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Two Snapdragon handhelds are on a lot of wish lists this summer. The Retroid Pocket Nova is shipping now with a flagship-class chip and a stunning 4:3 AMOLED. The Anbernic RG 55G1 is Anbernic's first ever Snapdragon device, with a Switch Lite design and a bigger screen. One is a known quantity. The other is an exciting unknown. Let us compare them.
One important note. The RG 55G1 is unreleased. Its chip, RAM, and Android version are confirmed by a Geekbench listing, and its design is confirmed by Anbernic, but the price and release date are still unannounced. The Nova's specs are final.
Quick Verdict
| Anbernic RG 55G1 | Retroid Pocket Nova | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (SM4450), entry class | Qualcomm QCS8550, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 class |
| Screen | 5.5 inch, LCD reported | 4.5 inch AMOLED, 1280×960, 4:3, 120Hz |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB |
| Battery | Not announced | 5,000 mAh |
| Cooling | Active cooling fan | Active cooling |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 13 |
| Price | Not announced | From $229 |
| Best for | A cheaper, bigger-screen Anbernic | Maximum power and a 4:3 screen |
Performance
This is the clearest gap. The Retroid Pocket Nova uses the QCS8550, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 class chip with active cooling. It plays nearly the entire emulation library, including PS2 and GameCube at higher resolutions, with power to spare. The RG 55G1 uses the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, an entry chip that Geekbench places between the Snapdragon 695 and the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2. It should be great through PSP, Dreamcast, and Saturn, with lighter GameCube and PS2 at best.
If raw power is your priority, the Nova is in a different league.
Winner: Retroid Pocket Nova, and it is not close on paper.
Screen
The Nova has a gorgeous 4.5 inch 4:3 AMOLED at 120Hz. The 4:3 shape fills the screen with retro games instead of leaving black bars, which is a genuine treat for the classic library. The RG 55G1 has a larger 5.5 inch screen, but it is reported to be an LCD rather than an AMOLED, and Anbernic has not confirmed the resolution. A bigger screen is nice, but the Nova's AMOLED and 4:3 shape are hard to beat for retro content.
Winner: Retroid Pocket Nova until the RG 55G1 panel is confirmed.
Design and Controls
The RG 55G1 leans into a Switch Lite style body with confirmed 3D Hall effect sticks, Hall triggers, RGB ring lights, and dual front-facing speakers. That is a strong feature set. The Nova is a compact, dense 4:3 device that feels premium in the hand. This one may come down to whether you prefer a wider 5.5 inch layout or the Nova's chunky pocket shape.
Winner: Tie, decided by which body you prefer.
Availability
The Nova is real and shipping. You can buy it today and know exactly what you are getting. The RG 55G1 has no announced price or release date, so it carries the usual first-run risk. For buyers who want certainty, this matters a lot.
Winner: Retroid Pocket Nova, available now.
Price
The Nova starts at $229. The RG 55G1 price is unannounced, but Anbernic devices with entry chips usually undercut flagship-class rivals. If the RG 55G1 lands well below $229, it becomes the value option for people who do not need PS2 muscle.
Winner: To be decided, and it hinges on the RG 55G1's price.
The Final Call
Choose the Retroid Pocket Nova if:
- You want the most power now, including strong PS2 and GameCube performance.
- You love a 4:3 AMOLED for retro games.
- You want a proven device you can buy today.
Wait for the Anbernic RG 55G1 if:
- You want a bigger screen and a Switch Lite style body.
- You expect to spend less and mainly play through PSP and Dreamcast.
- You are curious about Anbernic's first Snapdragon device and are not in a hurry.
For the full picture on the newcomer, read our Anbernic RG 55G1 preview. And to see how the RG 55G1 stacks up against Anbernic's own flagship, see our RG 55G1 vs RG557 comparison.
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