Raspberry Pi Alternatives

What is Raspberry Pi?

Raspberry Pi is a small computer whose size is similar to that of a credit card. You can plug the computer into a monitor or TV and use standard keyboard and mouse as input devices. The system can help you to make programs in Python and Scratch languages. You can do everything on this computer in the same way as on its desktop counterpart. You can play games, work on word processing software, spread sheets, and many more.

Why Raspberry Pi Alternatives?

There are a few disadvantages with Raspberry Pi which are listed below −

• The system uses less power but if it is not provided, the system will not boot properly

• The system is of the size of credit card. Which can be easily damaged

• No reset button available

• The maximum RAM that it supports is 8GB

• Only lightweight software applications work smoothly

How to choose a Raspberry Pi Alternative?

There are many advantages of using Raspberry PI and they are listed below −

• Useful for small businesses

• Extensive programming experience is not required

• Multiple digital sensors can be connected

• Supports all programming languages

• Processor is fast in comparison to competitors

Top 10 Raspberry Pi Alternatives

There are many alternatives to Raspberry PI and we will discuss top 10 in detail.

Alternative 1 – Libre Computer Board AML-S905X-CC (Le Potato)

Libre Computer Board AML-S905X-CC (Le Potato) is an affordable alternative to Raspberry Pi. The price of the system is $35. It comes with a powerful ARM 64-bit processor which is clocked at 1.5GHz. It has ARM Mali-450 GPU which has the ability to deliver 4K ultra HD content. The computer can play a video at 4K 60 FPS.

Specifications

• Processor: 4x Cortex A53 cores

• Processor clock speed: 1.5GHz

• GPU: ARM Mali-450

Alternative 2 – Asus Tinker Board S R2.0

Asus Tinker Board S R2.0 comes with a large number of features. The GPIO header is color coded so it is easy to remember the pins. The system has a silk-screen print which shows where accessories have to be connected.

Specifications

• Processor: Rockchip Quad-Core RK3288 1.8GHz

• GPU: Arm Mali-T764

• RAM: 2GB

• Speed: 16GB eMMC

• Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n

Alternative 3 – Onion Omega2+

Onion Omega 2+ is a single board computer that is available at a cheap price. The system comes with Linux operating system along with built-in Wi-Fi. Users from beginners to expert can use the system efficiently. The operating system starts as soon as the system is connected. You can develop web as well as standalone applications in the system

Specifications

• Processor: MT7688 SoC 580MHz MIPS

• Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n

• RAM: 128MB

• Flash storage: 32MB

• Memory: micosSD slot

• Number of GPIO pins: 12

• USB: 2.0

Alternative 4 – Banana Pi BPI-M5

Banana Pi BPI-M5 has been designed for those who are able to use the Android operating system. The system has a 16GB storage along with 4GB RAM. Users can also use USB mouse and keyboard. The system also has a 40-pin GPIO Different types of projects can be developed on this system which include home automation, robotics, and many more. No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is available but still it comes with many other features

Specifications

• Processor: Amlogic S905X3

• RAM: 4GB

• Storage: 16GB eMMC

• GPIO: 40 pins

Alternative 5 – Rock Pi 4 Model C

Rock Pi 4 Model C is an alternative to Rasp Berry PI. The system consists of a six-core Rockchip RK3399 processor along with a RAM of 4GB. The system has all the features that can be found in a desktop computer. It has a GPU, microSD slot, USB3, and many more.

Specifications

• Processor: 1.4GHz hexa-core Rockchip RK3399 (64bit)

• RAM :4GB

• GPU: Mali T860MP4

• Storage Up to 128GB eMMC

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, USB 3.0

Alternative 6 – Orange Pi 5

Orange Pi 5 has a powerful ARM-based Rockchip RK3588S 64-bit processor whose frequency is 2.4 GHz. The system has a 16GB RAM and Mali-G610 GPU. The GPU has the ability to decode a video of 8K. A NPU unit is available in the system that has the ability to perform up to 6 TOPS. A Gigabit Ethernet port, Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 is available for connectivity

Specifications

• NPU unit: performs up to 6 TOPS

• Processor: ARM-based Rockchip RK3588S

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB 3.0 and 2.0

Alternative 7 – Odroid N2+

Odroid N2+ is a powerful system which also saves energy. The system can be used by those professionals and individuals who need more power to perform their tasks. It can be connected to different devices through 4 USB 3.0 ports. It is so efficient that Petitboot app can be run easily. The system has Linux operating system. It also supports uBuntu.

Specifications

• Processor: S922X -- 4x Cortex-A73 @ 2.2GHz

• RAM: 2GB

• GPU: Mali-G52

• Operating system: Linux, Ubuntu

• Connectivity

• 4x USB 3.0 ports

Alternative 8 – Nano Pi NEO4

Nano Pi NEO 4 is a single board system whose size is just 60 x 45mm. The system has a RAM of 1GB and a Rockchip RK3399 chipset. The system comes with a combination of dual and quad core Cortex processors. The board supports different operating systems like

• Android

• Lubuntu

• FriendlyCore

• FriendlyDesktop

• Armbian

MicroSD cards of 128GB can be supported. For connectivity, the board has an HDMI port, 4 USB ports, and a Gigabit Ethernet.

Specifications

• Processor: Rockchip RK3399 chipset

• RAM: 1GB

• Operating system: Android, Lubuntu, FriendlyCore, FriendlyDesktop, Armbian

• Connectivity: 1 HDMI port, 4 USB ports, 1 Gigabit Ethernet

Alternative 9 – PocketBeagle

PocketBeagle is another excellent alternative to Raspberry Pi. This pocket size system has the size of 56mm x 35mm. The board has a RAM of 512 MB and 1GHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor. The board has a high speed USB with 72 expansion pin headers.

Specifications

• Processor: 1GHz ARM Cortex-A8

• RAM 512MB DDR3

• 3D accelerator

• Connectivity: microUSB host/client and microSD connectors

• USB: 72 expansion pin headers high-speed USB

Alternative 10 – RockPro64

RocPro64 comes with a powerful Hexa core Rockchip RK3399 SoC processor. The GPU in the machine is Mali T86o MP4 which has the ability to run heavy graphics content. A headphone jack, USB, Ethernet, and many other ports are available in the system.

Specifications

• Processor: Hexa Core Rockchip RK3399 SoC

• GPU; Mali T876o

• RAM: 4GB

• Several ports

Conclusion

Raspberry Pi is a system which consists of several GPIO pins to connect different devices. The system has a processor, RAM, and many ports. It can be connected to a monitor or TV so that it can start its work.

The system has many disadvantages due to which alternatives are needed. Some alternatives come with powerful processor and up to 16GB RAM. Some have other features not available in Raspberry Pi.