Quick answer
Pi for: cameras, AI/CV, web servers, display screens, Python apps.
Arduino for: sensors, motors, real-time control, battery projects, anything not needing an OS.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Raspberry Pi 4 / 5 | Arduino UNO R3 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Single-board computer (Linux) | Microcontroller board |
| CPU | ARM Cortex-A76 quad-core @ 2.4 GHz (Pi 5) | ATmega328P @ 16 MHz |
| RAM | 4–8 GB DDR4 | 2 KB SRAM |
| Storage | microSD or NVMe | 32 KB flash (built-in) |
| OS | Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu, etc. | None — runs one sketch at a time |
| Boot time | ~30 seconds | Instant (microseconds) |
| Video output | 2x micro-HDMI 4K | None |
| Camera support | MIPI-CSI camera, USB cameras | None (would need OV7670 etc.) |
| Network | Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band WiFi, BT 5.0 | None (add shield) |
| GPIO | 40-pin header (3.3V) | 14 digital + 6 analog (5V) |
| Analog inputs | None natively (needs ADC) | 6 (10-bit) |
| Real-time control | Poor (Linux scheduler) | Excellent (bare-metal) |
| Power use (idle) | ~3 W (Pi 5) | ~0.2 W |
| Battery friendly | No — needs power bank | Yes — months on AA |
| Programming language | Python, C, Node.js, anything | C/C++ (Arduino IDE) |
| Typical PH price | PHP ~2,800 (Pi 4 2GB) – PHP ~5,500 (Pi 5 8GB) | PHP ~700 (clone) |
When Raspberry Pi wins
- Camera + image processing. Face detection, license-plate OCR, security cam. Arduino can't.
- Display screens. Plug into HDMI, run a kiosk, dashboard, or full GUI app.
- Web server / API. Run Nginx, Node.js, FastAPI, Home Assistant Core.
- Python projects. ML inference, computer vision, scraping, scripting.
- Storing lots of data. Logging to SD card or NVMe — unlimited compared to Arduino.
- NAS / media server. Plex, Jellyfin, Nextcloud, Pi-hole.
When Arduino wins
- Reading analog sensors. Built-in 10-bit ADC. Pi has zero analog pins.
- Driving motors precisely. Arduino timing is microsecond-accurate. Pi's Linux scheduler can pause your code for 10ms+.
- Battery-powered builds. 0.2 W active, microamps in sleep. Pi needs constant 5V/3A supply.
- Real-time / safety-critical. Motor control, robotics, drones — you need predictable timing.
- Low-cost classroom projects. PHP 700 vs PHP 3,000 per student.
- Anything that doesn't need a screen, camera, or internet.
Use them together
Many serious builds use both: Pi for the brain (camera, ML, web UI), Arduino as the muscle (sensors, motors, real-time loop). They talk over USB-serial or I²C.
Examples of combined builds
- Robot with computer vision. Pi runs OpenCV on camera feed, sends motor commands to Arduino over serial.
- Smart greenhouse. Arduino reads soil/temp/humidity, controls relays. Pi serves the web dashboard and stores history.
- 3D printer with web interface. Arduino (RAMPS shield) runs Marlin firmware; Pi runs OctoPrint to manage print jobs.
What to buy first
| You want to... | Buy |
|---|---|
| Learn embedded electronics | Arduino UNO |
| Learn Linux / Python | Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 |
| Read sensors | Arduino UNO or ESP32 |
| Build a camera project | Raspberry Pi |
| Run Home Assistant | Raspberry Pi |
| Control motors / robots | Arduino + motor shield |
| Make a wearable | Arduino Nano / ESP32 |
| Make a media center | Raspberry Pi |
| Build IoT with WiFi | ESP32 (cheaper than both) |
Shop the boards
Raspberry Pi boards · Arduino UNO boards · ESP32 boards · Pi accessories
FAQ
Is Raspberry Pi better than Arduino?
Neither is better — they solve different problems. Pi is a Linux computer good for cameras, displays, web servers, and Python. Arduino is a microcontroller good for sensors, motors, and real-time control. The right answer depends on what you're building.
Can a Raspberry Pi replace an Arduino?
For most embedded tasks, no. Pi has no analog inputs, no real-time timing guarantees, and consumes too much power for battery projects. It can do simple GPIO toggling but not precise motor control or PWM at hardware-timer speed.
Can I use both in one project?
Yes, and it's common. Pi handles vision, networking, and the user interface; Arduino handles sensors and motors. They communicate over USB-serial, I2C, or SPI.
Which is better for a beginner?
Arduino if you want to learn electronics and how microcontrollers work. Pi if you want to learn Linux, Python, or build something with a screen and camera. Many learners do both — start with Arduino for the fundamentals, then add a Pi when projects get more complex.
Which is cheaper in the Philippines?
Arduino UNO clone runs ~PHP 700. Raspberry Pi 4 (2GB) starts at ~PHP 2,800. Pi also needs a microSD card, power supply, and case — budget another PHP 1,000+ for accessories.
Does Raspberry Pi work with Arduino IDE?
You can program Pi's RP2040 / RP2350 microcontroller chips (Pi Pico boards) with the Arduino IDE. But the full Linux Raspberry Pi (Pi 4, Pi 5) is programmed in Python, C, or other languages — not the Arduino IDE.
Where do I buy these in the Philippines?
Circuit Rocks stocks both. Genuine Pi 4 and Pi 5 boards, plus Arduino UNO clones and genuines, ship from our Quezon City warehouse with same-day cutoff at 4 PM weekdays.
Last updated 2026-05-13.