# Banana Pi

> series of single-board-computer models

**Wikidata**: [Q16837517](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16837517)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana_Pi)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/banana-pi

## Summary
Banana Pi is a series of single-board computer models originating from China. It is designed as a complete computer built on a single circuit board, similar to other popular single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi.

## Key Facts
- Banana Pi is a series of single-board computer models
- It originates from the People's Republic of China
- The series includes models like Banana Pi BPI-M1 and BPI-M2 Zero
- It supports multiple operating systems including Android, Android Jelly Bean, Gentoo Linux, FreeBSD, and OpenWrt
- The Banana Pi BPI-M1 model weighs 48 grams and costs approximately $50
- The official website is https://www.banana-pi.org and http://www.banana-pi.com
- It has a Mastodon presence at bananapi@mastodon.social

## FAQs
### Q: What is Banana Pi?
A: Banana Pi is a series of single-board computer models from China that function as complete computers built on a single circuit board. It supports various operating systems and is designed for embedded systems and development projects.

### Q: What operating systems can Banana Pi run?
A: Banana Pi can run multiple operating systems including Android, Android Jelly Bean, Gentoo Linux, FreeBSD, OpenWrt, Tiny Core Linux, Armbian Linux, and Raspberry Pi OS.

### Q: How much does a Banana Pi cost?
A: The Banana Pi BPI-M1 model is priced at approximately $50 USD.

## Why It Matters
Banana Pi represents an important contribution to the single-board computer market, providing an alternative to other popular platforms like Raspberry Pi. As a complete computer built on a single circuit board, it enables developers, hobbyists, and educators to create embedded systems, IoT devices, and various computing projects at a relatively low cost. The platform's support for multiple operating systems makes it versatile for different use cases, from Android-based applications to Linux distributions for development work. Its Chinese origin also provides a different perspective in the global single-board computer ecosystem, potentially offering different features, pricing, or availability compared to Western alternatives. The Banana Pi series helps democratize access to computing hardware, allowing more people to experiment with and learn about computer systems without significant investment.

## Notable For
- Supports a wide range of operating systems including Android, Linux distributions, and FreeBSD
- Offers multiple models in the series including BPI-M1 and BPI-M2 Zero
- Provides a cost-effective alternative to other single-board computers at around $50
- Features a lightweight design at just 48 grams for the BPI-M1 model
- Maintains active social media presence with growing Mastodon followers

## Body
### Technical Specifications
The Banana Pi series features ARM Cortex-A7 processors across its models. The BPI-M1 model, one of the most common variants, weighs only 48 grams, making it a lightweight option for embedded applications. The series is priced competitively at around $50 for the base model.

### Operating System Support
Banana Pi demonstrates exceptional versatility through its broad operating system compatibility. The platform supports Android and Android Jelly Bean for mobile-oriented applications, various Linux distributions including Gentoo Linux, and even FreeBSD for Unix-like operating environments. This multi-OS support allows users to choose the best platform for their specific needs, whether that's Android app development, Linux-based embedded systems, or other specialized applications.

### Model Variations
The Banana Pi series includes several distinct models. The BPI-M1 serves as a foundational model, while the BPI-M2 Zero offers a more compact form factor. The series also relates to the OpenWrt One, a 2024 wireless router model specifically designed for running OpenWrt, indicating the platform's evolution into networking applications.

### Community and Support
Banana Pi maintains an active online presence through its official websites and social media channels. The platform has a Mastodon account (bananapi@mastodon.social) with growing follower counts, indicating an engaged community. The series also has dedicated Wikipedia articles in multiple languages and a presence on Wikimedia Commons with available images.

### Applications and Use Cases
As a single-board computer, Banana Pi serves various applications from educational purposes to commercial development. Its support for OpenWrt makes it suitable for networking and router applications, while compatibility with Android and various Linux distributions enables development of IoT devices, media centers, and general-purpose computing solutions.

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