The genus Sabahphrynus was established to synonymize Ansonia anotis and Pelophryne maculata under the new name. For more information about the taxonomic history, see ASW.

The establishing of the genus Sabahphrynus was justified by distinct morphological features (namely the absence of middle-ear structures) and genetic distance to other bufonid genera. The genus contains one species S. maculatus. The Sabah Earless Toad is also sometimes referred to as Spotted Asian Tree Toad.