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Detailed Comparison
Raspberry Pi vs Arduino: Complete Comparison Guide
One is a microcontroller, the other is a full computer. Learn when to use each for your electronics projects.
Raspberry Pi 5
VS
Arduino Uno
Raspberry Pi 5
The Raspberry Pi is a full single-board computer (SBC) running Linux. It can browse the web, run Python, and handle AI/ML tasks.
Arduino Uno
The Arduino Uno is a microcontroller board. It runs a single program in a loop, making it perfect for real-time sensor and actuator control.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Raspberry Pi 5 | Arduino Uno |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Single-Board Computer (SBC) | Microcontroller |
| Processor | 2.4 GHz ARM Cortex-A76 (Quad) | 16 MHz ATmega328P (8-bit) |
| RAM | 4 GB / 8 GB | 2 KB SRAM |
| Storage | MicroSD Card | 32 KB Flash |
| Operating System | Linux (Raspberry Pi OS) | None (bare metal) |
| GPIO Pins | 40 (3.3V logic) | 14 (5V tolerant) |
| USB/HDMI/WiFi | Yes | USB only (for programming) |
| Price (India) | ₹5000 - ₹8000 | ₹450 - ₹800 |
Raspberry Pi 5
Pros
- Full Linux operating system
- Can run Python, Node.js, AI/ML
- Built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI
- Supports camera and display modules
- Ideal for image/video processing
Cons
- Much more expensive
- Requires SD card, power supply, case
- Not real-time (OS scheduling)
- More power hungry
- Overkill for simple sensor tasks
Arduino Uno
Pros
- Simple and beginner-friendly
- Real-time response (no OS delay)
- Very low power consumption
- Starts instantly on power
- Direct hardware control
Cons
- No operating system
- Cannot run Python or web servers
- Limited processing power
- Requires shields for WiFi/Bluetooth
- Cannot process images or video
Our Recommendation
Choose **Arduino** for real-time sensor control, robotics, and low-power embedded systems. Choose **Raspberry Pi** for AI, image processing, web servers, or when you need a full OS.
The Verdict
They serve different purposes! Use Arduino for hardware control and Raspberry Pi for software-heavy tasks. Many advanced projects use BOTH together.