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BeagleBoard.org BeagleBone Black vs FriendlyElec NanoPi M4: Comparison
What is the difference between BeagleBoard.org BeagleBone Black and FriendlyElec NanoPi M4?
These two are close on paper, and ram capacity is the only measure that separates them at all: BeagleBoard.org BeagleBone Black 512 GB against FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 1GB to 4GB LPDDR3. Soc model is not the same on both, Single-core Cortex-A8 @ 1GHz on the BeagleBoard.org BeagleBone Black versus Hexa-core on the FriendlyElec NanoPi M4.
BeagleBoard.org BeagleBone Black vs FriendlyElec NanoPi M4: which one fits your build
it is not the pick for general-purpose computing or projects needing multi-core performance. The same goes for industrial and robotics projects needing precise real-time I/O and guaranteed long-term availability. The FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 is the one to take for budget buyers who want proven, long-available RK3399-class performance. Avoid it for buyers who want a built-in NPU or the newest available silicon. Our rating of the BeagleBoard.org BeagleBone Black (7/10): real-time PRU coprocessors and guaranteed long-term supply, on deliberately modest silicon. Our rating of the FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 (7/10): proven, long-available RK3399 performance at a budget price, minus an NPU.
BeagleBoard.org BeagleBone Black vs FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 price
At the last price check the FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 was $50.00 and the BeagleBoard.org BeagleBone Black $55.00, a 10% premium.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- BeagleBoard.org BeagleBone Black
- BeagleBoard.org
- FriendlyElec NanoPi M4
- FriendlyElec
SoC Model
- BeagleBoard.org BeagleBone Black
- Single-core Cortex-A8 @ 1GHz
- FriendlyElec NanoPi M4
- Hexa-core (Dual Cortex-A72 + Quad Cortex-A53)
Price
- BeagleBoard.org BeagleBone Black
- 55 USD
- FriendlyElec NanoPi M4
- 50 USD
RAM Capacity
- BeagleBoard.org BeagleBone Black
- 512 GBBest
- FriendlyElec NanoPi M4
- 1GB to 4GB LPDDR3
Which one should you pick?
Choose BeagleBoard.org BeagleBone Black 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 | BeagleBoard.org BeagleBone Black | FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $55.00 View on Amazon | |
| 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
BeagleBoard.org BeagleBone Black
7 / 10 Expert Rating
Real-time PRU coprocessors and guaranteed long-term supply, on deliberately modest silicon.
FriendlyElec NanoPi M4
7 / 10 Expert Rating
Proven, long-available RK3399 performance at a budget price, minus an NPU.




