Banana Pi M4 Vs Raspberry Pi 4
If you are interested in single-board computers, you might have heard about the Banana Pi M4 and the Raspberry Pi 4. Both are popular options for DIY enthusiasts and developers, but they have some differences that may make one of them more suitable for your specific needs. In this article, we will compare and contrast the Banana Pi M4 and the Raspberry Pi 4 to help you make an informed decision about which one to choose.
Overview
The Banana Pi M4 and the Raspberry Pi 4 are both single-board computers that can run various operating systems, programs, and applications. They are designed to be affordable, flexible, and versatile, allowing users to experiment with coding, electronics, robotics, and other DIY projects. However, there are some key differences between them that affect their specifications, features, and capabilities.
Specifications
The Banana Pi M4 is powered by a Rockchip RK3399 hexa-core processor that consists of two ARM Cortex-A72 cores and four Cortex-A53 cores, running at up to 1.8 GHz. It also has a Mali-T860MP4 graphics processor, 2 GB or 4 GB of DDR3 RAM, one Gigabit Ethernet port, one USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports, one HDMI 2.0a port, one MIPI-DSI port, one MIPI-CSI port, one UHS-I microSD slot, one SATA III port, and one 40-pin GPIO header. It supports up to 4K video playback and H.265 decoding, and can run various operating systems, including Android, Ubuntu, Debian, and Armbian.
The Raspberry Pi 4 is powered by a Broadcom BCM2711 quad-core processor that consists of four ARM Cortex-A72 cores, running at up to 1.5 GHz. It also has a Broadcom VideoCore VI graphics processor, 1 GB, 2 GB, or 4 GB of LPDDR4 RAM, one Gigabit Ethernet port, two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, two micro-HDMI ports, one MIPI-DSI port, one MIPI-CSI port, one UHS-I microSD slot, and one 40-pin GPIO header. It supports up to 4K video playback and H.265 decoding, and can run various operating systems, including Raspbian, Ubuntu, and other Debian-based distributions.
Features
The Banana Pi M4 has some unique features that distinguish it from the Raspberry Pi 4. For example, it has an onboard Wi-Fi module that supports dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless networks, as well as Bluetooth 4.1 and Bluetooth 5.0. It also has an onboard eMMC flash storage that can be used as the bootable system drive, providing faster and more reliable performance than a microSD card. Additionally, it has a built-in M.2 slot that supports NVMe SSDs, allowing users to add extra storage or run high-speed applications that require low latency and high throughput.
On the other hand, the Raspberry Pi 4 has some features that are not available on the Banana Pi M4. For instance, it has a dual-monitor support, allowing users to connect two 4K displays via micro-HDMI. It also has a PoE (Power over Ethernet) support, enabling users to power their board via a network cable without the need for a separate power supply. Moreover, it has an official camera module that can be used for various imaging and video projects, as well as a 3.5 mm audio jack for audio playback and recording.
Performance
In terms of raw performance, the Banana Pi M4 and the Raspberry Pi 4 are quite similar, with the former having a slight edge in some benchmarks and the latter in others. However, the specific workload and optimization can greatly affect the actual performance of each board. For example, the Banana Pi M4 may perform better in multi-core tasks or machine learning applications, while the Raspberry Pi 4 may perform better in single-core tasks or media streaming applications. It's also worth noting that both boards can run hot and require active cooling or heat sinks to avoid throttling or damage.
Price
When it comes to price, the Banana Pi M4 is slightly more expensive than the Raspberry Pi 4, but it also offers some extra features and capabilities that may justify the cost. As of this writing, the Banana Pi M4 with 2 GB RAM and 16 GB eMMC costs around $70, while the Raspberry Pi 4 with 2 GB RAM costs around $35. However, the prices may vary depending on the retailer, the location, the shipping, and the availability. It's also worth noting that both boards may require additional accessories, such as power adapters, cases, cables, and peripherals, which can add to the overall cost.
Conclusion
So, which one should you choose, the Banana Pi M4 or the Raspberry Pi 4? The answer depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. If you are looking for a single-board computer that has an onboard Wi-Fi module, an eMMC flash storage, and an M.2 slot, and you are willing to pay a bit more for these features, the Banana Pi M4 might be a better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a single-board computer that has a dual-monitor support, a PoE support, and an official camera module, and you want to save some money, the Raspberry Pi 4 might be a better choice for you. Ultimately, both boards are great options for DIY enthusiasts and developers, and they offer a lot of possibilities for experimentation and innovation.