Those looking for a single-board computer (SBC) will soon have a new option. While the Raspberry Pi (opens in new tab) is very likely the name that comes to mind when you hear SBC, FriendlyElec is coming out with the NanoPi R2S (opens in new tab), a SBC detailed this month that features more Ethernet ports than the Raspberry Pi 4. (opens in new tab)
NanoPi R2S vs. Raspberry Pi 4
| Spec | NanoPi R2S | Raspberry Pi 4 B |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 2.2 x 2 x ? inches (55.6 x 52mm) | 3.5 x 2.3 x 0.76 inches (88 x 58 x 19.5mm) |
| GPU | Arm Mali-450 MP2 @ 500 MHz | VideoCore VI @ 500 MHz |
| CPU | 4x Arm Cortex-A53 cores @ 1.5 GHz | 4x Arm Cortex A-72 cores (Broadcom BCM2711B0) @ 1.5 GHz |
| RAM | 1GB DDR4 | 1 - 4GB DDR4 |
| Network Support | 2x Ethernet | 1x Ethernet |
| Storage | MicroSD card slot | MicroSD card slot |
| USB Ports | 1x USB 2.0 | 2x USB 3.0; 2x USB 2.0 |
| Power Supply | DC 5V / 2A | DC 5V / 3A |
The NanoPi R2S is notably distinct from the Raspberry Pi. Among the biggest difference is the upcoming SBC's additional Ethernet port, making it ideal for network-based projects.
The unit measures just 2.2 x 2 inches, which is a low-profile size that's comparable to the Raspberry Pi A+ boards.
The NanoPi R2S will come powered by four Arm Cortex-A53 cores (opens in new tab)and reach a clock speed (opens in new tab) of up to 1.5 GHz.
In terms of RAM, the Pi 4 has the NanoPi R2S beat with the ability to support up to 4GB of DDR4 RAM, compared to the R2S' 1GB. However, we're be keen to see how pricing compares.
You'll be able to connect peripherals or storage devices to the NanoPi R2S via its single USB Type-A port. Meanwhile, the microUSB port for powering the board. It also comes with a 10-pin GPIO header for I2C and UART support.
Currently, the NanoPi R2S doesn't have a price or release date. However, its predecessor, the NanoPi R1S (opens in new tab), currently starts at $25 from FriendlyElec, including shipping from China.
