Introduction
In this article, we will compare the features of two popular development boards: the UPSafePi and the Orange Pi 3B. The UPSafePi is based on the Raspberry Pi 4B but has the added advantage of having integrated capacitors to prevent sudden shutdowns, allowing for a safe power-off that protects your data and operating system. We'll analyze their characteristics point by point to help you decide which is the better option for your projects.
1. Processor (CPU)
UPSafePi:
- Equipped with a Broadcom BCM2711, a quad-core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit processor at 1.5 GHz.
Orange Pi 3B:
- Uses an Allwinner H6 with ARM Cortex-A53 (64-bit) architecture and 4 cores at 1.8 GHz.
Advantage of UPSafePi:
- Although the Allwinner H6 has a slightly higher frequency, the Cortex-A72 architecture of the UPSafePi is more modern and efficient. The Cortex-A72 cores offer superior performance compared to the A53 cores of the Orange Pi 3B, resulting in better overall performance in demanding applications.
2. GPU
UPSafePi:
- Features the VideoCore VI GPU, supporting 4K resolutions and is highly efficient in 3D graphics and multimedia playback.
Orange Pi 3B:
- Comes with a Mali-T720 MP2 GPU, which is a basic graphical solution.
Advantage of UPSafePi:
- The VideoCore VI GPU of the UPSafePi significantly outperforms the Mali-T720 in terms of graphical capabilities, support for dual 4K displays, and multimedia performance.
3. RAM Memory
UPSafePi:
- Available in configurations of 2 GB, 4 GB, or 8 GB of LPDDR4 RAM, which is much faster and more efficient than DDR3.
Orange Pi 3B:
- Offers 2 GB of DDR3 RAM.
Advantage of UPSafePi:
- Not only does it offer more memory options (up to 8 GB), but LPDDR4 is considerably faster than DDR3, translating to better performance in multitasking and memory-intensive applications.
4. Storage
UPSafePi:
- Has a microSD card slot and the option to use external storage via USB 3.0 ports.
Orange Pi 3B:
- Includes a microSD card slot and 8 GB of integrated eMMC storage.
Advantage of UPSafePi:
- While the Orange Pi 3B has integrated eMMC, the storage speed via the USB 3.0 ports on the UPSafePi is significantly faster and offers more flexibility by using external disks or SSDs, improving boot speed and data transfer rates.
5. Network Connectivity
UPSafePi:
- Has Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps) and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz).
Orange Pi 3B:
- Features a 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet port and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac.
Advantage of UPSafePi:
- Both boards have similar connectivity specifications, but the UPSafePi has demonstrated better stability and support in network drivers, along with superior performance on the Gigabit Ethernet port.
6. USB Ports
UPSafePi:
- Includes 2 USB 3.0 ports and 2 USB 2.0 ports.
Orange Pi 3B:
- Comes with 3 USB 2.0 ports and 1 USB 3.0 port.
Advantage of UPSafePi:
- The UPSafePi offers more USB 3.0 ports, meaning higher data transfer capacity and support for high-speed peripherals like external hard drives or network adapters.
7. Video Output
UPSafePi:
- Offers 2 micro-HDMI outputs with support for dual 4K displays.
Orange Pi 3B:
- Supports only a single HDMI 2.0 output, capable of 4K at 60 fps.
Advantage of UPSafePi:
- The UPSafePi allows you to connect two 4K displays simultaneously, making it a more attractive option for multimedia and productivity applications.
8. Operating System and Community
UPSafePi:
- Compatible with Raspberry Pi OS (formerly Raspbian) and a wide range of Linux-based operating systems, as well as specialized versions of Windows 10 IoT. It also benefits from an active community and extensive documentation.
Orange Pi 3B:
- Uses Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Android, or Debian, but the support community is limited compared to the UPSafePi.
Advantage of UPSafePi:
- The UPSafePi has a much larger user base, better documentation and technical support, which facilitates project development, problem-solving, and access to learning resources.
9. Energy Efficiency
UPSafePi:
- Features an optimized power management system with advanced options to regulate consumption based on workload. Additionally, with the integrated capacitors, the UPSafePi prevents sudden shutdowns, allowing for a safe power-off and protecting the system from potential damage due to sudden power loss.
Orange Pi 3B:
- Has similar power consumption but lacks efficient power management and a community that optimizes this aspect.
Advantage of UPSafePi:
- Offers better overall energy management, making it more suitable for applications requiring long-term low power consumption and greater protection against power failures.
10. Support and Updates
UPSafePi:
- Receives constant updates, Linux kernel optimizations, and has direct support from the Raspberry Pi Foundation, ensuring a better product lifecycle.
Orange Pi 3B:
- Software support and updates are limited compared to the UPSafePi.
Advantage of UPSafePi:
- The backing of the foundation and continuous software and hardware improvements make it a much more robust and maintainable option in the long term.
Conclusion
After analyzing the features and performance of both boards, it's clear that the UPSafePi outperforms the Orange Pi 3B in almost all key aspects. With a more powerful processor, better GPU, more RAM options, superior storage capabilities, enhanced connectivity, and superior energy management thanks to the capacitors that allow for a safe shutdown, the UPSafePi is the ideal choice for projects that require performance, reliability, and long-term support.
Comparative Analysis: UPSafePi vs Orange Pi 3B