NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano vs Raspberry Pi 5: The Ultimate Edge Computing Showdown
Choosing between the NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano and Raspberry Pi 5 can make or break your next project. Both single-board computers have carved out distinct territories in the maker and professional development space, but they serve vastly different purposes. Understanding which one fits your needs could save you hundreds of dollars and countless hours of development time.
This comprehensive comparison breaks down every aspect of these two powerhouse devices to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Core Differences
The fundamental distinction between these platforms lies in their design intent and target applications. The Jetson Nano is a single-board computer designed specifically for AI applications and is much more performant than a Raspberry Pi when handling machine learning workloads. Meanwhile, the Raspberry Pi 5 offers versatile general-purpose computing with optional AI enhancement through accessories.
NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano Super Overview
The latest iteration of NVIDIA's edge AI platform represents a significant leap forward. The NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano Super Developer Kit delivers up to 67 TOPS of AI performance—a 1.7X improvement over its predecessor, making it a formidable force in edge computing applications.
At just $249, it provides developers, students, and makers with the most affordable and accessible platform, supported by NVIDIA AI software and a broad AI software ecosystem. What makes this particularly attractive is that existing Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit users can experience this performance boost with just a software upgrade.
Raspberry Pi 5 Overview
The Raspberry Pi 5 continues the legacy of accessible computing with impressive upgrades. Raspberry Pi 5 features the Broadcom BCM2712 quad-core Arm Cortex A76 processor @ 2.4GHz, making it up to three times faster than the previous generation. Available in multiple RAM configurations, with RAM variants up to 16GB, this is the fastest, smoothest Raspberry Pi experience yet.
Performance Comparison: AI vs General Computing
AI Performance Benchmarks
When it comes to AI workloads, the performance gap becomes immediately apparent. The Jetson Nano boasts a nearly 22x advantage in AI performance compared to Raspberry Pi models, making it ideal for real-time computer vision, deep learning inference, and robotics applications.
Real-world testing demonstrates this disparity clearly. Comparison shows 36 FPS for the NVIDIA Jetson Nano versus 1.4 FPS for the Raspberry Pi 3 in ResNet-50 testing, giving approximately 25.7x speed advantage. This performance difference becomes crucial for applications requiring immediate responses.
The Jetson Orin Nano Super takes this even further with its enhanced specifications. Jetson Orin Nano series modules deliver up to 67 TOPS of AI performance in the smallest NVIDIA Jetson form factor, with power options between 7W and 25W.
CPU Performance Comparison
For general computing tasks, the story changes significantly. The Raspberry Pi 5 has a newer quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor compared to the quad-core Arm Cortex-A57 in the Jetson Nano, providing superior CPU performance for general computing tasks.
The new 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor at the heart of Raspberry Pi 5 runs at 2.4GHz with cryptography extensions, 512KB per-core L2 caches and a 2MB shared L3 cache. This translates to a 2-3x increase in CPU performance relative to Raspberry Pi 4.
Hardware Specifications Deep Dive
Memory and Storage
Memory configurations differ significantly between the platforms. The Jetson Orin Nano comes standard with 8GB LPDDR5 RAM, while the Raspberry Pi 5 offers more flexibility. The 4, 8 and 16GB models of Raspberry Pi 5 provide options for various budget and performance requirements.
Storage approaches also vary. The Raspberry Pi 5 relies primarily on microSD cards but has expanded capabilities. Peak MicroSD card performance is doubled, through support for the SDR104 high-speed mode. Additionally, the M.2 HAT allows you to connect an M.2 SSD to your Raspberry Pi, giving you speedy data transfer and super-fast boot.
Connectivity and I/O
Connectivity represents one area where the Raspberry Pi 5 excels. Built-in wireless connectivity, extensive GPIO options, and a mature software ecosystem make it exceptionally versatile for diverse project requirements. The Pi 5 includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity right out of the box.
While the Jetson Nano Super supports advanced peripherals and AI-specific hardware, it lacks built-in wireless connectivity and requires an external adapter. However, it compensates with specialized AI-focused interfaces.
Software Ecosystem and Development Environment
NVIDIA JetPack vs Raspberry Pi OS
Software support plays a crucial role in development efficiency. NVIDIA provides comprehensive software support through JetPack SDK, including optimized libraries for CUDA, cuDNN, and TensorRT. This specialized software stack enables developers to leverage the full potential of the GPU architecture.
The Raspberry Pi ecosystem offers broader compatibility. The latest release of Raspberry Pi OS is made to get the most from Raspberry Pi 5. The newest version of our operating system delivers a superb desktop performance.
AI Development Frameworks
For AI development, each platform offers distinct advantages. The CUDA-enabled GPU architecture provides substantial advantages for deep learning frameworks including TensorFlow, PyTorch, and OpenCV on the Jetson platform.
The Raspberry Pi 5 AI Kit is beginner-friendly, affordable (around $180), and ideal for simpler AI tasks, but its reliance on pre-trained models limits its versatility for advanced applications.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
Power efficiency varies considerably between the platforms. Jetson Nano has a low power consumption of 5W to 10W, making it suitable for battery-powered applications. The Orin Nano Super can consume up to 25W under full load.
The Raspberry Pi 5 requires careful power management. Raspberry Pi 5 is a higher-performance computer than Raspberry Pi 4, and you may have problems using an under-powered supply. We recommend a high-quality 5V 5A USB-C power supply.
Real-World Applications and Use Cases
AI and Machine Learning Projects
For AI-intensive applications, the choice becomes clear. The Orin Nano can power autonomous robots capable of advanced decision-making, navigation, and real-time object detection. Additional applications include:
Smart cameras with real-time object detection and tracking, Edge AI devices for immediate data processing, Natural language processing with local LLM deploymen,t Industrial automation requiring precision AI inference
For comprehensive robotics solutions that leverage these AI capabilities, explore the extensive range of robotics components and development kits available for both platforms.
Synthetic Data Modeling: Using NVIDIA Omniverse Replicator, this demo generates real-time synthetic data for robotics and obstacle detection. Performance improved from 6-7 FPS on the original Nano to 13 FPS on the Super.
General Purpose Computing
The Raspberry Pi 5 shines in versatility. Its applications span education, home automation, IoT projects, and media centers. Some potential use cases include: Home automation: Detecting people, pets, or objects to enable smart monitoring and control systems. Security and inventory management: Real-time object detection for surveillance.
Cost Analysis and Value Proposition
Initial Investment
The price difference reflects each platform's target market. Now priced at $249 USD, the Jetson Orin Nano Super Developer Kit can be purchased through NVIDIA authorized distributors worldwide.
Raspberry Pi 5 pricing varies by RAM configuration, with the base 4GB model starting around $60-80, while the $120 Raspberry Pi 5 16GB model represents the high-end option.
Total Cost of Ownership
Beyond initial hardware costs, consider accessory requirements. The Raspberry Pi 5, with its integrated Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, is more convenient for wireless applications, potentially reducing the need for additional hardware costs.
When building complete robotics projects, you'll need additional components like sensors, motors, and development tools. Visit ThinkRobotics for specialized hardware that complements both platforms in educational and professional applications.
Performance in Real-World Scenarios
Object Detection Performance
Testing reveals significant performance differences in practical applications. PeopleNet Detection Transformer: Ideal for retail analytics, this tool detects the number of people in a space. Frame rates increased from 8 FPS on the original Nano to 14 FPS on the Super.
The Raspberry Pi 5 excels in delivering real-time object detection with minimal latency. It effectively identifies objects such as laptops, mannequins, and pets, displaying bounding boxes and classification labels.
GPU Acceleration Capabilities
The architectural difference becomes most apparent in GPU-accelerated tasks. The biggest difference between Raspberry Pi and Jetson Nano is that the Raspberry Pi has a low power VideoCore multimedia processor, and Jetson Nano contains higher performance, more powerful GPUs (graphics processors).
Community Support and Learning Resources
Both platforms benefit from strong community support, but in different ways. The Raspberry Pi ecosystem boasts millions of users worldwide, extensive documentation, and countless tutorials for beginners.
Jetson ecosystem is growing rapidly, with over 1 million developers, 6,000 customers — including 2,000 startups — and 150 partners. This professional focus provides specialized resources for AI development.
Future-Proofing Your Investment
Technology Roadmap
NVIDIA continues advancing edge AI capabilities. Due to the growing customer demand for Orin, NVIDIA also recently announced the extension of the product lifecycle of Jetson Orin through 2032. This long-term support ensures continued software updates and community development.
The Raspberry Pi Foundation maintains regular hardware updates, with the Pi 5 representing their commitment to accessible computing advancement.
Making the Right Choice for Your Project
Choose Jetson Orin Nano Super If
Your project requires intensive AI processing, real-time computer vision, or autonomous robotics capabilities. The Jetson Orin Nano Super is ideal for developers working on advanced AI and robotics applications.
Professional applications demanding GPU acceleration, machine learning inference at the edge, or deployment of transformer-based models benefit from the Jetson platform's specialized architecture.
Choose Raspberry Pi 5 If
You need a versatile, general-purpose computing platform with optional AI capabilities. The Raspberry Pi 5's affordability, community support, and ease of use make it the go-to choice for education, IoT, and general-purpose computing.
Educational projects, home automation systems, or applications requiring extensive I/O and connectivity benefit from the Pi's ecosystem maturity.
Conclusion
Both the NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano Super and Raspberry Pi 5 excel in their intended domains. The Jetson platform delivers unparalleled AI performance for specialized applications, while the Raspberry Pi 5 provides exceptional versatility and accessibility for general computing needs.
Your choice ultimately depends on the project requirements, budget constraints, and the technical expertise available. For AI-intensive applications requiring real-time processing, the Jetson Orin Nano Super represents the clear winner. For educational purposes, general computing, or projects requiring broad compatibility, the Raspberry Pi 5 offers superior value and accessibility.
Consider your long-term goals, development timeline, and performance requirements when making this critical decision. Both platforms offer compelling advantages that can significantly impact the success of your project.
Whether you choose the AI-focused Jetson or versatile Raspberry Pi 5, having access to quality components and educational resources accelerates development. Explore professional-grade robotics development tools and educational kits that support both platforms, enabling comprehensive project implementation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use the Raspberry Pi 5 for machine learning applications like the Jetson Orin Nano?
While the Raspberry Pi 5 can handle basic machine learning tasks, especially with the AI Kit accessory, it lacks the specialized GPU acceleration of the Jetson platform. For simple AI inference or educational ML projects, the Pi 5 works fine, but complex real-time AI applications perform significantly better on the Jetson Orin Nano.
2. What additional accessories do I need for each platform to get started?
The Raspberry Pi 5 requires a microSD card, power supply, and potentially a case with cooling. The Jetson Orin Nano Super needs a microSD card, power adapter, and may require a Wi-Fi USB adapter for wireless connectivity. Both benefit from active cooling for sustained performance.
3. How do the development environments compare between JetPack and Raspberry Pi OS?
JetPack offers specialized AI development tools, CUDA libraries, and optimized frameworks for machine learning, but has a steeper learning curve. Raspberry Pi OS provides a more familiar desktop environment with broader software compatibility, making it easier for beginners to start programming and prototyping.
4. Which platform offers better long-term software support and updates?
NVIDIA has committed to supporting the Jetson Orin platform through 2032, ensuring long-term viability for professional applications. The Raspberry Pi Foundation regularly updates Raspberry Pi OS and maintains extensive backward compatibility, with both platforms offering strong long-term support in their respective domains.
5. Can I upgrade from a Raspberry Pi 5 to Jetson Orin Nano if my AI requirements grow?
While both are single-board computers, they use different software ecosystems and development approaches. Code written for Raspberry Pi's CPU-based processing would need modification to leverage the Jetson's GPU acceleration. However, many AI frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch work on both platforms with appropriate optimization.