Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Banana Pi VS Raspberry Pi 3 Model B

Compare Banana Pi VS Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and see what are their differences

Banana Pi logo Banana Pi

Banana Pi is a single-board computer made in China. It can run Android, Ubuntu and Debian.

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B logo Raspberry Pi 3 Model B

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B is another powerful and next-generation computer board that is best for all the computer users who want to enjoy 3D games or create a software development.
  • Banana Pi Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-03-19
  • Raspberry Pi 3 Model B Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-31

Banana Pi features and specs

  • Cost-Effective
    Banana Pi models are generally affordable, making them accessible for hobbyists, educators, and small developers who want a cost-effective alternative to more expensive single-board computers.
  • GPIO Support
    Banana Pi supports General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pins, which are crucial for interacting with other devices and components in electronics projects.
  • Versatile OS Support
    Supports various operating systems such as Android, Debian, Ubuntu, and more, providing flexibility based on the needs of the user.
  • Performance
    Certain models offer high performance with multi-core processors, making them suitable for tasks beyond basic computing, such as multimedia applications or NAS servers.
  • Connectivity Options
    Comes with extensive connectivity options including USB ports, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, and others, making it suitable for diverse projects.

Possible disadvantages of Banana Pi

  • Limited Community Support
    Compared to more popular alternatives like Raspberry Pi, Banana Pi has a smaller community, which can make it difficult to find help, support, and resources when encountering issues.
  • Compatibility
    Some users may experience compatibility issues with software and peripherals not specifically designed or optimized for Banana Pi.
  • Documentation
    The documentation can be less comprehensive and sometimes outdated, which might make it challenging for beginners to get started or troubleshoot problems.
  • Firmware Updates
    Access to and frequency of firmware updates may be less than that of more mainstream alternatives, potentially leading to security and stability issues over time.
  • Power Consumption
    Certain Banana Pi models can have higher power consumption compared to similar devices, potentially affecting power efficiency in larger or multiple installations.

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B features and specs

  • Affordability
    The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B is cost-effective, making it accessible for hobbyists, educators, and developers who are looking for a budget-friendly computing solution.
  • Versatility
    It can be used in a wide range of applications, from learning programming and building DIY projects to functioning as a media center and running home automation systems.
  • Built-in Connectivity
    Features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing for wireless networking and communication without the need for additional dongles or peripherals.
  • Supportive Community
    A strong and active community provides extensive resources, tutorials, and troubleshooting assistance, making it easier to learn and maximize the device's potential.
  • GPIO Pins
    Equipped with 40 GPIO pins, allowing users to connect and control various hardware components and sensors for custom electronics projects.

Possible disadvantages of Raspberry Pi 3 Model B

  • Performance Limitations
    While capable for a variety of tasks, its processing power and memory may struggle with more demanding applications and multitasking.
  • Not Suitable for Heavy Applications
    The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B may not perform well with resource-intensive applications like high-end gaming, video editing, or large-scale server tasks.
  • Limited RAM
    Only comes with 1GB of RAM, which can be a bottleneck for certain applications and limits the number of tasks that can be run simultaneously.
  • Thermal Management
    Under heavy load, the device may experience overheating issues, requiring additional cooling solutions such as heat sinks or fans.
  • Storage Dependence
    Relies on a microSD card for storage, which can be less reliable and slower compared to traditional SSD or HDD storage solutions.

Banana Pi videos

Banana Pi M5: ARM SBC with eMMC

More videos:

  • Review - Banana Pi VS Raspberry Pi
  • Review - #057 Banana Pi Router: NAS, router or trash? // Review

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B videos

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B Overview & Setup | RS Components

More videos:

  • Review - Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ 2018 Review and NEW GAMES!!

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Banana Pi and Raspberry Pi 3 Model B)
Electronics
38 38%
62% 62
Single Board Computer
37 37%
63% 63
Operating Systems
39 39%
61% 61
System & Hardware
38 38%
62% 62

User comments

Share your experience with using Banana Pi and Raspberry Pi 3 Model B. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Banana Pi and Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, you can also consider the following products

Raspberry Pi - The Raspberry Pi is a tiny and affordable computer that you can use to learn programming through fun, practical projects. Join the global Raspberry Pi community.

Intel NUC - Intel NUCs are available as Kits(Barebones), Boards(Mainbaord only) and as perconfigured Mini-PCs.

Udoo x86 Ultra - Udoo x86 Ultra is a modern PC, known as the most powerful X86 maker board and an Arduino 101 compatible platform.

MikroTik RouterOS - The main product of MikroTik is a Linux-based operating system known as MikroTik RouterOS.

Orange Pi - It’s an open-source single-board computer. It can run Android 4.

Lattepanda - Lattepanda is a complete windows 10 single board computer and first machine that comes pre-installed with a full edition of Windows 10 Home Edition so you can easily run all the powerful tools including NodeJs, Visual Studios and Processing etc.