- Introducing the R35S: The Ultimate Budget Handheld Gaming Device
Hey everyone. This is a clone of a PowKiddy device. Surprisingly, this clone surpasses the original in many aspects. Let me introduce you to the R35S, the best budget handheld device available today.
Unboxing the R35S
The unboxing experience of the R35S is straightforward. Inside the box, you’ll find an instructional manual, a charging cable, and the device itself. One amusing point is that the manual refers to the device as the RGB R35S, despite it being marketed solely as the R35S. This minor inconsistency aside, the R35S packs impressive features for its price.
A Price Point That Stands Out
The R35S is a challenge to find in some regions, but it’s available from various third-party sellers for US$49.99. This price is astonishingly low, considering similar devices from other companies are priced US$30-US$40 higher. To put this in perspective, comparable devices like the RG35xx and the Miyoo Mini cost around US$57.99 and US$60, respectively.
Performance Comparison
When comparing performance, the R35S outshines its competitors. The Miyoo devices, equipped with A7 CPUs and no GPUs, fall short. The RG35xx, with an A9 CPU and a low-end GPU, performs slightly better. However, the R35S, featuring an A35 CPU and a superior GPU, tops the list.
Detailed Specifications
The R35S boasts an RK3326 SoC with a Mali G31 GPU, 1GB of LPDDR4 RAM, 16GB of storage for the OS, and 64GB of storage for ROMs across two SD card slots. It sports a 3.5” 480p panel and a 3500 mAh battery. The device runs on ArkOS, with another unofficial OS option available.
Design and Build Quality
The R35S features a 3.5” screen, two analog sticks, a function button, start and select buttons, and a mono speaker. On the sides, you’ll find SD card slots, volume buttons, power, and reset buttons. The bottom houses stereo speaker cutouts, USB ports, and a headphone jack, while the back has four shoulder buttons. The design closely resembles the RGB20S but with slight improvements, such as better-feeling shell material and repositioned buttons.
Performance and Emulation
The R35S excels in emulation performance. It can emulate various systems, including PS1, Dreamcast, Nintendo DS, and more, at higher resolutions than its competitors. While PSP and N64 emulation is hit or miss, the R35S generally handles these systems well. The device supports custom OS builds, adding to its versatility.
Teardown and Insights
A teardown of the R35S reveals similarities to the RGB20S but with notable differences. The PCB is version 11, and many components are positioned identically. Interestingly, the R35S lacks the Wi-Fi chip pads present in the RGB20S. Despite these differences, the R35S offers superior build quality in many areas, including button feel and shell material.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the R35S delivers exceptional value at just US$50. Its performance, build quality, and feature set make it a standout in the budget handheld market. While it has minor flaws, such as stiff rubber buttons, these can be easily addressed. The R35S is a no-brainer purchase for anyone looking for an affordable yet powerful handheld gaming device.
Happy gaming, everyone! Taki out.