Head-to-Head
X35H vs RK2023
X35H vs RK2023: a head-to-head comparison of specs, performance, screen, battery, and which one is the better buy for your retro library.
X35H
PowKiddy · 10/10 · A+
The PowKiddy X35H is the pick of these two: they run the same RockChip RK3566, grade identically through N64, Dreamcast and PSP, and even carry the same 3.5 inch 640x480 panel, so there is nothing to choose on emulation or on screen. That leaves price and battery. The X35H is the cheaper device at around $60 against the RK2023 at around $75, and its only deficit is a smaller 3000 mAh cell against the RK2023's 3500 mAh. Choose the RK2023 instead only if those extra 500 mAh of runtime are worth fifteen dollars to you.
| Spec | X35H | RK2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | PowKiddy | PowKiddy |
| Form Factor | Horizontal | Horizontal |
| Operating System | Linux | Linux: JELOS (Unofficial) |
| Chipset | RockChip RK3566 | RockChip RK3566 |
| RAM | 1 GB LPDDR4X | 1 GB LPDDR4 |
| Screen | 3.5 inch | 3.5 inch |
| Resolution | 640 x 480 | 640 x 480 |
| Battery | 3000 mAh | 3500 mAh |
| Price inside the EU | No verified EU listing | No verified EU listing |
| Maker's price ships from outside the EU | $60 | $75 |
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The X35H and the RK2023 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 X35H is powered by a RockChip RK3566 with 1 GB LPDDR4X. The RK2023 uses a RockChip RK3566 with 1 GB LPDDR4. On our performance scale, the X35H scores 10/10 and the RK2023 scores 10/10. The X35H grades Game Boy, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance as A-level, with Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PSP in the B range. The RK2023 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 X35H reaches N64, PSP & Dreamcast mostly playable but not all full speed. The RK2023 reaches N64, PSP & Dreamcast mostly playable but not all full speed.
Screen and ergonomics
The X35H has a 3.5 inch display at 640 x 480. The RK2023 has a 3.5 inch display at 640 x 480. Both the X35H and the RK2023 are horizontal devices, so the choice between them comes down to hardware and price rather than shape.
Battery and price
The X35H carries a 3000 mAh battery, and the RK2023 a 3500 mAh battery. On price, the X35H sits around $60, while the RK2023 is around $75.
Which should you buy?
On every system we grade, the X35H and the RK2023 are level, so there is no spec-sheet winner: the difference is the RAM type (1 GB LPDDR4X against 1 GB LPDDR4), the battery (3000 mAh against 3500 mAh) and the price ($60 against $75). Buy the one that costs less where you are, or the one with the newer RAM generation. The best handheld is the one that makes the games you actually play feel natural.