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FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S vs Khadas Edge2: Comparison
FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S vs Khadas Edge2 gpu model compared
They are built to different briefs, and gpu model shows it, FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S Mali-G52 2EE against Khadas Edge2 Mali-G610 MP4. sbc-bench: 7-Zip MIPS, multi-threaded (MIPS), sbc-bench run backs the spec sheet up. Khadas Edge2 scores 16,470 to 5,030, 69% clear. On memory there is little in it, 4 GB on the FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S versus 8GB to 16GB LPDDR4x on the Khadas Edge2. Soc model is not the same on both, Rockchip RK3568, Quad-Core Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz on the FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S versus Octa-core on the Khadas Edge2.
FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S vs Khadas Edge2: which one fits your build
The FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S suits OpenWrt or Linux-based home router/firewall builds and multi-gigabit network segmentation projects, though it is the wrong buy for GPIO or electronics tinkering (no header) and general-purpose desktop or media-center use. it is not built for buyers who want maximum GPIO breakout over display flexibility. It is equally the pick for digital signage and multi-display edge-computing builds that need a thin form factor. Our rating of the FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S (7.9/10): the best small-form-factor board in this list specifically for home router or firewall duty -- dual 2.5GbE in something this small is hard to beat. Our rating of the Khadas Edge2 (8/10): A remarkably thin RK3588S board that drives four independent 4K displays, ideal for signage and multi-monitor edge work.
Which is cheaper, FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S or Khadas Edge2?
At the last price check the FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S was $60.00 and the Khadas Edge2 $199, a 232% premium.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S
- FriendlyElec
- Khadas Edge2
- Khadas
Model Number
- FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S
- NanoPi R5S
- Khadas Edge2
- Edge2
Memory
- FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S
- 4 GB
- Khadas Edge2
- 8GB to 16GB LPDDR4xBest
SoC Model
- FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S
- Rockchip RK3568, Quad-Core Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz
- Khadas Edge2
- Octa-core (4x Cortex-A76 + 4x Cortex-A55)
Price
- FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S
- 60 USD
- Khadas Edge2
- 199 USD
GPU Model
- FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S
- Mali-G52 2EE
- Khadas Edge2
- Mali-G610 MP4
Benchmarks
- Other Published Benchmarks
sbc-bench: 7-Zip MIPS, multi-threaded (MIPS), sbc-bench run
- FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S
- 5,030-69%
- Khadas Edge2
- 16,470Best
sbc-bench Results (Thomas Kaiser), retrieved 23 Sept 2026. Higher is better.
Compression, encryption and memory tests. Small gaps can come from software, not hardware.
sbc-bench: 7-Zip MIPS, single-threaded (MIPS), sbc-bench run
- FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S
- 1,482-52%
- Khadas Edge2
- 3,096Best
sbc-bench Results (Thomas Kaiser), retrieved 23 Sept 2026. Higher is better.
Compression, encryption and memory tests. Small gaps can come from software, not hardware.
sbc-bench: OpenSSL AES-256-CBC, single thread (KB/s), sbc-bench run
- FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S
- 914,340-29%
- Khadas Edge2
- 1,287,490Best
sbc-bench Results (Thomas Kaiser), retrieved 23 Sept 2026. Higher is better.
Compression, encryption and memory tests. Small gaps can come from software, not hardware.
sbc-bench: Memory copy bandwidth (tinymembench memcpy) (MB/s), sbc-bench run
- FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S
- 2,990-72%
- Khadas Edge2
- 10,860Best
sbc-bench Results (Thomas Kaiser), retrieved 23 Sept 2026. Higher is better.
Compression, encryption and memory tests. Small gaps can come from software, not hardware.
sbc-bench by Thomas Kaiser (github.com/ThomasKaiser/sbc-bench, Results.md). Copyright (c) 2018, Thomas Kaiser. All rights reserved. Redistributed under the BSD 3-Clause License; full notice, conditions and disclaimer: github.com/ThomasKaiser/sbc-bench/blob/master/LICENSE
Which one should you pick?
Choose FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Khadas Edge2 if you want the higher memory (8GB to 16GB LPDDR4x vs 4 GB), the higher sbc-bench: 7-Zip MIPS, multi-threaded (MIPS), sbc-bench run (16,470 vs 5,030) and the higher sbc-bench: 7-Zip MIPS, single-threaded (MIPS), sbc-bench run (3,096 vs 1,482).
Price comparison
| Retailer | FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S | Khadas Edge2 |
|---|---|---|
| Consumercarts listing | $60.00 View on Consumercarts listing | |
| Amazon | $199.00 View on Amazon | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
FriendlyElec NanoPi R5S
7.9 / 10 Expert Rating
The best small-form-factor board in this list specifically for home router or firewall duty -- dual 2.5GbE in something this small is hard to beat.
Khadas Edge2
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A remarkably thin RK3588S board that drives four independent 4K displays, ideal for signage and multi-monitor edge work.