Feature comparison
Here's a side-by-side comparison of the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B and Raspberry Pi 5:
| Feature | Raspberry Pi 4 | Raspberry Pi 5 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core Cortex-A72, 1.5 GHz | Quad-core Cortex-A76, 2.4 GHz |
| CPU Architecture | 64-bit | 64-bit |
| CPU Performance | Up to 1.5 GHz | Up to 2.4 GHz (2–3× faster) |
| GPU | VideoCore VI | VideoCore VII |
| GPU Performance | Improved over Pi 3 | Significant boost over Pi 4 |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n | 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz 802.11ac |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 / BLE |
| Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet (PoE+ supported) | Gigabit Ethernet (PoE+ supported) |
| USB Ports | 2 × USB 3.0, 2 × USB 2.0 | 2 × USB 3.0, 2 × USB 2.0 |
| Camera/Display | 1 × 4-lane MIPI CSI/DSI | 2 × 4-lane MIPI CSI/DSI |
| Real-Time Clock | No | Built-in RTC with battery support |
| Power Management | USB Type-C power delivery | USB Type-C power delivery (improved) |
| Form Factor | Standard Pi 4 form factor | Compatible with Pi 4 form factor |
CPU and GPU performance
CPU upgrade
The Raspberry Pi 5 features a quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 CPU running at 2.4 GHz, compared to the Pi 4's quad-core Cortex-A72 at 1.5 GHz. This represents 2–3× faster CPU performance for most tasks.
The Cortex-A76 architecture is more efficient and powerful than the A72, delivering better performance per clock cycle. Combined with the higher clock speed, the Pi 5 handles demanding applications like compilation, emulation, and multitasking much more effectively.
GPU enhancement
The Pi 5's VideoCore VII GPU offers a significant boost over the Pi 4's VideoCore VI. This means better graphics performance for desktop use, improved video playback (including hardware acceleration for modern codecs), and enhanced capabilities for GPU-accelerated tasks.
If you're using your Pi for media playback, retro gaming, or any graphics-intensive work, the Pi 5's GPU upgrade is immediately noticeable.
Connectivity upgrades
Dual-band Wi-Fi
The Raspberry Pi 5 adds 5 GHz Wi-Fi support (802.11ac) alongside the existing 2.4 GHz band. The 5 GHz band offers:
- Faster data transfer speeds
- Less interference in crowded wireless environments
- Lower latency for network-intensive tasks
The Pi 4 only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, which can be congested in areas with many wireless networks.
Dual camera/display connectors
One of the most significant connectivity improvements is the addition of 2 × 4-lane MIPI Camera/Display interfaces on the Pi 5 (compared to 1 on the Pi 4). This enables:
- Connecting two cameras simultaneously
- Connecting a camera and display at the same time
- Dual-display setups for certain applications
For computer vision projects, robotics, or multi-camera applications, this is a game-changer.
New features in Pi 5
Built-in Real-Time Clock (RTC)
The Raspberry Pi 5 includes a hardware RTC with battery backup support. This allows your Pi to keep accurate time even when powered off, as long as a coin cell battery is connected.
The Pi 4 lacks an RTC and must sync time from the internet or an external RTC module. The built-in RTC is especially useful for data logging, scheduled tasks, and offline applications that require accurate timestamps.
Improved power management
While both boards use USB Type-C power delivery, the Pi 5 has improved power management circuitry that provides more stable power under load and better support for peripherals.
Which should you choose?
Choose Raspberry Pi 5 if you:
- Need maximum performance for demanding tasks (compilation, emulation, AI/ML)
- Want dual-band Wi-Fi (5 GHz) for faster networking
- Plan to use multiple cameras or displays simultaneously
- Need a built-in real-time clock for timestamping or scheduling
- Are starting a new project and want the latest technology
Choose Raspberry Pi 4 if you:
- Have a project that doesn't require cutting-edge performance
- Want a more affordable option (Pi 4 prices may be lower)
- Already have Pi 4 accessories and cases
- Are working on basic projects (home automation, media center, learning)
- Don't need dual cameras or 5 GHz Wi-Fi
Both boards are excellent choices
The Raspberry Pi 4 remains a very capable board for most projects. Unless you specifically need the performance boost or new features of the Pi 5, the Pi 4 is still an excellent choice. Many existing projects and tutorials work equally well on both boards.
If you're buying new and the price difference isn't significant, the Pi 5 offers better long-term value with its performance improvements and new capabilities.