Pi miscellaneous

Raspberry Pi 4 vs Raspberry Pi 5: A Comprehensive Comparison

The Raspberry Pi series has revolutionized computing by offering compact, affordable, and versatile devices for DIY projects, education, and professional applications. With the release of the Raspberry Pi 5, the question arises: how does it compare to its predecessor, the Raspberry Pi 4?

This detailed comparison explores the differences in performance, connectivity, usability, and pricing to help you decide which Raspberry Pi is the better choice for your projects.

Overview of Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5

Raspberry Pi 4, released in June 2019, brought significant upgrades over its predecessors, introducing USB 3.0 ports, dual micro-HDMI outputs, and options for up to 8GB RAM. It became a favorite for a variety of use cases, including basic desktop setups, IoT devices, and coding education.

Raspberry Pi 5, released in October 2023, represents a leap forward in performance and versatility. Equipped with a faster processor, enhanced GPU, and new connectivity options, it aims to cater to more demanding applications.

Performance: CPU and GPU

Processor (CPU)

  • Raspberry Pi 4: Features a Broadcom BCM2711, a quad-core Cortex-A72 (ARMv8) 64-bit processor clocked at 1.5 GHz.
  • Raspberry Pi 5: Upgraded to a Broadcom BCM2712, a quad-core Cortex-A76 processor clocked at 2.4 GHz.

Result: The Raspberry Pi 5 delivers up to three times the CPU performance of the Raspberry Pi 4, making it ideal for computationally intensive tasks.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

  • Raspberry Pi 4: Equipped with a VideoCore VI GPU running at 500 MHz, supporting OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.0.
  • Raspberry Pi 5: Features a VideoCore VII GPU clocked at 800 MHz, with support for OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2.

Result: The Pi 5’s GPU offers smoother graphics rendering, making it suitable for media playback, light gaming, and graphics-heavy applications.

Memory (RAM)

  • Raspberry Pi 4: Offers 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB LPDDR4-3200 RAM options.
  • Raspberry Pi 5: Comes in 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB LPDDR4X-4267 configurations, providing faster and more efficient memory access.

Result: The faster RAM in the Raspberry Pi 5 enhances system responsiveness, particularly for multitasking and memory-intensive applications.

Connectivity and Expansion

USB Ports

  • Raspberry Pi 4: Two USB 3.0 ports and two USB 2.0 ports.
  • Raspberry Pi 5: Maintains the same configuration but improves USB 3.0 performance through the upgraded RP1 chip.

Networking

Both models include:

  • Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi.
  • Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Gigabit Ethernet with support for Power-over-Ethernet (PoE).

Result: Networking capabilities remain consistent, ensuring reliable connections across both devices.

Display and Camera Interfaces

  • Raspberry Pi 4: Provides separate 2-lane MIPI DSI display and CSI camera ports.
  • Raspberry Pi 5: Offers two 4-lane MIPI connectors that can function as either display or camera interfaces.

Result: Raspberry Pi 5’s versatile connectors support more complex configurations involving multiple displays or cameras.

Storage Options

  • Raspberry Pi 4: Supports microSD cards.
  • Raspberry Pi 5: Adds M.2 SSD compatibility via an optional HAT, enabling faster and more reliable storage solutions.

Result: The Pi 5’s M.2 SSD support significantly improves storage speed and reliability.

Design and Usability

Form Factor and Layout

Both models have similar dimensions (85mm x 56mm), but the Raspberry Pi 5 introduces layout changes, such as repositioning the USB and Ethernet ports.

Result: While most cases and accessories remain compatible, some adjustments may be needed for the Pi 5’s updated design.

Power Requirements

  • Raspberry Pi 4: Requires a 5V/3A power supply.
  • Raspberry Pi 5: Requires a 5V/5A power supply to support its enhanced performance.

Result: The Pi 5 demands a higher power supply, making proper power management critical for stable operation.

Thermal Management

  • Raspberry Pi 4: Can operate with passive cooling in most cases.
  • Raspberry Pi 5: Generates more heat due to increased performance and benefits from active cooling solutions like fans.

Result: Users of the Pi 5 should consider investing in cooling mechanisms to prevent thermal throttling.

Pricing and Availability

  • Raspberry Pi 4: Prices range from $35 (1GB RAM) to $75 (8GB RAM).
  • Raspberry Pi 5: Starts at $60 for the 4GB model and $80 for the 8GB model.

Result: While the Pi 5 is more expensive, its performance and feature upgrades justify the price increase.

Use Cases

Raspberry Pi 4:

  • Best for beginners, educational purposes, and light-duty projects.
  • Suitable for running media centers, retro gaming consoles, and basic IoT applications.

Raspberry Pi 5:

  • Ideal for advanced users and demanding applications.
  • Suitable for AI projects, multi-camera setups, and intensive coding environments.

Comparison Table

Feature Raspberry Pi 4 Raspberry Pi 5
CPU Cortex-A72, 1.5 GHz Cortex-A76, 2.4 GHz
GPU VideoCore VI, 500 MHz VideoCore VII, 800 MHz
RAM Up to 8GB LPDDR4 Up to 8GB LPDDR4X
Storage MicroSD only MicroSD + M.2 SSD support
USB Ports 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0 Improved USB 3.0 speeds
Networking Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
Power Requirements 5V/3A 5V/5A
Price Range $35–$75 $60–$80

Conclusion

Both the Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5 offer exceptional value for their respective price points. If you’re working on basic projects, the Raspberry Pi 4 remains a solid choice. However, for advanced applications requiring more processing power, faster storage, and better graphics, the Raspberry Pi 5 is the clear winner.

Choose the model that aligns with your project’s needs and enjoy the versatility and power of the Raspberry Pi ecosystem!

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