Radxa Rock 3A vs Rock Pi 4
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
The Radxa Rock 3A is a versatile single-board computer designed for developers, IoT enthusiasts, and makers seeking robust computing power in a compact form factor. Equipped with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 processor and up to 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM, it delivers reliable performance for edge computing, media streaming, and home automation projects. Featuring comprehensive connectivity options including M.2 NVMe SSD support, Gigabit Ethernet, and multiple USB ports, the board bridges the gap between desktop-class utility and embedded hardware flexibility. It supports various Linux distributions and Android, making it an adaptable platform for prototyping and custom industrial deployments.
The Rock Pi 4 is a compact single-board computer featuring a hexa‑core Rockchip RK3399 processor, up to 4 GB LPDDR4 RAM, and dual‑channel M.2 NVMe support. It offers a rich I/O set including dual HDMI 4K, USB‑C 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth for versatile connectivity. Designed for developers, makers, and edge‑AI projects, the board runs Linux, Android, and various open‑source OSes, providing a flexible platform for everything from media servers to AI inference workloads.
- High-speed NVMe SSD support via M.2 slot
- Reliable quad-core ARM performance
- Dual display capabilities up to 4K
- Extensive operating system support
- High‑performance RK3399 CPU
- M.2 NVMe slot for fast storage
- Dual 4K HDMI outputs
- Strong community and open‑source support
- Requires separate purchase of power supply and storage
- Limited community documentation compared to older Raspberry Pi models
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth require an optional module
- Wi‑Fi limited to 802.11ac (no Wi‑Fi 6)
- Limited official Android builds
- Power consumption higher than low‑end SBCs
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Radxa Rock 3A
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Alternatives to Rock Pi 4
View all →A high-performance single-board computer powered by the Rockchip RK3568 processor.
A powerful credit-card-sized computer designed for makers, educators, and hobbyists.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataRock Pi 4 offers higher CPU performance and built‑in Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth at a higher price, while Radxa Rock 3A is cheaper but needs extra modules for wireless and storage.
Key differences
- •CPU: RK3399 hexa‑core vs RK3568 quad‑core Cortex‑A55
- •Integrated Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth on Rock Pi 4 vs optional via M.2 on Rock 3A
- •M.2 slot: NVMe ready on both, but Rock Pi 4 includes it standard; Rock 3A requires separate SSD purchase
- •Price: fixed $99 for Rock Pi 4 vs $35‑$75 depending on RAM for Rock 3A
- •Open‑source driver support: Yes for Rock Pi 4, No for Rock 3A
Performance
Rock Pi 4’s hexa‑core RK3399 up to 2 GHz outperforms Rock 3A’s quad‑core Cortex‑A55.
Build quality
Both have similar dimensions (85 × 56 mm) and lightweight designs; no quality differences specified.
Connectivity
Rock Pi 4 includes built‑in Wi‑Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0; Rock 3A needs optional modules.
Power & efficiency
Rock 3A’s lower‑end processor and lower MSRP suggest lower power draw than Rock Pi 4.
Compatibility
Rock 3A supports multiple OSes (Debian, Ubuntu, Android) explicitly; Rock Pi 4 mentions Linux and Android but fewer OS names.
Price & value
Rock 3A ranges $35‑$75 versus Rock Pi 4’s fixed $99, offering better upfront value.
Warranty & support
Both provide 1‑year warranty; community support stronger for Rock Pi 4 per pros.
Choose Radxa Rock 3A if…
Projects on a tight budget that can add separate Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth and SSD modules.
Choose Rock Pi 4 if…
Developers needing strong CPU power and built‑in Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth for AI or edge tasks.
Common questions
Which board is cheaper out of the box?
Radxa Rock 3A, priced $35‑$75 depending on RAM, versus Rock Pi 4’s fixed $99.
Do both boards have built‑in Wi‑Fi?
Rock Pi 4 includes Wi‑Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0; Rock 3A requires an optional M.2 E‑key Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth module.
Can I use an NVMe SSD without extra purchases?
Rock Pi 4’s M.2 slot supports NVMe SSDs directly; Rock 3A’s M.2 slot also supports NVMe but you must buy the SSD separately.