GPD G5A Review Parts 1,2
This is a review of the GPD G5A gaming device by GamePad Digital. The official manufacturer website can be found at:
http://www.gpd.hk/product/showproduct.php?lang=en&id=45
Disclaimer: I have not been provided a unit for review. The unit I am reviewing was purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.
PART 1: INTRODUCTION
For those of you who have never used an android game pad, it is very similar to any android operating system based phone or tablet. The main difference is phones and tablets do not have physical buttons with which to play games. Many games can be played via the touchscreen, but sometimes it can be difficult to play arcade games or games on emulators. Many games require very precise movement and with your big meaty hands on the screen it can be both difficult to control and difficult to see your games. This is where dedicated game-pad systems come in. Android based game pads are not exactly new to the market. For the most part, these devices have so far been the outliers of the handheld gaming community. Until recently they have been mainly manufactured cheaply in China using surplus cellphone parts and some custom molding to shape them similarly to well-known handheld game consoles such as the Sony PSP. In July of 2013, NVIDIA introduced the SHIELD console, which so far is one of the most successful android-based handheld consoles and has the advantage of being released and supported by a well-known brand-name electronics company. Retailing for around $200.00 USD, the SHIELD is the current gold-standard as far as raw proccessing power in android-based handheld gaming devices, but that does NOT mean that the Chinese manufacturers should be ignored! Recently, GamePad Digital has released a 5” quad-core gaming device with a unique ergonomic body that makes for both comfortable and fun gaming. This review will go into some of the advantages, disadvantages, and capabilities of this device.
PART 2: SPECIFICATIONS
Features:
Operating System: Android 4.2 / 4.4 (depending on firmware)
Touchscreen Technology: 5” Capacitive (800*480)
CPU Model: RK3188t Quad Core, 1.4GHz (overclockable to 1.6 GHz)
Quad-core Mali-400 GPU
RAM / Technology: 1GB DDR3
Storage: NAND FAST FLASH 8GB
Storage Expansion: microSD (supports 64GB max)
Camera: rear-facing 0.3MP
HDMI Out: MiniHDMI
Audio: front-facing stereo speakers / built in microphone
Battery Type: Li-ion 3500mAh
Power Device Type: AC Adapter, AC 100-240V / USB charging
Charging Voltage: DC 5V 2A
Bluetooth:NO
GPS: NO
G-sensor: YES
Ports:
1 x Micro USB OTG Port
1 x Micro SD Card slot
1 x Standard 3.5mm headphone jack
1 x 2.5mm power port
1 x Mini HDMI port
Buttons:
Dual analog sticks (clickable)
D-pad
1,2,3,4 (similar to Circle, Cross, Square, Triangle PlayStation buttons)
5,6 (similar to L1, R1 PlayStation buttons)
7,8 (similar to L2, R2 PlayStation buttons)
Start
Select
Volume +/-
Power