Head-to-Head
XU20 V32 vs Zero 40
XU20 V32 vs Zero 40: a head-to-head comparison of specs, performance, screen, battery, and which one is the better buy for your retro library.
| Spec | XU20 V32 | Zero 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | MagicX | MagicX |
| Form Factor | Vertical | Horizontal |
| Operating System | Android 10 | Android 10 / Linux |
| Chipset | Allwinner A133 Plus | Allwinner A133 Plus |
| RAM | 2 GB DDR4 | 2 GB DDR4 |
| Screen | 3.2 inch | 4.0 inch |
| Resolution | 1024 x 768 | 480 x 800 |
| Battery | 3200 mAh | 4300 mAh |
| Price | $53 | $75 |
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The XU20 V32 and the Zero 40 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 XU20 V32 is powered by a Allwinner A133 Plus with 2 GB DDR4. The Zero 40 uses a Allwinner A133 Plus with 2 GB DDR4. On our performance scale, the XU20 V32 scores 10/10 and the Zero 40 scores 10/10. The XU20 V32 grades Game Boy, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance as A-level, with Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PSP in the B range. The Zero 40 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 XU20 V32 reaches N64, PSP & Dreamcast playable but not all at full speed. The Zero 40 reaches N64, PSP & Dreamcast playable but not all at full speed.
Screen and ergonomics
The XU20 V32 has a 3.2 inch display at 1024 x 768. The Zero 40 has a 4.0 inch display at 480 x 800. The XU20 V32 is a vertical device, while the Zero 40 is horizontal. That shape difference matters for how the device feels in the hand and how comfortable it is for longer sessions.
Battery and price
The XU20 V32 carries a 3200 mAh battery, and the Zero 40 a 4300 mAh battery. On price, the XU20 V32 sits around $53, while the Zero 40 is around $75.
Which should you buy?
On every system we grade, the XU20 V32 and the Zero 40 are level, so there is no spec-sheet winner: the difference is the screen size (3.2 inch against 4.0 inch), the battery (3200 mAh against 4300 mAh) and the price ($53 against $75). Buy the one that costs less where you are, or the one whose screen size you prefer. The best handheld is the one that makes the games you actually play feel natural.