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Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 vs FriendlyElec NanoPi M4: Comparison
What is the difference between Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 and FriendlyElec NanoPi M4?
The first real difference is gpu model: Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 Vivante GC7000UL against FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 Mali-T864. Onboard storage is not the same on both, 8GB to 64GB eMMC on the Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 versus microSD slot; eMMC socket on the FriendlyElec NanoPi M4. They differ on soc model too, Quad-Core Cortex-A53 up to 1.5GHz on the Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 versus Hexa-core on the FriendlyElec NanoPi M4. There is a split on connectivity as well, Gigabit Ethernet, RS485, CAN bus, digital I/O, optional 4G/LTE,... on the Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 versus Dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth on the FriendlyElec NanoPi M4.
Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 vs FriendlyElec NanoPi M4: which one fits your build
Buy the Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 for factory floor Modbus/CAN protocol gateways and outdoor or harsh-environment IoT deployments, though it is not built for hobbyist or desktop projects and budget-constrained builds. The FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 is the one to take for budget buyers who want proven, long-available RK3399-class performance. It is not the one for buyers who want a built-in NPU or the newest available silicon. Our rating of the Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 (7.5/10): A genuinely industrial-grade gateway for automation deployments, priced and built for reliability over raw performance. Our rating of the FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 (7/10): proven, long-available RK3399 performance at a budget price, minus an NPU.
Which is cheaper, Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 or FriendlyElec NanoPi M4?
The Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 asks 698% more, $399 against $50.00 for the FriendlyElec NanoPi M4.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- CompuLab
- FriendlyElec NanoPi M4
- FriendlyElec
SoC Model
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- Quad-Core Cortex-A53 up to 1.5GHz
- FriendlyElec NanoPi M4
- Hexa-core (Dual Cortex-A72 + Quad Cortex-A53)
Price
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- 399 USD
- FriendlyElec NanoPi M4
- 50 USD
GPU Model
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- Vivante GC7000UL
- FriendlyElec NanoPi M4
- Mali-T864
Onboard Storage
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- 8GB to 64GB eMMC
- FriendlyElec NanoPi M4
- microSD slot; eMMC socket (no onboard eMMC)
Connectivity
- Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
- Gigabit Ethernet, RS485, CAN bus, digital I/O, optional 4G/LTE, wide 9-36V DC input
- FriendlyElec NanoPi M4
- Dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth
Which one should you pick?
Choose Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 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 | Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8 | FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Consumercarts listing | $399.00 View on 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
Compulab IOT-GATE-iMX8
7.5 / 10 Expert Rating
A genuinely industrial-grade gateway for automation deployments, priced and built for reliability over raw performance.
FriendlyElec NanoPi M4
7 / 10 Expert Rating
Proven, long-available RK3399 performance at a budget price, minus an NPU.