Head-to-Head
V90S vs V20
V90S vs V20: a head-to-head comparison of specs, performance, screen, battery, and which one is the better buy for your retro library.
| Spec | V90S | V20 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | PowKiddy | PowKiddy |
| Form Factor | Clamshell | Vertical |
| Operating System | Linux | Linux (EmuELEC) |
| Chipset | Allwinner A133 Plus | Allwinner A133 Plus |
| RAM | 1 GB DDR3 | 1 GB DDR3 |
| Screen | 3.5 inch | 3.5 inch |
| Resolution | 640 x 480 | 640 x 480 |
| Battery | 3000 mAh (Swappable) | 5000 mAh |
| Price | $45 | $55 |
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The V90S and the V20 are two retro handhelds that often end up on the same shortlist, and on our compatibility grid they grade identically on every system we track. The gap between them is hardware and price, not the games they can run.
Performance and emulation ceiling
The V90S is powered by a Allwinner A133 Plus with 1 GB DDR3. The V20 uses a Allwinner A133 Plus with 1 GB DDR3. On our performance scale, the V90S scores 10/10 and the V20 scores 10/10. The V90S grades Game Boy, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance as A-level, with Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PSP in the B range. The V20 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 V90S reaches 3D PS1, N64 (full speed), DC and PSP (mostly playable), Saturn (somewhat playable). The V20 reaches N64, PSP & Dreamcast playable but not all at full speed.
Screen and ergonomics
The V90S has a 3.5 inch display at 640 x 480. The V20 has a 3.5 inch display at 640 x 480. The V90S is a clamshell device, while the V20 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 V90S carries a 3000 mAh (Swappable) battery, and the V20 a 5000 mAh battery. On price, the V90S sits around $45, while the V20 is around $55.
Which should you buy?
On every system we grade, the V90S and the V20 are level, so there is no spec-sheet winner: the difference is the battery (3000 mAh (Swappable) against 5000 mAh) and the price ($45 against $55). Buy the one that costs less where you are, or the one with the bigger battery. The best handheld is the one that makes the games you actually play feel natural.