You’ve likely heard of the Raspberry Pi, the go-to single-board computer known for its simplicity, affordability, and versatility. Its low cost and familiar features—like USB ports, HDMI outputs, and a user-friendly operating system—make it a favorite for projects involving smart machines, IoT, and automation.
But which Raspberry Pi model is best for your needs—the newer, more powerful Raspberry Pi 5 or the tried-and-true Raspberry Pi 4?
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Raspberry Pi 5, comparing its performance, features, and price to the Raspberry Pi 4. Plus, we’ll show you how to quickly get started with either model.
Quick overview: Raspberry Pi 4 vs Raspberry Pi 5
Before diving into the specifics, here's a snapshot comparison:
Performance: Is Raspberry Pi 5 faster than Raspberry Pi 4?
The Raspberry Pi 5 made a splash when it dropped, instantly creating a buzz and a lengthy waitlist, which we eagerly joined. Once we got our hands on it, we were hooked.
Here’s why we love the Raspberry Pi 5:
- Enhanced processing power: The Pi 5 boasts a significantly faster processor compared to the Raspberry Pi 4, making it a powerhouse for complex tasks and speedy project executions.
- Faster RAM: Faster memory means better multitasking and the ability to handle more demanding applications, something the Pi 4 might have found challenging.
- Larger bandwidth & speed: The Raspberry Pi 5 has enhanced bandwidth for its USB ports, enabling faster data read speeds from USB devices, and a faster Micro SD card reader.
Eager to demonstrate the benefits of this integration, and to really see how the Pi 5 stands up against the Pi 4, our team put it through a little experiment.
Twice the performance of Raspberry Pi 4
We recently tried out our new Verification System module with both the Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5. For context, the Verification System module is a Vision Service module designed for precise detection, verification, and alerting based on tailored criteria.
When we compare the early performance of the Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5, the Pi 5 proved far stronger; performing 2x faster than the Pi 4!
The Raspberry Pi 5 benchmarks show approximately 2.5x better CPU performance than the Raspberry Pi 4. This is especially helpful if you're working on projects that require heavy multitasking or processing power, like real-time data processing in smart machines or AI-driven applications.
Key Raspberry Pi 5 features and upgrades
Improved CPU and GPU
As mentioned, the CPU upgrade in the Raspberry Pi 5 results in a significant speed improvement, making it more capable of handling advanced workloads. Additionally, the VideoCore VII GPU in the Raspberry Pi 5 delivers enhanced graphics performance, which is perfect for 4K video projects or tasks requiring high-quality rendering.
Faster connectivity
Networking has also seen a major upgrade with 2.5 Gbps Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6. This is a big jump from the 1 Gbps Ethernet and Wi-Fi 5 of the Raspberry Pi 4, allowing for faster data transfer, smoother streaming, and better overall connectivity.
USB and power upgrades
Both models feature USB 3.0 ports, but the Raspberry Pi 5's USB-C power supply can now deliver 5A (compared to the 3A limit on the Raspberry Pi 4). This gives the Pi 5 the capability to power more demanding peripherals.
Raspberry Pi 5 vs Raspberry Pi 4 for specific use cases
Programming and development for smart machines
For building and controlling smart machines, the Raspberry Pi 5 offers a significant advantage with its faster CPU and improved ability to handle more complex tasks. If your projects involve AI, machine learning, or real-time automation, the Pi 5 will deliver better performance and smoother multitasking. While the Raspberry Pi 4 is still a reliable choice, the Pi 5 is better suited for handling demanding workloads.
Control systems, automation, and IoT projects
In control systems or IoT projects that require fast and reliable data transfer, the Raspberry Pi 5 shines with its Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5 Gbps Ethernet. This makes it ideal for applications involving remote control or real-time data monitoring, where faster networking is crucial. For simpler IoT setups, the Raspberry Pi 4 remains a solid, more affordable option, particularly when speed isn’t the top priority.
Power consumption for remote projects
If your project is focused on low-power consumption, particularly in battery-powered or off-grid setups, the Raspberry Pi 4 is more energy-efficient, using a 5V/3A power supply compared to the Raspberry Pi 5’s 5V/5A.
The Raspberry Pi 5 can still operate with a 5V/3A (15W) power supply, like the Pi 4, but it will limit its processing speed at that level. This makes it suitable for lower-power applications where full performance isn’t necessary, allowing users to run it efficiently within those constraints.
Price and value: Is Raspberry Pi 5 worth the extra cost?
While the Raspberry Pi 5 is slightly more expensive, it offers significant improvements, including a faster CPU, Wi-Fi 6, and 2.5 Gbps Ethernet.. These enhancements make it a compelling choice for projects needing greater computing power and faster connectivity.
For users working on advanced projects that demand these capabilities, the small price increase of the Raspberry Pi 5 is well worth it. However, if you are working on basic or budget-conscious projects, the Raspberry Pi 4 remains a cost-effective and reliable option.
Should you upgrade from Raspberry Pi 4 to Raspberry Pi 5?
The decision to upgrade depends on your specific needs and use cases. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide:
Upgrade to Raspberry Pi 5 if:
- You need faster CPU performance for tasks like AI, real-time processing, or smart machines.
- You’re setting up a 4K media center or working on graphics-intensive projects.
- You require faster networking with Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5 Gbps Ethernet.
- Your project would benefit from more USB power.
Stick with Raspberry Pi 4 if:
- Your projects involve basic programming, simple automation, or low-power tasks.
- You are working within a tight budget and don’t need the additional power or features of the Pi 5.
- You don’t require high-resolution video or advanced graphics processing.
How to fast-track your Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 setup
Getting started with your Raspberry Pi in Viam is simple, whether you’re using the Pi 4 or Pi 5. Viam’s platform is designed to be flexible and easy to integrate with both models, allowing you to control hardware, develop smart machines, and run automation projects quickly.
Here’s a quick guide to help you get up and running:
1. Set up your Raspberry Pi
Before integrating with Viam, you’ll need to complete the basic setup of your Raspberry Pi, which you can find in our documentation.
2. Install Viam’s software
Once your Raspberry Pi is up and running, the next step is to install Viam’s software to control hardware, create smart devices, or manage automated tasks.
3. Set up hardware and create a smart machine
Viam allows you to easily add and manage hardware devices through its platform. Once your Raspberry Pi is connected, you can begin configuring hardware components.
- Connect hardware: Plug in any hardware you want to use, such as motors, sensors, or cameras, using the Raspberry Pi’s GPIO pins or USB ports.
- Configure in Viam: In the Viam platform, go to the Configure tab for your device. You can add and map your hardware components here, creating virtual representations of your machine. When configuring your robot, simply
- Select “Create component”
- Choose the “rpi” or “pi5” board model from the “Create component” dropdown
- Give your component a name
- For those who want to dive into a more advanced setup, simply click on "Show more." This option allows you to fine-tune your configuration, whether you're working with analog sensors such as thermometers and humidity sensors, or want to use digital interrupts for encoders or ultrasonic sensors. See the full Pi 5 board model documentation for more.
- Write code and control your machine: Use Viam’s SDKs to control your machine. You can write your programs in popular languages like Python, Go, or JavaScript, using Viam's documentation to help you build custom applications for your smart machine.
4. Monitor and manage your project
Once everything is connected, you can monitor and manage your project directly from Viam’s cloud interface:
- View real-time data from your sensors or components.
- Remotely control your machine from any browser.
- Adjust configurations on the fly, allowing you to iterate quickly.
With Viam, you can manage one or multiple Raspberry Pi devices from a single platform, making it ideal for both individual projects and larger-scale automation.
Start creating with Raspberry Pi today
Ready to begin building with your Raspberry Pi? Give Viam a try—it’s free to use and there’s no-code necessary.
To kick things off, check out our blog tutorials, like Raspberry Pi AI project ideas and DIY home automation projects featuring Raspberry Pi, and bring your ideas to life.