Key Takeaways:

Powerful ARM processor with AI capabilities Large RAM and storage options Supports 4K video decoding Multiple connectivity options (WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet) Compatible with Raspberry Pi GPIO pins Pricey, over $100 when available

The Banana Pi BPI-M5 Pro is a new single-board computer based on ARM architecture. Specifically, an RK3576 is installed. It has four Cortex A72 computing cores with a maximum clock frequency of 2.2 GHz and four Cortex A53 computing cores.

As usual, the Cortex A53 computing cores should be able to handle less demanding tasks themselves and thus enable greater energy efficiency. An ARM Mali-G32 MC3 graphics solution is integrated into the SoC.

An NPU is also available, which offers AI computing power of up to 6 TOPS. AI-supported image recognition can be done directly on the Banana Pi BPI-M5 Pro without using the cloud.

The LPDDR4x RAM measures 8 or 16 GB depending on the configuration selected. The built-in eMMC memory is 32 or 128 GB in size.

The VPU can also decode H.264 material at 30 frames per second and in 4K resolution. Measuring 92 x 62 mm, the board reportedly operates in temperatures ranging between 0° and 80 °C.

WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5 are also available, plus two Ethernet ports. A microSD card and an M.2 SSD up to the M.2 2280 form factor can be installed.

Image output is possible via HDMI, DisplayPort, and MIPI DSI. The GPIO pin header is, as is often the case, compatible with the Raspberry Pi.

Lastly, a 5-volt fan can be connected if needed. The Banana Pi BPI-M5 Pro has yet to be available, and the price will likely be over $100.