RK3566 and RK3568 are both popular Rockchip platforms for embedded HMI products. They can be used in Android panels, Linux terminals, industrial displays, control systems, and smart devices. The right choice depends on performance target, display interface, peripheral requirements, industrial features, software support, and cost.
For many HMI products, both chips may be capable enough. The decision usually comes down to board design and product requirements rather than CPU performance alone.
| Area | RK3566 | RK3568 |
|---|---|---|
| Product positioning | Cost-effective display and smart terminal products | More industrial and interface-rich products |
| Typical use | Android HMI, smart panels, lightweight Linux | Industrial HMI, gateways, richer I/O systems |
| Display use | MIPI DSI, LVDS, HDMI depending on board | LVDS, MIPI DSI, HDMI, eDP depending on board |
| Cost target | Usually more cost-sensitive | Usually higher capability and I/O flexibility |
| Best fit | Standard smart display products | Products needing stronger industrial interfaces |
The exact feature set depends on the SBC design. Always check the board schematic and vendor documentation, not only the SoC name.
RK3566 is often used when the product needs a balanced Android or Linux display platform at a practical cost. It is suitable for smart home panels, access control terminals, retail touch screens, simple industrial HMI products, and many embedded display devices.
RK3566 is a good fit when:
For many screen-based products, RK3566 is enough. It can run touch applications, network services, media playback, and typical HMI workflows when the board and BSP are well integrated.
See the RK3566 Android SBC Overview for a broader platform introduction.
RK3568 is often selected for more industrial or interface-rich products. It is commonly used when the design needs stronger I/O flexibility, more expansion options, or a more robust industrial SBC layout.
RK3568 is a good fit when:
RK3568 is commonly found in industrial HMI panels, gateways with display, automation controllers, energy devices, machine terminals, and products where display, network, serial, and storage behavior all matter.
For a display example, see the RK3568 LVDS Display Configuration Guide.
Do not choose RK3566 or RK3568 without checking the final board display connector. A SoC may support several display outputs, but the SBC may only expose some of them.
For embedded HMI products, check:
If the product uses a 5-inch compact panel, RK3566 with MIPI DSI may be enough. If the product uses a 7-inch or 10.1-inch industrial LVDS panel with more external control interfaces, RK3568 may be the better platform.
For display interface tradeoffs, see MIPI vs LVDS vs RGB Display Interface.
Both RK3566 and RK3568 can be used with Android or Linux depending on vendor BSP support. Android is usually better for app-like touch terminals. Linux is often better for control systems, gateways, and products needing direct service control.
For platform-level tradeoffs, see Android SBC vs Linux SBC for Industrial Display Products.
The cheapest SoC is not always the lowest-risk product choice. Development time, BSP quality, display bring-up, available drivers, thermal behavior, and vendor support can matter more than chip price.
Before selecting, compare:
Choose RK3566 when the product is mainly a cost-effective smart display or Android/Linux HMI with moderate I/O needs.
Choose RK3568 when the product needs stronger industrial positioning, richer I/O, more expansion flexibility, or a more complex embedded control role.
