Anbernic RG SP vs Anbernic RG35XX Plus
The Anbernic RG SP ($65) and Anbernic RG35XX Plus (~$85) go head-to-head in this Linux handheld comparison. Anbernic RG35XX Plus averages higher across our benchmarks, while Anbernic RG SP wins on price.
- Anbernic RG SP costs $20 less (~$85 vs $65) — roughly 24% cheaper than the Anbernic RG35XX Plus.
- Processor: Anbernic RG SP runs a Allwinner H700 (quad Cortex-A53 @ 1.5GHz, Mali-G31 MP2) vs H700 Quad-core ARM in the Anbernic RG35XX Plus.
- Display: 3.4" IPS 720x480 (3:2, OCA laminated) vs 3.5" IPS 640x480.
Specs comparison
Side-by-side technical details. The glowing value wins its row.
| Spec | Anbernic RG SP | Anbernic RG35XX Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $65(best) | ~$85 |
| Display | 3.4" IPS 720x480 (3:2, OCA laminated) | 3.5" IPS 640x480 |
| Processor | Allwinner H700 (quad Cortex-A53 @ 1.5GHz, Mali-G31 MP2) | H700 Quad-core ARM |
| RAM | 1GB | 1GB |
| Storage | Dual microSD (up to 512GB each); ships with 16GB card(best) | 64GB + microSD |
| Battery | 3,300mAh (~6 hrs) | 3,300mAh |
| Weight | 168g(best) | ~180g |
| OS | Linux 64-bit | Linux / GarlicOS |
Portability
Anbernic RG SP winsValue
TieAnbernic RG SP is best for
- Pure GBA/GBC/SNES pocket play
- Buyers who hated sticks on prior SP clones
- First handheld under $70
Anbernic RG35XX Plus is best for
- Retro purists wanting Game Boy vibes
- Maximum portability in pocketable size
- 30+ hour battery life on a charge
Anbernic RG SP watch outs
- H700 ceiling: Dreamcast/PSP are soft, no PS2
- No analog sticks by design
- Stock Linux OS needs a CFW refresh for best UX
Anbernic RG35XX Plus watch outs
- No analog sticks limit some games
- Screen is small by modern standards
- Build quality is budget-appropriate
Pick Anbernic RG35XX Plus if you want peak performance; pick Anbernic RG SP if price matters more. Both are solid Linux handhelds.
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Anbernic RG SP vs Anbernic RG35XX Plus FAQ
Which is better, the Anbernic RG SP or the Anbernic RG35XX Plus?
Pick Anbernic RG35XX Plus if you want peak performance; pick Anbernic RG SP if price matters more. Both are solid Linux handhelds.
What is the price difference between the Anbernic RG SP and the Anbernic RG35XX Plus?
The Anbernic RG SP costs $65 while the Anbernic RG35XX Plus is $85 — a $20 difference. Anbernic RG SP is the value pick; Anbernic RG35XX Plus justifies the premium with vertical form factor.
Which has better performance, the Anbernic RG SP or Anbernic RG35XX Plus?
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus scores higher across aggregated performance metrics, powered by a H700 Quad-core ARM chip with 1GB RAM. The Anbernic RG SP uses a Allwinner H700 (quad Cortex-A53 @ 1.5GHz, Mali-G31 MP2) and still handles most emulation workloads competently.
How does battery life compare between the Anbernic RG SP and Anbernic RG35XX Plus?
The Anbernic RG SP ships with a 3,300mAh (~6 hrs) battery. The Anbernic RG35XX Plus has a 3,300mAh. Real-world runtime depends on workload: retro emulation typically gets double the runtime of native Android or PS2 emulation.
Which is more portable, the Anbernic RG SP or Anbernic RG35XX Plus?
The Anbernic RG SP weighs 168g, while the Anbernic RG35XX Plus weighs ~180g. Lighter devices are easier for pocket carry and long sessions but often tradeoff battery capacity or grip comfort.
Should I buy the Anbernic RG SP or wait for the Anbernic RG35XX Plus?
Both are currently in market. If your use case fits pure gba/gbc/snes pocket play, the Anbernic RG SP delivers today. If you prioritize retro purists wanting game boy vibes, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus is the stronger long-term pick. Neither is about to be replaced — both vendors have 12+ month refresh cycles.