Rockchip RK3566 vs Amlogic S905X4

Rockchip RK3566 vs Amlogic S905X4: The Ultimate Guide

This comparison between RK3566 VS S905X4 covers a lot of ground. If you need powerful graphics performance, higher RAM capacity, and a wider range of connectivity options, the RK3566 is the better choice. However, if power efficiency, higher CPU clock speeds, and advanced video decoding capabilities are more important for your application, then the S905X4 is the best choice.

RK3566 VS S905X4Amlogic S905X4

1.Rockchip RK3566 VS Amlogic S905X4 Comparison Table 

Feature Rockchip RK3566 Amlogic S905X4
CPU Architecture Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55
CPU Clock Speed Up to 1.8 GHz Up to 2.0 GHz
GPU Mali-G52 2EE Mali-G31 MP2
Manufacturing Process 22nm 12nm
RAM Support Up to 8GB (LPDDR4/LPDDR4X/DDR4) Up to 4GB (DDR3/DDR4/LPDDR4)
Video Decoding 4K @ 60fps (H.265, VP9, AVS2, H.264) 4K @ 60fps (H.265, VP9, AV1, H.264)
Video Encoding 1080p @ 60fps 1080p @ 60fps
Display Interfaces HDMI 2.0, MIPI-DSI HDMI 2.1, CVBS
Connectivity Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, PCIe, SATA, SDIO Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, SDIO
Storage Interfaces eMMC 5.1, SD 3.0, SATA 3.0 eMMC 5.1, SD 3.0
Peripheral Interfaces USB 2.0, USB 3.0, I2C, SPI, UART, GPIO USB 2.0, USB 3.0, I2C, SPI, UART, GPIO
Power Efficiency Good (22nm process) Better (12nm process)
Audio Support I2S, PCM, TDM, SPDIF I2S, PCM, TDM, SPDIF
Operating Systems Android, Linux Android, Linux
Security Features Secure Boot, TrustZone, Crypto Engine Secure Boot, TrustZone, Crypto Engine
Target Applications Multimedia devices, industrial automation, energy-sensitive tasks Media streaming, gaming, smart home devices

 

2. RK3566 vs S905X4 Key Differences Explained:

  • CPU Clock Speed: The Amlogic S905X4 has a slightly higher maximum clock speed (2.0 GHz) compared to the Rockchip RK3566 (1.8 GHz), which may result in better performance in certain tasks.
  • GPU: The Rockchip RK3566 features a Mali-G52 2EE GPU, which generally offers better graphics performance compared to the Mali-G31 MP2 in the Amlogic S905X4.
  • Manufacturing Process: The Amlogic S905X4 is built on a more advanced 12nm process, making it more power-efficient than the 22nm process used for the Rockchip RK3566.
  • RAM Capacity: The Rockchip RK3566 supports up to 8GB of RAM, which can be beneficial for applications requiring more memory, while the Amlogic S905X4 supports up to 4GB.
  • Video Decoding: Both chipsets support 4K video decoding at 60fps, but the Amlogic S905X4 includes support for the newer AV1 codec, which provides better compression efficiency.
  • Display Output: The Amlogic S905X4 supports HDMI 2.1, offering higher bandwidth and better support for high-resolution displays compared to the HDMI 2.0 support on the Rockchip RK3566.
  • Connectivity: The Rockchip RK3566 includes additional interfaces such as PCIe and SATA, which can be useful for specific applications requiring these connections.
  • Power Efficiency: Due to its 12nm manufacturing process, the Amlogic S905X4 is generally more power-efficient than the Rockchip RK3566, which is built on a 22nm process.
Rockchip RK3566 Specs
Amlogic S905X4 Specs

3. Compare the Rockchip RK3566 and Amlogic S905X4 from different perspectives:

1. Application Domains

Rockchip RK3566

  • Embedded Systems: With its strong graphics processing capabilities and extensive connectivity options, the RK3566 is well-suited for embedded systems such as industrial control, IoT devices, and smart home appliances.
  • Multimedia Applications: Support for up to 8GB of RAM and SATA interface makes it ideal for multimedia applications that require substantial memory and storage.

Amlogic S905X4

  • Media Streaming and TV Boxes: Thanks to its robust video decoding capabilities and AV1 codec support, the S905X4 is perfect for media streaming devices and smart TV boxes.
  • Gaming Devices: Higher clock speed and efficient power management give it an edge in gaming devices.

2. Development Ecosystem

Rockchip RK3566

  • Open Source Support: Rockchip has a strong presence in the open-source community, providing extensive documentation and support for Linux-based systems, making it a good choice for developers who prefer open-source environments.
  • Customization: The flexibility in hardware interfaces (PCIe, SATA) allows for greater customization in specialized applications.

Amlogic S905X4

  • SDK and Tools: Amlogic provides a comprehensive SDK and development tools that are well-suited for Android-based development, making it easier to develop and deploy Android applications.
  • Community and Support: Amlogic has a robust developer community and offers substantial support for multimedia applications, including sample codes and development kits.

3. Market Positioning

Rockchip RK3566

  • High-End Embedded Solutions: Positioned as a high-end solution for embedded systems requiring advanced graphics and connectivity.
  • Flexible Applications: Due to its extensive connectivity options, it is versatile for various applications beyond just media streaming.

Amlogic S905X4

  • Consumer Electronics: Targeted primarily at consumer electronics, particularly where efficient media processing is crucial.
  • Cost-Effective Media Solutions: Often found in cost-effective media streaming devices, balancing performance and power efficiency.

4. Future-Proofing

Rockchip RK3566

  • Scalability: With support for up to 8GB of RAM and various storage options, the RK3566 is designed to be scalable for future applications that may require more resources.
  • Advanced Graphics: The Mali-G52 GPU ensures that it can handle future graphics-intensive applications with ease.

Amlogic S905X4

  • Efficient Video Processing: The inclusion of the AV1 codec support makes it future-proof for upcoming video streaming standards, ensuring longer relevance in media applications.
  • Power Efficiency: The 12nm manufacturing process ensures that it remains power-efficient, which is crucial for battery-operated and energy-sensitive devices.

 

4. How To Choose: Rockchip RK3566 VS Amlogic S905X4

Individual User Perspective

Rockchip RK3566

  • High Performance Needs: If you are an individual user who requires high performance for tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, or running complex applications, the RK3566's powerful graphics processing capabilities and support for up to 8GB of RAM will suit your needs.
  • Multimedia Applications: For those who frequently use their device for multimedia playback, such as watching high-quality videos or audio processing, the RK3566 offers superior multimedia handling, ensuring a smoother experience.
  • Open Source Enthusiasts: If you prefer open-source systems, the RK3566 provides robust support for Linux and extensive documentation, allowing you to customize and optimize your device freely.

Amlogic S905X4

  • Media Streaming: If your primary use case is media streaming, the S905X4's advanced video decoding capabilities, including AV1 codec support, will ensure high-quality streaming with efficient performance.
  • Gaming: For casual gaming, the higher clock speed and efficient power management of the S905X4 make it a good choice, providing a balanced performance for gaming applications.
  • Energy Efficiency: If power consumption is a concern, perhaps for battery-operated devices, the S905X4's power efficiency due to its 12nm manufacturing process will be beneficial.

Distributor Client Perspective

Rockchip RK3566

  • Versatility and Customization: As a distributor, offering a versatile chipset like the RK3566 can be advantageous. It caters to a broad range of applications, from industrial control systems to high-end multimedia devices, providing flexibility to meet various customer needs.
  • High-End Solutions: Positioning the RK3566 as a high-end solution can attract clients looking for advanced graphics and connectivity options. Its support for extensive RAM and multiple interfaces (like PCIe and SATA) makes it appealing for specialized applications.
  • Open Source Community: The strong open-source support and active community around Rockchip can be a selling point, attracting clients who value open-source software and customization capabilities.

Amlogic S905X4

  • Consumer Electronics Focus: The S905X4 is well-suited for consumer electronics, particularly media streaming devices and smart TV boxes. Distributors can leverage its efficient video processing and AV1 codec support to target the growing market for high-quality streaming solutions.
  • Cost-Effective Solutions: By offering the S905X4, distributors can provide cost-effective media solutions that balance performance and power efficiency, appealing to budget-conscious customers.
  • Comprehensive SDK and Tools: Amlogic's comprehensive SDK and development tools make it easier for clients to develop and deploy Android-based applications, which can be a significant selling point for those focused on the Android ecosystem.

Conclusion

For Individual Users:

  • Choose RK3566 if you need high performance for graphics-intensive tasks, extensive multimedia usage, or prefer open-source systems.
  • Choose S905X4 if you primarily use your device for media streaming, casual gaming, or need energy-efficient performance.

For Distributor Clients:

  • Choose RK3566 to offer versatile, high-end solutions for a wide range of applications, emphasizing customization and open-source support.
  • Choose S905X4 to provide cost-effective, efficient solutions for consumer electronics, especially in the media streaming and smart TV market.

 

5. RK3566 VS S905X4 Conclusion

The Rockchip RK3566 VS Amlogic S905X4 each have distinct strengths suited for different needs. The RK3566 excels in high-performance tasks, graphics, and multimedia applications, making it ideal for users needing robust processing power and extensive RAM. Its strong open-source support is a bonus for customization enthusiasts.

In contrast, the S905X4 is optimized for media streaming and casual gaming, thanks to its advanced video decoding capabilities and power efficiency. It's a great choice for energy-conscious users and those focused on media consumption.

For distributors, the RK3566 offers versatility and customization for a wide range of applications, appealing to clients needing high-end solutions. The S905X4, on the other hand, provides cost-effective, efficient solutions for consumer electronics, especially in the media streaming market.

In essence, choose the RK3566 for high performance and customization, and the S905X4 for efficient media streaming and power-saving needs.

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