Hmm. So you are on the right path. This is an era of automation, robotics, and IoT (Internet of Things). For this purpose, you can use custom build gadgets & tools like “Amazon Alexa” , “Google Assistant” , “Phillips Hue” , “LG Smart tv” etc. If you are interested in doing some automation stuff by yourself, Arduino and Raspberry are best for you. These can be the heart of your automation system. Few other boards are also available like ESP8266 and NodeMCU, but in this article, I shall only focus on Arduino and Raspberry Pi.
Contents
- 1 Microcontroller / Minicomputer
- 2
- 3 Speed Comparison of Arduino and Raspberry Pi
- 4 Popular Variations of Arduino and Raspberry Pi
- 5 Hardware Structure
- 6
- 7 Operating Voltage
- 8 Sensors Interfacing
- 9 Operating System
- 10 Programming Language
- 11 Start & Shutdown Procedure of Arduino and Raspberry Pi
- 12 Price Comparison of Arduino and Raspberry Pi
- 13 Comparing Memory Storage of Arduino and Raspberry Pi
- 14 Analog Pins
- 15 Shield Requirement
- 16 Multitasking
- 17 Data Transfer
- 18 Register Width
- 19 Current Capacity
- 20 RAM
- 21 Conclusion
Here, I shall discuss the difference between Arduino and Raspberry Pi in a straightforward way. After reading this article, you will be able to choose the best hardware for your job.
Actually, both (Raspberry & Arduino) are quite different in use and customization.
Note: This article will focus on Raspberry pi3 (B+) and Arduino UNO.
Microcontroller / Minicomputer
Arduino is basically a microcontroller based electronic platform that is open source. It was developed to do interactive projects by Arduino. cc
Raspberry pi is a kind of minicomputer developed by the pi organization. It was developed to teach computer programming in developing countries. By default, its operating system is Raspbian based, but you can even other operating systems like Android, Windows 10, and Firefox.
![]() |
![]() |
Click the image if you want to buy best Arduino starter kit for beginners. | Click the image if you want to buy best Raspberry pi starter kit for beginners. |
Speed Comparison of Arduino and Raspberry Pi
As Arduino is a microcontroller, it is very quick in performing different operations on small devices like Led, motors, and other sensors.
Raspberry Pi is Single Board Computer (SBC) having an operating system installed on it. It is suitable for large complex tasks.
Popular Variations of Arduino and Raspberry Pi
Arduino board has many variations. Notable are Arduino UNO, Arduino Mega, Arduino Due, Arduino Leonardo, etc. There are changes in hardware but programming is essentially the same.
Raspberry pi also has few variations. Raspberry pi zero (Zero,W/WH), Raspberry pi 2 (B), Raspberry pi 3 (B,A+,B+), Raspberry pi 4(B,400) etc. Now, hardware structure is different but programming is essentially the same.
Hardware Structure
In Arduino and Raspberry Pi comparison, one important aspect is Hardware Structure. Due to its ultimate importance, it is drafted in form of table.
Arduino |
Raspberry PI |
Hardware Structure of Arduino
notably consists of Microcontroller based on ATMEGA328P |
Microprocessor Broadcom BCM2387 chipset.
Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A53 (64bits) |
14 Digital input/output pins
|
40 Digital GPIO Pins |
Button for Reset and
ICSP Header
|
No such Buttons |
Power Jack
|
Socket for Power |
Power Supply & Ground Pins
|
+3.3V,+5V and Ground pins |
6 Analog Pins
|
No Analog Pins available |
16MHz Quartz Crystal | 1.2 G Hz Speed |
No built-in Camera Interface
|
Camera Interface available |
No Wireless LAN and Bluetooth
|
Wireless LAN Available |
No Ethernet Port | Ethernet Port Available |
No Video/Audio Jack | Composite Video/Audio Jack |
No USB Ports | 4 USB Ports |
No external Memory Available | Memory card slot |
No Display Connector | Display Connector Available |
No HDMI Port | HDMI Port Available |
No Built-in Bluetooth | Bluetooth Available |
Operating Voltage
Arduino operated on 5V while Raspberry Pi is operated on 3.3V(5V can damage GPIO pins permanently).
Sensors Interfacing
Sensor interfacing is comparatively very easy in case of Arduino.
In the case of Raspberry pi, sensor and components interfacing is relatively difficult because it requires related libraries and software installations.
Arduino cannot be connected to the internet directly (You need external hardware to connect Arduino with the internet).
Raspberry pi can be connected to the internet easily via built-in Wifi or Ethernet port.
Operating System
Arduino has no operating system. It has an integrated Development Environment.
Raspberry pi is UNIX based so it can use anything like Scratch, Python, IDLE etc
Programming Language
When we think about programming languages of Arduino and Raspberry Pi, below are important points.
The recommended programming language for Arduino IDE is C/C++.
The officially recommended language for raspberry pi is Python but C/C++ and Python Ruby can also be used.
Start & Shutdown Procedure of Arduino and Raspberry Pi
Arduino starts running as it is powered up through a jack or PC USB. You need to unplug the power to turn Arduino OFF. It means power interruption does not damage the Arduino Program.
Raspberry Pi required proper shutdown technique as in the case of our normal PC otherwise, files can be corrupted. It means Power Interruption can damage the Operating System of Raspberry pi
Price Comparison of Arduino and Raspberry Pi
Arduino UNO is very cheap as compare to Raspberry Pi. In Pakistan, Arduino cost about PKR 500 and Raspberry pi 3 Model B+ about 4000PKR.
Comparing Memory Storage of Arduino and Raspberry Pi
Arduino has onboard storage while Raspberry Pi doesn’t have onboard storage (It has an SD Card port available).
You cannot upload heavy multiple programs on Arduino due to its low onboard storage. It has 32Kb of onboard storage capacity, which is used for storing code.
In raspberry pi you can use up to 64GB memory card(Which is more than enough in most cases).
Analog Pins
Arduino UNO has 6 built-in analog pins that can be used with analog sensors or signals. Raspberry Pi doesn’t have analog pins so connecting analog sensors or signals with it is bit tricky.
Shield Requirement
Arduino doesn’t have a built-in blue tooth module. If you want to attach a Bluetooth with it, you need to use external hardware called a shield.
Multitasking
Arduino performs one task at one time so multitasking is not possible in Arduino, whereas in Raspberry pi multitasking is possible as it is like a mini-computer
Data Transfer
In Arduino, data transfer is done through the flash of the microcontroller.
In raspberry pi data transfer is possible with SD Card, USB or FTP.
Register Width
Arduino register width is 8 bits while Raspberry pi register width is 64 bits.
Current Capacity
The maximum current capacity for both Arduino and Raspberry Pi is 50mA.
RAM
Arduino has only 2 Kb RAM capacities while Raspberry pi 3 Model B+ has 1 GB RAM.
Conclusion
Now all the above points show the difference between Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Both have their own Prons and Corns. Selecting one of them for your job fully depends upon the nature of your job.
Arduino is best for a single repetitive task like continuously sensing temperature and humidity. Switching light ON/OFF based on data obtained from an analog light sensor. Simple Automatic Lock system etc.
Raspberry pi is useful for complex programs and multitasking.
Some examples are given below.
i)Automatic Watering System.
ii)Weather Station.
iii) Temperature and Humidity sensors to turn HVAC System ON or OFF.
iv) Sending data automatically on internet.
Kandi
Hi there, every time i used to check weblog posts here in the early hours in the dawn, because i enjoy to find out more and more.
admin
Thanks for giving your priceless time. Do visit again.
Earn Online
Wow, incredible blog layout! How lengthy have you been running a blog for? you made running a blog glance easy. The whole glance of your site is magnificent, let alone the content!!