Orange Pi 3B 8GB Single Board vs Orange Pi 4 Pro 12GB Single: Spec Comparison
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You are looking at the orange pi 3b 8g v2 1 version vs 4 pro 12gb lpddr5. Both boards offer open-source flexibility and run Android or Linux. They share Gigabit Ethernet and support for AI workloads. The main difference lies in processing power and memory speed. The 3B uses a quad-core chip with LPDDR4X. The 4 Pro features an octa-core design with faster LPDDR5. This choice depends on whether you prioritize raw compute or specific interface needs.
Key differences
| Aspect | Orange Pi 3B 8GB Single Board Computer | Orange Pi 4 Pro 12GB Single Board Computer |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Rockchip RK3566 Quad Core, 1.8 GHz | Allwinner A733 Octa Core (2x A76 + 6x A55), 2.0 GHz |
| RAM Type | LPDDR4/4X | LPDDR5 |
| RAM Capacity | 8GB | 12GB |
| NPU Computing Power | 0.8 TOPS | 3 TOPS |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Video Decoding | 4K@60fps H.265/H.264/VP9 | Not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Orange Pi 3B 8GB Single Board Computer if
- You need 4K video decoding support for media playback.
- You prefer a proven quad-core architecture for stable, lower-power tasks.
- You require a lower cost option with sufficient performance for basic computing.
Choose Orange Pi 4 Pro 12GB Single Board Computer if
- You require higher RAM bandwidth and capacity for multitasking.
- You need faster Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity.
- You are running heavy AI inference tasks requiring 3 TOPS of NPU power.
Verdict: Choose the Orange Pi 3B if your workflow relies on established 4K video decoding and a simpler quad-core setup. Select the Orange Pi 4 Pro if you need the extra RAM speed, higher capacity, and superior AI processing power for complex projects. The 4 Pro offers more headroom for demanding workloads.
Processor and Memory Comparison
Processor Power
The Orange Pi 4 Pro uses an Allwinner A733 octa-core processor with a hybrid architecture of two Cortex-A76 and six Cortex-A55 cores, clocked up to 2.0GHz. This design prioritizes high-performance multitasking. The Orange Pi 3B relies on a quad-core Rockchip RK3566 processor running at 1.8GHz. While both chips are 64-bit, the 4 Pro offers more cores and a higher clock speed. This gives the 4 Pro a clear advantage in heavy computational tasks and complex multitasking scenarios.
Memory Capacity
Memory size directly impacts how many applications you can run simultaneously. The Orange Pi 4 Pro comes with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM. This larger capacity allows for smoother performance when handling multiple demanding processes or large datasets. The Orange Pi 3B is equipped with 8GB of LPDDR4/4X RAM. While 8GB is sufficient for many standard tasks, the 4 Pro’s 12GB provides more headroom for intensive workloads, making it the better choice for users who need extra breathing room.
Memory Speed
RAM speed affects how quickly the processor accesses data. The Orange Pi 4 Pro features LPDDR5 memory, which is a newer generation offering higher bandwidth and improved power efficiency compared to older standards. The Orange Pi 3B uses LPDDR4 or LPDDR4X memory. LPDDR5 generally provides faster data transfer rates, which can result in quicker application loading times and smoother system responsiveness. This technological difference gives the 4 Pro a distinct edge in memory performance.
AI Acceleration
Both boards include a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI tasks. The Orange Pi 4 Pro boasts a 3 TOPS NPU, supporting multi-precision hybrid computing like INT8, INT16, FP16, and BF16. This allows for faster processing of face recognition and behavior detection. The Orange Pi 3B offers an NPU with 0.8 TOPS computing power. While both support AI frameworks, the 4 Pro’s significantly higher TOPS rating makes it far more capable for real-time, complex AI inference tasks.
Networking
Connectivity options are vital for modern devices. The Orange Pi 4 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4, providing faster wireless transmission and better stability in high-interference environments. It also includes Gigabit Ethernet with PoE support, simplifying deployment by delivering power and data over a single cable. The Orange Pi 3B offers Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 with Gigabit LAN. While functional, the 4 Pro’s newer wireless standards and PoE capability offer superior connectivity and flexibility.
Graphics Performance
Graphics capabilities differ between the two boards. The Orange Pi 3B integrates an ARM Mali G52 2EE graphics processor, supporting OpenGL ES, OpenCL, and Vulkan. It handles 4K video decoding at 60fps. The Orange Pi 4 Pro combines a GPU with a RISC-V co-processor for efficient graphics processing and real-time control. While specific GPU model details for the 4 Pro are not listed in the provided data, the inclusion of a dedicated co-processor suggests optimized resource allocation for visual tasks, potentially benefiting complex graphical applications.
Which Orange Pi board fits your needs
Users needing high-speed memory and modern Wi-Fi
The Orange Pi 4 Pro features 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, which offers significantly higher bandwidth than the 3B's LPDDR4. It also includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 for faster, more stable wireless connections. If your workflow demands rapid data transfer and modern networking standards, this board provides the necessary infrastructure for efficient operation.
Developers focused on edge AI and robotics
This model includes a dedicated RISC-V co-processor for real-time control, making it ideal for robotics and industrial applications. Its 3 TOPS NPU supports multiple precision formats like INT8 and FP16, accelerating inference tasks. The hybrid CPU architecture handles complex multitasking better than the quad-core alternative, ensuring smoother performance for demanding AI workloads.
Users prioritizing video decoding and 2D acceleration
The Orange Pi 3B integrates an ARM Mali G52 graphics processor with strong 2D acceleration capabilities. It supports 4K@60fps video decoding and includes an ISP for HDR imaging. If your project relies heavily on video playback, image processing, or 2D graphics rather than raw CPU power, this board offers the specific hardware tools needed for those tasks.
The products compared
Orange Pi 3B 8GB Single Board Computer
Best for: balanced edge computing and media playback
- Processor
- Rockchip RK3566
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB
- RAM Type
- LPDDR4/4X
- Ethernet
- Gigabit LAN
- Wireless Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.0
- Video Resolution
- 4K@60fps
View on Amazon: Orange Pi 3B 8GB Single Board Computer Affiliate link
This Orange Pi 3B uses a Rockchip RK3566 quad-core processor running at 1.8 GHz. It includes 8GB of LPDDR4/4X RAM and supports 4K video decoding. The board offers Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and a Gigabit LAN port. It runs Android, Ubuntu, and Debian. This model suits users who need solid edge computing performance without the higher cost of the 12GB LPDDR5 Orange Pi 4 Pro.
Pros
- Rockchip RK3566 quad-core 64-bit processor at 1.8 GHz
- 8GB LPDDR4/4X RAM capacity
- 4K@60fps video decoding support
- Gigabit LAN and Wi-Fi 5 connectivity
Cons
- Quad-core processor is less powerful than the 8-core competitor
- LPDDR4/4X RAM is slower than the competitor's LPDDR5
- 0.8 TOPS NPU is weaker than the competitor's 3 TOPS
Good fit if
- You need 8GB of RAM for multitasking
- You require 4K video decoding capabilities
- You want a budget-friendly single board computer
Skip if
- You need the highest possible AI processing speed
- You require the fastest LPDDR5 memory bandwidth
- You need an 8-core processor for heavy workloads
Verdict: Orange Pi 3B 8GB Single Board Computer provides reliable performance for standard tasks. It fits users who prioritize balanced specs over raw power.
Orange Pi 4 Pro 12GB Single Board Computer
Best for: AI inference and multitasking on a compact board
- Processor
- Allwinner A733
- RAM Capacity
- 12GB
- RAM Type
- LPDDR5
- Ethernet
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Wireless Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4
- Operating System Support
- Android, Debian, Ubuntu, OpenHarmony
View on Amazon: Orange Pi 4 Pro 12GB Single Board Computer Affiliate link
This single-board computer uses an Allwinner A733 octa-core processor with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM. It includes a 3 TOPS NPU for AI tasks and supports Wi-Fi 6 with Bluetooth 5.4. The board measures 3.5 by 2.2 by 0.5 inches. You should choose this if you need strong multitasking performance and dedicated neural processing for vision or speech tasks in a compact form factor.
Pros
- 12GB LPDDR5 RAM for efficient multitasking
- Octa-core Allwinner A733 CPU up to 2.0GHz
- Dedicated 3 TOPS NPU for AI inference
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity
Cons
- Smaller 12GB RAM capacity compared to the 12GB LPDDR5 competitor
- No mention of integrated graphics performance metrics
- Requires separate power supply and case for desktop use
Good fit if
- You need dedicated AI processing for computer vision tasks
- You require high RAM capacity for multitasking
- You want modern Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
Skip if
- You need a pre-assembled desktop computer
- You require a Windows operating system
- You want a larger RAM capacity than 12GB
Verdict: Orange Pi 4 Pro 12GB SBC suits developers needing AI acceleration and ample RAM for complex projects. It fits users building smart gateways or robotics systems that require efficient neural processing.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Orange Pi 3B 8GB Single Board Computer | Orange Pi 4 Pro 12GB Single Board Computer |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Rockchip RK3566 | Allwinner A733 |
| RAM Capacity | 8GB | 12GB |
| RAM Type | LPDDR4/4X | LPDDR5 |
| Ethernet | Gigabit LAN | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.0 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Video Resolution | 4K@60fps | not stated |
| Operating System Support | Orange Pi OS, Android, Debian, Ubuntu | Android, Debian, Ubuntu, OpenHarmony |
| Operating System | Android | Android |
| Networking | not stated | WiFi 6 |
| Dimensions | not stated | 3.5 × 2.2 × 0.5 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 2 ounces |
| Color | Pi 3B 8GB | 12GB |
| Model | not stated | Orange Pi 4 Pro |
Frequently asked questions
Which board is better for AI inference tasks?
The Orange Pi 4 Pro 12GB is the stronger choice for AI workloads. It features 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, which provides higher bandwidth than the 3B’s LPDDR4. This extra memory and processing power suit developers building smart gateways or robotics systems that require efficient neural processing capabilities.
Does the Orange Pi 4 Pro support Wi-Fi 6?
Yes, the Orange Pi 4 Pro 12GB includes Wi-Fi 6 support. This modern networking standard allows for faster and more reliable wireless connections compared to older standards. The Orange Pi 3B also supports networking, but the 4 Pro offers enhanced wireless performance for modern environments.
What operating systems do these single-board computers run?
Both the Orange Pi 3B 8GB and the Orange Pi 4 Pro 12GB support Android. You can also use Linux distributions on these boards. This open-source flexibility allows you to choose the software environment that best fits your specific project requirements or development workflow.
How do the RAM types compare between the two boards?
The Orange Pi 4 Pro uses 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM. In contrast, the Orange Pi 3B uses LPDDR4. LPDDR5 offers significantly higher bandwidth, which improves performance in memory-intensive tasks. This makes the 4 Pro better suited for complex multitasking and data-heavy applications.
What is the physical size of the Orange Pi 4 Pro?
The Orange Pi 4 Pro 12GB measures 3.5 inches in length, 2.2 inches in width, and 0.5 inches in height. It weighs 2 ounces. These compact dimensions make it easy to integrate into small form factor projects or enclosures where space is limited.
Which board is best for balanced edge computing?
The Orange Pi 3B 8GB Single Board Computer is ideal for balanced edge computing. It provides reliable performance for standard tasks without requiring maximum raw power. If you prioritize balanced specs over high-end processing, this board fits users who need consistent performance for media playback and general computing.
Do both boards support Bluetooth connectivity?
The Orange Pi 4 Pro 12GB includes Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless peripheral connections. The Orange Pi 3B also supports networking features. Both boards offer wireless options, allowing you to connect keyboards, mice, or other Bluetooth devices easily for your specific edge computing or development setup.