Owners of the Retroid Pocket Mini have been eagerly awaiting this news: Android 13 is now available for their beloved handheld! But before you rush to download and install, there's a crucial caveat you need to know.
Android 13: A Double-Edged Sword
While Android 13 promises performance enhancements, improved security, and broader app compatibility, there's a significant drawback for Retroid Pocket Mini users. Retroid is now advising against the upgrade for most users. The reason? The upgrade results in less available RAM compared to the original Android 10 installation.
Why Upgrade?
Despite the RAM reduction, there are specific scenarios where Android 13 might be beneficial:
- App Compatibility: If you have apps or games that refuse to run on Android 10, Android 13 is a necessary solution.
- Emulation: Android 13 may offer improved compatibility or performance for Switch or Wii U emulation.
Proceed with the upgrade only if these benefits outweigh the RAM reduction in your specific use case.
Rollback to Android 10?
The possibility of reverting to Android 10 after upgrading to 13 is being looked at; stay informed for updates on that.
The Road to Android 13
Initially, Retroid planned to ship the Pocket Mini with Android 10. Community feedback led to a change of plans, forcing the company to develop an Android 13 build after the device had already launched.
This wasn't a simple process. Retroid had to ensure that all hardware components remained fully functional under the new operating system. A similar situation occurred with the Retroid Pocket 5, which ultimately shipped with Android 13 after collaboration with Qualcomm.
Potential Benefits of Android 13 (Generally)
In typical devices, migrating to Android 13 often brings:
- Greater stability
- Enhanced security
- Reduced battery drain
It can resolve app compatibility issues, such as those encountered with the Google Play Store.
The Bottom Line
The arrival of Android 13 on the Retroid Pocket Mini is welcome news, but it's not a universally beneficial upgrade. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before proceeding. If you rely heavily on RAM-intensive tasks, sticking with Android 10 might be the better option.
