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Head-to-head comparison

Anbernic RG35XX Plus vs Powkiddy RGB30

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus (~$85) and Powkiddy RGB30 (~$95) go head-to-head in this Linux handheld comparison. Anbernic RG35XX Plus averages higher across our benchmarks, while Anbernic RG35XX Plus wins on price.

Anbernic RG35XX Plus handheld

Anbernic RG35XX Plus

Best budget retro handheld
Price~$85
VS
Powkiddy RGB30 handheld

Powkiddy RGB30

Square screen standout
Price~$95
Key differences
What sets these handhelds apart
  • Anbernic RG35XX Plus (~$85) and Powkiddy RGB30 (~$95) sit at nearly the same price.
  • Processor: Anbernic RG35XX Plus runs a H700 Quad-core ARM vs RK3566 Quad-core Cortex-A55 in the Powkiddy RGB30.
  • Battery: 3,300mAh vs 4,100mAh — Powkiddy RGB30 lasts longer between charges.
  • Display: 3.5" IPS 640x480 vs 4.0" IPS 720x720 (1:1).
  • Weight: ~180g vs ~~260g — Anbernic RG35XX Plus is more pocketable.

Specs comparison

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

SpecAnbernic RG35XX PlusPowkiddy RGB30
Price~$85(best)~$95
Display3.5" IPS 640x4804.0" IPS 720x720 (1:1)
ProcessorH700 Quad-core ARMRK3566 Quad-core Cortex-A55
RAM1GB1GB DDR4
Storage64GB + microSD64GB + microSD
Battery3,300mAh4,100mAh(best)
Weight~180g(best)~~260g
OSLinux / GarlicOSLinux / ROCKNIX / JELOS
Performance comparison
How they stack up in real-world use

Portability

Anbernic RG35XX Plus wins
Anbernic RG35XX Plus
92
Powkiddy RGB30
80

Value

Anbernic RG35XX Plus wins
Anbernic RG35XX Plus
96
Powkiddy RGB30
90

Anbernic RG35XX Plus is best for

  • Retro purists wanting Game Boy vibes
  • Maximum portability in pocketable size
  • 30+ hour battery life on a charge

Powkiddy RGB30 is best for

  • Arcade games (perfect 1:1 aspect)
  • Vertical shooters (tate mode)
  • Game Boy / GBC (fills screen perfectly)

Anbernic RG35XX Plus watch outs

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

Powkiddy RGB30 watch outs

  • Letterboxing for widescreen content
  • RK3566 less powerful than T820
  • Build quality is budget-grade
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 Powkiddy RGB30 FAQ

Which is better, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus or the Powkiddy RGB30?

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 Powkiddy RGB30?

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus costs $85 while the Powkiddy RGB30 is $95 — a $10 difference. Anbernic RG35XX Plus is the value pick; Powkiddy RGB30 justifies the premium with 4.0" square 1:1 display.

Which has better performance, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus or Powkiddy RGB30?

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus scores higher across aggregated performance metrics, powered by a H700 Quad-core ARM chip with 1GB RAM. The Powkiddy RGB30 uses a RK3566 Quad-core Cortex-A55 and still handles most emulation workloads competently.

How does battery life compare between the Anbernic RG35XX Plus and Powkiddy RGB30?

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus ships with a 3,300mAh battery. The Powkiddy RGB30 has a 4,100mAh. 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 Powkiddy RGB30?

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus weighs ~180g, while the Powkiddy RGB30 weighs ~~260g. 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 Powkiddy RGB30?

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 arcade games (perfect 1:1 aspect), the Powkiddy RGB30 is the stronger long-term pick. Neither is about to be replaced — both vendors have 12+ month refresh cycles.

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