Raspberry Pi vs. Banana Pi - Which Single Board Computer is Better for Media Streaming?
If you're looking for a single board computer (SBC) for media streaming, then you've probably come across the Raspberry Pi and Banana Pi. Both microcomputers have their own pros and cons, so it's important to compare them properly to decide which one is better suited for your needs.
Specifications
Raspberry Pi
The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is the latest SBC from the Raspberry Pi Foundation. It has a BCM2711B0 quad-core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC clocked at 1.5GHz, 2GB, 4GB or 8GB of LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM (depending on model), dual-band (2.4GHz and 5.0GHz) IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ac wireless LAN, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and two micro-HDMI ports (up to 4Kp60 supported).
Banana Pi
The Banana Pi M64 is a single-board computer similar in design to the Raspberry Pi. It uses an Allwinner A64 quad-core 64-bit SoC with ARM Cortex-A53 CPU, 2GB DDR3 SDRAM, Gigabit Ethernet, and built-in Wi-Fi, among other features.
Media Streaming Performance
When it comes to media streaming performance, the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B outshines the Banana Pi M64. The Raspberry Pi's 1.5GHz quad-core Cortex-A72 processor is faster than the Banana Pi's 1.2GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 processor, and it has more RAM options (2GB, 4GB or 8GB).
According to a comparison made by Tom's Hardware, the Raspberry Pi 4 is capable of streaming 4K video smoothly, whereas the Banana Pi M64 struggles with 4K playback.
Price
In terms of price, the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is more expensive than the Banana Pi M64. The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B with 2GB of RAM has a price tag of around $35, while the Banana Pi M64 with 2GB of RAM costs around $36.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you're looking for a single board computer for media streaming with excellent performance, then the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is the better choice. However, if you're on a tight budget, then the Banana Pi M64 might be a better option for you.
As with any comparison, it's important to consider your specific needs before making a decision. Both SBCs have their own strengths and weaknesses, so do your research and choose the one that fits your requirements and budget.
References
- Raspberry Pi Foundation. (2021). Raspberry Pi 4 Model B. [online] Available at: https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-4-model-b/ [Accessed 15 Jul. 2021].
- Leppik, J. (2020). Banana Pi M64 Review. [online] Tom's Hardware. Available at: https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/banana-pi-m64-review,5505.html [Accessed 15 Jul. 2021].