Hardkernel

Hardkernel ODROID-C4

Expert rating7 / 10

Processor:: Amlogic S905X3, Quad-core Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz
GPU:: Mali-G31 MP2
Memory:: 2GB or 4GB LPDDR4
Storage:: microSD + eMMC
Price:: From $49

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Manufacturer: Hardkernel Last updated: 2026-10-10

Hardkernel ODROID-C4 Review

The ODROID-C4 is Hardkernel's long-running budget board, built around the same Amlogic S905X3 chip family that powers many Android TV boxes, and remains a steady recommendation for lightweight Linux and media-server projects years after launch.

Hardkernel has kept the C4's design stable and well-supported since launch, giving it a mature software ecosystem that newer, flashier boards often lack in their first year or two on the market.

A Proven, Simple Design

Hardkernel has kept the C4's design stable and well-supported since launch, giving it a mature software ecosystem that newer, flashier boards often lack in their first year or two on the market.

The Basis for a Popular NAS Variant

The related ODROID-HC4 variant (a two-bay NAS enclosure built on the same C4 platform) has made the underlying C4 design a familiar name in home-server and self-hosting communities beyond its base single-board form.

Comparison to Alternatives

Against the Hardkernel ODROID-N2+, the C4 is the more budget-focused, lower-performance sibling, giving up CPU headroom for a lower price. Against the Raspberry Pi 5 already on this site, the C4 trails significantly in raw performance but often costs less and remains readily available.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Expert rating7 / 10

A cheap, stable, well-supported board that keeps earning its place in home-server and media projects.

Best for

Budget Linux and lightweight media-server projects with a proven, stable board design.

Not for

Anyone needing RK3588-class or Raspberry Pi 5-class performance.

Specifications

What these specs mean

Identity

Brand	Hardkernel
Model Number	ODROID-C4

Processor

SoC Model	Amlogic S905X3

Graphics and AI

GPU Model	Mali-G31 MP2

Storage

Onboard Storage	microSD + eMMC

Memory	2GB or 4GB LPDDR4
Price	49 USD

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the Hardkernel ODROID-C4 (Single-Board Computer/Amlogic S905X3/Quad-Core Cortex-A55 2.0GHz/Up to 4GB LPDDR4/Budget Media Board)?

Key specs for the Hardkernel ODROID-C4: SoC Amlogic S905X3, GPU Mali-G31 MP2, Storage microSD + eMMC, Processor Quad-core Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz, Memory 2GB or 4GB LPDDR4, Price From $49.

Will the Hardkernel ODROID-C4 (Single-Board Computer/Amlogic S905X3/Quad-Core Cortex-A55 2.0GHz/Up to 4GB LPDDR4/Budget Media Board) work with my current setup?

The Hardkernel ODROID-C4 (Single-Board Computer/Amlogic S905X3/Quad-Core Cortex-A55 2.0GHz/Up to 4GB LPDDR4/Budget Media Board) lists SoC is Amlogic S905X3. 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 Hardkernel ODROID-C4 (Single-Board Computer/Amlogic S905X3/Quad-Core Cortex-A55 2.0GHz/Up to 4GB LPDDR4/Budget Media Board) best suited to?

Best suited to: Budget Linux and lightweight media-server projects with a proven, stable board design.

What are the drawbacks of the Hardkernel ODROID-C4 (Single-Board Computer/Amlogic S905X3/Quad-Core Cortex-A55 2.0GHz/Up to 4GB LPDDR4/Budget Media Board)?

Not the best fit for: Anyone needing RK3588-class or Raspberry Pi 5-class performance.