The new Raspberry Pi 4 has already been launched; but do you really need to update it? Does it really offer many more things than its predecessor, the Raspberry Pi 3 + B? Or on the contrary, you should wait a bit and have your money stored in your pocket.
We can tell you that this new device It has a more significant update since the launch of the Raspberry Pi 2. If you want more information, we have everything you need to know.
The so rumored Raspberry Pi 4
This device was launched on June 24 of the current year, so the veil has been uncovered after several unknowns and rumors. After reviewing this computer the size of a credit card, the release was not expected this summer. And even more so if they almost always launched in the winter months.
The launch was announced on Twitter that same day, with which Raspberry Pi 4 is now available with a wide range of accessories. We tell you that some of these accessories are necessary since some physical changes have been made in this latest version.
As you can see, the hardware specifications have been significantly updated. And the most important thing is that three versions have been released, all of them with different RAM capacities.
- The 1GB Raspberry Pi comes at a price of 35 USD.
- Raspberry Pi 2GB has a cost of 45GB.
- And the 4GB Raspberry PI can be purchased for 55 USD.
As you can see, it is still very cheap for you to buy.
Specifications of the Raspberry Pi 4
As usual, the main reason to buy this model, lies in the fact that all its systems have been greatly improved. And this is what you will find:
ARM Cortex-A72 quad-core 1.5 GHz and 64-bit CPU (ARM v8, BCM2837).
- 1 GB, 2 GB or 4 GB of RAM (LPDDR4).
- Wireless LAN on board (802.11 b / g / n / ac dual band).
- Integrated Bluetooth 5.0, low energy (BLE).
- 2x USB 3.0 ports.
- 2x USB 2.0 ports.
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Power-over-Ethernet (this will require a HAT PoE).
- 40 pin GPIO header.
- 2 micro-HDMI ports (up to 4Kp60 compatible).
- H.265 (4Kp60 decoding).
- H.264 (1080p60 decoding, 1080p30 encoding).
- OpenGL ES, graphics 3.0.
- DSI display port.
- CSI camera port.
- Combined connector of analog audio and video composed of 3.5 mm.
- Micro SD card slot USB-C power.
It might seem to you that at first glance, it is not a major component update. However, several significant developments have been made for this device, beyond the choice of various RAM capabilities.
What do these specifications mean?
Perhaps the most significant feature in terms of daily use is the new USB-C power connector. Its inclusion assures you an additional 500mA, providing 1.2A for USB devices. There is also the provision of two USB 3.0 ports along with two other USB 2.0 ports.
The potential of high-speed USB devices to connect to the Raspberry Pi 4 is great. The USB-C connector is also compatible with OTG, allowing you to connect the Pi directly to the USB port of your computer and access the device locally.
In previous models with integrated LAN, the Ethernet port was in the USB hub. This reduced the speed of the port, but this time, the Ethernet port is a full Gigabyte, which guarantees a higher speed.
As with the previous models, the Raspberry Pi 4 has incorporated a wireless network (dual band 802.11 b / g / n / ac) and support Bluetooth 5.0 BLE.
The new Raspberry Pi also has a new processor. An ARM Cortex-A72 quad-core, 64 GHz 1.5 GHz CPU (ARM v8) is located in the BCM2837 SoC (Chip System) that marks a significant departure from previous generations of this device.
Finally, Raspberry Pi 4 has a pair of micro-HDMI ports instead of the only standard HDMI port. These support 4K, offering the possibility of watching super HD videos for media streaming projects, not to mention dual monitor projects. A 4K smart mirror, maybe?
Accessories and compatibility
If you already have one or more Raspberry Pi computers, you will surely be thinking that you can save money on accessories. After all, these low-cost computers are all the same, right?
Usually, if there is compatibility. In many cases, you can exchange plates of model B, which is the usual Raspberry, as well as the exchange of accessories.
But as we have already seen, there is a new power connector, which means you should buy a new suitable adapter (or at least buy a USB-C to USB-C cable for an existing power supply).
While you shouldn't upgrade your microSD card, you will need a new Raspberry Pi 4 case. The new micro-HDMI ports and the USB-C power connector have resulted in a slightly revised profile.
In most cases, they will not admit Pi 4; so forcing the computer into an improper case is dangerous. Although a rotary hand tool can alter the design of the existing Raspberry Pi case, we recommend you buy a replacement.
Raspbian Buster brings new features
Another important aspect of the Raspberry Pi 4 launch is the arrival of Raspbian Buster. This operating system is based on Debian 10 Buster, which will be launched later, in 2019.
Buster features an improved desktop user interface, the Chromium 74 browser and a new Mesa V3D video controller. This is an open source driver that reduces Raspbian's closed software by approximately 50%. The benefits of the driver include running 3D applications on the desktop.
So, you don't need a Raspberry Pi 4 to try Rasbian Buster. It is available to download now in full and lite form, as well as part of the easy installation tool of NOOBS.
How Raspberry Pi 4 can improve your projects
- The obvious power improvements available with Raspberry Pi 4 mean that all your projects should benefit from them. Here are some examples:
- A Kodi-based media center will have the benefit of a 4K output and a faster network.
- Your retro game suite has the potential to run games that were previously beyond the power of Pi.
- If the Raspberry Pi 3 B + was not fast enough as a desktop replacement, the Raspberry Pi 4 is faster.
- While cryptocurrency mining might not be the best use for a Raspberry Pi, the superior specification of Pi 4 could improve this.
- Server projects will also benefit. Online games, web servers and even NAS boxes can be updated with Raspberry Pi 4.
Choose the Raspberry Pi that suits you
An interesting thing about the Raspberry Pi range is that almost all models remain in production. Which means that there is a specific device that can meet your needs, be it a high-end Raspberry Pi 4, a compact Raspberry Pi Zero W or a low-end Raspberry Pi A +.
For a wider selection of projects, choose Raspberry Pi 4. It is by far the best version so far, revolutionizing not only the amateur PCB market once again. But it can also break the budget of the PC sector.
For everything else, find the Raspberry Pi that best suits your needs.