Introduction
Today, we will do a quick comparison that you can like. In the world of small computers, people often compare Raspberry Pi vs Mini PC. Many tech fans, developers, and engineers are interested in both. If you’re making a smart home system, running AI tasks at the edge, or just want a cheap computer for everyday work, both options have their good points. But now, with the release of Raspberry Pi 5 and the new Kiwi Pi M1 mini PC, they are more similar than ever. This article will compare the Raspberry Pi 5 and Kiwi Pi M1 so you can choose which one is right for you.
Performance and Hardware Specifications
CPU and GPU Comparison (Raspberry Pi vs Mini PC)
One big difference between Raspberry Pi and Mini PC is how powerful they are.
Raspberry Pi 5:
- CPU: Broadcom BCM2712 with quad-core Cortex-A76 @ 2.4GHz
- GPU: VideoCore VII graphics processor
- RAM Options: 4GB / 8GB LPDDR4X RAM
Kiwi Pi M1:
- CPU: Rockchip RK3588 with 4x Cortex-A76 @ 2.2GHz and 4x Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz.
- GPU: ARM Mali-G610 MC4 with support for OpenGL, Vulkan, and OpenCL
- RAM Options: 4GB / 8GB / 16GB / 32GB LPDDR4X RAM
| Feature | Raspberry Pi 5 | Kiwi Pi M1 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Broadcom BCM2712 (4x A76 @ 2.4GHz) | Rockchip RK3588 (4x A76 + 4x A55) |
| GPU | VideoCore VII | Mali-G610 MC4 |
| RAM Options | 4GB / 8GB | 4GB / 8GB / 16GB / 32GB |
| Architecture | 64-bit ARM | 64-bit ARM |
| NPU | None | Triple-core NPU, 6 TOPS |
Opinion: The Raspberry Pi 5 is good for everyday use and learning. The Kiwi Pi M1 is made for powerful tasks like AI work and playing 8K videos.
Storage and Expandability
Raspberry Pi 5:
- microSD card slot (boot and storage)
- PCIe 2.0 (via FPC connector)
- USB 3.0 ports (x2)
Kiwi Pi M1:
- eMMC 5.1 storage (64GB to 512GB options)
- PCIe 3.0 M.2 NVMe SSD slot
- microSD slot for additional expansion
- USB: 2x Type-C, 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0
| Feature | Raspberry Pi 5 | Kiwi Pi M1 |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | microSD | eMMC 5.1 (64GB – 512GB) |
| Expansion | PCIe 2.0 (FPC) | PCIe 3.0 M.2 NVMe |
| USB Ports | 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0 | 2x Type-C, 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0 |
| SD Card Support | Yes | Yes (microSD) |
Opinion: The Kiwi Pi M1 has more storage options and faster connections. It’s good for big business use or media projects.
Multimedia Capabilities and AI Processing
Video, Audio, and Display Support
Raspberry Pi 5:
- Dual 4Kp60 HDMI outputs
- H.265/H.264 hardware decode
- Stereo audio via 3.5mm jack or HDMI
Kiwi Pi M1:
- HDMI 2.1 supporting 8K@60fps or 4K@120fps
- Video encoding: 8K@30fps
- Dual 2W speakers, 3.5mm jack with mic input
- 3.16″ capacitive touch display (820×320)
Key Multimedia Features of Kiwi Pi M1:
- High-quality sound, built-in speakers
- Embedded screen for real-time system feedback.
- Advanced VPU supporting up to 32-channel decoding and 16-channel encoding at 1080p.
AI and NPU Advantages
- Kiwi Pi M1 features a 6-TOPS NPU, ideal for edge AI tasks such as object detection, face recognition, and deep learning inference.
- Raspberry Pi 5 lacks an integrated NPU, making AI workloads heavily dependent on external modules or USB accelerators like Google Coral.
Bullet Point Summary:
- Kiwi Pi M1 supports 8K video playback with encoding.
- Raspberry Pi 5 is limited to dual 4K displays.
- Kiwi Pi M1 integrates an NPU. Is perfect for AI.
- Raspberry Pi 5 lacks dedicated AI acceleration.
Connectivity and Networking
Wireless & Wired Communication
Raspberry Pi 5:
- Wi-Fi 802.11ac (dual-band)
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Gigabit Ethernet
Kiwi Pi M1:
- WiFi-6 (802.11ax)
- Bluetooth 5.0 BLE
- 1000Mbps RJ45 Ethernet
- Optional PCIe wireless module via M.2 slot
Opinion: The Kiwi Pi M1 can connect to Wi-Fi and works well for basic internet needs. Because it supports Wi-Fi 6, it can send data faster, work more efficiently, and be useful in the future, especially where many devices are using the Wi-Fi.
Power Consumption and Thermal Design
Raspberry Pi 5:
- Typical consumption: ~5-8W depending on peripherals
- Requires good cooling under load
Kiwi Pi M1:
- Idle: 1.35W
- Typical: 4.8W
- Max: 20W
- Integrated passive cooling with robust thermal design
Bullet Points:
- Raspberry Pi 5 is power-efficient but requires active cooling in most cases.
- Kiwi Pi M1 consumes more power at peak but has better idle efficiency, so you need to consider it.
- Kiwi Pi M1’s integrated screen and larger body. It allows better passive heat dissipation.
Software and OS Support
Raspberry Pi 5:
- Raspberry Pi OS (Debian-based)
- Ubuntu, other Linux variants
Kiwi Pi M1:
- Linux 5.10 / Linux 6.10
- Ubuntu 22.04 / Debian 11
- Android 12
Opinion: Raspberry Pi has a large community and extensive documentation that you can find on the official site. However, Kiwi Pi M1 provides broader OS flexibility, including Android support, making it suitable for kiosks, smart displays, or custom UIs, so it also looks good.
Which One Should You Choose?
When picking between a Raspberry Pi or a Mini PC, like the Raspberry Pi 5 or Kiwi Pi M1, think about these things:
Choose Raspberry Pi 5 if:
You are a person who likes hobbies, a student, or a teacher. You care about the cost and getting help from others. You also want easy access to GPIO pins for your hardware projects.
Choose Kiwi Pi M1 if:
This device features a built-in neural processing unit (NPU) for AI or other applications you may need do. It supports high-resolution video playback and recording. It offers expandable storage options and fast interfaces. It is appropriate for use in commercial or industrial contexts.
The Raspberry Pi 5 is small, cheap, and useful for learning, trying out ideas, and basic tasks. The Kiwi Pi M1 is more powerful, with features like AI at the edge, 8K video support, and lots of ports, suitable for harder jobs. Which one to choose depends on what you need.
