Orange Pi offers a wide range of single-board computers (SBCs), tailored for various use cases, from basic IoT applications to high-performance desktop computing. Below is a detailed overview of the major Orange Pi models, grouped by their intended purpose and performance level.

1. Entry-Level Models (Compact, Low-Cost, Energy-Efficient)

These models are designed for basic IoT applications, headless servers, or embedded systems where affordability and efficiency are key.

Orange Pi Zero

  • Processor: Allwinner H2+, Quad-core Cortex-A7 @ 1.2GHz
  • RAM: 256MB/512MB DDR3
  • Features: Integrated Wi-Fi, Ethernet, GPIO headers, no HDMI output.
  • Use Case: Low-power IoT projects, lightweight servers, or networked applications.
  • Drawback: Runs hot and lacks video output.

Orange Pi Zero LTS

  • Improved Version of Zero: Optimized for power and thermal efficiency (30% lower power consumption).
  • Features: Similar to Orange Pi Zero but with better heat management and stability.
  • Use Case: Perfect for battery-powered or solar-powered IoT setups.

Orange Pi R1

  • Processor: Allwinner H2+, Quad-core Cortex-A7 @ 1.2GHz
  • RAM: 256MB/512MB DDR3
  • Features: Dual Ethernet ports, no HDMI output.
  • Use Case: Designed for routers, firewalls, and network-based IoT systems.

Orange Pi i96

  • Processor: RDA8810, Cortex-A5 @ 1.2GHz
  • RAM: 256MB DDR3
  • Features: Wi-Fi, onboard eMMC (4GB), limited GPIO.
  • Use Case: Ultra-compact IoT projects with basic processing needs.

2. General Purpose (Balanced Performance and Features)

These boards offer moderate processing power, making them suitable for small servers, media centers, and hobbyist projects.

Orange Pi One

  • Processor: Allwinner H3, Quad-core Cortex-A7 @ 1.2GHz
  • RAM: 512MB DDR3
  • Features: HDMI, Ethernet, GPIO headers, no Wi-Fi.
  • Use Case: Affordable SBC for basic Linux applications and light media playback.

Orange Pi Lite

  • Processor: Allwinner H3, Quad-core Cortex-A7 @ 1.2GHz
  • RAM: 512MB DDR3
  • Features: Wi-Fi, GPIO headers, HDMI.
  • Use Case: Wireless applications, basic media streaming, and light workloads.

Orange Pi PC

  • Processor: Allwinner H3, Quad-core Cortex-A7 @ 1.2GHz
  • RAM: 1GB DDR3
  • Features: HDMI, Ethernet, GPIO, AV output.
  • Use Case: Suitable for general-purpose Linux desktops, lightweight media playback, and development.

Orange Pi PC Plus

  • Processor: Allwinner H3, Quad-core Cortex-A7 @ 1.2GHz
  • RAM: 1GB DDR3
  • Features: Built-in Wi-Fi, HDMI, Ethernet, eMMC (8GB).
  • Use Case: Similar to Orange Pi PC but with onboard storage and wireless connectivity.

3. Media and Desktop-Oriented Models

These models have more powerful hardware for media playback, 3D rendering, and running full Linux desktops.

Orange Pi Plus 2

  • Processor: Allwinner H3, Quad-core Cortex-A7 @ 1.2GHz
  • RAM: 2GB DDR3
  • Features: HDMI, dual USB ports, eMMC (16GB), Wi-Fi, Ethernet.
  • Use Case: Suitable for moderate media playback and desktop-like experiences.

Orange Pi Plus 2E

  • Processor: Allwinner H3, Quad-core Cortex-A7 @ 1.2GHz
  • RAM: 2GB DDR3
  • Features: HDMI, Ethernet, GPIO, eMMC (16GB), Wi-Fi.
  • Use Case: Improved version of Plus 2, ideal for lightweight desktop or media projects.

Orange Pi 3

  • Processor: Allwinner H6, Quad-core Cortex-A53 @ 1.8GHz
  • RAM: 1GB/2GB LPDDR3
  • Features: HDMI 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, eMMC.
  • Use Case: Supports 4K video playback, suitable for media centers and more demanding desktop environments.

4. High-Performance Models

Designed for demanding tasks like machine learning, 4K video playback, or virtualization.

Orange Pi 4

  • Processor: Rockchip RK3399, Hexa-core (Dual-core Cortex-A72 + Quad-core Cortex-A53)
  • RAM: 3GB/4GB LPDDR4
  • Features: HDMI 2.0, USB 3.0, PCIe, eMMC, Wi-Fi.
  • Use Case: 4K media playback, desktop-like performance, and AI applications.

Orange Pi 5

  • Processor: Rockchip RK3588S, Octa-core (Quad-core Cortex-A76 + Quad-core Cortex-A55)
  • RAM: 4GB/8GB/16GB LPDDR4X
  • Features: Dual HDMI 2.1 (8K support), USB 3.2, PCIe, NVMe, Wi-Fi.
  • Use Case: Powerful desktop computing, 8K video, AI workloads, and high-end embedded systems.

5. Networking and Specialized Models

Boards designed for routers, firewalls, or specific IoT functions.

Orange Pi R1 Plus

  • Processor: Rockchip RK3328, Quad-core Cortex-A53 @ 1.5GHz
  • RAM: 1GB DDR4
  • Features: Dual Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, GPIO headers.
  • Use Case: Routers, NAS devices, and firewalls.

Orange Pi R1 Plus LTS

  • Improved R1 Plus: Optimized for power efficiency and thermal performance.
  • Use Case: Same as R1 Plus, with better long-term reliability.

6. Tiny Embedded Systems

Compact and minimal models for embedded use cases.

Orange Pi Zero 2

  • Processor: Allwinner H616, Quad-core Cortex-A53 @ 1.5GHz
  • RAM: 512MB/1GB DDR3
  • Features: Wi-Fi, HDMI, GPIO headers.
  • Use Case: IoT projects requiring video output or slightly higher performance.

Orange Pi i96

  • Processor: RDA8810, Cortex-A5 @ 1.2GHz
  • RAM: 256MB DDR3
  • Features: Compact design with Wi-Fi and onboard eMMC.
  • Use Case: Ultra-compact IoT setups or embedded devices.

Choosing the Right Orange Pi

  1. For IoT/Headless Applications: Orange Pi Zero, Zero LTS, or R1 models.
  2. For Basic Desktop/Media Playback: Orange Pi PC, PC Plus, or Lite.
  3. For Advanced Media/4K/AI: Orange Pi 3, 4, or 5.
  4. For Networking: Orange Pi R1 Plus or R1 Plus LTS.
  5. For Power Users: Orange Pi 5 with 8K video support and high-performance specs.

Would you like details on any specific model or comparison to another SBC like Raspberry Pi?