The Raspberry Pi foundation released a new Raspberry Pi 3 on the Pi day (14 March 2018). Say hello to the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+. Read our Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ review, discover what’s new, and the differences between the Raspberry Pi 3 and the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+.
Raspberry Pi 3 Model B vs Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+
The table below compares some of the features of both boards, so that you can easily see the differences between them.
(NEW) RPi 3 Model B+ | RPi 3 Model B |
|
|---|---|---|
 |  |
|
Architecture | ARM v8-A 64-bit | ARM v8-A 64-bit |
SoC | Broadcom BCM2837B0 | Broadcom BCM2837 |
CPU | 1.4 GHz 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 | 1.2 GHz 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 |
Wireless LAN | 2.4GHz and 5GHz | 2.4GHz |
Bluetooth | Blutooth 4.2 and BLE | Blutooth 4.1 and BLE |
Supports PoE | ✓ | X |
Ethernet and USB chip | LAN7515 | LAN9514 |
GPIOs | 40 | 40 |
Ports | HDMI, 3.5mm analogue audio-video jack, 4x USB 2.0, Ethernet, Camera Serial Interface (CSI), Display Serial Interface (DSI) | HDMI, 3.5mm analogue audio-video jack, 4× USB 2.0, Ethernet, Camera Serial Interface (CSI), Display Serial Interface (DSI) |
Where to Buy? |
The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is available at the same price as the existing Raspberry Pi 3 model. This new board looks a lot like the Raspberry Pi 3 (it has the same footprint as its predecessor), but it has enhanced and new features. It is compatible with all previous models and it runs the same operating systems and programs. The figure below from Make Magazine clearly shows the new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ specs.
Get the New Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+
You can get the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ on most Amazon stores. It is available as a bare board, or you can get a starter kit. The board is also available on eBay. Check the available kits below:
You might also like: Best Arduino Starter Kits
The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is Faster
The model B + is faster than the previous Pi 3. It has a faster processor, more wireless network speed, and faster Ethernet communication. Check the specs below:
- 1.4GHz 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU
- Dual-band 802.11ac wireless LAN and Bluetooth 4.2
- Faster Ethernet (Gigabit Ethernet over USB 2.0)
Additionally, the dual-band wireless LAN comes with module compliance certification. This makes it easy to use the Pi in final products.
Supports Power Over Ethernet (PoE)
The new Raspberry Pi 3 model B+ supports power over ethernet (PoE). This means that you can power your Pi using the same cable that provides Ethernet (using a separate PoE HAT).
Improved Thermal Management
The processor is covered with metal. This helps dispersing heat, so you can apply more power to the CPU. There’s also a metal tin over the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips.
Looking for a Raspberry Pi Starter Kit? Read Best Raspberry Pi Starter Kits Review
Wrapping Up
The biggest improvements on the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ board are related with speed! This new board has a faster processor, faster wireless network speed, and faster Ethernet communication. Additionally, it comes with improved thermal management and supports PoE using a separted HAT that will be released. The new Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ board is now easier to integrate in final products as the dual-band wireless LAN comes with module compliance certification.
For projects with the Raspberry Pi, check our Raspberry Pi Tutorials.
This is just a short review on the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ board. You can watch the video below where Eben Upton introduces the new board.
[Recommended Course] Learn ESP32 with Arduino IDE
Register in our brand new ESP32 course with Arduino IDE. This is our complete guide to program the ESP32 with Arduino IDE, including projects, tips, and tricks! The registrations are open, so sign up now.
Other RNT Courses
[eBook] Home Automation using ESP8266 »
Build IoT projects and home automation gadgets with the ESP8266 Wi-Fi module.
[Course] Build a Home Automation System »
Build a home automation system using open-source hardware and software.
[Course] Arduino Step-by-Step Projects »
Build 25 cool Arduino projects with our course even with no prior experience!
Leave a Reply