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Arduino UNO Q 4GB (ABX00173) vs ZimaBoard 2

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

both judged against single-board computers at a similar price

The ZimaBoard 2 scores 6.3/10 overall, ahead of the Arduino UNO Q 4GB (ABX00173) at 5.1/10.

The Arduino UNO Q 4GB (ABX00173) leads on software support.

The ZimaBoard 2 leads on performance, storage, I/O and networking and value.

The biggest difference is I/O and networking, where the ZimaBoard 2 scores 8/10 to the Arduino UNO Q 4GB (ABX00173)'s 5/10.

Arduino UNO Q 4GB (ABX00173)

Arduino UNO Q 4GB (ABX00173)

5.1/10verdict: skip

The Arduino UNO Q 4GB suits makers who want Linux and real-time Arduino code on one UNO-format board. It is aimed at projects that mix sensors and actuators with software running on Debian. It is a weaker fit for anyone who wants a general-purpose mini computer with wired networking and storage expansion.

Typically about £59.31 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

ZimaBoard 2

ZimaBoard 2

6.3/10verdict: wait for deal

The ZimaBoard 2 is for homelabbers who want a compact x86 board for a small NAS or Docker host. It offers an Intel N150, dual 2.5GbE and two SATA ports, with 8GB or 16GB of soldered RAM. It suits people who value low power draw and quiet running over upgradeability.

Typically about £288.89 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightArduino UNO Q 4GB (ABX00173)ZimaBoard 2
Software support30%6/105/10
Performance25%5/107/10
Storage15%5/107/10
I/O and networking15%5/108/10
Value15%4/105/10
Overall5.1/106.3/10

Specifications

SpecArduino UNO Q 4GB (ABX00173)ZimaBoard 2
Processor (SoC)Qualcomm Dragonwing QRB2210, quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 @ 2.0 GHz, 64-bit, Adreno 702 GPU @ 845 MHz, plus separate STM32U585 MCU (Cortex-M33, up to 160 MHz)Intel N150 (4 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.6GHz)
Memory4GB LPDDR48GB (832) or 16GB (1664) LPDDR5 4800 MHz, soldered and not upgradable
Storage options32GB onboard eMMC; no SD or M.2 slot listed32GB (832) or 64GB (1664) onboard eMMC; two SATA 6Gbps ports
NetworkingDual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) and Bluetooth 5.1 on module WCBN3536A; no Ethernet port listedDual 2.5GbE
GPIOArduino UNO-compatible headers: JDIGITAL (18-pin, 3.3 V), JANALOG (14-pin, 3.3 V), JMISC (60-pin, mixed 1.8 V/3.3 V), JMEDIA (60-pin, 1.8 V), JCTL (10-pin, 1.8 V), JSPI (6-pin), Qwiic (4-pin); no total GPIO count publishednot listed
Video outputsUSB-C DisplayPort Alt-Mode via ANX7625 bridge; Full HD (1920x1080) supported, 1280x720 optimal in SBC mode; shared with JMEDIA MIPI-DSI outputOne Mini DisplayPort 1.4, up to 4K at 60Hz
Power inputUSB-C 5 V up to 3 A (5 V/3 A PD); 7-24 V DC on VIN; or 5 V on 5V_SYS pin; recommended minimum 15 W PD supply12V DC barrel input, 60W adapter

Strengths and weaknesses

Arduino UNO Q 4GB (ABX00173)

  • + Linux and a real-time MCU on one board
  • + UNO-compatible headers plus Qwiic connector
  • + Low power draw reported, about 0.5 W idle
  • − No Ethernet port listed
  • − No SD or M.2 slot listed
  • − One reviewer found it slower than a Raspberry Pi 5

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need wired Ethernet, since none is listed.
  • Anyone who wants SD or M.2 storage expansion.
  • Users who want the fastest general-purpose Linux board at this price.
Read the full Arduino UNO Q 4GB (ABX00173) review ›

ZimaBoard 2

  • + Dual 2.5GbE with about 275 to 280 MB/s reported real-world
  • + Low idle power draw, and silent without the fan
  • + Two SATA 6Gbps ports plus a PCIe 3.0 x2 lane
  • − RAM and eMMC are soldered and cannot be upgraded
  • − Throttling and 90s C package temperatures in passive tests
  • − UK buyers can only pay in US dollars on Zima's store

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want to upgrade RAM or onboard storage later
  • Anyone planning sustained heavy load with passive cooling
  • Projects that need a Raspberry Pi-style GPIO header
Read the full ZimaBoard 2 review ›

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