Linux Retro
PowKiddy RGB30 vs Anbernic RG351MP
Two RK3566 and RK3326 Linux handhelds with square and standard screens, compared on display, performance, and value.
| Spec | PowKiddy RGB30 | RG351MP |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | PowKiddy | Anbernic |
| Form Factor | Horizontal | Horizontal |
| Operating System | Linux (JELOS) | EmuELEC, 351ELEC, ArkOS, Batocera, Lakka, 351Droid (Lineage 18.1 / Android 11) |
| Chipset | RockChip RK3566 | RockChip RK3326 |
| RAM | 1 GB LPDDR4 | 1 GB DDR3 |
| Screen | 4.0 inch | 3.5 inch |
| Resolution | 720 x 720 | 640 x 480 |
| Battery | 4100 mAh | 3500 mAh |
| Price | 90.0 | 147.0 |
The PowKiddy RGB30 and Anbernic RG351MP are both Linux handhelds aimed at the same retro libraries, but they use different chips and different screens.
Performance
The RGB30 runs on a RockChip RK3566 with 1 GB of RAM. The RG351MP runs on a RockChip RK3326 with 1 GB of RAM. The RK3566 in the RGB30 is the stronger chip, reaching N64, PSP, and Dreamcast as mostly playable, while the RG351MP tops out around SNES and PS1 with N64 and Dreamcast only for easier titles.
Screen
The RGB30 has a 4.0 inch 720x720 square IPS panel. The RG351MP has a 3.5 inch 640x480 IPS panel. The square screen on the RGB30 is great for arcade and vertical shooters but letterboxes widescreen content.
Price
The RGB30 is around $90. The RG351MP is around $147. The RGB30 is cheaper and more powerful, which makes it the better value for most people.
Which should you buy?
Choose the RGB30 if you want the stronger chip, the square screen, and the lower price. Choose the RG351MP if you prefer the metal build and the standard 4:3 screen, and you are willing to pay more for less performance.