Are Android Handhelds a Scam? (Anbernic RG556, Retroid Pocket 4 Pro)

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I can't help but feel that Android Handhelds should be better. They should have better performance for the price, especially since most of them are using previous-generation, repurposed phone parts.
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🎮🕹️ Cool retro stuff that you'll love:
- AliExpress -
Gamesir X2S: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEU...
GameSir G8 Galileo: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dms...
Lenovo Legion Y700 2023 tablet: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDd...
BSP D8 Telescopic controller: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCc...
BSP D8 Pro Telescopic Controller: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkC...
- Amazon -
Miyoo Mini Plus: amzn.to/3S5OZhN
Gamesir X2S: amzn.to/3vLVfTy
GameSir G8 Galileo: amzn.to/3TJG31d
R36S: amzn.to/4atFi3E
Anbernic RG35XX H: amzn.to/3OElUrV
Anbernic RG35XX Plus: amzn.to/3VVCsA8
Anbernic RG556: amzn.to/43VTHTH
BSP D8 Telescopic controller: amzn.to/49beioP
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Chapters:
00:00 What are "Android Handhelds" (Really?)
01:17 Answering My Own Question
01:47 Android Handheld Existentialism
02:23 Why They Need to Exist
03:25 Linux Handhelds vs Android Handhelds
03:38 The Huge, Annoying Problem
04:59 The totally Random Example
05:25 What makes them Better
06:10 Our Two Saviour Companies...
06:53 More Effort is Needed
07:52 Anbernic, Retroid, Hear me out.
08:09 I Want You to Watch This Part

[@VladNerd]

Don't forget: Cool nerds help other nerds by *SUBSCRIBING & LIKING.* Thanks, my guys. ❤

[@maynnemillares]

It is rare a phone to have active cooling, that is the secret sauce for the success of Android handhelds. Performance is sustained by the internal fan when emulating systems like PS2, Gamecube, Wii and Switch.

[@DarthPhillius]

If Redmagic phones were available on contract in the UK it would make these handhelds less viable. And if they made a foldable phone it would be perfect (DS on the Pixel Fold is sublime).

[@kmieciu4ever]

When someone buys an Android handheld: "dO yOu GuYs NoT hAvE pHoNeS?"

[@MobileDecay]

I used to love Android handhelds until I started using emulation station and they started putting it on handhelds. Android normally deters me from buying a handheld. They definitely have their place for others though. 😊

[@wizzel22]

Exactly. I like Linux Handhelds more, too. Even if some High End Emulators might not be available.

[@stevenfinch4238]

For higher emulation, I do exactly that - phone & controller. I don't see the point in buying an expensive handheld when the controls will wear out overtime anyway. With a phone I can just swap out the controller and keep on going. This is something the switch got right, replaceable controllers. It's nice to have dedicated handhelds for psone and below, but for me anything above that isn't really worth it.

[@Robodob0]

To be fair, Retroid is pricing their products somewhat fairly. Sure the triggers are flawed, but thats obviously not intended. I feel like the misplaced start/select on the RP3+ felt more intentional than the trigger flaw inthe RP4 models. But that said, their are priced to sell more aggressively than any counterparts with that level of power, which is what made the RP4 Pro the best and almost the only recommendation in the $200 price point.

[@brucieplays3720]

I have Ayn Odin OG pro. It's very good, I bought 4k mini hdmi and micro hdmi cables for these to play on the TV. They make me smile.

[@RetroDaddyPH]

In the context of the Odin 2, it is not a scam because I cannot for the love of god find an android phone with a SD8 Gen2 for under $300. In the context of the RG556, which I also have, I am quite disappointed because the sticks are very bad. Lots of cardinal snapping, and it is still the typical switch style stick, while everyone is moving on with that type of controls for the higher end segment. What AYN loses in repeat sales the next year, they earn something back, which is brand loyalty, and a good reputation. I am quite impressed with getting 2 updates already in less than a month of owning the Odin 2 base. I also do not find the need to install Gamma OS or any custom android skin to replace the stock OS on the Odin 2 since the stock OS is already feature packed, and has a lot of settings specifically made for the odin 2.

[@RomanBellicTaxi]

Aah Vlad, my favorite nerd! Bro, I agree on planned obsolescence part. But I also think the real issue is software. We already have a ton of powerful ARM chips, but most of them (if not all) have no Linux support, no drivers (whether open source or blobs), no regular/mainline kernel, nothing. Imagine the 8 Gen 2 with Linux support?! Man, this thing would fly a damn rocket. As of now, I think the most powerful chip with known Linux drivers is RK3588s, which is a pretty good one actually. Tech Dweeb just covered the Super Console X5 Pro. The chip does wonders... and the console is actually an Android box. That's the other part about software. The thing is that, even though Android has a system overhead (which good Linux don't, it can be super lean), the platform is just too popular (and mature, I guess) so higher-end emulation devs go for it, and optimize the emulators for the drivers on Android side. Especially Qualcomm ones. The last Linux build of AetherSX2 is quite old and unoptimized. Android tho? Fine enough for most games. Including running Android on a RK3588s. Is it too hard to make arm64 builds work fine on Linux-on-ARM devices? Maybe not, maybe I'm just stupid. But I think that turning point is close enough. We might see powerful Linux handhelds using ARM sooner than later. Yeah, I want my PS2 on the go, and save battery, and not deal with the Android stack, baby! (even though I love Android, but for other reasons)

[@jakesmith5278]

The Odin 2 is gonna rule for at least 4-5 years. That thing is fantastic for its price. I have both Linux and Android hand helds and also rockin' the new POCO 6x Pro for under 400 bucks with 12g ram and 512g rom.

[@nathanburg]

Damn it you just told me to hold off and wait for something better around the corner. But if that’s the entire goal of the android retro market….

[@VladNerd]

I am VladNerd, the squasher of dreams. 😄 Good handhelds do exist though, but I did want to make people watching aware of this trend. :)

[@jonathonearl482]

I never liked those Game Sir things. Looks ugly, bulky and tacky as heck linking it with a cell phone to have as a handheld instead of just having a sleek handheld with physical controls built in like a PowKiddy X55 or an ANBERNIC RG556.

[@DJWhitelow]

Good points Vlad. I'm pretty new to emulation, found it as a way to introduce my son to older games with good stories & no online to worry about. Seems stupid to me that I own all the modern devices but have to find other solutions to this play stuff. Like my fav PS1 game is 'Soul Reaver', still have the disc but purchased it again on PS3, store, that must be tied to my PSN account but can I play it on my PS4 or 5, nope... So, so wish there was an easier way to play the old stuff, like come on someone please make a retro gaming Netflix, anyone? But until then this is where we are, and I'll treat it like it's the old Kazaa days until they get their shit together. Still, comparable retro devices are half what they were 2 years ago so at least we are seeing progress. Comparing it to 3d printing we probs just needs a community 'Voron' project to kick things in gear.

[@christianmercado5510]

Bro, I 100% agree with you. Let me ask you, which android phone do you think would play the most games (kind of like the Odin 2)? And, which controller is most compatible with that phone? Since I’m constantly traveling for business and pleasure it would be ideal to use that android phone in that country and play on the plane. That’s the actual reason I got into emulators.

[@VladNerd]

If you some greenbacks to burn, I'd suggest getting the RedMagic 9 Pro + the RedMagic Shadow Blade 2 controller (it's a rebranded Gamesir G8 Galileo but in a cool transparent black and these two look darn sexy together). I'd say that the phone is a steal for that price + it has active cooling. Then again, you can also get away with something cheaper, like the upcoming Poco F6. :)

[@christianmercado5510]

@@VladNerd Damn bro, I did a high level search of your recommendation and this looks f*king cool and amazing! Thanks man for the recommendation 🙌🏽

[@VladNerd]

@@christianmercado5510 glad to help, my guy. ❤️

[@canabisquick]

Good video, I really enjoy your content. But you should flip your camera around. All the controls are backwards on controllers and probably confuse people. Thanks.

[@VladNerd]

Yeah, it's an old setting that I forgot to take out. Thanks for the feedback, I'll definitely remove it for the next one. :)

[@TadeoJason]

@vladnerd I've been watching your content for quite some time now and you're very entertaining. I've even got my wife recognizing you everytime I play your videos. Keep up the good work. I couldn't agree with you more as several companies hold back as they need to ensure we'll all buy the next big thing. (Darn "mother flippers")

[@Psyche89]

I get the planned obsolescence part being a major component. Just look at the cell phone market with a renumber for marginal improvements. Although I am someone that will use something well past its lifespan before “upgrading”. I for one would like something different than my phone strictly for a this won’t bother me with notifications, yes I can turn them on/off, but I rather have a second device that is just games.

[@thesidneychan]

I'm convinced you're the Camera Conspiracies of handhelds.

[@VladNerd]

The guy has 152k subs. Never heard of him before, but I'll take it! 😂

[@gamingturt]

Honestly imo the only "handhelds" worht buying are the sub $100 linux based pocketable systems. R35XX series, miyoo minis, etc. And the other "handhelds" would be a steam deck or a switch. Anything in between can be done cheaper by using your android phone + one of these attachable controllers. Edit: Looks like even ios phones would be able to do this in the near future after the EU bitched apple. I remember emulating gba and snes on my jailbroken iPod touch back in 2016. Good ol days.

[@nagatoprogaming]

Thats why you need RETRO RELIC PRO AND ULTRA

[@STR82DVD]

Absolutely brilliant and stop reading my mind you MADMAN!!! I love my collection but here's the thing, I know without exception, they are all e-waste. All of them.

[@wizzel22]

Yes, they are! (*if their display diag. is below 7").

[@enp82003]

Honestly i have a retroid 2 that sits in my night stand along with 2 pow kiddy devices that run linux. My favorite device to emulate stuff on right now is my sony vita, next my n3ds and lastly my psp and my favorite device for the tv is a ps3 slim.

[@neilphilippeocampo4420]

Maybe they are sacrificing some good aspects of the handheld to avoid increasing the price of the unit. If u want a more flawless handheld there is an option to buy the more expensive ones.

[@MuhammadAbdullah-em9ps]

Hi Vlad could you compare rg505 and rp2s since rg505 is 115usd on aliexpress and the rp2s is also that (90+10-20 shipping)

[@juniorbarranqueiro]

505 has a little more juice (T618 is a bit better then T610), has a big 5in, 16:9 oled screen. The RP2S has a 3.5in, 4:3 screen (good for retro stuff), has analog triggers. On paper, both will run the same stuff. On pratic, the 2S is better on plataforms that use the 4:3 screen format and the 505 is better on 16:9 content (psp, android games and stream content)

[@gamingturt]

New Vladaddy video just dropped.

[@steve501]

Another great video my dear nerd. On my way to your discord brother.

[@Alpha_-li1cq]

This is true with a lot of things like cell phones and cars.

[@CiuculescuZoran]

Salut sefule! Am nevoie de o recomandare. Sa iau un NDS second hand la vreo 150-170 de ron, un R36S la 38 de EUR sau un Miyoo Mini la 52 eur

[@VladNerd]

Keep it in English, please. :) I'd honestly go for the Miyoo Mini Plus and instantly install Onion OS on it. That'd make the handheld user-experience unmatched by pretty much anything else out there. The R36 is a bit more powerful, though. I just ordered myself, so expect a review on that pretty soon!

[@CiuculescuZoran]

@@VladNerd thanks boss. Besides that, do you think it'll withstand a fall or two? I mostly want a handheld to take to school and such, to keep in my pocket / backpack. The Miyoo Mini sounds phenomenal but I don't want it to break on me

[@VladNerd]

@@CiuculescuZoran I'd say yes, unless it falls right on the corners of the screen. AliExpress also sells silicone cases for the MM+ now for 4~ something euros, I'd get one of those as well if you don't want to stress with overprotecting the thing.

[@daniel-ix]

You’re right though. When I first got into emulations, I was happy. Then I got deeper into it, and I came to realization that higher emulation devices use Android and I thought to myself, can I just get an Android phone and a controller? But you’re right, the downfall of the capitalism is exactly what you mentioned. The planned obsolescence is what keeps them going but at the same time it keeps consumers happy online for a short time. There’s always something missing and we can never get what we really want. At the same time, it’s what keeps competition and innovation alive. So us consumers will never really win at this

[@christianmercado5510]

Are you me in a parallel universe? 👀

[@olliepoplol5894]

Can confirm - there are retro gaming nerds who are still in their 20s

[@gatsbyexpress]

“My sweet nerd” 🥰

[@miravi5547]

Играю на андроид в андротд игры, пусть там мало хороших игр, зато не надо гнаться за мощностью для эмуляции

[@hiepbenh88]

Just get redmi K series and gamesir G8 , the combo is much much much better than any android handheld u can find !

[@ADD643]

Yeah , good one !

[@CutlassCraft]

I have a Steamdeck OLED, Odin2, and MM+ I feel satisfied now. I’m just going to enjoy games and quit purchasing handhelds :)

[@VladNerd]

That's the best move! Give the Legacy of Kain series a chance when you can (available as both PC and PSX/PS2 versions). These games unironically planted the seed for my sense of critical thinking as I was growing up. Totally worth enjoying. :)

[@CutlassCraft]

@@VladNerd I know the series but haven't played it, I'll give them a try!

[@STR82DVD]

I'm 65 BTW. Bloody old mate but damn! I look good!

[@VladNerd]

Dude, you're totally rocking it, never think otherwise. I hope to have at least half your energy when I reach 60. ❤️

[@MuhammadAbdullah-em9ps]

Btw some people also cant have phones (cuz of parents) im 16 and cant get a phone or a console

[@VladNerd]

Don't worry little dude, the time will come when you'll have a shelf full of all devices that you want, but won't have time to play them, like most of us here. ❤️

[@Emiichoco]

the Nintendo switch is basically an android tablet..

[@VladNerd]

And a super-duper old one at that ❤️

[@Denotum]

i was just asking myself why i went through all the trouble to get an rp4pro and wait for replacement triggers, when I could get an amoled cheap phone with a controller… which will be my next move…

[@ramadhanisantoso2973]

Pros/cons of using controllers on phone -> Pros: don't like the controls? easy, change the controller. don't like the performance? well, save money and buy a better phone. Cons: my denial from it not being a handheld, its killing me.

[@ntsHR]

Yes