Raspberry Pi 5 vs 4 Comparison
Complete comparison guide to help you choose between Raspberry Pi 5 and Pi 4. Performance benchmarks, specs, compatibility, and which one to buy in 2026.
Quick Answer: Which Should You Buy?
Buy Raspberry Pi 5 if: You need maximum performance, run AI/ML projects, want 4K video, or need PCIe expansion.
Buy Raspberry Pi 4 if: You have a tight budget, building simple projects, or need proven long-term software support.
Bottom line: Pi 5 is 2-3x faster and worth the upgrade for most users. Pi 4 remains excellent for lighter workloads.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Raspberry Pi 5 | Raspberry Pi 4 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Broadcom BCM2712 (2.4GHz quad-core Cortex-A76) | Broadcom BCM2711 (1.8GHz quad-core Cortex-A72) |
| Performance | 2-3x faster than Pi 4 | Fast for most projects |
| GPU | VideoCore VII (800MHz) - 2x faster | VideoCore VI (500MHz) |
| RAM Options | 4GB / 8GB LPDDR4X-4267 | 1GB / 2GB / 4GB / 8GB LPDDR4-3200 |
| USB Ports | 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0 | 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0 |
| Video Output | 2x 4K@60fps via micro-HDMI | 2x 4K@60fps via micro-HDMI |
| PCIe | ✅ PCIe 2.0 x1 (via FFC connector) | ❌ None |
| Power Button | ✅ Yes (on/off + safe shutdown) | ❌ None (pull plug to turn off) |
| Power Supply | 27W USB-C (5V/5A) | 15W USB-C (5V/3A) |
| GPIO | 40-pin (mostly compatible) | 40-pin |
| Launch Price (4GB) | ~€60-70 | ~€50-60 |
| Launch Date | October 2023 | June 2019 |
Performance Benchmarks
CPU Performance (Geekbench 6)
Result: Pi 5 is 2.6x faster in single-core performance
GPU Performance (glmark2)
Result: Pi 5 GPU is 2.5x faster for graphics-intensive tasks
Best Use Cases
Choose Raspberry Pi 5 For:
- 4K Media Centers: Smooth 4K@60fps playback, HDR support
- AI/ML Projects: Faster TensorFlow Lite, OpenCV processing
- Retro Gaming: PS2, GameCube, N64 emulation at full speed
- Development: Faster compiling, Docker containers, web servers
- PCIe Storage: Add NVMe SSD for ultra-fast storage (HAT required)
Choose Raspberry Pi 4 For:
- Budget Projects: Lower cost, proven platform
- IoT Sensors: Low power consumption, 24/7 operation
- Education: Learn programming, electronics, robotics
- Retro Gaming: NES, SNES, Genesis run perfectly
- Multiple Units: Buy several for distributed projects
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Raspberry Pi 5 Models
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raspberry Pi 5 better than Raspberry Pi 4?
Yes, Raspberry Pi 5 is significantly better. It features 2-3x faster CPU performance, 2x faster GPU, faster RAM, PCIe 2.0 support, and a dedicated power button. For demanding projects like AI, 4K video, or emulation, Pi 5 is the clear choice.
Should I buy Raspberry Pi 4 or wait for Pi 5?
Raspberry Pi 5 is already available and in stock at Robotics3D. If you need maximum performance, buy Pi 5. If you have a tight budget and don't need cutting-edge performance, Pi 4 is still excellent and widely supported.
Is Raspberry Pi 5 worth the extra cost?
For most users, yes. The performance boost (2-3x faster) justifies the price difference. Pi 5 handles 4K video smoothly, runs AI models faster, and boots quicker. If you're building a media center, retro gaming console, or AI project, Pi 5 is worth it.
Can Raspberry Pi 4 accessories work with Pi 5?
Most accessories are compatible, but Pi 5 requires a 27W USB-C power supply (5V/5A) instead of Pi 4's 15W (5V/3A). The case design also changed slightly. HATs and GPIO accessories are mostly compatible.
Will Raspberry Pi 5 replace Pi 4?
No immediate replacement. Raspberry Pi Foundation continues to produce Pi 4 for users who need lower cost or lower power consumption. Both models will be available for years to come.
Where can I buy Raspberry Pi 5 and Pi 4 in Europe?
Robotics3D is an official Raspberry Pi distributor in Europe. Both Pi 5 and Pi 4 are in stock now with fast EU shipping from Italy. Flat €19 EU shipping rate, same-day dispatch.
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