Odroid Go Advance: New version of the mini handheld adds USB C charging, L2/R2 buttons and can replace the Raspberry Pi thanks to its Wi-Fi connectivity

The Odroid Go Advance has received an update. Released last year, the device has been replaced by the Odroid Go Advance Black Edition, which gets its name from its black PCB. Still based on a Rockchip RK3326 processor that integrates four ARM Cortex-A35 cores and an ARM Mali-G31 MP2 GPU, the Black Edition retains the 1 GB of LPDDR3L RAM and 16 MB of SPI flash storage too.

Likewise, the Black Edition still has a 3.5-inch TFT panel connected via MIPI-DSI that operates at 320 x 480 pixels. However, while the device has a 3,000 mAh battery too, it now charges via USB C. Hardkernel claims that the Black Edition can last up to 10 hours between charges.

The manufacturer has also added L2/R2 buttons, for which it will release a compatible Ubuntu 20.04-based OS image. Another change is the inclusion of Wi-Fi connectivity, something that the original Odroid Go Advance lacked. Capable of transfer speeds of around 45 Mbps according to CNX software  the ESP-WROOM-32 module supports 2.4 GHz networks and the WiFi 4 standard.

Thanks to the inclusion of a 10-pin GPIO header, the Black Edition is also suitable for custom projects. CNX software notes that one or two of the pins may be obstructed when charging the device over USB C, though. The Odroid Go Advance Black Edition is expected to retail for US$59 and should start shipping on May 25.