Here’s a comparison of the Raspberry Pi 1 Model B and the Orange Pi Zero LTS, focusing on their technical specifications and intended use cases:
1. Processing Power
Raspberry Pi 1 Model B
- CPU: Broadcom BCM2835, ARM1176JZF-S, single-core, 700 MHz
- Architecture: ARMv6
- Performance: Basic processing power suitable for lightweight tasks such as simple IoT projects, media streaming, and retro gaming (e.g., emulation of older consoles).
Orange Pi Zero LTS
- CPU: Allwinner H2+, Quad-core ARM Cortex-A7, 1.2 GHz
- Architecture: ARMv7
- Performance: Substantially more powerful due to its quad-core processor and higher clock speed, making it better for multitasking, handling lightweight server tasks, and running more modern Linux-based operating systems.
2. Memory (RAM)
Raspberry Pi 1 Model B
- RAM: 256 MB or 512 MB (depending on the revision)
- Type: SDRAM
Orange Pi Zero LTS
- RAM: 256 MB or 512 MB DDR3 (depending on the model)
- Type: DDR3 is faster and more efficient than the RAM in the Raspberry Pi 1B.
3. Networking
Raspberry Pi 1 Model B
- Ethernet: 10/100 Mbps
- Wi-Fi: None (requires an external adapter)
Orange Pi Zero LTS
- Ethernet: 10/100 Mbps
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n integrated
- Bonus: Wi-Fi integration eliminates the need for an additional USB adapter for wireless networking.
4. GPIO and Expandability
Raspberry Pi 1 Model B
- GPIO Pins: 26 pins
- Expandability: Supports add-on boards such as HATs.
Orange Pi Zero LTS
- GPIO Pins: 26 pins (on a 2x13 header) + additional pins for UART, SPI, I2C, etc.
- Expandability: More flexible in terms of pin usage for advanced users but lacks the extensive ecosystem of HATs that Raspberry Pi has.
5. Storage
Raspberry Pi 1 Model B
- Storage: SD card slot for boot and storage.
Orange Pi Zero LTS
- Storage: MicroSD card slot + 16 MB SPI flash (can store a bootloader or lightweight OS).
6. USB Ports
Raspberry Pi 1 Model B
- USB: 2x USB 2.0 ports
Orange Pi Zero LTS
- USB:
- 1x USB 2.0 Host
- 1x Micro-USB (for power and OTG)
- GPIO headers allow for additional USB interfaces.
7. Video Output
Raspberry Pi 1 Model B
- Video: HDMI + composite video output (via 3.5 mm jack)
- Use Case: Designed for multimedia, better for video output and media center applications.
Orange Pi Zero LTS
- Video: No HDMI or dedicated video output
- Use Case: Primarily for headless setups (e.g., IoT or servers). You’ll need additional adapters or expansion boards for video output.
8. Power
Raspberry Pi 1 Model B
- Power: 5V/1.2A (via Micro-USB)
- Power Consumption: Low but less efficient compared to modern boards.
Orange Pi Zero LTS
- Power: 5V/2A (via Micro-USB)
- Power Consumption: Slightly higher but more efficient processing per watt due to modern hardware.
9. Software Support
Raspberry Pi 1 Model B
- Operating Systems: Raspbian, RetroPie, and many others supported by the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
- Community: Large and active, with extensive documentation, tutorials, and pre-built software.
Orange Pi Zero LTS
- Operating Systems: Armbian, Ubuntu, Debian-based distributions.
- Community: Smaller but growing, with less official support compared to Raspberry Pi.
10. Price
- Raspberry Pi 1 Model B: Usually discontinued but was more expensive when available.
- Orange Pi Zero LTS: Very affordable (around $10-$15), offering great value for its performance.
Conclusion
- Raspberry Pi 1 Model B is suited for simple tasks where video output or the Raspberry Pi ecosystem (HATs, tutorials) is needed.
- Orange Pi Zero LTS is better for headless IoT applications, lightweight servers, or users needing more CPU power and integrated Wi-Fi at a lower cost.
If you’re building a modern project, the Orange Pi Zero LTS is the better option overall.