In this guide, we’ll do a detailed Raspberry Pi 4 vs 5 comparison — looking at performance, hardware changes, new features, and whether it’s worth upgrading.
🧩 Quick Specs Comparison
Feature | Raspberry Pi 4 | Raspberry Pi 5 |
---|---|---|
Processor | Broadcom BCM2711 (4-core Cortex-A72 @ 1.5GHz) | Broadcom BCM2712 (4-core Cortex-A76 @ 2.4GHz) |
GPU | VideoCore VI | VideoCore VII (Better performance) |
RAM Options | 2GB, 4GB, 8GB LPDDR4 | 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4X |
Storage | microSD card | microSD + PCIe 2.0 (for NVMe SSDs) |
USB Ports | 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0 | Same layout but improved bandwidth |
Camera/Display | 1x CSI, 1x DSI | 2x CSI/DSI combo ports |
GPIO | 40-pin header (standard) | 40-pin header (unchanged) |
Power | 5V via USB-C (3A) | 5V via USB-C (5A) — more demanding |
OS | Raspberry Pi OS (32/64-bit) | Raspberry Pi OS (optimized for Pi 5) |
🚀 Performance Boosts in Raspberry Pi 5
The Raspberry Pi 5 features a massive upgrade in both CPU and GPU performance. With its Cortex-A76 cores and higher clock speed, expect up to 2–3x faster processing in real-world tasks compared to the Pi 4.
Graphics and video output are also improved, supporting dual 4K displays more smoothly thanks to the upgraded VideoCore VII GPU.
🔌 New Features in Raspberry Pi 5
- PCIe Support – Add NVMe SSDs for blazing-fast storage
- Dedicated Power Button – First Pi to include this feature
- Dual CSI/DSI Combo Ports – Connect multiple cameras/displays
- Real-Time Clock (RTC) Support – Battery-powered timekeeping
- Better USB Bandwidth – Improved performance for peripherals
⚡ Power Considerations
The Raspberry Pi 5 is significantly more powerful, but it also draws more current. You’ll need a higher-rated power supply — ideally 5V/5A — especially if you’re using accessories like SSDs or cameras.
📦 Software & OS Compatibility
Both Raspberry Pi 4 and 5 run Raspberry Pi OS, but Pi 5 benefits from 64-bit optimization and improved driver support. Most existing software works on both, but newer applications (like AI tools) will perform far better on the Pi 5.
🎯 Should You Upgrade to Raspberry Pi 5?
If you’re using the Raspberry Pi 4 for lightweight tasks, like GPIO projects, basic servers, or retro gaming, you may not need to upgrade immediately. But if you’re looking for more power for:
- Desktop replacement
- AI and machine learning
- SSD storage performance
- Camera-intensive applications
Then the Raspberry Pi 5 is absolutely worth the investment.