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Head-to-head comparison

Anbernic RG35XX Plus vs Anbernic RG35XX SP

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus (~$85) and Anbernic RG35XX SP (~$95) are closely matched Linux handhelds. The right pick comes down to display, battery, and form factor — not raw performance.

Anbernic RG35XX Plus handheld

Anbernic RG35XX Plus

Best budget retro handheld
Price~$85
VS
Anbernic RG35XX SP handheld

Anbernic RG35XX SP

GBA SP style clamshell
Price~$95
Key differences
What sets these handhelds apart
  • Anbernic RG35XX Plus (~$85) and Anbernic RG35XX SP (~$95) sit at nearly the same price.
  • Processor: Anbernic RG35XX Plus runs a H700 Quad-core ARM vs H700 Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 in the Anbernic RG35XX SP.
  • Battery: 3,300mAh vs 2,600mAh — Anbernic RG35XX Plus lasts longer between charges.
  • Display: 3.5" IPS 640x480 vs 3.5" IPS 640x480.

Specs comparison

Side-by-side technical details. The glowing value wins its row.

SpecAnbernic RG35XX PlusAnbernic RG35XX SP
Price~$85(best)~$95
Display3.5" IPS 640x4803.5" IPS 640x480
ProcessorH700 Quad-core ARMH700 Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53
RAM1GB1GB DDR4
Storage64GB + microSD64GB + microSD
Battery3,300mAh(best)2,600mAh
Weight~180g(best)~~186g
OSLinux / GarlicOSLinux / GarlicOS / MUOS
Performance comparison
How they stack up in real-world use

PS1 / GBA

Tie
Anbernic RG35XX Plus
95
Anbernic RG35XX SP
95

SNES / Genesis

Tie
Anbernic RG35XX Plus
98
Anbernic RG35XX SP
98

Portability

Anbernic RG35XX Plus wins
Anbernic RG35XX Plus
92
Anbernic RG35XX SP
88

Battery

Anbernic RG35XX Plus wins
Anbernic RG35XX Plus
95
Anbernic RG35XX SP
85

Value

Anbernic RG35XX Plus wins
Anbernic RG35XX Plus
96
Anbernic RG35XX SP
92

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 RG35XX SP is best for

  • Screen protection when closed
  • Nostalgia for GBA SP form factor
  • Same performance as RG35XX Plus in clamshell

Anbernic RG35XX Plus watch outs

  • No analog sticks limit some games
  • Screen is small by modern standards
  • Build quality is budget-appropriate

Anbernic RG35XX SP watch outs

  • Smaller battery than Plus (2,600mAh)
  • No Wi-Fi in base model
  • Slightly thicker when closed
The verdict

Pick Anbernic RG35XX Plus if you want peak performance; pick Anbernic RG35XX Plus if price matters more. Both are solid Linux handhelds.

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Anbernic RG35XX Plus vs Anbernic RG35XX SP FAQ

Which is better, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus or the Anbernic RG35XX SP?

Pick Anbernic RG35XX Plus if you want peak performance; pick Anbernic RG35XX Plus if price matters more. Both are solid Linux handhelds.

What is the price difference between the Anbernic RG35XX Plus and the Anbernic RG35XX SP?

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus costs $85 while the Anbernic RG35XX SP is $95 — a $10 difference. Anbernic RG35XX Plus is the value pick; Anbernic RG35XX SP justifies the premium with clamshell design.

Which has better performance, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus or Anbernic RG35XX SP?

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus scores higher across aggregated performance metrics, powered by a H700 Quad-core ARM chip with 1GB RAM. The Anbernic RG35XX SP uses a H700 Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 and still handles most emulation workloads competently.

How does battery life compare between the Anbernic RG35XX Plus and Anbernic RG35XX SP?

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus ships with a 3,300mAh battery. The Anbernic RG35XX SP has a 2,600mAh. 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 RG35XX Plus or Anbernic RG35XX SP?

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus weighs ~180g, while the Anbernic RG35XX SP weighs ~~186g. Lighter devices are easier for pocket carry and long sessions but often tradeoff battery capacity or grip comfort.

Should I buy the Anbernic RG35XX Plus or wait for the Anbernic RG35XX SP?

Both are currently in market. If your use case fits retro purists wanting game boy vibes, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus delivers today. If you prioritize screen protection when closed, the Anbernic RG35XX SP is the stronger long-term pick. Neither is about to be replaced — both vendors have 12+ month refresh cycles.

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