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Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero vs Orange Pi CM4: Comparison
What is the difference between Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero and Orange Pi CM4?
On memory the spread is 75%, Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero 2 GB against Orange Pi CM4 8 GB, so Orange Pi CM4 takes it. They differ on wireless too, WiFi 6 on the Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero versus WiFi 5 on the Orange Pi CM4. Use case is not the same on both, Ultra-Compact / Budget on the Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero versus General Purpose on the Orange Pi CM4.
Who each one is for
The Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero is the one to take for battery-powered IoT sensors needing WiFi 6 and ultra-compact embedded projects with tight space budgets, though it is the wrong buy for projects depending on the Pi Zero HAT ecosystem and beginners wanting maximum tutorial availability. The Orange Pi CM4 suits cost-sensitive custom carrier-board projects and small hobbyist products needing basic NPU vision, though it is not built for industrial products needing guaranteed long-term supply and anyone wanting the Raspberry Pi CM4's carrier-board ecosystem. Our rating of the Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero (6.7/10): A capable, WiFi 6-equipped Pi Zero rival for battery-powered IoT projects, held back mainly by a thinner tutorial and HAT ecosystem than the official Pi Zero line. Our rating of the Orange Pi CM4 (6.5/10): A budget-friendly CM4-style module with a useful NPU bonus, best suited to cost-sensitive hobby products rather than anything needing long-term industrial support.
Which is cheaper, Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero or Orange Pi CM4?
At the last price check the Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero was $20.00 and the Orange Pi CM4 $35.00, a 75% premium.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero and Orange Pi CM4 differ on gpu model?
Yes. GPU Model reads Mali-G31 MP2 on the Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero versus Mali-G52 2EE on the Orange Pi CM4.
Is the CPU Architecture the same on the Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero and Orange Pi CM4?
It is. Both are listed at ARM, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero
- Banana Pi
- Orange Pi CM4
- Orange Pi
CPU Architecture
- Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero
- ARM
- Orange Pi CM4
- ARM
Model Number
- Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero
- BPI-M4 Zero
- Orange Pi CM4
- Orange Pi CM4
Memory
- Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero
- 2 GB-75%
- Orange Pi CM4
- 8 GBBest
Storage Type
- Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero
- microSD
- Orange Pi CM4
- eMMC
SoC Model
- Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero
- Allwinner H618, Quad-Core Cortex-A53 @ 1.5GHz
- Orange Pi CM4
- Rockchip RK3566, Quad-Core Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz
Has AI Accelerator / NPU
- Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero
- No
- Orange Pi CM4
- Yes
Wireless
- Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero
- WiFi 6
- Orange Pi CM4
- WiFi 5
GPIO Header
- Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero
- Yes
- Orange Pi CM4
- No
Price
- Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero
- 20 USD
- Orange Pi CM4
- 35 USD
Use Case
- Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero
- Ultra-Compact / Budget
- Orange Pi CM4
- General Purpose
GPU Model
- Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero
- Mali-G31 MP2
- Orange Pi CM4
- Mali-G52 2EE
Power Input
- Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero
- 5V/2A USB-C
- Orange Pi CM4
- Carrier-board dependent, typically 5V
Which one should you pick?
Choose Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Orange Pi CM4 if you want the higher memory (8 GB vs 2 GB).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero | Orange Pi CM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Consumercarts listing | $20.00 View on Consumercarts listing | $35.00 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
Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero
6.7 / 10 Expert Rating
A capable, WiFi 6-equipped Pi Zero rival for battery-powered IoT projects, held back mainly by a thinner tutorial and HAT ecosystem than the official Pi Zero line.
Orange Pi CM4
6.5 / 10 Expert Rating
A budget-friendly CM4-style module with a useful NPU bonus, best suited to cost-sensitive hobby products rather than anything needing long-term industrial support.