Banana Pi M4 Zero: 2GB + 8GB vs 4GB + 32GB — Which Model is Right for You?

Banana Pi M4 Zero: 2GB + 8GB vs 4GB + 32GB — Which Model is Right for You?

The Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero is a compact and powerful single-board computer designed for edge computing, smart devices, and embedded applications. Whether you’re building a home automation system, a portable media player, or a compact Linux workstation, the M4 Zero has the flexibility to meet your needs.

But with two variants available – one with 2GB RAM + 8GB eMMC and the other with 4GB RAM + 32GB eMMC – which one should you choose?

In this blog, we’ll compare both models side by side and help you choose the right one for your project.

 Product Overview

FeatureBPI-M4 Zero (2GB + 8GB)BPI-M4 Zero (4GB + 32GB)
CPUAllwinner H618, Quad-core ARM Cortex™-A53 processor, 64-bit, up to 1.5GHzAllwinner H618, Quad-core ARM Cortex™-A53 processor, 64-bit, up to 1.5GHz
GPUARM Mali G31 GPUARM Mali G31 GPU
Memory2 GB LPDDR4 4 GB LPDDR4
Storage8G eMMC flash32G eMMC flash
SD cardMicroSD card slot, SDIO3.0MicroSD card slot, SDIO3.0
Wireless2.4G/5G WiFi and Bluetooth 4.22.4G/5G WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2
HDMI1x miniHDMI 2.0a (up to 4K@60Hz with HDR10, CEC, DDC, SCDC), HDMI digital Audio output1x miniHDMI 2.0a (up to 4K@60Hz with HDR10, CEC, DDC, SCDC), HDMI digital Audio output
USB1x USB2.0 Type-C HOST, 1x USB2.0 Type-C OTG1x USB2.0 Type-C HOST, 1x USB2.0 Type-C OTG
40-pin header28 pins GPIO and Power (+5V, +3.3V and GND)28 pins GPIO and Power (+5V, +3.3V and GND)
UART, SPI, TWI/I²C, PWM, PCM/I²SUART, SPI, TWI/I²C, PWM, PCM/I²S
24-pin FPC0.5mm pitch FPC connector， 1x USB2.0, 1x IR, 1x 100Mbps Ethernet0.5mm pitch FPC connector， 1x USB2.0, 1x IR, 1x 100Mbps Ethernet
9 pins GPIO, UART,TWI/I²C, PWM, PCM/I²S9 pins GPIO, UART,TWI/I²C, PWM, PCM/I²S
ButtonsReset, FELReset, FEL
LEDPower Status and Activity statusPower Status and Activity status
Power5V@3A via USB Type-C5V@3A via USB Type-C
Size65mm × 30mm  65mm × 30mm

Performance Breakdown

RAM (2GB vs 4GB)

  • The 2GB version is perfect for lightweight applications, headless setups, and small server tasks.
  • The 4GB version is ideal for full desktop environments, multitasking, and running memory-intensive applications like TensorFlow Lite, OpenCV, or Docker containers.

eMMC Storage (8GB vs 32GB)

  • 8GB can get tight after installing the OS and some libraries, forcing you to rely on a microSD card.
  • The 32GB eMMC provides enough space for your OS, applications, logs, and updates without hitting the storage limit.

Best Use Cases

Use CaseRecommended Model
IoT Device or Sensor Node2GB RAM + 8GB eMMC
Media Streaming / 4K Playback4GB RAM + 32GB eMMC
Personal Linux Desktop4GB RAM + 32GB eMMC
Retro Gaming Console (emulation)2GB (basic), 4GB (smooth)
AI Projects at the Edge4GB RAM + 32GB eMMC
Lightweight Web Servers2GB RAM + 8GB eMMC
Robotics & Computer Vision4GB RAM + 32GB eMMC

Software Support

Both models support a wide range of operating systems and frameworks, including:

  • Linux Distributions: Armbian, Debian, Ubuntu
  • Android Support (SDK available via Banana Pi GitHub)
  • Development Frameworks: Python, Node.js, C/C++, OpenCV, TensorFlow Lite
  • IoT & Automation Tools: Home Assistant, MQTT, Docker

For OS images and documentation, visit the official page:
Banana Pi M4 Zero Downloads & Docs

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

If you're working on a tight budget or just need a device for simple IoT, automation, or headless computing, the 2GB RAM + 8GB eMMC version is a good start.

However, if your project involves:

  • GUI-based interface
  • Development with large packages
  • Media playback
  • Multi-container environments

...then the 4GB RAM + 32GB eMMC model offers much better performance and future scalability.

Our Recommendation

User TypeIdeal Choice
Beginner / Hobbyist2GB + 8GB
Developer / Engineer4GB + 32GB
Smart Product Builder4GB + 32GB
School / STEM Projects2GB + 8GB or 4GB + 32GB (based on use)