Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Microbit VS Raspberry Pi Model B+

Compare Microbit VS Raspberry Pi Model B+ and see what are their differences

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Microbit logo Microbit

BBC's handheld, programmable computer given free to UK kids

Raspberry Pi Model B+ logo Raspberry Pi Model B+

Final evolution of the original Raspberry Pi
  • Microbit Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-04
  • Raspberry Pi Model B+ Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-08

Microbit features and specs

  • Educational Tool
    Micro:bit is designed as an educational tool to teach coding and basic electronics, making it accessible for students, educators, and beginners.
  • Ease of Use
    The Micro:bit platform offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop coding environment with support for block-based languages like Microsoft MakeCode and text-based languages such as Python and JavaScript.
  • Affordability
    Micro:bit is relatively inexpensive compared to other microcontroller platforms, making it accessible for schools and hobbyists with limited budgets.
  • Wide Range of Features
    It includes sensors, LEDs, buttons, and communication capabilities such as Bluetooth, enabling a variety of creative projects without needing additional hardware.
  • Community Support
    Micro:bit has a large and active community, offering extensive resources, tutorials, and support for new users.

Possible disadvantages of Microbit

  • Limited Processing Power
    Micro:bit has limited processing capabilities compared to more advanced microcontrollers, which can restrict complex computations and multitasking abilities.
  • Limited Memory
    The device has a small amount of RAM and storage, which can limit the size and complexity of programs that can be run on it.
  • Peripheral Expansion
    While it includes several inbuilt features, additional interfacing and peripheral expansion require extra hardware and can be more complex than with other platforms.
  • Small Display
    Micro:bit's small 5x5 LED matrix, while useful for basic output, is limited in its display capabilities and unsuitable for detailed visual information.
  • Limited Power Supply Options
    The power supply options for Micro:bit are somewhat limited, which can affect its use in mobile or long-term battery-powered projects without enhancements.

Raspberry Pi Model B+ features and specs

  • Improved Power Consumption
    The Raspberry Pi Model B+ comes with a better power management system, reducing power consumption during operation which is beneficial for energy efficiency.
  • Increased USB Ports
    The Model B+ includes 4 USB 2.0 ports, which is an upgrade from previous models, allowing more connections without needing an external hub.
  • Better Audio Output
    With improved audio quality through the addition of a dedicated low-noise power supply, this model offers better sound quality for projects involving audio output.
  • Micro SD Slot
    The shift from a standard SD card slot to a micro SD slot reduces the form factor and increases durability, making it more compact and reliable.
  • Improved GPIO
    The GPIO pin count has increased to 40, providing more options and flexibility for connecting a variety of sensors and external components.

Possible disadvantages of Raspberry Pi Model B+

  • Limited Processing Power
    While an improvement from earlier models, the Model B+ still does not offer the processing power needed for more demanding applications in comparison to more modern SBCs.
  • No Built-in Wi-Fi
    The Model B+ lacks integrated Wi-Fi, which means additional adapters are necessary for wireless networking, potentially complicating setups and requiring additional purchases.
  • Limited RAM
    With only 512MB of RAM, the Model B+ has constraints that can limit its use for heavier multitasking or applications requiring more memory.
  • Older Architecture
    Based on an older architecture, the Model B+ may face compatibility issues with newer software or operating systems that require more modern hardware specifications.

Analysis of Raspberry Pi Model B+

Overall verdict

  • The Raspberry Pi Model B+ is a solid, affordable single-board computer that offers great value for hobbyists, educators, and makers, though it has been surpassed by newer models in raw performance.

Why this product is good

  • Very low cost, making it accessible for experimentation and learning
  • Large, active community with extensive documentation and tutorials
  • Improved design over earlier models with more USB ports, better GPIO (40 pins), and microSD support
  • Low power consumption suitable for always-on projects
  • Wide range of compatible accessories, cases, and HATs

Recommended for

  • Students and educators learning computing and electronics
  • Hobbyists building DIY and IoT projects
  • Makers needing a low-cost, low-power controller for home automation
  • Retro gaming and media center enthusiasts
  • Prototyping and lightweight server or networking projects

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Microbit and Raspberry Pi Model B+)
Kids Education
100 100%
0% 0
Tech
0 0%
100% 100
Education
100 100%
0% 0
Hardware
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Microbit and Raspberry Pi Model B+

Microbit Reviews

16 Scratch Alternatives
Founded in 2016, Microbit Portal is an online education-based organization in the UK that can help numerous users gain knowledge of the This platform can let its users have the education of creating software and hardware so they can have the excitement of seeking technology. It can even permit clients to access the easy-to-use educational resources, as it can support...

Raspberry Pi Model B+ Reviews

We have no reviews of Raspberry Pi Model B+ yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Microbit seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 21 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Microbit mentions (21)

  • Impl Snake For Micro:bit - Embedded async Rust on BBC Micro:bit with Embassy
    The BBC Micro:bit is a small educational board. It is equipped with an ARM Cortex-M4F nRF52833 microcontroller, a 5โจ‰5 LED matrix, 3 buttons (one of which is touch-sensitive), a microphone, a speaker, Bluetooth capabilities, and much more. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • A 15 pound computer to inspire young programmers (2011)
    [Disclaimer: I work at the BBC.] ...later on, the BBC made[0] the micro:bit[1], another ยฃ15 (well, around ยฃ15 back then for the V1) computer to inspire young programmers. Funny to think that little did the BBC know that they'd be creating their own cheap computer. [0]: Well, the BBC didn't _make_ it exactly โ€” rather, the development and manufacturing was subcontracted to third-party companies (though some people... - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • And DigTech teachers willing to share?
    Https://microbit.org/ are really good in my experience too, maybe a little bit dated now and they seem to have lost momentum, but they're super cheap and providing something physical that you can actually code is pretty exciting to a lot of kids. Source: about 3 years ago
  • google developed course on Rust
    Comprehensive Rust ๐Ÿฆ€: Bare-Metal: a 1-day class on how to use Rust for bare-metal development. You will learn what no_std is and see how you can write firmware for microcontrollers (a micro:bit) and well as how to write drivers for a more powerful application processor (using Qemu). Source: about 3 years ago
  • Sony backs Raspberry Pi with fresh funding, access to A.I. chips
    Kids in the UK (and elsewhere?) can access the Micro:bit computer[0], while not the same and powerful/extendable as R Pi - it is cheap, good and plenty available. It includes a LED display and motion sensor. Kids can program it using "block coding", or write Python code that runs with the help of MicroPython[1]. [0] https://microbit.org/. - Source: Hacker News / over 3 years ago
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Raspberry Pi Model B+ mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Raspberry Pi Model B+ yet. Tracking of Raspberry Pi Model B+ recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Microbit and Raspberry Pi Model B+, you can also consider the following products

Scratch - Scratch is the programming language & online community where young people create stories, games, & animations.

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.

CodeCombat - Learn programming with a multiplayer live coding strategy game.

Kano - The educational computer and coding kit for all ages

Raspberry Pi Model A+ - Smaller, better, and cheaper: $20

Code.org - Code.org is a non-profit whose goal is to expose all students to computer programming.