Raspberry Pi 5 vs Raspberry Pi 4 Model B: A Comprehensive Comparison

Ben
Ben
@benjislab

The Raspberry Pi has revolutionized the world of single-board computers, making powerful computing accessible and affordable for hobbyists, educators, and professionals alike. With the release of the Raspberry Pi 5, many users are wondering how it compares to its predecessor, the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, and whether an upgrade is worthwhile. This article provides a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Hardware Specifications Comparison

Feature Raspberry Pi 5 Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
Processor Broadcom BCM2712 (quad-core Cortex-A76 @ 2.4GHz) Broadcom BCM2711 (quad-core Cortex-A72 @ 1.8GHz)
Architecture 64-bit 64-bit
RAM Options 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4X-4267 1GB, 2GB, 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4-3200
GPU VideoCore VII @ 800MHz VideoCore VI @ 500MHz
Power Input USB-C (5V/5A) USB-C (5V/3A)
USB Ports 2× USB 3.0, 2× USB 2.0 2× USB 3.0, 2× USB 2.0
Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz IEEE 802.11ac 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz IEEE 802.11ac
Bluetooth 5.0, BLE 5.0, BLE
GPIO 40-pin GPIO header 40-pin GPIO header
Display 2× micro HDMI (4Kp60) 2× micro HDMI (4Kp60)
Camera Interface 2-lane MIPI CSI 2-lane MIPI CSI
Display Interface 2-lane MIPI DSI 2-lane MIPI DSI
Audio 3.5mm stereo jack 3.5mm stereo jack
PCIe Single-lane PCIe 2.0 interface None
Cooling Active cooling recommended Passive cooling sufficient for most uses
Size 85mm × 56mm 85mm × 56mm

Performance Improvements

CPU Performance

The Raspberry Pi 5's BCM2712 processor represents a significant upgrade over the Pi 4's BCM2711. With Cortex-A76 cores running at 2.4GHz (compared to Cortex-A72 cores at 1.8GHz), the Pi 5 delivers approximately 2-3x the CPU performance of its predecessor. This translates to:

  • Faster application loading and response times
  • Improved multitasking capabilities
  • Better performance for computationally intensive tasks
  • Reduced latency for real-time applications

GPU Performance

The VideoCore VII GPU in the Pi 5 offers substantial improvements over the Pi 4's VideoCore VI:

  • Approximately 2x the graphics performance
  • Better video decoding capabilities
  • Improved gaming performance
  • Enhanced machine learning acceleration

Memory Performance

The Pi 5 uses faster LPDDR4X-4267 memory compared to the Pi 4's LPDDR4-3200, providing:

  • Higher memory bandwidth
  • Reduced memory latency
  • Better performance for memory-intensive applications

New Features and Improvements

PCIe Interface

One of the most significant additions to the Raspberry Pi 5 is the PCIe 2.0 interface, which enables:

  • Connection of NVMe SSDs for faster storage
  • Support for PCIe expansion cards
  • Possibility for GPU acceleration through compatible cards
  • Enhanced I/O capabilities

Power Management

The Pi 5 introduces improved power management features:

  • Dedicated power button header
  • Real-time clock (RTC) connector
  • Higher power delivery through USB-C (5V/5A)
  • More efficient power distribution

Thermal Management

Due to its higher performance, the Pi 5 generates more heat:

  • Active cooling (fan) is recommended for sustained workloads
  • Official active cooler is available
  • Improved thermal design for better heat dissipation
  • Temperature monitoring and throttling mechanisms

GPIO Enhancements

While maintaining the same 40-pin header, the Pi 5 offers:

  • Higher GPIO throughput
  • Improved PWM capabilities
  • Additional I2C, SPI, and UART interfaces
  • Better timing precision

Power Consumption and Thermal Considerations

Power Requirements

  • Raspberry Pi 4: Typically requires 2.5W-3.5W at idle, up to 7W under load
  • Raspberry Pi 5: Typically requires 3W-4W at idle, up to 12W under heavy load

Thermal Management

  • Raspberry Pi 4: Can operate with passive cooling in most environments
  • Raspberry Pi 5: Active cooling recommended for optimal performance

Software Compatibility

Both boards run Raspberry Pi OS (formerly Raspbian), but with some differences:

  • The Pi 5 requires Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm or newer
  • Most software that runs on the Pi 4 will run on the Pi 5, often with better performance
  • Some hardware-specific libraries may require updates for optimal Pi 5 compatibility
  • The Pi 5 benefits more from 64-bit OS versions due to its architecture

Use Cases and Recommendations

Raspberry Pi 5 Excels At:

  • Desktop computing and web browsing
  • Media centers and streaming
  • Machine learning and AI applications
  • Gaming and emulation
  • Complex robotics projects
  • Server applications with multiple services
  • Development environments and compiling code
  • Projects requiring PCIe expansion

Raspberry Pi 4 Still Great For:

  • Basic IoT projects and sensors
  • Network applications (Pi-hole, VPN, etc.)
  • Simple automation tasks
  • Educational projects
  • Low-power 24/7 applications
  • Cost-sensitive deployments
  • Projects with existing Pi 4 HATs and cases

Price Comparison

As of my knowledge cutoff in October 2024:

  • Raspberry Pi 5 (4GB): ~$60 USD
  • Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB): ~$80 USD
  • Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB): ~$45 USD
  • Raspberry Pi 4 (8GB): ~$65 USD

Note: Prices may vary by region and retailer.

Compatibility with Accessories

HATs and Add-ons

While the Pi 5 maintains the same form factor and GPIO pinout as the Pi 4, some considerations include:

  • Most HATs designed for the Pi 4 will work with the Pi 5
  • HATs that use specific hardware features may require firmware updates
  • Some HATs may block the PCIe connector on the Pi 5
  • The official Pi 5 case has a different design to accommodate the new board layout

Cases and Cooling

Due to component repositioning and different thermal requirements:

  • Pi 4 cases generally won't fit the Pi 5
  • The Pi 5 has more cooling options, including an official active cooler
  • Third-party cooling solutions are increasingly available for the Pi 5

Upgrading Considerations

When to Upgrade from Pi 4 to Pi 5

Consider upgrading if:

  • Your current Pi 4 struggles with performance in your applications
  • You need the PCIe interface for NVMe storage or expansion
  • Your projects would benefit from improved GPU performance
  • You're developing software that needs the additional computing power
  • You plan to use the Pi as a desktop computer replacement

When to Stick with the Pi 4

The Pi 4 may still be sufficient if:

  • Your current projects run well on the Pi 4
  • Power consumption and heat are concerns
  • You have specialized Pi 4 cases or cooling solutions
  • Budget constraints are a primary consideration
  • Your project requires maximum compatibility with existing HATs

Conclusion

The Raspberry Pi 5 represents a significant leap forward in terms of performance and capabilities compared to the Raspberry Pi 4. With its more powerful CPU, enhanced GPU, faster memory, and PCIe expansion options, the Pi 5 opens up new possibilities for projects that previously might have required more expensive computing solutions.

However, the Pi 4 remains a capable and cost-effective option for many applications, especially those that don't require the extra processing power or generate significant heat. The decision to upgrade should be based on your specific project requirements, budget constraints, and performance needs.

Both boards continue the Raspberry Pi Foundation's mission of making computing accessible and affordable, with each serving different segments of the maker, educational, and professional markets.

Additional Resources