF card), it delivers smooth performance for many classic systems.

Key Specs Highlights

  • Display: 4.95-inch OLED, 960×544, 16:9, 60Hz, touchscreen
  • Processor: Unisoc Tiger T618 (Cortex-A75/A55) octa-core @ 2.0 GHz
  • GPU: Mali-G52 MP2 @ 850 MHz
  • RAM: 4GB LPDDR4x
  • Storage: 128GB eMMC 5.1 internal + TF card slot
  • Battery: 5000 mAh
  • Connectivity: WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0
  • Audio: Dual stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Sensors: Microphone, gyroscope, Hall effect joysticks
  • Weight: 286g
  • Dimensions: 189mm × 87mm × 18mm
  • OS: Android

Who It Is For

The RG-505 is ideal for retro gaming enthusiasts who want a dedicated Android handheld with a high-quality OLED screen. It handles N64, PSP, and Dreamcast emulation at full speed, and can run some GameCube titles. It is not suitable for demanding PS2 or newer systems. The device also serves as a compact Android tablet for light apps and media.

Buying Notes

The RG-505 was released in November 2022 with a launch price of $148. It is available in gray, green, purple, and yellow plastic shells. The OLED display offers vibrant colors but may have burn-in risk over time. The device lacks video output. Consider the RG-505 if you prioritize screen quality and Android flexibility over raw power.

Specifications
CPUCortex-A75 / Cortex-A55
GPUMali-G52 MP2
NameRG-505
AliasZhouge RG505
BrandAnbernic
Memory4 GB LPDDR4x
Weight286 g
Battery5000 mAh
StorageInternal 128 GB eMMC 5.1, external TF card slot
SpeakersDual stereo
Grip TypeHorizontal
ProcessorUnisoc Tiger T618 (Multi-core score: 2547)
VibrationYes
Dimensions189 mm x 87 mm x 18 mm
Screen PPI222.91
Body ColorsGray, green, purple, yellow
Price Range$100 - $150
Screen Size4.95 inches
Screen TypeOLED touchscreen
Audio Output3.5mm headphone jack
ConnectivityWiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0
Launch Price$148
Release Date2022 / 11
Screen Ratio16:9
CPU Frequency2.0 GHz
Other SensorsMicrophone, gyroscope, Hall effect joysticks
Shell MaterialPlastic
Operating SystemAndroid
Screen Resolution960 × 544
GPU Core Frequency850 MHz
Screen Refresh Rate60Hz
CPU Cores and Threads8 cores, 8 threads
Emulator Game SupportN64, PSP, and Dreamcast almost all full speed, some GameCube playable. PS2 can only barely run easier-to-emulate games.