Orange Pi 4 Pro: The Complete Guide to Specs, Features, and Value

In the world of single-board computers (SBCs), makers and enthusiasts are always on the lookout for powerful yet affordable solutions that can be adapted to both hobbyist and professional applications. Over the years, the Orange Pi line has earned a reputation for pushing performance boundaries while remaining cost-effective, often positioning itself as a compelling alternative to more mainstream boards like the Raspberry Pi series.

Recently, the Orange Pi 4 Pro has garnered considerable attention as it aims to offer modern performance, advanced expansion options, and broad versatility, all within a compact and accessible form factor. For those who want to expand their knowledge of similar platforms, they can check out our article on Orange Pi RV2 and its potential. For a more general overview of the ecosystem and projects, also visit development board projects.

Unveiling the Orange Pi 4 Pro: A Powerful Next-Gen SBC

The Orange Pi 4 Pro emerges as a feature-rich single-board computer designed to compete head-to-head with the latest Raspberry Pi 5 and similar advanced SBCs.
This compact size, slightly larger than a credit card, features a 40-pin GPIO header that maintains compatibility with Raspberry Pi, which is a big advantage for those who already own Pi accessories and shields. Unlike many low-cost boards, the Orange Pi 4 Pro prioritizes both high computational performance and broad connectivity, making it a highly flexible platform for a variety of projects.

Core Hardware: Allwinner A733 Processor and Innovative Architecture

At the heart of the Orange Pi 4 Pro is the Allwinner A733 system-on-chip, which stands out for its unique combination of processing capabilities:

• Two ARM Cortex-A76 cores that reach up to 2 GHz, offering solid performance for desktop tasks, light server functions, and demanding applications.
• Six ARM Cortex-A55 cores running up to 1.8 GHz, which balance efficiency and responsiveness in multitasking and background processes.
• XuanTie E902 RISC-V co-processor at 200 MHz from Alibaba’s T-Head Semiconductor, optimized for real-time and low-power operations. This microcontroller is ideal for IoT and embedded applications that require fast, deterministic responses.
• Imagination BXM-4-64 GPU that offers modern 2D and 3D graphics capabilities.
• NPU with support for up to 3 TOPS of INT8 AI performance, allowing light AI inference at the edge, ideal for projects with image recognition, sensory data analysis, or live video streaming with AI models.

This unique combination places the Orange Pi 4 Pro among the most versatile SBCs currently available, especially for users who want both general computational power and modern AI acceleration in a single device.

Memory, Storage, and Expansion: Flexibility at Your Fingertips

One of the most attractive features of the Orange Pi 4 Pro is its flexible memory and storage configuration, addressing a common issue in the world of SBCs:

• Available with 4GB, 6GB, 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, suitable for intensive multitasking, server workloads, and memory-heavy applications, such as AI or multimedia processing.
• SPI flash storage options include 128Mb or 256Mb, primarily for system booting and firmware tasks.
• Dedicated eMMC connector compatible with 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB modules, offering internal storage that is more reliable, faster, and more durable compared to microSDs, ideal for the operating system and applications.
• Standard microSD slot for interchangeable storage, useful in prototyping or backup.
• M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 slot that supports expansion via high-speed NVMe SSDs for demanding needs, fast transfers, and projects requiring persistence and high performance.

The inclusion of support for both eMMC and NVMe demonstrates Orange Pi’s commitment to real usability, giving enthusiasts and professionals the storage and performance options typically only found in high-end development boards or mini PCs.

Connectivity and I/O: Designed for Modern Applications

The Orange Pi 4 Pro does not skimp on connectivity, catering to both wired and wireless needs:

• Gigabit Ethernet with PoE support, simplifying network connectivity and power for embedded or remote installations.
• Integrated WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring fast wireless connection and seamless pairing with accessories such as keyboards, mice, and IoT devices.
• USB 3.0 Type-A port for high-speed peripherals and external drives.
• Three USB 2.0 Type-A ports for additional devices like cameras, sensors, or HID peripherals.
• USB Type-C input (5V/3A input only), offering modern, reversible, and efficient power.
• HDMI 2.0 output capable of supporting 4K60 video, perfect for media centers or digital signage.
• 3.5mm audio jack for direct output to speakers or headphones.
• Color-coded 40-pin GPIO header, compatible with Raspberry Pi and perfect for makers who want to reuse HATs, sensors, and starter kits.
• MIPI-CSI and MIPI-DSI interfaces, which allow connecting cameras and screens for vision and GUI projects.

These connectivity options ensure that the Orange Pi 4 Pro can handle everything from basic desktop functions to complex embedded applications and custom electronic integrations.

AI Capabilities and Edge Computing Potential

Unlike other SBCs that only offer conventional computing, the Orange Pi 4 Pro incorporates significant power for edge AI processing. Its dedicated NPU, with up to 3 TOPS of INT8 performance, is especially useful in machine learning use cases, such as:

• Real-time image or video recognition, including people or object tracking.
• Sensor analysis in embedded devices, in robotics, smart home appliances, and security systems.
• Inference of basic AI models, where latency and network independence are important for privacy and performance.

This set of capabilities makes the Orange Pi 4 Pro a very attractive option for software developers, embedded AI solution providers, and researchers interested in prototyping practical and real AI deployments.

Dimensions and Design: Compact and Functional

The Orange Pi 4 Pro features a compact, well-distributed size, of only 89 x 56 mm (approximately 3.5 x 2.2 inches). This size facilitates its integration into most enclosures, robotics projects, or tight industrial installations. The board design includes:

• Strategically placed M.2 and eMMC connectors to avoid interference with other connectors.
• Color-coded and clearly labeled GPIO pins for error-free connections and rapid prototyping.
• Robust PCB layout to support the demands of high-speed components and wireless modules.

Its compact size and focus on ease of use reflect Orange Pi’s commitment to supporting both casual hobbyists and professional hardware users.

Software Ecosystem and Operating System Compatibility

A key advantage of the Orange Pi 4 Pro is its ability to run a wide range of operating systems, making it suitable for those who prefer Linux and related OS. Supported options include:

• Official Orange Pi OS (more details on the official Orange Pi website), offering a customized experience with good hardware support.
• Popular Linux distributions like Debian, Ubuntu, and lightweight versions for server roles.
• Android compatibility for multimedia applications, although with limitations depending on hardware features.

While users accustomed to Windows may find a learning curve, the widespread adoption of Linux on SBCs reduces obstacles, making it easier to access tutorials and community support for most projects.

Use Cases: From Makers to Industry

The features and performance of the Orange Pi 4 Pro make it suitable for:

• DIY desktops capable of office tasks, web browsing, and light content creation.
• Home media centers with 4K60 playback via HDMI 2.0.
• Edge AI applications, including smart cameras and IoT gateways.
• Industrial automation, leveraging real-time processing with the RISC-V co-processor for deterministic control tasks.
• Embedded systems where power, size, and connectivity are fundamental.
• Educational platforms for STEM learning through hands-on electronics and programming.

Its combination of low cost, high performance, and open-platform philosophy makes the Orange Pi 4 Pro an option that satisfies both casual hobbyists and demanding professional users.

Price and Availability

Affordability remains a strong point in the Orange Pi line. Early reports suggest that the base model with 4GB of RAM will start at approximately $30 (excluding shipping and taxes), making it more economical than similar boards like the Radxa Cubie A7A or Raspberry Pi 5, especially in higher RAM configurations. For those who want to delve deeper into the hardware advantages, they may be interested in reading about tools for similar projects. Prices are adjusted according to capacity, allowing users to choose exactly what they need without overspending.

This approach makes it easier for buyers to invest only in the required features, as the community and documentation continue to grow around platforms like the Orange Pi 4 Pro.

Comparison with the Competition

When comparing the Orange Pi 4 Pro with rivals like the Raspberry Pi 5 or the Radxa Cubie series, several differences become evident:

• More RAM options (up to 16GB LPDDR5) and native support for NVMe expansion give it outstanding performance for advanced users.
• Real-time RISC-V co-processor provides advantages in tasks requiring strict timing or low power.
• Modern wireless connectivity (WiFi 6, BT 5.4), Gigabit Ethernet with PoE, and color-coded GPIO headers facilitate an updated and friendly interface.

For more details on projects and developments, you can also consult the Google Science Fair initiatives for the DIY community.

Orange Pi RV2: In-Depth Review of a Budget RISC-V and AI SBC