In this write-up, we will discuss all the basic models of Raspberry Pi and then decide which one is best for us.
What are the different models of Raspberry Pi
There are different models of the Raspberry pi which are listed down below with a concise description and these models can be used for different applications depending on their technical specifications.
Raspberry Pi 4: This is the latest release of the Raspberry which is launched with three types of RAM: 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB. It can support the display on two LCD monitors using the HDMI ports as well as it can support USB 2.0 and 3.0. A Gigabit Ethernet port is also embedded on the board which is used for ethernet connections to the Raspberry Pi, moreover, it consumes less power and works faster as compared to older models.
Raspberry Pi 3: This release is the advanced form of the Raspberry Pi 2 and was launched in 2016. It can support the 1080p MP4 video and also it can be used for lightweight applications, moreover, it is low in cost as compared to the Raspberry Pi 4. The Raspberry Pi 3 also supports WiFi, Bluetooth connectivity as well as it can be connected to the TV and LCD using the HDMI cable. If interested to run lightweight apps and for simple gaming, Raspberry Pi 3 would be a cost-effective choice.
Raspberry Pi Zero: The Raspberry Pi zero was in very small size and its specifications are also less as compared to the other boards of the Raspberry Pi family. It contains 512 MB RAM and has no Ethernet port which means the Ethernet communication is not supported by the Raspberry Pi Zero. As it comes with fewer specifications as compared to Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 3, it’s obvious it has a low cost as compared to both of them. The Raspberry Pi Zero has been launched in two further models that are Raspberry Pi Zero W (which supports WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity) and Raspberry Pi Zero WH (which contains the pre-soldered GPIO pins).
Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W: The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 is the upgraded form of the Raspberry Pi zero, moreover, it is almost five times faster than the Raspberry Pi zero having the wireless LAN card, a 512 MB SDRAM, and a processor of 1 GHz, other than these, the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 contains the OTG USB port, mini HDMI port, and a CSI-2 camera connector.
What are the technical specifications of different Raspberry models
The differences in technical specifications of the different Raspberry Model are:
| Model | CPU | RAM | I/O ports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi 4 | 1.5-GHz, 4-core Broadcom BCM2711 (Cortex-A72) | 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB | 4 USB ports, 1 Gigabit Ethernet port, and 2 micro HDMI port |
| Raspberry Pi 3 | 1.4-GHz, 4-core Broadcom BCM2837B0 (Cortex-A53) | 1 GB | 4 USB ports, 3.5 mm audio jack, and HDMI port |
| Raspberry Pi Zero W | 1-GHz, 1-core Broadcom BCM2835 (ARM1176JZF-S) | 512 MB | 1 micro USB port and 1 Mini HDMI port |
| Raspberry Pi Zero WH | |||
| Raspberry Pi Zero | |||
| Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W | 1GHz quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A53 CPU | 512 MB SDRAM | 1 OTG USB port, 1 Mini HDMI port, micro SD card slot, and a CSI-2 camera connector |
 Which Raspberry Pi is best for me
As we discussed the major models of the Raspberry Pi with their technical specifications, now it’s time to decide which board is suitable for me. Every board is recommended for different applications, some of the applications and recommended Raspberry Pi boards are:
| Raspberry Pi Boards | Applications |
|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi 4 | To learn the basics of the Raspberry Pi |
| To play games using emulator | |
| To run a web server | |
| To learn machine learning | |
| Raspberry Pi 3 | To play games using the emulator |
| To watch videos | |
| Raspberry Pi Zero | For the automation of security cameras |
| To be used in robotics | |
| To be used in wearable applications |
Conclusion
Raspberry Pi is the coolest invention of this century which can be used for learning computer concepts as well as for the automation of the security cameras and designing of the robotics. There are different models of the Raspberry Pi which are used for different applications and in this write-up, different applications of the Raspberry Pi models are discussed on the basis of which a user can choose the Raspberry Pi for himself.
