In this technical comparison between the Retroid Pocket 5 and the Zotac Zone, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of 1920 x 1080 (1080p, 16:9 aspect ratio) for the Pocket 5 versus 1920 x 1080p for the Zone.
Choosing between these two Portable Gaming Devices models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $199 - $219 USD and Approximately $799 USD.
| Specifications |
Retroid Pocket 5 |
Zotac Zone |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Launch | ||
| Release Version | September 2024 | September 2024 |
| Performance | ||
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 | AMD Ryzen 7 8840U (8 cores, 16 threads, up to 5.1GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 (587 MHz) | AMD Radeon 780M (12 RDNA 3 Cores) |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR4x | 16GB LPDDR5X-7500 (Onboard) |
| Storage | 128GB UFS 3.1 | 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD (Full-size 2280) |
| Expandable Storage | MicroSD/TF card slot | Yes (UHS-II microSD card slot) |
| OS / Platform | Android 13 (Dual boot support for Linux-based OS like Rocknix/Batocera) | Windows 11 Home |
| Game Store / Ecosystem | Google Play Store, Retroid Launcher | ZOTAC "One Launcher" (Aggregates Steam, Epic, Game Pass, etc.) |
| Display | ||
| Screen size | 5.5-inch | 7-inch |
| Image Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (1080p, 16:9 aspect ratio) | 1920 x 1080p |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Max FPS | 60 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Panel type | AMOLED (approx. 500 nits brightness, 401 PPI) | AMOLED (800 nits peak brightness) |
| Touch support | Yes (multi-touch) | Yes (10-point multi-touch) |
| HDR | - | Yes (HDR Ready) |
| Adaptive Sync / VRR | - | No |
| Audio | ||
| Speaker format | Dual front-facing stereo speakers | Dual front-facing/down-firing stereo speakers |
| 3.5mm Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic | Integrated microphone | Integrated dual microphones |
| Supported codecs | - | standard Windows/Realtek HD Audio support |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB Type-C (Data, Charging, and OTG support) | 2 x USB4 (One top, one bottom; supports 40Gbps) |
| Display Output | 1080p60 via USB-C (DisplayPort Alt-Mode) | Yes (DP Alt-mode via USB4) |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| NFC | - | No |
| Ethernet | - | No |
| Controls / Inputs | ||
| Built-in Controls | 3D Hall-effect analog sticks (clickable L3/R3), Analog L2/R2 triggers, D-pad, ABXY buttons | Hall Effect sticks, Hall Effect triggers, Clicky D-pad, ABXY, Dual Trackpads |
| Controller Features | Customizable RGB lighting on sticks, Integrated vibration motor, Six-axis Gyroscope | 2-Stage Adjustable Triggers (switch between analog and hair-trigger), Dual Radial Dials (around thumbsticks for quick settings), 2 Programmable Rear Macro buttons, 6-axis Gyro, Haptic Feedback |
| External Controller Support | Supported via Bluetooth or USB-C | Yes (Bluetooth/USB) |
| Compatibility | ||
| Backward Compatibility | Emulates systems including PS2, GameCube, Wii, 3DS, PSP, and Dreamcast | Runs standard Windows X86 applications/games |
| Accessory Compatibility | Compatible with official Retroid Dock and third-party USB-C hubs | Compatible with standard USB-C/USB4 docks |
| Docking Support | - | Yes (Official ZOTAC Docking Station sold separately) |
| VR Support | - | Yes (Capable via USB4, though performance varies by title) |
| Physical | ||
| Body Dimensions | 199.2 x 78.5 x 15.6 mm | 285 x 115 x 35 mm |
| Weight | 280g | 692g |
| Color options | Black, White, GC (Purple), 16-Bit (Gray) | Gunmetal Gray |
| Materials | Textured ABS plastic frame with an all-glass front panel | - |
| Cooling | Active cooling (Internal fan + heatsink) | Active cooling (Triple heatpipe, 60-fin heatsink, single high-airflow fan) |
| Battery & Power | ||
| Battery Capacity | 5000 mAh | 48.5Wh (3-cell Li-ion) |
| Battery Life | Approx. 4–6 hours (varies by system emulation load) | Approx. 1.25 to 7.5 hours (depending on TDP/load) |
| Charging | 27W Fast Charging | 65W PD Fast Charging (Type-C) |
| Power Consumption | - | 15W–28W TDP (Configurable) |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the Box | Retroid Pocket 5 Console, USB Type-C charging cable, User manual | ZOTAC ZONE, 65W AC Adapter, USB-C Cable, Carrying Case (Pre-order bonus in some regions), 1-month Xbox Game Pass |
| Price | $199 - $219 USD | Approximately $799 USD |
| Full Details | Pocket 5 - Full Specifications | Zone - Full Specifications |