Quick verdict (30-second answer)
Both handhelds run the same chip and the same 1GB of RAM, so they play exactly the same games at the same speed — this is not a performance upgrade. If you already own an R36S and like its 4:3 screen, the R36S ($79) is still the best value retro handheld we stock. Choose the R36 Max ($109.95) if you want the bigger 4.0" screen, higher 720×720 resolution, and larger 4000 mAh battery — and you're happy with its square 1:1 screen shape. For a first-time buyer, the extra ~$31 buys a nicer screen and longer battery, which is easy to justify.
TL;DR: New buyer → R36 Max. Already happy with your R36S → save your money. Want the cheapest way in → R36S.
R36 Max vs R36S — spec & price comparison
| R36S | R36 Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (64GB) | $79.00 AUD | $109.95 AUD |
| Price (128GB) | from $89.00 AUD | $119.95 AUD |
| Display | 3.5" IPS, 640×480, 4:3 | 4.0", 720×720, 1:1 square |
| Chipset | Rockchip RK3326 | Rockchip RK3326 (same) |
| CPU / GPU | Quad-core Cortex-A35 · Mali-G31 | Quad-core Cortex-A35 · Mali-G31 (same) |
| RAM | 1GB | 1GB (same) |
| Battery | 3500 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| System | Linux (ArkOS, ROCKNIX, etc.) | Linux |
| Controls | D-pad, face + shoulder buttons, dual analog | Integrated controls + thumb-grip caps |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Storage options | 64G / 128G + microSD | 64G / 128G + microSD |
| Colour choices | 18 colours | 5 colours (Gray, Black, White, Blue, Red) |
Prices current as of July 2026. Hardware specifications cross-checked against public spec databases. Budget handhelds do vary between production runs, so treat these as the specs for current stock.
The one thing most "vs" articles get wrong: the R36 Max is not more powerful than the R36S — same chip, same CPU/GPU, same 1GB RAM, so they emulate exactly the same systems at the same speed. What you're really paying the extra ~$31 for is a bigger screen, a higher-resolution square panel, and a larger battery — not more performance.
Where the R36 Max pulls ahead
1. Bigger screen. The R36S's 3.5" panel is sharp and perfectly playable, but the R36 Max's larger 4.0" screen is easier on the eyes for longer sessions.
2. Higher resolution. The Max runs at 720×720 versus the R36S's 640×480 — a crisper picture, especially on systems that benefit from the extra pixels.
3. Battery life. The Max's 4000 mAh battery outlasts the R36S's 3500 mAh — the single biggest quality-of-life upgrade if you game on commutes or trips.
Where the R36S still wins
1. Price. At $79 it's ~$31 cheaper than the Max — the best entry point into retro handhelds we carry. 2. A 4:3 screen that matches classic consoles. This is the underrated one: most retro consoles output in 4:3, which fits the R36S's screen natively. The Max's 720×720 1:1 square panel is fantastic for vertical arcade shooters and systems like the Game Boy, but 4:3 console games sit in a smaller letterboxed window. Which screen is "better" genuinely depends on what you play. 3. Colour choice. 18 colourways vs the Max's 5, if look matters to you.
Same guts, different shell. Because both use the identical RK3326 chipset and 1GB RAM, neither plays systems the other can't. Your decision comes down to screen size vs screen shape, battery life, price and colour — not performance.
Which should you buy?
- Buy the R36S if: you're on a budget, you mostly play 4:3 console classics (NES/SNES/Mega Drive/PS1), or you want the widest colour selection.
- Buy the R36 Max if: you want the biggest screen and battery, you like a crisp 720×720 square panel (great for vertical arcade and Game Boy), or you're a first-time buyer wanting the nicer all-rounder.
- Somewhere in between? Look at the mid-tier models we stock: the R36 Ultra ($99.95), R36 Pro ($99), and the R36S Plus Wi-Fi ($99) if built-in Wi-Fi is a priority.
Don't forget: grab a protective carry case ($49) and a tempered glass screen protector (from $25) to keep your new handheld safe.
FAQ
Is the R36 Max worth it over the R36S? It depends on what you want. Both use the same RK3326 chip and 1GB RAM, so performance is identical — the Max is not faster. It's worth the extra ~$31 if you want the bigger 4.0" screen, higher 720×720 resolution and larger 4000 mAh battery. If you prefer a 4:3 screen for classic consoles or want to save money, the R36S is the better pick.
What's the price difference between the R36 Max and R36S? The R36S starts at $79 (64GB) and the R36 Max at $109.95 (64GB) — about $31. At 128GB it's roughly $89–99 vs $119.95.
Do the R36 Max and R36S play the same games? Yes — both are Linux handhelds on the identical RK3326 platform, so they emulate the same systems (up to the PS1 era) at the same speed, and both expand with an R36S storage card. Only use legally obtained files, homebrew and open-source/public-domain software.
Which has better battery life? The R36 Max, with a 4000 mAh battery versus the R36S's 3500 mAh.
Why buy from R36S AU: ✅ Free shipping Australia-wide & worldwide · ✅ 30-day money-back guarantee · 🕹️ Ready to play out of the box.
R36S AU is an independent retailer and is not affiliated with third-party console, game, or software publishers. Our handhelds are sold as gaming hardware for use with legally obtained files, public-domain software, homebrew and other content you have the right to use.