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The Orange Pi series of SBCs has tend to deliver high performing chipsets compared to other SBCs, and the Orange Pi 5 Plus is no exception. it delivers high end performance with a lot of high end connectivity options.
Hardware
- Processor: Rockchip RK3588 8- core with 4 ARM Cortex-A55 and 4 ARM Cortex-A76 up to 2.4GHz
- Memory: 4GB/8GB/16GB LPDDR4/4x
- Storage: The SD card slot, M.2 M-Key NVME PCIE x4
- Graphics: ARM Mali-G610
- Connectivity: Dual 2.5Gb Ethernet, M.2 for Wireless Module,
- Neural Processing: 6TOPS
- USB Ports: 2x USB 3.0 Ports and 2x USB 2.0, HDMI In and 2x HDMI Out, 1x USB 3.0 Type-C
- Power Input: USB-C
- GPIO: Standard 40-pin GPIO header
One change that impacts backwards compatibility is a change with the RPI Zero camera cable, which has a connector that’s smaller than the standard Raspberry Pi.
Software
Image Courtesy of Orange Pi
Software is a critical part of building a solution, and finding the right OS to run on the Orange Pi will be the next step after you purchase one. Orange Pi OS is the officially supported open source operating system for Orange Pi. It provides the Orange Pi OS desktop for Orange Pi series. Our experience with Orange Pi OS is hit and miss – it can work well, but it can also be quite dated.
Armbian is a popular choice for many SBCs, including the Orange Pi 5 Plus. It provides a user-friendly environment with extensive support for various Orange Pi models. Its stability and performance make it an excellent choice for both desktop and server applications. Armbian’s active community ensures regular updates and comprehensive documentation, making it an accessible option for newcomers and experienced users alike.
Ubuntu, a widely-used Linux distribution, also offers official support for the Orange Pi 5 Plus. Ubuntu is ideal for those seeking a familiar desktop experience even when running an embedded system.
The Orange Pi 5 Plus also supports Android, transforming the SBC into a powerful multimedia device. Android on the Orange Pi 5 Plus allows users to enjoy a wide range of applications, from streaming services to games. With its rich ecosystem of apps and intuitive interface, Android is a great option for creating smart TVs, gaming consoles, and interactive kiosks.
Price
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Our Take
Just as the original Raspberry Pi broke the rules with a $35 Single Board Computer, the Raspberry Pi Zero again shows the Raspberry Pi Foundation is willing to go places no one has gone before. A computer for the cost of a cup of coffee. What’s more, new industrial applications can leverage the low cost board as well instead of designing their own board for a much higher price.
One downside is that the RPI Zero is available in limited quantities, and the 512MB of RAM may be insufficient for a lot of applications.