Anbernic RG28XX vs Anbernic RG35XX Plus
The Anbernic RG28XX (~$55) and Anbernic RG35XX Plus (~$85) are closely matched Linux handhelds. The right pick comes down to display, battery, and form factor — not raw performance.
- Anbernic RG28XX costs $30 less (~$85 vs ~$55) — roughly 35% cheaper than the Anbernic RG35XX Plus.
- Processor: Anbernic RG28XX runs a H700 Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 vs H700 Quad-core ARM in the Anbernic RG35XX Plus.
- RAM: 512MB DDR4 vs 1GB — Anbernic RG28XX has the memory advantage for multitasking and heavier emulators.
- Battery: 2,100mAh vs 3,300mAh — Anbernic RG35XX Plus lasts longer between charges.
- Display: 2.83" IPS 640x480 vs 3.5" IPS 640x480.
- Weight: ~122g vs ~180g — Anbernic RG28XX is more pocketable.
Specs comparison
Side-by-side technical details. The glowing value wins its row.
| Spec | Anbernic RG28XX | Anbernic RG35XX Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$55(best) | ~$85 |
| Display | 2.83" IPS 640x480 | 3.5" IPS 640x480 |
| Processor | H700 Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 | H700 Quad-core ARM |
| RAM | 512MB DDR4 | 1GB(best) |
| Storage | 64GB + microSD | 64GB + microSD |
| Battery | 2,100mAh | 3,300mAh(best) |
| Weight | ~122g(best) | ~180g |
| OS | Linux / GarlicOS / MUOS | Linux / GarlicOS |
SNES / Genesis
Anbernic RG35XX Plus winsPortability
Anbernic RG28XX winsBattery
Anbernic RG35XX Plus winsValue
TieAnbernic RG28XX is best for
- Maximum portability
- 8-bit and 16-bit era gaming
- Keychain or pocket gaming
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 RG28XX watch outs
- Very small screen (2.83-inch)
- No analog sticks
- Limited to simpler systems
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 RG28XX if price matters more. Both are solid Linux handhelds.
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Anbernic RG28XX vs Anbernic RG35XX Plus FAQ
Which is better, the Anbernic RG28XX or the Anbernic RG35XX Plus?
Pick Anbernic RG35XX Plus if you want peak performance; pick Anbernic RG28XX if price matters more. Both are solid Linux handhelds.
What is the price difference between the Anbernic RG28XX and the Anbernic RG35XX Plus?
The Anbernic RG28XX costs $55 while the Anbernic RG35XX Plus is $85 — a $30 difference. Anbernic RG28XX is the value pick; Anbernic RG35XX Plus justifies the premium with vertical form factor.
Which has better performance, the Anbernic RG28XX 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 RG28XX uses a H700 Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 and still handles most emulation workloads competently.
How does battery life compare between the Anbernic RG28XX and Anbernic RG35XX Plus?
The Anbernic RG28XX ships with a 2,100mAh 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 RG28XX or Anbernic RG35XX Plus?
The Anbernic RG28XX weighs ~122g, 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 RG28XX or wait for the Anbernic RG35XX Plus?
Both are currently in market. If your use case fits maximum portability, the Anbernic RG28XX 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.