Raspberry Pi Vs Orange Pi Vs Banana Pi
When you are looking for a single board computer that can get the work done, you will come across the Raspberry Pi, Orange Pi, and Banana Pi. Each of these devices offers different features and capabilities, and it can be challenging to know which one is the best for your project. In this article, we will compare Raspberry Pi vs Orange Pi vs Banana Pi and help you determine which device is the right choice for you.
What is Raspberry Pi?
Raspberry Pi is a series of single-board computers developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation in the United Kingdom. Since its release in 2012, the Raspberry Pi has gained immense popularity among hobbyists, educators, and developers due to its affordability and versatility. The latest models, Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 400, boast impressive specifications and capabilities, including up to 8GB of RAM, 4K video support, and dual-band Wi-Fi.
What is Orange Pi?
Orange Pi is a range of single-board computers produced by Shenzhen Xunlong Software Co., Ltd., a Chinese company. Orange Pi devices are similar to Raspberry Pi in terms of form factor and capabilities but often offer more powerful CPUs and more memory at a lower price point.
What is Banana Pi?
Banana Pi is another single-board computer that shares many similarities with Raspberry Pi and Orange Pi. Banana Pi devices are produced by a Chinese company called LeMaker and offer improved hardware specifications over their competitors, such as faster CPUs, more RAM, and onboard SATA connectors.
Comparison of Specfications
When it comes to specifications, Raspberry Pi, Orange Pi, and Banana Pi have their strengths and weaknesses. Here is a comparison of the specifications for the latest models of each device:
| Device | CPU | RAM | GPU | Connectivity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi 4 | ARM Cortex-A72 | 2GB/4GB/8GB LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM | Broadcom VideoCore VI | Dual-band 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 5.0 | $35-$75 |
| Orange Pi 4 | Rockchip RK3399 | 4GB LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM | Mali-T860 MP4 | Dual-band 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet | $50-$80 |
| Banana Pi M4 | MediaTek MT8183 | 4GB LPDDR4 SDRAM | ARM Mali-G72 MP3 | Dual-band 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet | $70-$80 |
Which One is the Best Choice?
The answer to this question depends on your particular needs and requirements. If you are on a tight budget and need a reliable single-board computer with excellent community support, Raspberry Pi is the way to go. The Raspberry Pi Foundation has a vast community of developers and enthusiasts that provide support, tutorials, and projects for users of all skill levels. On the other hand, if you need more processing power and memory at an affordable price, Orange Pi and Banana Pi are excellent alternatives that offer more resources than Raspberry Pi at a lower cost.
In conclusion, Raspberry Pi, Orange Pi, and Banana Pi are all excellent single-board computers that offer different features and capabilities. When choosing between them, consider your specific needs and requirements, and choose the device that fits your situation best.
