Raspberry Pi 4 vs Raspberry Pi 5: A Comprehensive Comparison

The Raspberry Pi series has been a game-changer in the world of single-board computers (SBCs), catering to hobbyists, educators, and developers worldwide. With the release of the Raspberry Pi 5, many are curious about how it stacks up against its predecessor, the Raspberry Pi 4. In this blog, we’ll dive into a detailed comparison of these two devices, examining their specifications, performance, features, and use cases.

Overview of Raspberry Pi 4 and 5

Raspberry Pi 4

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Released in June 2019, the Raspberry Pi 4 brought significant upgrades over its predecessors. It offered more processing power, improved connectivity, and support for 4K displays, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of applications.

Raspberry Pi 5

Launched in October 2023, the Raspberry Pi 5 is the latest iteration in the series. It boasts a custom-designed processor, upgraded hardware, and improved I/O capabilities, pushing the boundaries of what an SBC can do.

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Hardware Specifications

Performance Comparison

Processor and GPU

The Raspberry Pi 5 uses a custom Broadcom BCM2712 processor with Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz, offering a significant performance boost over the Raspberry Pi 4’s Cortex-A72 cores at 1.5 GHz. The VideoCore VII GPU on the Pi 5 also delivers better graphical performance, making it ideal for tasks like 3D rendering, gaming, and video editing.

RAM and Storage

The Raspberry Pi 5 introduces a 16GB RAM variant and uses LPDDR4X memory, which is faster and more power-efficient than the LPDDR4 used in the Pi 4. Additionally, the Pi 5 supports NVMe SSDs via an M.2 slot, providing faster and more reliable storage options compared to the Pi 4's reliance on microSD cards.

Networking

With 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, the Pi 5 vastly improves networking capabilities over the Pi 4’s Gigabit Ethernet. This makes it a better choice for server applications and high-speed data transfers.

Connectivity and I/O

USB Ports

Both models offer two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports, but the Pi 5 benefits from enhanced I/O speeds due to its upgraded system architecture.

GPIO Pins

The 40 GPIO pins remain the same on both models, ensuring compatibility with existing Raspberry Pi HATs and accessories.

Video Output

Both devices support dual 4K displays via micro-HDMI ports. However, the Pi 5’s improved GPU allows smoother playback and better performance in graphic-intensive applications.

Power Requirements

The Raspberry Pi 5 requires a 5V/5A USB-C power supply, compared to the Pi 4’s 5V/3A requirement. While the higher power demand might seem like a drawback, it is necessary to support the Pi 5’s enhanced performance and additional features.

Software Compatibility

Both the Raspberry Pi 4 and 5 run on Raspberry Pi OS (formerly Raspbian) and support popular operating systems like Ubuntu and Kali Linux. Software compatibility remains consistent, ensuring a seamless transition for users upgrading from the Pi 4 to the Pi 5.

Use Cases

Raspberry Pi 4:

• Basic Computing: A reliable choice for tasks like web browsing, media playback, and coding.
• IoT Projects: Works well for home automation and smart device integration.
• Education: Ideal for learning programming and electronics.
  
  

Raspberry Pi 5:

• High-Performance Applications: Suitable for AI/ML, robotics, and data processing tasks.
• Gaming and Emulation: Offers better performance for retro gaming consoles and 3D gaming.
• Edge Computing: The faster processor and enhanced networking make it perfect for edge AI applications.
  
  

Pricing and Availability

The Raspberry Pi 4 remains a budget-friendly option, with prices starting at $35 for the 2GB model and going up to $75 for the 8GB model. The Raspberry Pi 5 is priced higher, starting at $60 for the 4GB variant and going up to $120 for the 16GB model. While the Pi 5 is more expensive, its improved features justify the cost for advanced users.

Should You Upgrade to the Raspberry Pi 5?

Reasons to Stick with the Raspberry Pi 4:

• Budget constraints.
• Sufficient performance for basic tasks and hobbyist projects.
• Compatibility with existing hardware and accessories.
  
  

Reasons to Upgrade to the Raspberry Pi 5:

• Need for higher performance and speed.
• Advanced applications like AI, machine learning, or server hosting.
• Desire for faster storage options and improved networking.
  
  

Conclusion

The Raspberry Pi 5 is a substantial upgrade over the Raspberry Pi 4, offering better processing power, faster connectivity, and advanced storage options. However, the Raspberry Pi 4 remains a solid choice for beginners and those with simpler project requirements. Ultimately, the decision between the two depends on your specific needs, budget, and the complexity of your projects. Whether you choose the Pi 4 or Pi 5, both devices are powerful tools that can unlock endless possibilities in the world of computing and IoT.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the power requirements for Raspberry Pi 5?
   
   The Raspberry Pi 5 requires a 5V/5A USB-C power supply, compared to the Raspberry Pi 4's 5V/3A.

2. Is Raspberry Pi 5 compatible with existing Raspberry Pi accessories?
   
   Yes, the GPIO pin layout remains the same, ensuring compatibility with most Raspberry Pi HATs and accessories.

3. What are the key applications of Raspberry Pi 5?
   
   Raspberry Pi 5 excels in AI/ML, edge computing, robotics, high-speed networking, and gaming/emulation.

4. How does the networking capability of Raspberry Pi 5 compare to Raspberry Pi 4?
   
   Raspberry Pi 5 offers 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, a significant upgrade over the Raspberry Pi 4's Gigabit Ethernet.

5. Which Raspberry Pi is better for beginners?
   
   Raspberry Pi 4 is more budget-friendly and suitable for beginners, while Raspberry Pi 5 is ideal for advanced users and demanding applications.