Orange Pi Zero 2: A Powerful Single-Board Computer for IoT and DIY Projects
The Orange Pi Zero 2 is a small but powerful single-board computer (SBC) that is designed for IoT and DIY projects. This SBC packs a lot of features into a small form factor, including a quad-core CPU, up to 2GB of RAM, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPIO pins. In this review, we will take a closer look at the Orange Pi Zero 2 and evaluate its performance, features, and overall value.
Specifications
Processor
Allwinner H616 quad-core Cortex-A53 (ARMv8) 64-bit processor with Mali-G31 MP2 GPU RAM: 512MB or 2GB DDR3 SDRAM Storage: 4GB eMMC flash memory, microSD card slot (up to 32GB) Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, IR receiver GPIO: 26-pin header with I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, and GPIO Ports: 1 USB 2.0 host port, 1 USB 3.0 host port, 1 micro USB OTG port, 1 HDMI 2.0a port, 1 3.5mm audio jack Dimensions: 52 x 46mm
Design and Build Quality
ThZero 2 is a compact and lightweight SBC that is designed for IoT and DIY projects. The board measures just 52 x 46mm and is made of high-quality PCB material. The build quality of the Orange Pi Zero 2 is impressive, with all components placed neatly and securely on the board. The board also comes with a heat sink pre-installed, which helps to dissipate heat and improve performance.
Performance
The Orange Pi is powered by the Allwinner H616 quad-core Cortex-A53 64-bit processor, which has a clock speed of 1.5GHz. This processor provides plenty of power for most IoT and DIY projects, and can handle tasks such as web browsing, media playback, and light gaming with ease. The Mali-G31 MP2 GPU also provides good graphics performance for video playback and basic gaming.
It is available with either 512MB or 2GB of DDR3 SDRAM, which is sufficient for most IoT and DIY projects. The 4GB eMMC flash memory is also a nice addition, providing fast and reliable storage for the operating system and applications.
Connectivity
The Orange Pi Zero 2 comes with a range of connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, and Bluetooth 5.0. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules are provided by the Realtek RTL8723BS chipset, which provides good wireless performance and range. The board also has an IR receiver, which is useful for remote control applications.
GPIO
The Orange Pi Zero 2 has a 26-pin header with I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, and GPIO, which provides plenty of options for connecting peripherals and sensors. The GPIO pins are easy to access and use, making the board suitable for a wide range of DIY projects.
Ports
The Orange Pi Zero 2 has a good selection of ports, including 1 USB 2.0 host port, 1 USB 3.0 host port, 1 micro USB OTG port, 1 HDMI 2.0a port, and 1 3.5mm audio jack. These ports provide ample connectivity options for most IoT and DIY projects.
Software
The Orange Pi Zero 2 is compatible with a wide range of operating systems and software, including Ubuntu, Debian, Armbian, and Android. The board also has good community support, with many user-created guides and tutorials available online.
One notable feature of the Orange Pi Zero 2 is the support for the open-source home automation software, Home Assistant. This makes the board an excellent choice for building DIY smart home projects.
Power Consumption
The Orange Pi Zero 2 has a low power consumption, which is an important consideration for IoT and DIY projects. The board consumes around 1.5W to 2W of power, depending on the workload. This makes it suitable for battery-powered projects, as well as those that require 24/7 operation.
Price
The Orange Pi Zero 2 is an affordable SBC, with prices starting at around $15 for the 512MB version and $20 for the 2GB version. This makes it an excellent value for money, especially considering the features and performance that it offers.
Pros
- Powerful quad-core processor with good graphics performance
- Ample connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
- Easy-to-use GPIO header with a range of options
- Low power consumption
- Affordable price
Cons
- Limited storage capacity (4GB eMMC)
- No onboard Wi-Fi antenna
Conclusion
Overall, the Orange Pi Zero 2 is an excellent SBC that is suitable for a wide range of IoT and DIY projects. Its compact size, powerful processor, and ample connectivity options make it an excellent value for money. While the limited storage capacity and lack of onboard Wi-Fi antenna are minor drawbacks, they are outweighed by the many benefits that this board offers. If you’re looking for a powerful and affordable SBC for your next project, the Orange Pi Zero 2 is definitely worth considering.