RK3588 vs RK3568 vs RK3566: What’s the Difference?

— A Practical SoC Comparison Guide for Smart Devices & Industrial Applications

In the fast-evolving world of smart devices, IoT, industrial control, and edge computing, selecting the right processor is critical. Rockchip has released several powerful SoCs to address various performance and cost requirements. Among them, RK3588, RK3568, and RK3566 stand out as high-performance, mid-range, and cost-effective options.

This article will help you understand the key differences between RK3588, RK3568, and RK3566—covering CPU architecture, GPU, multimedia capabilities, interfaces, and ideal use cases. We’ll also show how Portworld leverages these platforms to deliver robust OEM/ODM solutions.

1. Product Positioning

SoC Model Positioning Release Year Target Applications
RK3588 Flagship Performance 2022 AI edge computing, multi-screen signage, 8K video
RK3568 Versatile Mid-High End 2021 Industrial control, gateways, signage, HMI
RK3566 Mid-Range, Power-Efficient 2021 Smart panels, tablets, IoT terminals, consumer apps

2. Core Specification Comparison

Feature RK3588 RK3568 RK3566
CPU Architecture 4× Cortex-A76 + 4× Cortex-A55 (big.LITTLE) 4× Cortex-A55 4× Cortex-A55
Process 8nm 22nm 22nm
Max Frequency A76: 2.4GHz / A55: 1.8GHz Up to 2.0GHz Up to 1.8GHz
GPU Mali-G610 MP4 Mali-G52 MP2 Mali-G52 MP2
NPU Yes, up to 6 TOPS Optional (limited AI support) Optional (basic AI tasks only)
Memory Support LPDDR4x / LPDDR5 / DDR4 DDR4 / LPDDR4 / LPDDR3 Same as RK3568
Storage eMMC / UFS / NVMe / SATA eMMC / SATA / SPI NAND/NOR eMMC / SPI NAND/NOR
Video Decoding 8K@60fps decode / 8K@30fps encode 4K@60fps decode / 1080P encode 4K@60fps decode / 1080P encode
Display Outputs Up to 4 screens: HDMI 2.1, DP1.4, MIPI, etc. Dual display: HDMI, LVDS, MIPI Single/Dual display: LVDS, RGB, MIPI
Network Support 2×2.5GbE + 1×GbE + optional Wi-Fi6 Dual Gigabit LAN Single Gigabit LAN
USB USB 3.1 ×2 + USB 2.0 USB 3.0 ×1 + USB 2.0 ×3 Same as RK3568
PCIe Support PCIe 3.0, SATA, CAN, GPIO PCIe 2.1, SPI, CAN, GPIO SPI, UART, GPIO
Operating Temp Industrial-grade optional (-40°C ~ 85°C) Industrial-grade optional Commercial / light industrial use

3. Use Case Recommendation

Application Area Recommended SoC Reason
Edge AI / AI Gateway RK3588 High-performance NPU + multi-interface + PCIe expansion
Multi-screen Signage RK3588 / RK3568 RK3588 supports 4-display output; RK3568 supports dual displays
Smart Home Control Panel RK3566 / RK3568 RK3566 is low-power and cost-effective; RK3568 adds more performance
Industrial Controllers RK3568 Stable industrial interfaces + wide temperature range
Budget Tablets / Panels RK3566 Cost-efficient with enough multimedia and connectivity support
Automotive Cockpit RK3588 / RK3568 RK3588 ideal for high-end cockpit, RK3568 suitable for commercial use

4. Portworld’s SoC-Based OEM/ODM Solutions

At Portworld, we provide complete development solutions based on Rockchip SoCs. From hardware design to software BSP/SDK support, we help customers create powerful, customizable smart devices.

 RK3588 Solutions

  • Designed for high-performance AI edge computing
  • Supports 8K video, multi-display signage, advanced security
  • Ideal for AI gateways, medical terminals, and premium signage

 RK3568 Solutions (e.g., Portworld P6802)

  • Dual Gigabit LAN, PoE, RS485, rich I/O expansion
  • Supports Android / Linux / Ubuntu platforms
  • Used in industrial control, digital signage, automation panels

 RK3566 Solutions (e.g., Portworld P6602, YC-SM08M/P)

  • Ultra-slim and power-efficient design
  • Integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RS485, PoE support
  • Ideal for smart home panels, intercoms, smart hotel terminals

Final Thoughts: Which SoC Should You Choose?

Your ideal SoC depends on your specific needs:

  • Need powerful AI & video? → Go with RK3588
  • Require industrial-grade reliability & expandability? → Choose RK3568
  • Want affordable yet capable SoC for control panels? → RK3566 is your best bet

Portworld offers complete hardware and software integration based on all three SoCs, with fast turnaround and tailored OEM/ODM services. If you’re building a smart terminal, HMI panel, or edge computing device, our team is ready to help.