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Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+ vs Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W

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

all judged against single-board computers at a similar price

The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W scores 6.9/10 overall, ahead of the Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+ at 6.5/10.

The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W leads on performance and value.

They score the same on software support, storage and I/O and networking.

Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+

Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+

6.5/10verdict: good, not the best

The Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+ is for people who want a small, low-power board for a single, light job. It suits wireless projects that use the 40-pin GPIO header, a display or a camera. It is a poor fit for anyone who needs wired networking, several USB devices or much memory.

Typically about £22.86 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

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W

6.9/10verdict: buy

The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is for people who need a wireless quad-core Arm board for headless projects. It suits those replacing an original Pi Zero or building embedded and IoT jobs that need a 40-pin footprint and Bluetooth. It is a poor fit for anyone who wants a desktop, wired networking or fast storage.

Typically about £14.40 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

CriterionWeightRaspberry Pi 3 Model A+Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
Software support30%10/1010/10
Performance25%5/106/10
Storage15%4/104/10
I/O and networking15%5/105/10
Value15%6/107/10
Overall6.5/106.9/10

Specifications

SpecRaspberry Pi 3 Model A+Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
Processor (SoC)Broadcom BCM2837B0, quad-core Cortex-A53 64-bit SoC at 1.4 GHzBroadcom BCM2710A1, quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A53 at 1GHz
Memory512MB LPDDR2 SDRAM512MB LPDDR2
Storage optionsMicro SD card slot for OS and data; no onboard eMMC or M.2/NVMe connector found in sourcesmicroSD card slot only
Networking2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11b/g/n/ac wireless LAN, Bluetooth 4.2/BLE; no Ethernet port2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, BLE, onboard antenna; no Ethernet
GPIOExtended 40-pin GPIO header40-pin HAT-compatible I/O header footprint, unpopulated
Video outputsOne full-size HDMI port, DSI display port, CSI camera port, 4-pole stereo/composite portMini HDMI port; composite video via test points
Power input5V/2.5A DC via micro USB, or 5V DC via GPIO headerMicro USB, rated 5V DC 2.5A (supply rating)

Strengths and weaknesses

Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+

  • + Compact board with low idle power draw
  • + Dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 built in
  • + Extended 40-pin GPIO header plus HDMI, DSI and CSI ports
  • − No Ethernet port; wireless networking only
  • − Single USB 2.0 port limits peripherals
  • − 512MB RAM and micro SD only

Skip it if:

  • Anyone who needs a wired Ethernet connection for a server or network appliance
  • Buyers who plan to run heavier apps or several services at once
  • People who need more than one USB port or storage beyond a micro SD card
Read the full Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+ review ›

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W

  • + Quad-core 1GHz CPU is a clear step up from the original Zero
  • + Drop-in replacement for the original Zero, easing migration
  • + Wi-Fi is competent and the onboard antenna is decent
  • − 512MB RAM hampers web browsing
  • − Runs hot under load and needs cooling
  • − No Ethernet, no 5GHz Wi-Fi, header pins unpopulated

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need wired Ethernet or 5GHz Wi-Fi
  • Anyone wanting a browser-based desktop with 512MB of RAM
  • Buyers who need fast storage or USB 3 peripherals
Read the full Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W review ›

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