Both the PowKiddy RGB30 and the QRD Vortex F5 share the same $90 price, horizontal form factor, RockChip RK3566 chip, and entry-level power ceiling that tops out around PSP emulation, making the choice between them a matter of detail rather than capability. The RGB30, released in September 2023, runs JELOS and has an established community around it. The Vortex F5, released in February 2025, is newer and runs Linux, but buyers should weigh whether its fresher hardware revision offers meaningful refinements over the well-documented RGB30.
| PowKiddy RGB30 | QRD Vortex F5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $90 | $90 |
| Brand | PowKiddy | QRD |
| Released | 2023 / 09 | 2025 / 02 |
| Type | Horizontal | Horizontal |
| OS | Linux (JELOS) | Linux |
| Performance | ||
| Chip (SoC) | RockChip RK3566 | RockChip RK3566 |
| CPU | Cortex-A55 | Cortex-A55 |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EE | Mali-G52 2EE |
| RAM | 1 GB LPDDR4 | 1 GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | Dual External MicroSD | Internal 8 GB eMMC, External MicroSD |
| Cooling | ❌ | Ventilation cutouts |
| Power tier | Entry | Entry |
| Display | ||
| Screen size | 4.0 inch | 5.5 inch |
| Screen type | IPS | IPS |
| Resolution | 720 x 720 | 1280 x 720 |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Pixel density | 254.56 PPI | 267.02 PPI |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1 | 16:9 |
| Body & battery | ||
| Battery | 4100 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Weight | 207 grams | 330 grams |
| Dimensions | 145 mm x 86.5 mm x 18 mm | 223 mm x 103 mm x 35 mm |
| Shell | Plastic | Plastic |
| Colors | White, Black, Blue, Yellow, Red, Green, Purple | Black |
| Ports & connectivity | ||
| Wireless | WiFi 5, Bluetooth | Bluetooth (#?), USB-C OTG |
| Video out | Mini HDMI Top facing | Mini HDMI Top facing |
| Charging port | USB-C x2 Bottom facing | USB-C x2 Bottom facing |
| Audio out | 3.5mm Headphone Bottom facing | 3.5mm Headphone Bottom facing |
| Speakers | Dual Stereo Front facing | Single Mono Top facing |
| PowKiddy RGB30 | QRD Vortex F5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Game Boy / Color | A | A |
| NES | A | A |
| Genesis / Mega Drive | A | A |
| Game Boy Advance | A | A |
| SNES | A | A |
| PlayStation 1 | A | A |
| Nintendo DS | A | A |
| Nintendo 64 | B+ | B+ |
| Dreamcast | B | B |
| PSP | B- | B- |
| Sega Saturn | C | C |
| GameCube | D | D |
| Nintendo 3DS | D- | D- |
| Nintendo Wii | F | F |
| PlayStation 2 | D- | D- |
| Switch | F | F |
| Wii U | F | F |
| PlayStation 3 | F | F |
Both are closely matched — pick on form factor and price.
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