Remember the iconic clamshell handhelds of yesteryear? The Retroid Pocket Flip brings back that nostalgic design with a modern twist, packed with power and portability for retro gaming on the go. But is it worth flipping for?
Retroid Pocket Flip Specs
- CPU: Unisoc T618, 2 x ARM Cortex-A75 cores @ 2 GHz, 6 x ARM Cortex-A55 cores @ 2 GHz
- GPU: Mali-G52 MC2 @ 850 MHz
- Display: 4.7 inches, 1334 x 750px, 450 nits, touchscreen
- RAM: 4GB LPDDR4-1866
- Storage: 128GB eMMC, microSD card reader
- Input: Touchscreen, active cooling (fan)
- Battery: 5,000 mAh
- Ports: 1 x USB Type-C, 1 x micro HDMI, 1 x 3.5mm audio, 1 x microSD card reader
- Wireless: WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0
- Audio: 2 x 1-watt speakers, 3.5mm audio jack, built-in mic
- OS: Android 11
- Dimensions: 139 x 82 x 25.4mm
- Weight: 270 grams
With its 4.7-inch touchscreen boasting a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels and lighting up at 450 nits, your games will look crisp and vibrant. Under the hood, it’s powered by a Unisoc T618 processor, featuring two ARM Cortex-A75 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores, all clocking in at 2 GHz. For graphics, it relies on a Mali-G52 MC2 GPU.
The device comes with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. It’s designed to keep cool with an active fan system and offers a variety of ports including USB Type-C, micro HDMI, and a 3.5mm audio jack. On the wireless front, it supports WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0. With a hefty 5,000 mAh battery, you’re set for long gaming sessions. It also features dual 1-watt speakers, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a built-in mic, all running on Android 11.
Measuring 139 x 82 x 25.4mm and weighing 270 grams, the Retroid Pocket Flip is priced at $159 for basic colors, with special editions like watermelon or sport red at $164. This pricing makes the Flip an attractive option for gamers looking for quality and value. Despite some criticisms for being a repackaged version of the Retroid Pocket 3+ in a clamshell design, this move is actually brilliant for those who prioritize screen protection and a console-like feel in a portable format.
However, it’s not without its quirks. The setup process might test your patience, the fan could be seen as unnecessary, and the hinge presents a durability concern that you wouldn’t face with hingeless designs. The speakers might also leave you wanting more.
And while the Retroid Pocket 3+ offers its own set of advantages, like portrait mode gaming and better thumbstick preference, the Flip shines for those who love the clamshell style and want to carry a vast library of classic and modern Android games in their pocket.