Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
ASUS Tinker Board 3N vs FriendlyElec NanoPi M4: Comparison
What is the difference between ASUS Tinker Board 3N and FriendlyElec NanoPi M4?
The first real difference is gpu model: ASUS Tinker Board 3N Arm Mali-G52 against FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 Mali-T864. There is a split on power input as well, 12 to 24V DC on the ASUS Tinker Board 3N versus 5V/3A DC via USB Type-C or GPIO on the FriendlyElec NanoPi M4. Soc model is not the same on both, Rockchip RK3568, quad-core Cortex-A55 on the ASUS Tinker Board 3N versus Hexa-core on the FriendlyElec NanoPi M4. They differ on connectivity too, Dual LAN built-in, PoE PD via expansion module on the ASUS Tinker Board 3N versus Dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth on the FriendlyElec NanoPi M4. Video out is not the same on both, HDMI up to 4096 x 2160 at 60Hz on the ASUS Tinker Board 3N versus HDMI 2.0a up to 4K at 60Hz; 4-lane MIPI-DSI on the FriendlyElec NanoPi M4. They differ on dimensions too, 100 x 100 mm on the ASUS Tinker Board 3N versus 85 x 56 mm on the FriendlyElec NanoPi M4.
ASUS Tinker Board 3N vs FriendlyElec NanoPi M4: which one fits your build
Take the ASUS Tinker Board 3N for industrial, kiosk, and embedded deployments needing dual LAN and modular connectivity expansion. It is not the one for hobbyist projects and beginners, the Raspberry Pi 5's ecosystem and community support are a better fit there. Buy the FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 for budget buyers who want proven, long-available RK3399-class performance. It is the wrong buy for buyers who want a built-in NPU or the newest available silicon. Our rating of the ASUS Tinker Board 3N (7/10): an industrial-first board where dual LAN and modular M.2 connectivity matter more than raw compute. Our rating of the FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 (7/10): proven, long-available RK3399 performance at a budget price, minus an NPU.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- ASUS Tinker Board 3N
- ASUS
- FriendlyElec NanoPi M4
- FriendlyElec
SoC Model
- ASUS Tinker Board 3N
- Rockchip RK3568, quad-core Cortex-A55
- FriendlyElec NanoPi M4
- Hexa-core (Dual Cortex-A72 + Quad Cortex-A53)
GPU Model
- ASUS Tinker Board 3N
- Arm Mali-G52
- FriendlyElec NanoPi M4
- Mali-T864
Power Input
- ASUS Tinker Board 3N
- 12 to 24V DC (barrel jack or 4-pin header)
- FriendlyElec NanoPi M4
- 5V/3A DC via USB Type-C or GPIO
Connectivity
- ASUS Tinker Board 3N
- Dual LAN built-in, PoE PD via expansion module
- FriendlyElec NanoPi M4
- Dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth
Video Out
- ASUS Tinker Board 3N
- HDMI up to 4096 x 2160 at 60Hz
- FriendlyElec NanoPi M4
- HDMI 2.0a up to 4K at 60Hz; 4-lane MIPI-DSI
Dimensions
- ASUS Tinker Board 3N
- 100 x 100 mm
- FriendlyElec NanoPi M4
- 85 x 56 mm
Which one should you pick?
Choose ASUS Tinker Board 3N if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | ASUS Tinker Board 3N | FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Consumercarts listing | $50.00 View on Consumercarts listing |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
ASUS Tinker Board 3N
7 / 10 Expert Rating
An industrial-first board where dual LAN and modular M.2 connectivity matter more than raw compute.
FriendlyElec NanoPi M4
7 / 10 Expert Rating
Proven, long-available RK3399 performance at a budget price, minus an NPU.