Raspberry Pi: This is the list of all the models and what they are used for

Since its launch in 2012, the Raspberry Pi has become a globally recognized name among electronics enthusiasts. With each new release, this single-board computer has evolved to serve a wide range of needs, from simple programming projects to complex industrial applications.

Understanding Raspberry Pi models and their purpose

The original Raspberry Pi Model A kicked things off in 2012 with basic features and just 256 MB of RAM. It lacked Ethernet but supported basic connectivity. The improved Model B and B+ added more ports and Ethernet, doubling RAM to 512 MB.

In 2014, the Raspberry Pi 2 Model B introduced quad-core performance and 1 GB RAM, offering a notable power boost. The Raspberry Pi 3 models (B, B+, A+) followed, adding built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, with speeds up to 1.4 GHz.

With the 2019 launch of Raspberry Pi 4, users saw massive improvements: USB 3.0, dual 4K display support, and up to 8 GB of RAM. The Raspberry Pi 400, integrated into a keyboard, catered to compact educational setups.

For microcontroller projects, the Pico series (Pico, Pico W, Pico 2) delivers low power consumption and embedded storage, ideal for IoT and automation. These are best for simpler applications like sensors and small robotics.

The Zero and Zero 2 W models offer ultra-low-cost options with compact form factors. Despite their limited power, they’re perfect for portable projects, emulators, or discreet installations.

Finally, the Raspberry Pi 5, launched in 2023, brought in cutting-edge performance with a 2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 CPU and LPDDR4X RAM, pushing the device closer than ever to mainstream desktop capability.

Each model serves a different niche, from developers and students to hobbyists and industry pros.