Raspberry Pi has raised prices on many Pi 4, Pi 5, and Compute Module models as memory costs surge in 2026, undermining its once-low-cost SBC positioning.
It really depends though, if you want to do analog in or out, relay control, or use existing hats, you are bought/forced into the ecosystem. If you are just using it as a small computer, yeah roll with whatever. To me, it’s always occupied the void between an arduino and a sffpc or when I wanted to do compute and analog/digital control on something.
Orangepi and other “clones” often use rockchip on their boards which isn’t as well supported as Raspberry equivalent so it’s not direct replacement. Also their supported lifespan is often much less than rpi.
Armbian works on most, if not all, raspberry pi compatible boards. I meant that support from vendor is often a lot shorter than from raspberry and it can cause problems/bugs with bootloaders and drivers unless vendor is actively working with armbian/kernel development for their chipset.
What are some alternatives?
At that price point, a mini PC. Look at Dell or Lenovo, they make super small form factor computers that will blow a Pi out of the water.
It really depends though, if you want to do analog in or out, relay control, or use existing hats, you are bought/forced into the ecosystem. If you are just using it as a small computer, yeah roll with whatever. To me, it’s always occupied the void between an arduino and a sffpc or when I wanted to do compute and analog/digital control on something.
Or want a computer that can be powered via PoE.
Thanks!
Orange pi 5?
Orangepi and other “clones” often use rockchip on their boards which isn’t as well supported as Raspberry equivalent so it’s not direct replacement. Also their supported lifespan is often much less than rpi.
your right but doesnt Armbian exist for OSES? and i never knew their lifespans are short
Armbian works on most, if not all, raspberry pi compatible boards. I meant that support from vendor is often a lot shorter than from raspberry and it can cause problems/bugs with bootloaders and drivers unless vendor is actively working with armbian/kernel development for their chipset.
Yeah I see
That looks like a similar price point.
Yeah but iirc its faster then the rpi 5
Good deal.