Head-to-Head
M18 / R43 Pro vs M19
M18 / R43 Pro vs M19: a head-to-head comparison of specs, performance, screen, battery, and which one is the better buy for your retro library.
| Spec | M18 / R43 Pro | M19 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | SJGAM | SJGAM |
| Form Factor | Vertical | Vertical |
| Operating System | Linux (EmuELEC) | Linux (EmuELEC) |
| Chipset | RockChip RK3566 | RockChip RK3566 |
| RAM | 768 MB DDR3 | 1 GB LPDDR4 (Estimate) |
| Screen | 4.3 inch | 3.5 inch |
| Resolution | 480 x 272 | 640 x 480 |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Price | 76.0 | 55.0 |
The M18 / R43 Pro and M19 are two retro handhelds that often end up on the same shortlist. They are not identical, and the right choice depends on what you actually want to play and how much you want to spend.
Performance and emulation ceiling
The M18 / R43 Pro is powered by a RockChip RK3566 with 768 MB DDR3. The M19 uses a RockChip RK3566 with 1 GB LPDDR4 (Estimate). On our performance scale, the M18 / R43 Pro scores 5.5 and the M19 scores 5.5. The M18 / R43 Pro grades Game Boy, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance as A-level, with Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PSP in the B range. The M19 grades Game Boy, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance as A-level, with Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PSP in the B range. In practice, the M18 / R43 Pro reaches N64, PSP & Dreamcast mostly playable but not all full speed. The M19 reaches N64, PSP & Dreamcast mostly playable but not all full speed.
Screen and ergonomics
The M18 / R43 Pro has a 4.3 inch display at 480 x 272. The M19 has a 3.5 inch display at 640 x 480. The M18 / R43 Pro is a vertical device, while the M19 is vertical. That shape difference matters for how the device feels in the hand and how comfortable it is for longer sessions.
Battery and price
The M18 / R43 Pro carries a 4000 mAh battery, and the M19 a 3000 mAh battery. On price, the M18 / R43 Pro sits around 76.0, while the M19 is around 55.0.
Which should you buy?
Choose the M18 / R43 Pro if its specific strengths match your library, and the M19 if its tradeoffs suit you better. The best handheld is the one that makes the games you actually play feel natural.