Big-screen bargain or budget favorite: which retro handheld wins?

Display

The Blidinner R36S wins the display category. Its 3.5-inch screen is larger than the Zexrow’s 3.0-inch color screen, and that extra size matters a lot for retro games, where readability and on-screen detail can be limited. A larger screen generally makes menus easier to navigate and old-school titles more comfortable to play for longer sessions. The Zexrow’s smaller display may still be fine for younger players or very casual use, but it is simply less immersive. Winner: Product A.

Performance

Product A also has the stronger performance story on paper. It runs Linux, which usually indicates a more flexible handheld platform with better emulator support and broader customization potential than a basic plug-and-play toy-style device. The inclusion of a 64G TF card and “20000+ classic games” suggests a much larger, more capable setup than Product B’s 500 preloaded games. While raw speed is not explicitly benchmarked here, the R36S-style Linux handheld class is typically aimed at more demanding retro emulation than entry-level consoles. Product B is more straightforward and likely easier for absolute beginners, but it is not in the same league for depth or capability. Winner: Product A.

Build quality and design

This category is closer, but Product A still has the edge for serious buyers. The Blidinner unit includes a 3000mAh battery and a 3.5-inch handheld form factor, which suggests a more substantial, modern retro handheld design. Product B’s blue shell, 3.0-inch screen, and kid-friendly positioning make it look like a simpler toy-like device, which can be a plus for children but often comes with more compromises in controls, ergonomics, and overall polish. The strongest evidence here is user sentiment: Product B has a much higher 4.6/5 rating, but that comes from only 39 reviews, so it is encouraging but less proven than Product A’s 3.8/5 from 373 reviews. That larger review base for Product A gives its design credibility more weight. Winner: Product A.

Battery life

Product A should last longer in practice, at least based on battery capacity alone. The Blidinner offers a 3000mAh battery, nearly three times the Zexrow’s 1020mAh rechargeable battery. Even allowing for differences in screen size and system efficiency, that is a major advantage for travel, long sessions, or gifting to someone who won’t always remember to charge it. Product B’s smaller battery may be adequate for short play sessions, but it is a clear limitation compared with Product A. Winner: Product A.

Price and value for money

Product B wins on pure affordability. At £19.88, it is £15.11 cheaper than Product A’s £34.99 price tag, which is a meaningful gap in this category. If your goal is to spend as little as possible on a retro handheld gift, Zexrow is the easier buy. However, value is not just about price; it is about what you get for the money. For the extra £15.11, Product A gives you a larger screen, a much bigger battery, Linux-based flexibility, a 64G TF card, and a far larger game library claim. That package is much better value for anyone who will actually use the device beyond a few novelty sessions. Winner: Product A.

Game library and features

Product A is the clear winner here. The claim of 20,000+ classic games dwarfs Product B’s 500 classical games, and the gap is enormous no matter how you slice it. Product A also includes Linux and a 64G TF card, which points to a more feature-rich ecosystem and potentially better emulation options. Product B does have one notable feature: TV connectivity and two-player support, which may appeal to families or kids who want a simple couch-play experience. Still, when comparing library size and overall feature depth, the Blidinner is plainly more capable. Winner: Product A.

Overall user experience

For most buyers searching this comparison, Product A offers the better overall experience. The larger screen, larger battery, larger game library, and Linux-based system make it feel like a more complete retro handheld rather than a basic novelty console. It is also backed by a much larger review count, which matters because 373 reviews gives a better sense of how it performs in the real world than 39 reviews does. Product B’s strengths are simplicity, TV output, two-player support, and a lower price, which make it appealing as a kid-friendly gift or a casual backup device. But if you want the more satisfying handheld to actually play on, Product A is the more compelling choice.

Overall summary: Zexrow is the cheaper, simpler option and may be fine for a child or a very casual buyer. But the Blidinner R36S is the better handheld in nearly every important category that affects actual play: screen, battery, features, and library size. Unless your main priority is spending as little as possible, Product A is the smarter buy.