Raspberry Pi 4 Model B Review: The Board That Remains the Practical Choice for Most Projects
by Gaurav Sarraf
When the Raspberry Pi 4 launched in 2019, it was the first Pi that could genuinely replace a desktop PC for everyday tasks. A quad-core Arm Cortex-A72 processor, up to 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM, dual 4K display output, USB 3.0, and true Gigabit Ethernet in a board the size of a credit card, at a price that starts below Rs. 5,000 in India.
The Pi 5 has since arrived with better raw performance. But the Pi 4 Model B remains the bestselling Raspberry Pi in many markets because it is the practical choice for the large majority of projects. It runs every popular use case smoothly, has the largest community and software library of any Pi board, and is available in India at prices that are Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000 lower than the Pi 5 equivalents. Think Robotics is an authorized Raspberry Pi reseller in India.
Key Specifications
BCM2711 Cortex-A72 @ 1.5 GHz2GB / 4GB / 8GB LPDDR4-3200Dual micro-HDMI (4K @ 60Hz)2x USB 3.0 + 2x USB 2.0Gigabit Ethernet802.11ac dual-band Wi-FiBluetooth 5.0 BLE40-pin GPIO headerProduction until Jan 2031
Specification
Detail
Processor
Broadcom BCM2711, quad-core Arm Cortex-A72 at 1.5 GHz
RAM
2GB, 4GB, or 8GB LPDDR4-3200
GPU
VideoCore VI (OpenGL ES 3.0)
Video Decode
H.265 at 4Kp60, H.264 at 1080p60
Video Encode
H.264 at 1080p30
Display
2x micro-HDMI (up to 4Kp60 single, dual 4K at 30Hz)
Camera
MIPI CSI-2 (2-lane)
Display Interface
MIPI DSI (2-lane)
USB
2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0
Networking
Gigabit Ethernet (true, dedicated)
Wireless
802.11ac dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.0 BLE
GPIO
40-pin, backward-compatible with all previous Pi boards
Storage
microSD slot (bootable), USB boot supported
Power
USB-C, 5V/3A (15W recommended)
Audio
4-pole stereo and composite video port
PoE
Optional, with PoE HAT add-on
Production Guarantee
Until at least January 2031
Operating System
Raspberry Pi OS (Debian-based), Ubuntu, and others
Choosing the Right RAM Variant
The hardware is identical across all Pi 4 variants. The only difference is the amount of onboard LPDDR4-3200 RAM. Here is a direct guide to help you pick the right one before you buy.
Entry / Headless
2GB
Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 5,500
Right for single-purpose headless applications: Pi-hole, Home Assistant hub, network-attached storage, web server, or a sensor data logger running one service without a graphical desktop.
Best for: headless servers
Most popular
4GB
Rs. 5,200 to Rs. 5,800
Covers the widest range of use cases. Web browsing with moderate tabs, Python development, ROS robotics, basic Docker containers, and a desktop environment all work well. The correct starting point for most learners, students, and makers.
Best for: most projects
Power users
8GB
Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 6,800
Justified for multiple Docker containers simultaneously, compiling large codebases, data science with pandas or NumPy, or using the Pi 4 as a desktop replacement with several applications open at once.
Best for: multi-task / dev
What Changed from Pi 3 B+
The Pi 4 Model B was a significant generational step, not an incremental update. The practical result is that tasks that felt sluggish on the Pi 3 B+, like loading desktop applications, compiling code, or playing video, feel responsive on the Pi 4.
⚡
3x CPU throughput. The Cortex-A72 delivers approximately 3x the CPU performance of the Cortex-A53 in the Pi 3B+, at the same clock frequency.
💾
LPDDR4 memory. Substantially faster than the LPDDR2 in earlier models, improving both CPU and general system responsiveness significantly.
🌐
True Gigabit Ethernet. Dedicated Gigabit connection rather than sharing USB bandwidth through a hub chip, enabling full network throughput.
🔌
USB 3.0 debuts on Pi. Two USB 3.0 ports enable fast external storage connections and high-throughput peripherals for the first time on a Raspberry Pi.
🖥️
Dual 4K display output. Two micro-HDMI ports each support up to 4Kp60, enabling dual-monitor setups that were impossible on any previous Pi.
🎬
VideoCore VI with H.265 decode. Hardware-accelerated H.265 decoding at 4Kp60 and OpenGL ES 3.0 support on the VideoCore VI GPU.
Use Cases
🖥️
Desktop Computing and Development
With the 4GB or 8GB variant, the Pi 4 runs Raspberry Pi OS with a full desktop environment supporting web browsing, coding in Python or C++, and everyday productivity. Dual micro-HDMI outputs support dual-monitor setups at 4K, making it practical as a secondary workstation or space-constrained coding environment.
4GB or 8GB
🏠
Home Automation Hub
Home Assistant runs well on a Pi 4 with 2GB or 4GB of RAM. Gigabit Ethernet, built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and the 40-pin GPIO make it a natural fit for a home-automation controller that simultaneously connects to sensors, switches, and network devices.
2GB or 4GB
🤖
ROS Robotics Projects
The Pi 4 is the reference compute board for ROS 1 (Noetic) and ROS 2 (Humble on 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS). It handles sensor fusion, motor control via GPIO, and camera processing for robots that do not require GPU-accelerated AI inference. The Jetson Orin Nano Super can serve as the AI compute node alongside the Pi 4 for ROS projects.
4GB recommended
📺
Media Center
Kodi, Plex Media Server, and Jellyfin run well on the Pi 4. Hardware-accelerated H.265 decoding at 4K 60FPS means the VideoCore VI GPU handles 4K video without taxing the CPU. The 4GB variant is sufficient for most media playback and single-stream serving use cases.
2GB or 4GB
🖧
Network Server and Self-Hosted Services
Widely used for Nextcloud, Gitea, Bitwarden, WireGuard VPN, and Pi-hole. True Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0 for external storage make it a capable and low-power server platform. Under 5W in light use and under 10W under load, it costs far less to run continuously than any x86 machine.
2GB sufficient
🎓
STEM Education and Learning
The Pi 4 is the standard learning platform for Python programming, electronics prototyping, and engineering education in Indian schools, colleges, and maker communities. The 40-pin GPIO header is electrically compatible with all HATs and expansion boards for earlier Pi models, and thousands of tutorials and textbooks target this platform.
Any variant
Booting from USB SSD for Better Storage Performance
The Pi 4 supports USB boot, allowing the operating system and all data to be stored on a USB 3.0-connected SSD rather than on a microSD card. A USB 3.0 SSD is approximately 3 to 5 times faster than a fast microSD card for sequential reads and writes, and significantly more durable for write-heavy workloads like database servers or continuous data logging.
For server applications, booting from a USB SSD is the recommended setup. The process requires a one-time firmware update via the Raspberry Pi Imager.
A USB 3.0 SSD or adapter is all the additional hardware required. Any standard USB 3.0 SSD formatted to ext4 or exFAT works.
The microSD slot can still be used for additional storage alongside the USB boot SSD, or left empty once the firmware is set to USB-first boot order.
USB boot tip: Use the Raspberry Pi Imager to write the OS directly to the USB SSD. Under Raspberry Pi Imager, select the SSD as the storage device, choose Raspberry Pi OS 64-bit, and flash it. Boot with the SSD connected and no microSD inserted. The one-time EEPROM firmware update (if needed) is handled automatically by the current Raspberry Pi OS installer.
Pricing in India
Think Robotics carries the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B in 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB variants as an authorized Raspberry Pi reseller in India. Verified buyers on the ThinkRobotics product page confirm fast delivery, good packaging, and boards being exactly as described.
Entry
Pi 4 : 2GB
Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 5,500
Best for headless and single-service projects
Good value
Most popular
Pi 4 : 4GB
Rs. 5,200 to Rs. 5,800
Right for most learners, students, and makers
Best choice
Power users
Pi 4 : 8GB
Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 6,800
Multi-container, data science, desktop replacement
High headroom
Accessories not included: The Pi 4 does not ship with a power supply, microSD card, or display cable. A 15W USB-C supply (5V/3A) is the minimum for stable operation. A standard phone charger rated below 3A causes undervoltage warnings and CPU throttling. A micro-HDMI to HDMI adapter or cable is required to connect to any standard HDMI monitor.
What Users Are Saying
Feedback from the Raspberry Pi official forums, TechRepublic, TechRadar, verified ThinkRobotics buyers, and independent review sites covers consistent themes about where the Pi 4 Model B excels and where its practical limitations lie in 2025.
Very fast delivery, packing good enough and items are exactly as specified. Definitely looking forward for next requirements.
PositiveVerified buyer, ThinkRobotics Pi 4 product page
First order from ThinkRobotics. Product was as described, reasonable price, well packaged and delivery was quick. Good job ThinkRobotics Team.
PositiveVerified buyer, ThinkRobotics Pi 4 8GB product page
Pi 4 Model B is the practical choice for 90% of projects. The Pi 5 launched with impressive specs, but the Pi 4 delivers 85% of the performance for 70% of the price. Unless you need PCIe or a significant CPU boost, the Pi 4 Model B remains the workhorse of the Pi ecosystem.
PositiveODG blog, Pi 4 Model B practical review, 2025
For the first time, anyone looking for a budget desktop PC should also seriously consider the Raspberry Pi. The leap to 4GB of fast memory, support for 4K displays, true gigabit Ethernet, the bump to 1.5GHz, and the inclusion of USB 3.0 make this a remarkable achievement for an accessible computer.
PositiveTechRepublic, Raspberry Pi 4 Model B review
The Pi 4 tends to run hotter than previous models. Under heavy workloads, CPU temperature can rise significantly, leading to thermal throttling if not adequately cooled. Adding a passive heatsink helps, but for intensive tasks an active cooling solution like a case with a built-in fan is advisable.
Thermal noteThe Horizonto, Pi 4 Model B hands-on review, Nov 2024
The Pi 4 is still a good buy in 2024 and beyond, especially for projects that do not need the Pi 5's extra horsepower. For desktop use I strongly suggest a Pi 5, but for server applications, IoT, GPIO projects, and anything headless, the Pi 4 remains fully competent and is now cheaper as Pi 5 has taken over as the flagship.
ContextRaspberry Pi official forums, Pi 4 vs Pi 5 discussion, 2024
The Pi 5 runs a Cortex-A76 at 2.4 GHz (2 to 3x faster for CPU-heavy tasks), adds PCIe for NVMe SSD, a faster microSD controller, and the RP1 I/O chip. For new projects in 2025, the Pi 5 is the better long-term platform. The Pi 4 is the right choice for budget-constrained buyers, existing Pi 4 software setups, or embedded product deployments covered by the Pi 4's 2031 production guarantee.
The Raspberry Pi CM4 uses the same BCM2711 processor and delivers identical performance. The difference is form factor: the CM4 mounts on a custom carrier board for embedded product integration, while the Pi 4 Model B is a standalone board with all ports built in. For learning, prototyping, and standalone use, the Pi 4 is the correct choice. For embedding into a product with a custom enclosure, the CM4 is the production-ready variant.
The Jetson Orin Nano Super delivers 67 TOPS of GPU-accelerated AI compute that the Pi 4 cannot match. For real-time object detection, LLM inference, or any workload requiring CUDA, the Jetson is the right platform. The Pi 4 is the right choice for everything else: GPIO projects, web servers, home automation, non-AI ROS tasks, media playback, and learning environments where cost and ecosystem depth matter more than AI compute.
Jetson for AI inference; Pi 4 for everything else
Before You Buy
✅
40-pin GPIO fully backward-compatible. All HATs and electronics accessories designed for Pi 3 boards work on the Pi 4 without modification. You can reuse your existing hardware ecosystem.
✅
USB boot for SSD performance. A one-time firmware update via Raspberry Pi Imager enables USB 3.0 SSD boot. This eliminates microSD reliability concerns and delivers 3 to 5x faster storage for server and database workloads.
✅
Largest Pi ecosystem in existence. More tutorials, community projects, pre-built OS images, and compatibility-tested HATs than any other single-board computer. The Pi 4 ecosystem is the most battle-tested in hobbyist computing.
✅
Production guaranteed until Jan 2031. The Pi 4 Model B carries a production guarantee until at least January 2031. This is a critical advantage for educational institutions and developers planning multi-year deployments or product integrations.
⚠️
Use the 15W USB-C power supply. The Pi 4 requires 5V/3A (15W) for stable operation. A standard phone charger causes undervoltage warnings and CPU throttling under load, noticeably reducing performance.
⚠️
Micro-HDMI cable or adapter required. The Pi 4 uses micro-HDMI ports, not full-size HDMI. A micro-HDMI to HDMI adapter or cable must be purchased separately. Existing Pi 3 HDMI cables are not compatible.
⚠️
Pi 3 cases are not compatible. Repositioned USB, Ethernet ports, and the new USB-C power connector mean Pi 3 cases do not fit the Pi 4. A Pi 4-specific case is needed for protected, stable operation.
⚠️
Cooling required under sustained load. The Pi 4 runs hotter than the Pi 3. A heatsink is the minimum recommended addition, and an active cooling case or fan is advisable for any workload that sustains high CPU usage, including compilation, video encoding, or Docker builds.
Conclusion
The Practical, Best-Supported SBC for Most Projects in 2025
The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B remains the most practical and best-supported single-board computer for the large majority of projects in 2025. Its quad-core Cortex-A72 at 1.5 GHz, dual 4K output, USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi cover every general computing, IoT, robotics, and server use case that does not require GPU-accelerated AI inference. The three RAM variants allow buyers to match the hardware to the budget and workload without overspending.
The Pi 5 is faster and the right choice for new, demanding projects. But for most learners, hobbyists, educators, and developers in India, the Pi 4, priced at Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 6,800, delivers genuine value that is hard to match at this price. Find all variants at the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B page on Think Robotics with genuine boards, local warranty, and fast delivery across India.
BCM2711 Cortex-A722GB / 4GB / 8GB LPDDR4Dual 4K @ 60HzUSB 3.0 + Gigabit LAN802.11ac Wi-FiProduction until Jan 2031
Frequently Asked Questions
The 4GB variant covers the large majority of use cases, including desktop computing, Python development, ROS robotics, and running lightweight servers. Choose 2GB for single-purpose headless applications like Pi-hole, Home Assistant, or a basic web server. Choose 8GB for multi-container setups, data-intensive workflows, or if you plan to use the Pi 4 as a desktop replacement with multiple applications running simultaneously.
Yes. The Pi 4 requires a USB-C supply rated at 5V/3A (15W) for stable full-speed operation. A typical phone charger below 3A triggers undervoltage warnings and throttles the CPU, noticeably reducing performance under load. The official Raspberry Pi 15W USB-C power supply is the recommended choice, or any quality third-party 5V/3A USB-C adapter.
Yes, after a one-time firmware update via Raspberry Pi Imager. A USB 3.0-connected SSD delivers 3 to 5x faster storage performance than a microSD card and is significantly more durable for write-heavy workloads such as databases or continuous logging. For server applications, booting from a USB SSD is the recommended setup. The process is straightforward and well-documented in the official Raspberry Pi documentation.
Most Pi 3 cases are not compatible due to repositioned USB and Ethernet ports and the new USB-C power connector. However, the 40-pin GPIO header is electrically backward-compatible, so HATs and most electronics accessories designed for Pi 3 boards work on the Pi 4 without modification. Cameras, sensors, and GPIO-connected peripherals all carry over. Only the physical enclosure needs to be replaced.
Yes, for budget-focused projects, existing Pi 4 software deployments, and use cases that do not need the Pi 5's extra performance. The Pi 4 costs Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000 less per variant and has a larger body of community documentation and tutorials. For IoT, home automation, GPIO electronics, media centers, and lightweight servers, the Pi 4 remains fully capable. For new projects where performance headroom matters and cost is not the constraint, the Pi 5 is the better starting platform.
Shop Raspberry Pi 4 Model B at Think Robotics India
Genuine boards in 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB variants. Authorized Raspberry Pi reseller. Local warranty and fast delivery across India.
We are regular customer of thinkrobotics and I would like to appreciate you for the excellent service, especially wrt to delivery time, we are based out of banglore, even though long distance we are able to receive the components in 1 or 2 days.
Thats really great and appreciable.
This case got the best thermals for the RPi4; the power button is best for a safe and easy power off. Got it delivered with 2d; thanks for the quick delivery.
