Orange Pi 5 Plus Single Board or Orange Pi 4 Pro 12GB Single? Which Orange Pi Model to Buy
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You are comparing the orange pi 5 plus 4gb 8gb 16gb lpddr4 4x vs 4 pro 12gb lpddr5 to decide which single board computer fits your project. Both devices offer octa-core processing and support for Android and Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Debian. The main difference lies in their architecture and memory type. The Orange Pi 5 Plus uses the Rockchip RK3588 with LPDDR4/4x RAM, while the Orange Pi 4 Pro features the Allwinner A733 with faster LPDDR5 memory. Each board targets different performance needs.
Key differences
| Aspect | Orange Pi 5 Plus Single Board Computer | Orange Pi 4 Pro 12GB Single Board Computer |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Rockchip RK3588, 8-core, up to 2.4GHz | Allwinner A733, 8-core (2x A76 + 6x A55), up to 2.0GHz |
| RAM Type | LPDDR4/4x | LPDDR5 |
| RAM Capacity | 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB options | 12GB fixed |
| Ethernet | 2x 2.5G Ethernet ports | Gigabit Ethernet with PoE support |
| AI/NPU | Not listed | 3 TOPS NPU with multi-precision support |
| Video Output | 8K@60Hz support, 2 HDMI outputs | Not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Orange Pi 5 Plus Single Board Computer if
- You need higher network throughput with dual 2.5G Ethernet ports
- You require 8K video decoding capabilities for media projects
- You want flexible RAM options up to 16GB for heavy multitasking
Choose Orange Pi 4 Pro 12GB Single Board Computer if
- You need faster LPDDR5 memory for improved data processing speed
- You are building an AI application requiring a dedicated 3 TOPS NPU
- You want PoE support for simplified power and data deployment
Verdict: The Orange Pi 5 Plus is better for users who prioritize high-speed networking and 8K video processing. The Orange Pi 4 Pro suits those who need faster LPDDR5 memory and dedicated AI acceleration. Choose based on whether you value network bandwidth or AI capabilities.
Orange Pi 5 Plus vs 4 Pro Specs
Processor architecture
The Orange Pi 5 Plus uses the Rockchip RK3588, an 8nm 8-core chip with four Cortex-A76 and four Cortex-A55 cores. It reaches a main frequency of 2.4GHz. The Orange Pi 4 Pro features the Allwinner A733, also an 8-core design but with two Cortex-A76 and six Cortex-A55 cores. Its clock speed tops out at 2.0GHz. The 5 Plus has higher peak performance potential due to its faster cores and newer process node. You should choose the 5 Plus if raw CPU speed is your priority for heavy multitasking.
Memory type and capacity
Memory technology differs significantly between these boards. The Orange Pi 5 Plus offers 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB of LPDDR4 or LPDDR4x RAM. The Orange Pi 4 Pro comes with a fixed 12GB of faster LPDDR5 memory. LPDDR5 provides higher bandwidth and better power efficiency than LPDDR4x. While the 5 Plus allows you to choose higher capacities, the 4 Pro’s LPDDR5 standard ensures quicker data access for intensive tasks. If you need the latest memory standard, the 4 Pro wins. If you need more than 12GB, the 5 Plus is your only option.
Networking capabilities
Connectivity options vary for your network setup. The Orange Pi 5 Plus includes two 2.5G Ethernet ports, providing higher bandwidth for server or NAS applications. It also features dual M.2 slots for NVMe storage and Wi-Fi 6 expansion. The Orange Pi 4 Pro offers a single Gigabit Ethernet port with PoE support, which simplifies power delivery over a single cable. It includes built-in Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4. The 5 Plus provides superior wired throughput with 2.5G ports. The 4 Pro offers more convenient power management via PoE.
AI and video processing
Specialized hardware accelerates different workloads on each board. The Orange Pi 5 Plus supports 8K@60Hz video decoding, making it ideal for high-resolution media playback and streaming. It lacks a dedicated NPU specification in the provided data. The Orange Pi 4 Pro includes a dedicated 3 TOPS NPU that supports INT8, INT16, FP16, and BF16 precision. This NPU accelerates machine learning tasks like face recognition and inference using TensorFlow or PyTorch. If you are building an AI vision system, the 4 Pro is superior. For pure 8K video playback, the 5 Plus is better.
Storage expansion
Both boards support flexible storage, but in different ways. The Orange Pi 5 Plus features an eMMC socket for 32GB to 256GB modules and an M.2 M-Key slot for NVMe SSDs. This allows for fast boot drives and large storage capacity. The Orange Pi 4 Pro data does not explicitly list an eMMC socket or M.2 NVMe slot in its key specs, though it mentions rich I/O. The 5 Plus offers more versatile and high-speed storage options via NVMe. If you need fast SSD storage for your operating system, the 5 Plus is the clearer choice.
Choose the right Orange Pi for your needs
Users needing high-speed networking and storage
The Orange Pi 5 Plus includes two 2.5G Ethernet ports and an M.2 M-Key slot for NVMe SSDs. This setup provides faster data transfer rates and flexible storage options compared to the single Gigabit port on the 4 Pro. You get better throughput for file servers or high-bandwidth tasks.
Developers focused on AI and machine learning
The Orange Pi 4 Pro features a dedicated 3 TOPS NPU that accelerates real-time processing for tasks like face recognition. It supports INT8 and FP16 computing and works with TensorFlow and PyTorch. This hardware is ideal if your project requires efficient local AI inference without relying solely on the CPU.
Users wanting more RAM for multitasking
The Orange Pi 4 Pro comes with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM. This large memory capacity helps with smooth multitasking and handling complex applications. The LPDDR5 type also offers higher bandwidth than the LPDDR4/4x found in the 5 Plus, ensuring better performance for memory-intensive workloads and system stability.
The products compared
Orange Pi 5 Plus Single Board Computer
Best for: Dual 2.5G Ethernet and 8K media
- Processor
- Rockchip RK3588
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB
- RAM Type
- LPDDR4/4x
- Ethernet
- 2x 2.5G Ethernet
- Video Resolution
- 8K@60Hz
- Operating System Support
- Orange Pi OS, Ubuntu, Debian, Android
View on Amazon: Orange Pi 5 Plus Single Board Computer Affiliate link
The Orange Pi 5 Plus is a single-board computer built on the Rockchip RK3588 processor. It features an 8-core CPU and up to 16GB of LPDDR4/4x RAM. You get dual 2.5G Ethernet ports and support for 8K video decoding. The board includes an eMMC socket for storage expansion. It runs Android, Ubuntu, or Debian. This model suits users needing robust connectivity and high-resolution display support for server or media tasks.
Pros
- Rockchip RK3588 8-core 64-bit processor
- Dual 2.5G Ethernet ports
- 8K@60Hz video decoding support
- M.2 NVMe SSD slot
- eMMC socket for storage
Cons
- LPDDR4/4x RAM is slower than LPDDR5
- Requires separate eMMC module for storage
- Limited to 4GB RAM in this specific configuration
Good fit if
- You need dual 2.5G Ethernet ports
- You want 8K video processing capability
- You prefer LPDDR4/4x RAM flexibility
Skip if
- You require LPDDR5 memory speed
- You need 12GB of RAM
- You want built-in eMMC storage
Verdict: Orange Pi 5 Plus 4GB SBC offers strong processing power and extensive ports for networking and media tasks. It fits users who prioritize Ethernet speed and 8K video support over memory bandwidth.
Orange Pi 4 Pro 12GB Single Board Computer
Best for: AI inference and IoT gateway projects
- 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
The Orange Pi 4 Pro 12GB uses an Allwinner A733 octa-core CPU with LPDDR5 RAM. It includes a 3 TOPS NPU for AI tasks and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. This compact board supports Android, Debian, and Ubuntu. It suits users who need dedicated neural processing power and modern wireless standards in a small form factor.
Pros
- 12GB LPDDR5 RAM for efficient multitasking
- 3 TOPS NPU for AI inference
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4
- Supports multiple OS like Ubuntu
Cons
- Lower CPU clock speed than competitors
- No mention of PoE support in key specs
- Limited to 2.0GHz max frequency
Good fit if
- You need strong AI processing capabilities
- You require Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
- You want 12GB of fast LPDDR5 RAM
Skip if
- You need the highest possible CPU performance
- You require a more powerful GPU
- You prefer the RK3588 platform
Verdict: Orange Pi 4 Pro 12GB is a specialized board for AI and IoT projects. It fits users who prioritize neural processing and modern wireless standards over raw CPU speed.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Orange Pi 5 Plus Single Board Computer | Orange Pi 4 Pro 12GB Single Board Computer |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Rockchip RK3588 | Allwinner A733 |
| RAM Capacity | 4GB | 12GB |
| RAM Type | LPDDR4/4x | LPDDR5 |
| Ethernet | 2x 2.5G Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Wireless Connectivity | not stated | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Video Resolution | 8K@60Hz | not stated |
| Operating System Support | Orange Pi OS, Ubuntu, Debian, Android | 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 | 4GB+Power Supply | 12GB |
| Model | Orange Pi 5 Plus | Orange Pi 4 Pro |
Frequently asked questions
Which Orange Pi has faster Ethernet ports?
The Orange Pi 5 Plus includes dual 2.5G Ethernet ports. This provides higher bandwidth for network tasks compared to standard Gigabit connections. The Orange Pi 4 Pro does not list Ethernet speeds in its specifications, so the 5 Plus is the better choice for high-speed wired networking.
Does the Orange Pi 4 Pro support WiFi 6?
Yes, the Orange Pi 4 Pro supports WiFi 6. This modern wireless standard offers improved efficiency and capacity for connected devices. The Orange Pi 5 Plus data does not specify its wireless capabilities, so the 4 Pro is the confirmed option for WiFi 6 connectivity.
Which board is better for AI inference tasks?
The Orange Pi 4 Pro is specialized for AI inference and IoT gateway projects. It focuses on neural processing capabilities rather than raw CPU speed. If your project requires dedicated neural processing units, this board is the intended choice over the general-purpose 5 Plus.
Can the Orange Pi 5 Plus handle 8K video?
Yes, the Orange Pi 5 Plus is best for 8K media tasks. It offers strong processing power suitable for high-resolution video playback and editing. This makes it ideal for users who prioritize media performance and extensive ports over the specific wireless features of the 4 Pro.
What is the size of the Orange Pi 4 Pro?
The Orange Pi 4 Pro 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 suitable for tight spaces. The Orange Pi 5 Plus dimensions are not provided in the data.
Which board uses LPDDR5 memory?
The Orange Pi 4 Pro comes with 12GB of LPDDR5 memory. This modern memory type offers higher bandwidth than the LPDDR4 found in the Orange Pi 5 Plus. If you need faster memory speeds for data-intensive tasks, the 4 Pro is the superior option.
Is the Orange Pi 5 Plus good for home servers?
Yes, the Orange Pi 5 Plus is well-suited for home servers due to its dual 2.5G Ethernet ports. It also supports NVMe SSDs via an M.2 M-Key slot for fast storage. These features provide flexible and high-speed options for network-attached storage or server applications.