FriendlyElec NanoPi M4
Expert rating7 / 10
- SoC:
- Rockchip RK3399
- CPU:
- Hexa-core (Dual Cortex-A72 + Quad Cortex-A53)
- RAM:
- 1GB to 4GB LPDDR3
- Connectivity:
- Dual-band WiFi
- Price:
- From $50
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Manufacturer: FriendlyElec Last updated: September 11, 2026
FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3399/Hexa-Core Cortex-A72+A53/Up to 4GB LPDDR3) Review
The NanoPi M4 was one of the earliest widely-available RK3399 boards, and remains a familiar name in the SBC hobbyist community years after its original launch thanks to steady price drops and continued availability.
At launch, the NanoPi M4 undercut several competing RK3399 boards on price, and price drops over its lifetime have kept it a recurring recommendation for buyers wanting RK3399-class performance on a budget.
An Early RK3399 Value Leader
At launch, the NanoPi M4 undercut several competing RK3399 boards on price, and price drops over its lifetime have kept it a recurring recommendation for buyers wanting RK3399-class performance on a budget.
Dual-Band WiFi in a Compact Board
5GHz and 2.4GHz dual-band WiFi came standard even on the base model, a spec some competing budget RK3399 boards of the same era left out or made optional.
Comparison to Alternatives
Against the Radxa ROCK 3A covered in this batch, the NanoPi M4's RK3399 offers more raw CPU cores (six versus four) but lacks the ROCK 3A's integrated NPU. Against the Pine64 RockPro64 covered in this batch, both use RK3399-family silicon, with the NanoPi M4 taking a smaller, more Pi-like form factor.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | FriendlyElec |
|---|
| Price | 50 USD |
|---|---|
| SoC | Rockchip RK3399 |
| CPU | Hexa-core (Dual Cortex-A72 + Quad Cortex-A53) |
| RAM | 1GB to 4GB LPDDR3 |
| Connectivity | Dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating7 / 10
Proven, long-available RK3399 performance at a budget price, minus an NPU.
Best for
- Budget buyers who want proven, long-available RK3399-class performance.
Not for
- Buyers who want a built-in NPU or the newest available silicon.
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3399/Hexa-Core Cortex-A72+A53/Up to 4GB LPDDR3)?
The FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3399/Hexa-Core Cortex-A72+A53/Up to 4GB LPDDR3) is a single board computer from FriendlyElec. Key specs: SoC Rockchip RK3399, CPU Hexa-core (Dual Cortex-A72 + Quad Cortex-A53), RAM 1GB to 4GB LPDDR3, Connectivity Dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth, Price From $50.
Will the FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3399/Hexa-Core Cortex-A72+A53/Up to 4GB LPDDR3) work with my current setup?
The FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3399/Hexa-Core Cortex-A72+A53/Up to 4GB LPDDR3) lists SoC is Rockchip RK3399. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3399/Hexa-Core Cortex-A72+A53/Up to 4GB LPDDR3) best suited to?
It suits budget buyers who want proven, long-available rk3399-class performance..
What are the drawbacks of the FriendlyElec NanoPi M4 (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3399/Hexa-Core Cortex-A72+A53/Up to 4GB LPDDR3)?
It is a poor fit for buyers who want a built-in npu or the newest available silicon..
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