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Banana Pi BPI-R4 vs Hardkernel ODROID-H3: Comparison
What is the difference between Banana Pi BPI-R4 and Hardkernel ODROID-H3?
Start with memory, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Banana Pi BPI-R4 8 GB against Hardkernel ODROID-H3 32 GB, 75% in favour of Hardkernel ODROID-H3. There is a split on wireless as well, WiFi 7 on the Banana Pi BPI-R4 versus None on the Hardkernel ODROID-H3. They differ on use case too, NAS / Server on the Banana Pi BPI-R4 versus x86 Compatible on the Hardkernel ODROID-H3.
Which should you buy, Banana Pi BPI-R4 or Hardkernel ODROID-H3?
Buy the Banana Pi BPI-R4 for multi-gigabit fiber home routing (2.5G-10G) and future-proof WiFi 7 OpenWrt router builds, though it is not the pick for standard gigabit or slower internet connections and budget-conscious router projects. The Hardkernel ODROID-H3 suits TrueNAS or ZFS-based file servers using SATA drives and pfSense/OPNsense router builds needing 2.5GbE, though it is not built for GPIO or embedded electronics projects (no header) and power-sensitive or fanless-at-all-costs designs. Our rating of the Banana Pi BPI-R4 (8.5/10): the strongest DIY OpenWrt router board for multi-gigabit fiber connections, if you actually have the bandwidth to use it. Our rating of the Hardkernel ODROID-H3 (8.1/10): the board to reach for when a NAS or router project specifically needs x86 compatibility, SATA ports, or software that simply doesn't exist for ARM.
Banana Pi BPI-R4 vs Hardkernel ODROID-H3 price
At the last price check the Hardkernel ODROID-H3 was $115 and the Banana Pi BPI-R4 $189, a 64% premium.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Banana Pi BPI-R4 and Hardkernel ODROID-H3 differ on cpu architecture?
Yes. CPU Architecture reads ARM on the Banana Pi BPI-R4 versus x86 on the Hardkernel ODROID-H3.
Is the Has AI Accelerator / NPU the same on the Banana Pi BPI-R4 and Hardkernel ODROID-H3?
It is. Both are listed at No, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- Banana Pi
- Hardkernel ODROID-H3
- Hardkernel
CPU Architecture
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- ARM
- Hardkernel ODROID-H3
- x86
Model Number
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- BPI-R4
- Hardkernel ODROID-H3
- ODROID-H3
Memory
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- 8 GB-75%
- Hardkernel ODROID-H3
- 32 GBBest
Storage Type
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- eMMC
- Hardkernel ODROID-H3
- NVMe/M.2
SoC Model
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- Quad-Core Cortex-A73 up to 2.0GHz
- Hardkernel ODROID-H3
- Intel Celeron N5105, Quad-Core x86 @ up to 2.9GHz
Has AI Accelerator / NPU
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- No
- Hardkernel ODROID-H3
- No
Wireless
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- WiFi 7
- Hardkernel ODROID-H3
- None (Ethernet only)
GPIO Header
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- Yes
- Hardkernel ODROID-H3
- No
Price
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- 189 USD
- Hardkernel ODROID-H3
- 115 USD
Use Case
- Banana Pi BPI-R4
- NAS / Server
- Hardkernel ODROID-H3
- x86 Compatible
Which one should you pick?
Choose Banana Pi BPI-R4 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Hardkernel ODROID-H3 if you want the higher memory (32 GB vs 8 GB).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Banana Pi BPI-R4 | Hardkernel ODROID-H3 |
|---|---|---|
| Consumercarts listing | $189.00 View on Consumercarts listing | $115.00 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-R4
8.5 / 10 Expert Rating
The strongest DIY OpenWrt router board for multi-gigabit fiber connections, if you actually have the bandwidth to use it.
Hardkernel ODROID-H3
8.1 / 10 Expert Rating
The board to reach for when a NAS or router project specifically needs x86 compatibility, SATA ports, or software that simply doesn't exist for ARM.