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Chinese company Shenzhen Xunlong has introduced the Orange Pi 5 Max, a new single-board computer that stands as a formidable alternative to the Raspberry Pi 5, the latest model in the iconic British line. This new device boasts enhanced features including a more powerful processor, expanded memory options, modern connectivity modules, out-of-the-box NVMe SSD support, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
Key Features of the Orange Pi 5 Max
The Orange Pi 5 Max follows the classic form factor established by the Raspberry Pi in the early 2010s. It offers several significant upgrades over the Raspberry Pi 5, which was released in fall 2023.
Notable features of the Orange Pi 5 Max include:
- Support for high-speed 2.5 GbE Ethernet and the latest Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.
- An M.2 slot for installing NVMe SSDs (PCIe 3.0).
- Compatibility with Orange Pi OS (based on Android), as well as Ubuntu, Debian, and Google Android 12.
Pricing and Availability
In China, the Orange Pi 5 Max starts at $95 (about 8,360 RUB) for the base model with 8 GB of RAM. The version with 16 GB of RAM is priced at $125 (approximately 11,000 RUB). There are also plans to release a 4 GB RAM version, which is expected to be cheaper than the base 8 GB model.
Comparison with Raspberry Pi 5
Compared to the Raspberry Pi 5, the Orange Pi 5 Max offers several advantages:
- Native support for NVMe SSDs and more advanced wireless standards.
- Superior processor performance and the inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack.
While the Raspberry Pi 5 features the Broadcom BCM2712 chipset and LPDDR4-4267 memory, the Orange Pi 5 Max excels in several key areas. However, the Raspberry Pi 5 remains more affordable, with a price of $80 for the 8 GB RAM version, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Overall, the Orange Pi 5 Max provides a powerful alternative to the Raspberry Pi 5 with enhanced functionality, despite its higher price.
