The low-end market of handhelds has been primarily dominated by one of two chips. The RK3326 and the RK3566. Both of which have been seen in handhelds dating back to 2022, or 2020 for the 3326. In that time, the most we’ve seen out of those chips is new firmware and drops in prices. Alongside that, we’ve seen the introduction of new chips that are trying to take their places. The Allwinner H700 in Anbernic’s XX line, as well as the Allwinner A133P seen in TrimUI’s latest handhelds, and the Powkiddy V90S.
But in the depths, there’s been a new chip getting work, one that can even run Android…depending. And that’s the Allwinner A527. First seen in the GAMEMT E6 Max, I’ll be taking a look at it in its Linux form in the Helegaly Action π. Which, for simplicity’s sake, I’ll be calling the Pi. So, how does this stack up? And should you grab one? Let’s find out.
Helegaly Action Pi Specs
Starting off the bat, the Helegaly Pi is supposed to come out in the neighborhood of $60 to $70, and for that price, you’re getting a pretty good device, all things considered. Especially in comparison to most of the 3566 handhelds at the same price. But in terms of specs, you’ll find the following.
- CPU: Allwinner A527
- GPU: Mali-G57 MC1-2EE
- RAM: 2GB
- Screen: 4.02”, 960×720 IPS
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Connectivity: USB-C x2, 3.5mm Jack, Micro-SD, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 16GB eMMC
- Operating System: Batocera
- Dimensions: 172x82x30mm
- Weight: 227 grams
- Colors: White, Black, Indigo, Pink
Helegaly Action Pi: Ergonomics and Screen
When it comes to some of my favorite aspects of the device, I have to say the screen is one of its best assets. A nice, bright 720p panel that still lands at a 4:3 aspect ratio. For those who are starting to say 3.5” is a bit too small. I say “3.5 inches is perfectly adequate if not a bit large for some,” and the extra half inch makes a big difference in your gaming experience.
As for ergonomics, I think they landed in a really good spot here as well. The grips added to the bottom, as well as the bump outs in the back, make it a really comfortable handheld to grip. I find my thumbs landing nicely on the d-pad and face buttons, and I also find that accessing the triggers and shoulder buttons lands well too.
The only complaint comes from using both the sticks and the triggers at the same time due to the awkward reach. However, this is really a D-pad-centric device first and foremost, and for that purpose, the control placement really works well. If you want an A527 with sticks up top, I highly recommend looking towards the E6 Max instead.
Controls
When it comes to controls, it feels like getting a mixed bag of handhelds from the past year or so. You’re getting hall-effect, Switch-style sticks that, while not exceptional, are passable for what you’ll do with them. I still hold my preferences elsewhere, though. The d-pad is soft and clicky, similar to Retroid and AYN D-pads, but looks more like a standard one. The face buttons are really soft and light and feel a lot like something you’d get from Powkiddy. Which, believe it or not, I’d consider that a plus.
The worst controls, in my opinion, are the triggers and shoulders. While L1/R1 are both nice and clicky, they also suffer from being super narrow, which, on occasion, has made it hard for me to hit them effectively. And the triggers are digital with a little click followed by a little mush. Not great, not terrible either. As a whole, I’d call the controls completely passable and even usable for some.
Software
While the A527 can run Android, the Helegaly Pi comes out of the box running Batocera. As these didn’t have full software when we got them, my unit didn’t have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. However, after flashing to the latest firmware on Batocera ES V42, it works completely fine and lets me access the SD card storage over Wi-Fi as well.
As of recently, I’ve been using systems with the same overlays a lot. ROCKNIX on the RP Flip 2, Knulli on the RG34XXSP, and Batocera on the Pi. With all these being super similar, there are only a few things you really miss out on with Batocera, and for me, that’s access to Portmaster. While it may not matter to you, the mention still remains. Hopefully, in the future, other firmwares will come to the Pi, but for now, you get something that works really well right out of the box.
And honestly, I can see most people not even needing to change firmwares from what they’re given.
Performance
Now this is the part that’s actually exciting. A new chip brings new questions about performance and what a handheld can do. If you’ve seen any GAMEMT E6 Max content, you’d know that on Android, it packs a punch in native gaming, but here on Linux, it fully opens up platforms. I used to say, “Don’t expect full compatibility here”.
PSP and Below
When it comes to everything PS1 and below, you shouldn’t be shocked to hear me say that it all runs pretty much flawlessly. This would make a really nice SNES or PS1 handheld thanks to its 4:3 display. But that’s not where we have to stop. In my testing, I’ve pulled through PSP games like Burnout Dominator and Legends, as well as touching on some of the most mediocre games imaginable, like Patapon. And for the most part, outside of the most demanding games on PSP, I’d say you should be pretty satisfied with its performance.
N64 and Dreamcast
Going even further, unlike the 3566, where I say “don’t expect everything”, the A527 seems to run like a champ through both Dreamcast and N64. Pulling through Sonic Adventure, Crazy Taxi, and N64 games like Super Mario 64, I ran into little issues at all. Especially on the latest firmware, where I can change settings without having to worry about breaking anything.
Going further than Dreamcast, N64, and PSP is not something that I’d really recommend. You could be a maniac and try some super light Gamecube, but if you want to go with minimal tweaking, this is where I’d stop.
Final Thoughts
The more I used the Helegaly Pi, the more it kind of just reminded me of how I felt when using the Retroid Pocket 2+ back in 2022. A small, comfortable handheld that can run through everything up through PSP, Dreamcast, and N64. Except now it’s D-pad top, with Hall Effect sticks, and an operating system I don’t feel like I have to mess with.
The A527 is the first chip in a long while that’s felt like an actual improvement over the RK3566 that we’ve been stuck with for three years. More performance, potentially more firmware options, and a price that feels just right considering it’s doing what a 3-year-old handheld was doing for just $100 (plus shipping). For $60-$70, you’re getting a solid, complete package that I think covers a lot of needs for people looking at budget handhelds.
Should you upgrade from a 3566? Only if you’ve got the sickness, but if you’re just looking for a new handheld with a larger screen, maybe some more power, I’d really recommend this one. Especially now that it’s in Pink. WTB Pink Pi.
What did you think of this article? Let us know in the comments below, and chat with us in our Discord!
This page may contain affiliate links, by purchasing something through a link, Retro Handhelds may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you.