What Is the RK3399?
The Rockchip RK3399 is a hexa-core processor featuring 2x Cortex-A72 performance cores running at 1.8 GHz and 4x Cortex-A53 efficiency cores at 1.4 GHz, paired with a Mali-T864 GPU. This big.LITTLE architecture delivers a solid balance of peak performance and background efficiency — the A72 cores handle demanding tasks while the A53 cores manage lighter workloads.
In most head unit configurations, the RK3399 is paired with 2–4 GB RAM and 16–32 GB storage. Launched in 2016, it hit the head unit market around 2019 and remains widely used in 2024–2026 budget-to-mid tier units. Most units ship with Android 10–12 and are capable of smooth navigation and 1080p playback.
The RK3399 is known for reliable GPS lock, solid multitasking performance, and representing a significant step up over the budget MTK chipsets found in sub-$130 units. For many buyers, it's still the benchmark for what “good enough” looks like in a head unit processor.
What Is the RK3568?
The Rockchip RK3568 is a quad-core Cortex-A55 processor running at 2.0 GHz, paired with a Mali-G52 GPU — a more modern GPU architecture than the T864 found in the RK3399. Launched in 2021, the RK3568 was designed specifically for IoT, automotive, and embedded use cases, which makes it a natural fit for the in-car Android head unit market.
Typical configurations pair the RK3568 with 4 GB RAM and 32–64 GB storage. It runs Android 11–12+ and delivers better power efficiency than the RK3399 despite similar clock speeds. Key hardware advantages include faster eMMC 5.1 storage, better H.265/4K video decode, dual-channel DDR4 memory support, and HDMI 2.0 output capability.
In daily use, the RK3568 is known for snappier app launch times, more stable Bluetooth stack behavior, and smoother launcher animations — all of which matter when you're using the head unit in a moving vehicle with divided attention.
RK3568 vs RK3399: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Spec | RK3399 | RK3568 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | 2x A72 + 4x A53 | 4x A55 |
| Max Clock Speed | 1.8 GHz (A72) | 2.0 GHz |
| GPU | Mali-T864 | Mali-G52 |
| Typical RAM | 2–4 GB | 4 GB |
| Typical Storage | 16–32 GB | 32–64 GB |
| Storage Speed | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Android Version | 10–12 | 11–12+ |
| Price Range | $130–$200 | $150–$250 |
On paper the gap looks modest — a slight clock speed advantage and a generational GPU upgrade. But in daily use, the RK3568's memory bandwidth and storage speed make a noticeable difference, especially when switching between navigation, music, and Bluetooth simultaneously.
The eMMC 5.1 storage spec alone changes the feel of the unit. App installs, cache writes, and file reads happen significantly faster on eMMC 5.1 vs 4.5 — and in a head unit context, that translates to snappier map tile loading, faster launcher cold starts, and more responsive APK sideloading.
Real-World Performance Comparison
Specs tell part of the story. Here's how the two chips compare across the five performance dimensions that actually matter while driving:
GPS Lock Speed
Both chips lock reliably, but RK3568 units tend to use newer GPS modules supporting A-GPS + Glonass + BeiDou, while older RK3399 units sometimes omit BeiDou. The net result is 5–10 seconds faster initial lock in some RK3568 units — noticeable on cold-start mornings.
Map Rendering & Scrolling
On Google Maps and Waze, RK3568 renders tiles noticeably faster during pinch-zoom and high-speed scrolling. RK3399 can stutter at 90+ mph on highways with dense map data — particularly in urban highway stretches where the map redraws at high frequency.
Multitasking (Nav + Music + BT)
RK3568 handles 3-app background juggling (Google Maps, Spotify, BT call) with zero micro-pauses. RK3399 at 2 GB RAM can show brief hesitation during app switches; at 4 GB RAM the gap narrows significantly and becomes comparable.
Launcher Animation Smoothness
RK3568 renders launcher transitions at a consistent 60 fps. RK3399 occasionally drops to 45–50 fps during heavy widget loads on dashboards like AGAMA — especially when multiple animated widgets are active simultaneously.
App Install & Load Speed
eMMC 5.1 on RK3568 cuts app install time roughly in half compared to eMMC 4.5 on RK3399. This is most noticeable when sideloading large APKs like Waze, Spotify, or CarPlay emulation apps — a 50 MB install that takes 25 seconds on RK3399 completes in around 12 seconds on RK3568.
Which Chip Is Better for Your Use Case?
Budget build (under $150)
You probably won't find RK3568 at this price point yet. RK3399 at 4 GB RAM is the best available option and will serve you well for 2–3 years of daily use without feeling underpowered.
Navigation-heavy use (long hauls, rideshare, delivery)
RK3568 is worth the premium here. Faster map tile rendering and more stable GPS module selection matter when the navigation app runs for 8+ hours straight. The storage speed difference also means less map cache rebuild time on startup.
Customization & theme enthusiasts
RK3568 is the better base. AGAMA and Car Launcher PRO animate more smoothly on it, and you have headroom for heavier widget stacks without frame drops. If you're planning to customize your launcher, check out our Custom Theme Pack — it's designed to run at its best on RK3568 hardware.
Budget-conscious mid-range ($160–$200)
If you can find an RK3568 unit at this price point, prioritize it. The extra $20–30 over a comparable RK3399 unit is worth it for the storage speed alone. The daily-use feel difference is real and immediately noticeable.
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RK3399 and RK3568 are the two most common mid-range chips, but the full processor landscape covers four distinct tiers:
| Chip | Tier | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| MTK (MT6580/MT8227) | Budget | Basic nav, sub-$130 builds |
| RK3399 | Mid | Solid all-rounder, good value at 4 GB |
| RK3568 | Mid-High | Smoothest experience under $250 |
| Snapdragon 665 | Premium | CarPlay-grade performance, $300+ |
For the full breakdown of the entry-level chips, see our MTK vs RK3399 comparison. If you're considering upgrading to a Snapdragon-powered unit, check out our Snapdragon 665 vs RK3568 comparison for a full breakdown of the premium tier.
Best RK3568 Head Units to Look For (2026)
When shopping RK3568 units, look for listings that specify at least 4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage to get the full benefit of the chip's dual-channel memory support. A 4 GB + 32 GB RK3568 configuration will perform well, but the 64 GB storage tier ensures you're getting eMMC 5.1 rated storage rather than a slower variant.
The display output spec is a useful verification signal: true RK3568 units support HDMI 2.0 and 1920×1080 output natively. Some sellers mislabel RK3399 units as RK3568 — ask for the DSP spec sheet or look for the Rockchip logo in listing images as a verification signal before purchasing.
For setup help once you have your unit, our Master Setup Guide walks through the full first-time configuration process for any Android head unit — including launcher setup, GPS calibration, and Developer Options optimization. Get the Master Setup Guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RK3568 better than RK3399 for Android head units?
Yes, in most practical ways. RK3568 has faster storage (eMMC 5.1), a more modern GPU (Mali-G52), and better power efficiency. For navigation-heavy use, theme customization, and multitasking, RK3568 is the better choice.
Can an RK3399 head unit run Android 12?
Some RK3399 units ship with Android 12, but firmware updates beyond the factory version are rare. RK3568 units have a more active firmware ecosystem and better vendor support for OS updates.
Is the RK3568 worth paying extra for?
If the price difference is $20–40, yes — especially for navigation-heavy use or if you plan to customize your launcher heavily. If it's $80+ more, the real-world difference may not justify it for casual use.
What Android version does RK3568 support?
RK3568 units typically ship with Android 11 or 12. Some higher-end units are receiving Android 13 firmware in 2026. RK3399 units are generally capped at Android 12 without custom ROMs.
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