As single board computers have become more popular, the market has seen an influx of different models. Two of the most popular models are the Khadas VIM4 and Raspberry Pi 4. Both offer a lot of features and benefits, but which one is the better choice for you? In this article, we will compare the two models and help you decide which one is right for you.
Single Board Computers in General
Single board computers have become increasingly popular among makers and hobbyists due to their low cost, compact size, and powerful hardware. These tiny computers can be used for a variety of purposes – from running home automation projects to building robots or just playing around with some programming. But with so many different models available on the market, it’s hard to choose which one is right for you. In this article, we’ll take a look at two popular choices: the Khadas VIM4 and Raspberry Pi 4. We’ll compare their features side-by-side, discuss their strengths and weaknesses, and offer some tips on choosing the best single board computer for your needs.
Raspberry Pi 4 in General
The computer is intended to promote the teaching of basic computer science in schools, and has gained a huge following among hobbyists and tech enthusiasts around the world. Its small size and low power consumption make it an excellent option for projects such as media centers, networking devices, or even digital signage setups.
The Raspberry Pi 4 is a tiny and affordable computer that is ideal for makers, hobbyists, tinkerers, do-it-yourself enthusiasts, educators, students, and professionals. It provides a wide array of features and flexibility that makes it perfect for a broad range of applications ranging from web development to robotics.
The latest version of the Raspberry Pi 4 comes with plenty of great improvements such as a quad-core ARM Cortex A72 processor (up to 1.5 GHz), faster RAM options up to 8GB LPDDR4 RAM, dual micro HDMI ports (capable of driving two displays up to 4K resolution), Bluetooth 5.0 LE and 802.11ac Wi-Fi, gigabit ethernet port, USB 3.0 ports, a 40-pin GPIO header for connecting external hardware and accessories, a microSD slot for storing your files, an optional VNC server for remote control of the system, and more.
The Raspberry Pi 4 also comes with extensive software support including official Raspbian operating systems optimized to take advantage of the new processor capabilities. This includes native support for multiple programming languages (Python, Scratch, etc.), web browsing capabilities through Chromium and Mozilla Firefox browsers, multimedia applications such as Kodi media center and OpenCV computer vision library.
Projects Raspberry Pi 4 is Mainly Used For
The Raspberry Pi 4 is a versatile single board computer that provides unprecedented performance and features that make it suitable for numerous applications. Here’s an overview of some of the project types you can work on with a Raspberry Pi 4:
- Home Automation Projects: The Raspberry Pi 4 is a great choice for home automation projects like building your own smart home, setting up automated lighting and temperature control systems, or creating voice-controlled assistants.
- Programming Projects: The Raspberry Pi 4’s powerful processor enables users to create programming projects of any kind, including machine learning algorithms and web development. You can also use the included software development kit (SDK) to build your own applications from scratch.
- Robotics Projects: With the Raspberry Pi 4 you can easily create robots with basic AI capabilities. The board is compatible with many popular robotics kits, making it easy to start building and experimenting right away.
- Media Centers: The Raspberry Pi 4 has a dedicated GPU that makes it perfect for setting up a media center. You can stream movies, listen to music, and view photos from your local library or streaming services like Netflix.
- IoT Projects: With its built-in Wi-Fi module and Bluetooth connectivity, the Raspberry Pi 4 is an ideal choice for creating Internet of Things (IoT) projects. You can easily connect sensors, displays, and other devices to create powerful automated systems.
Game emulators are also popular projects for the Raspberry Pi 4, allowing you to play classic games from many different consoles. With its powerful hardware and versatile software support, you can design a wide range of exciting projects with the Raspberry Pi 4.
Your imagination is the only limit when it comes to the projects you can create with the Raspberry Pi 4. Whether you’re a hobbyist, enthusiast, student, or professional, this tiny computer provides an unbeatable combination of features and price that make it suitable for almost any project imaginable. [1], [2]
Khadas VIM 4 in General
The company’s mission is to provide the best open source technology and hardware empowering people in their pursuit of innovation.
Khadas VIM4 is a powerful single board computer powered by Amlogic A311D2 processor. It supports 4K HDR and can handle multiple tasks such as gaming, media streaming and office work. This system packs the industry-leading Mali G52 MP6 GPU up to 800MHz and 8GB LPDDR4 RAM. With up to 2GHz clock speed, it delivers more performance that the Raspberry Pi 4. The built-in eMMC flash storage allows you to store large amounts of data without compromising on speed.
The device also features USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports, HDMI port, Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band WiFi connectivity options for faster network speeds. To top it off, Khadas VIM4 runs Android 9.0 and supports most popular Linux distributions such as Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora and more.
Some of the Projects Khadas VIM4 is Mainly Used For
The Khadas VIM4 is a powerful single board computer that makes a great choice for various tasks, such as running media servers, developing artificial intelligence (AI) projects and more. Here are some of the project types that you can work on with the Khadas VIM4:
Media Servers: With its powerful CPU and GPU, the Khadas VIM4 has no problem handling media server duties. Whether you’re looking to store your favorite movies in one central location or stream music from a variety of sources, the VIM4 has you covered.
Gaming: Thanks to its powerful GPU configuration, the Khadas VIM4 is the perfect companion for gamers who want to enjoy some of their retro or old school favorite PC games on a budget. It can also be used to run emulators of classic gaming systems with ease.
Machine-learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI): With its powerful processor and GPU, the Khadas VIM4 is perfect for running all kinds of machine-learning and artificial-intelligence projects. From facial recognition to image classification to natural language processing, the VIM4 has you covered.
So when it comes to project versatility, it’s easy to notice that both the Khadas VIM4 and the Raspberry Pi 4 offer powerful machines for a wide range of projects. However, there are also other factors to consider. We shall begin by highlighting pros and cons of each board. [3], [4]
Advantages and Disadvantages of Khadas VIM4
Let’s start with the advantages of Khadas VIM4. The main selling point of Khadas VIM4 is its high performance and versatility, with a powerful CPU and GPU combo capable of running a wide range of projects. It also offers higher clock speeds than the Raspberry Pi 4, meaning better performance when gaming or running other tasks.
As we mentioned the device comes with 8GB LPDDR4 RAM, which is more than enough for most tasks and provides great multitasking capabilities. Finally, it supports both Android 9.0 and Linux distributions such as Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora and more. This makes it easier to develop projects in a variety of languages including C/C++, Java and Python.
OOWOW software
The Khadas VIM4 also comes with OOWOW software, an open-source platform which makes it easy to set up and manage various projects. This could be especially useful if you are looking to develop applications or hardware projects on the device.
This makes it easier to program, debug, test and deploy projects without needing physical access to the device.
Overall, OOWOW software is an excellent choice for developers who are looking for an efficient and powerful way to develop on the Khadas VIM4.
Onboard storage
When looking for the best single board computer, two of the most important factors to consider are memory and speed. That’s why it’s important to look at the differences between Khadas VIM4 and Raspberry Pi 4 when it comes to eMMC memory.
The Khadas VIM4 offers plenty of more onboard storage than the Raspberry Pi 4. It comes equipped with eMMC 5.1 flash memory, offering up to 32GB of internal storage. This is great for storing a large amount of data, such as media files or applications and makes it easier to transfer data between devices.
The eMMC module provides faster read/write speeds compared to microSD, which makes it ideal for applications that require high performance such as media servers, game emulators or streaming services.
Excellent Android compatibility
When it comes to Android compatibility, the Khadas VIM4 outperforms the Raspberry Pi 4. It is compatible with Android 9.0 and higher, which provides excellent support for a wide range of apps and games. This makes it perfect for those who are looking to develop Android applications or play mobile games on their device.
Price
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the price. The Khadas VIM4 is a powerful board, but it also costs considerably more than the Raspberry Pi 4. This could be an issue for those who are on a tight budget, as the higher cost might not justify the extra performance and features it offers.
For one, you should expect to pay around $220 for this board which is significantly more than what you would pay for a Raspberry Pi 4. Of course, this could be worth it if you are planning to use the device for intensive applications and need the extra power.
Even the most powerful model of Raspberry Pi 4 won’t cost you as much as a Khadas VIM4, so it’s worth taking your budget into consideration when making your decision.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that price should not be the only factor when deciding between Khadas VIM4 and Raspberry Pi 4 – there are other features and capabilities to consider as well.
Lack of compatibility with Raspberry Pi HATs
Another downside of the Khadas VIM4 board is that it isn’t compatible with Raspberry Pi HATs (hardware attached on top). This means that you won’t be able to use any of the existing accessories, such as sensors or LEDs, designed for Raspberry Pi boards.
This could be an issue if you already own a number of accessories and want to re-use them with your new device. However, this is becoming less of an issue as there are now more and more accessories available for the Khadas VIM4 which can make up for this lack of compatibility.
Limited GPIO Support
While the Khadas VIM4 offers the same amount of pins as the Raspberry Pi 4, their functionality is pretty limited. This means that some of your projects may not be able to take full advantage of all the pins available on the board.
This could be an issue if you are planning to use a lot of sensors or other input devices with your project and need access to more than just the basic GPIO pins. If this is the case, then you should consider opting for the Raspberry Pi 4 instead as it offers more GPIO options. [3],[4],[5]
Advantages and Disadvantages of Raspberry Pi 4
Now let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of the Raspberry Pi 4. Just like the Khadas VIM4 the board comes with a capable quad-core processor, but the Raspberry Pi 4 has a slightly lower clock speed of 1.5 GHz. This isn’t that big of a deal as you’ll likely want to choose the Raspberry Pi 4 for its other features.
Dual monitor support
One thing that sets the Raspberry Pi 4 apart from the Khadas VIM4 is its dual monitor support. The Raspberry Pi 4 includes two HDMI ports (up to 4K resolution) and a single DisplayPort, enabling you to connect up to three monitors at once! This makes it much easier for those who need multiple displays, or just want the extra screen real estate.
High quality video output
Another of the advantages of the Raspberry Pi 4 is its high-quality video output. It comes with two micro HDMI ports that support resolution up to 4K at 60Hz. This makes it a great choice if you need a single board computer for media streaming or creative projects like video editing.
It’s easy to use
The Raspberry Pi 4 is definitely the easier single board computer to use, especially for those who don’t have experience with programming and electronics. It’s a small form factor that can fit into any project or situation without much hassle.
But the most influential factor here is the huge and supportive Raspberry Pi community. The Raspberry Pi Foundation has been around since 2012, and it’s one of the most popular single board computers on the market today. This means that you’ll be able to find plenty of help and support from other users if you ever run into any issues.
It’s affordable
One of the major benefits of the Raspberry Pi 4 is its low cost compared to even the Khadas VIM4. The 1GB model of the board only costs around $40 without any peripherals, making it ideal if you are on a tight budget. And even the 8GB model will cost around $110 which is $100 less than the Khadas VIM4. So if you’re looking for an affordable single board computer, then the Raspberry Pi 4 is definitely worth considering.
Still nothing is perfect and the Raspberry Pi 4 does have some drawbacks you should consider. Or rather one major downside.
Overheating issues
One of the biggest issues with the Raspberry Pi 4 is that it can overheat due to its small form factor and lack of a fan. This means you’ll need to be careful when using the board in very hot environments, or if you’re running intensive tasks like video editing or gaming. The best way to avoid this problem is by getting a good quality heat sink or cooling fan for your Raspberry Pi 4. [1], [4], [5]
FAQ
What is Khadas VIM4?
It features a powerful quad-core Amlogic A311D2 with 8GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard storage. The board includes dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0/3.0 and a HDMI port. In addition, it supports advanced open source technologies such as Android TV OS, Ubuntu 18.04 Linux and popular frameworks like TensorFlow Lite for machine learning applications.
Are all Raspberry Pi 4 the same?
No, all Raspberry Pi 4 models are not the same. There are three different versions of this device: the 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB RAM variants.
The most advanced Raspberry Pi 4 model is obviously the 8GB version, but other than RAM, the boards have identical specs.
What are the disadvantages of Raspberry Pi 4?
The Raspberry Pi 4 has some major and not really drawbacks compared to the Khadas VIM4. Firstly, it’s limited by its storage capacities as it doesn’t come with an onboard storage solution, and it can only utilize microSDs.
It also suffers from overheating when running heavy tasks, and this can be solved by either purchasing a fan or heatsink to reduce the heat.
Useful Video: Khadas VIM 4: Powerful ARM SBC with HDMI Input
Conclusion
So which single board computer should you choose? Well, it really depends on what your needs are and how much you’re willing to spend. Both the Raspberry Pi 4 and the Khadas VIM4 offer excellent performance at their respective price points, but if you want to go for maximum power, then the Khadas VIM4 is the clear winner.
It comes with two powerful Amlogic A311D2, a Mali G52 GPU, a 8GB of RAM, ourf USB ports and an eMMC 5.1 interface that can be used as high speed storage. It also has dual display capabilities with HDMI 2.1 interface making it ideal for media consumption or gaming on your TV. The only downside is that it costs more than the Raspberry Pi 4 and isn’t compatible with its hardware.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more affordable, then the Raspberry Pi 4 is a great choice. It has four Cortex-A72 cores, an integrated VideoCore VI GPU, up to 8 GB of RAM and USB 2.0/3.0 ports. It also supports HDMI, offers dual screen output, and can be used with a range of accessories like cameras, displays and more. And with a much larger online community and a ton of resources, it’s easier to get started with the Raspberry Pi 4. Just consider the overheating issue before you make your decision.
At the end of the day, both the Khadas VIM4 and Raspberry Pi 4 provide great options for those looking to build a solid computer or multimedia center. The differences in performance are basically minimal, so it really just comes down to personal preference and budget. So which single board computer should you choose? The answer is up to you! Thanks for reading!
References
- https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/raspberry-pi-4
- https://www.zdnet.com/product/raspberry-pi-4-model-b/
- https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/khadas-vim4-review
- https://all3dp.com/2/khadas-vim4-review-specs/
- https://game-news24.com/2022/05/11/khadas-vim4-board-beats-raspberry-pi-4-perfectly-in-sysbench-test/