Raspberry Pi Models are popular among single-board super-computing enthusiasts and is described as a small Linux-based computer on a single small board.
- Raspberry Pi 1, released in 2012, may be used with the PC monitor or Television and with your standard mouse or keyboard.
The credit-card-sized board (computer) allows you to undertake essential computer functions such as playing games and videos, processing word and excel documents using Python programs, and a fantastic micro-SD card.
Reviews: Top 7 Best Raspberry Pi Models for 2024
1. Raspberry Pi 2 Model B Desktop – #1 Pick
Raspberry Pi 2 Model B came to replace the Pi Model B+. Notably, Pi 2 Model B is about 6 times faster than Pi Model B+.
It has 40 pins extended GPIO and is total HAT compatible and has a 3.5mm audio jack, HDMI port, and 4 x USB ports.
It requires about 30 percent of the power needed by Model A+ & Model B+.
It runs at 900MHz power consumption and has better RAM (1GB RAM). It comes with a superior power management system that allows you to offer 1.2 Amp to your USB ports.
- This is possible because it comes with a quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, and an updated chipset.
- Note that Pi 2 Model B V1.2 utilizes BCM2837 SoC, whose processor is ARM Cortex-A53.
- Raspberry Pi 2 Model B will comfortably run Windows IoT and thus will attain top performance in your projects.
Equally, Pi 2 Model B has back-compatibility and therefore, will work with the Model B+ components and cases since it has a similar layout and footprint.
2. Raspberry Pi Model A+ – #2 Raspberry Pi Pick
Raspberry Pi Model A+ was an upgrade from the very first 2012 model Raspberry Pi Model A: which was released in 2013.
However, Pi Model A+ is an inferior form of Raspberry Pi Model B+ but it comes with a RAM of 512MB, a single USB port, is full-size but lacks Ethernet just like Pi Zero.
- Notably, it is a very cheap Linux computer. The Pi Model A+ enhanced school programming learning and science project completion.
- The significant enhancements over the Model A (that consumed 750mA) include efficient power consumption, a micro SD card socket to guard your SD card, and is compatible with an expanded GPIO header with forty pins.
It has a 3.5mm jack, which offers an additional audio port or video out for analog gadgets. Further, if you love utilizing soldering iron, its GPIO (40pin extended) has a header.
Further, it runs with just a third of the power required, with its switching regulators, to run Raspberry Pi Model B+ and thus will be useful (consumes the only 600mA) for projects using solar and battery, which includes WiFi repeaters and robots.
- It comes with full-size HDMI, its power source is Micro USB and has a DSI display.
With just 700MHz of processor and 256MB of RAM, I would consider the Raspberry Pi Model A+ as wanting in power.
3. Raspberry Pi Model B+ (B PLUS) _#3 Pick
Compared to Raspberry Pi A, A+, and B, the Model B+ is cheap and more adaptable, has 4 x USB Ports, reduced power consumption (600mA), 40 Pin GPIO, and has a Micro SD Port.
The board comes with a 40 Pin GPIO, enhanced connectivity (4 USB-ports allowed), and better power consumption.
- Since it has switching regulators, the Pi Model B+ will consume much less power.
- Also, its power supply produces reduce noise, and it has superior audio. Great for general applications that require good connectivity.
- With the 40 Pin GPIO, Raspberry Pi Model B+ has backward compatibility with other boards that used the 26 pins.
Compared to the Model B, the Model B+ (has 2 USB 2.0 ports) comes with 4 USB 2.0 ports. Also, it is compatible with OS like OpenELEC and has a small form factor.
However, be cautious because the cases for Model B are not compatible with the Raspberry Pi Model B+.
Conclusion
You can also consider the raspberry pi starter kits that you can use for your science projects.
Currently, there are about 5 Raspberry Pi that you can choose from? However, which is the best Raspberry Pi model?