Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W: Good Upgrade, but Needs More RAM

The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W brings increased processing power and Wi-Fi to the Pi family. But could the little PCB have given us even more?

First released as a low cost, low spec single-board computer (SBC) in 2015, the compact Raspberry Pi Zero has had a couple of minor iterations in the intervening years. But the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W marks its first major revision, giving it a specification not dissimilar to the Raspberry Pi 3.

But with the Raspberry Pi 4 pushing the boundaries of power while retaining its credit card size, what can the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W bring to the world of hobbyist computing?

What Is a Raspberry Pi Zero?

You've probably heard of the Raspberry Pi; the Raspberry Pi Zero is less well known. It's a single-board computer that is even smaller than the mainstream Raspberry Pi.

While the standard Raspberry Pi 4 has a footprint resembling a credit card, the Raspberry Pi Zero is perhaps a third of the size. This compact computer was first seen in the UK mounted on the cover of a magazine, with a $5 price. Capable of many of the same tasks as its larger brother, the Raspberry Pi Zero was given wireless capability with the Raspberry Pi Zero W in 2017, but otherwise lacks many of the ports and connectors found on a standard Pi.

Nevertheless, it remains ideal for all manner of projects, thanks to being lightweight (USB ports are heavy), not having GPIO pins (ditto), and being small and slim.

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W Specs

The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is essentially a souped-up version of the original Pi Zero, with an upgraded CPU, and a handful of other improvements.

Most importantly, the Pi Zero 2 W features the Broadcom BCM2710A1, quad-core 64-bit SoC (System-on-Chip) with an Arm Cortex-A53 processor at 1GHz. This puts the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W around the same level of processing power as the Raspberry Pi 3. Alongside this is 512MB of LPDDR2 SDRAM, perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the SBC. While the low specification of the Pi Zero is part of its charm, adding a full 1GB of RAM would have been a far more welcome inclusion. Sadly, this wasn't possible.

The device has OpenGL ES 1.1, 2.0 graphics, and can handle H.264 and MPEG-4 decoding, as well as H.264 encoding (all at 1080p30).

Along with the micro-USB power connector, the Pi Zero 2 W has a single micro-USB 2.0 interface with OTG support. There is also a Mini HDMI port, CSI-2 camera connector, and a 40-pin GPIO array. Unlike standard Raspberry Pis, this SBC ships without GPIO pins, which you can order separately if necessary.

Measuring 2.56 x 1.18 x 0.2 inches (65 x 30 x 5mm) and weighing a mere 0.4 ounces (11g), the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W might be light, but keep in mind that adding GPIO pins will add to this. Also, connecting cables to the device means it may not sit exactly where you want it to.

Finally, the W in the device's name refers to "wireless." The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W features 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n wireless networking, with Bluetooth 4.2 and BLE.

What Does Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W Bring to Projects and Prototyping?

With a quad-core processor and the addition of wireless networking and Bluetooth, the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W looks like a smart upgrade on the original Pi Zero. But Wi-Fi and Bluetooth were introduced to the form factor with the 2017 Rasberry Pi Zero W. In the same year, the Rasberry Pi Zero WH was released, with GPIO pins where the Pi Zero usually has none.

That is two wireless-enabled Raspberry Pi Zero models before the Pi Zero 2, which means that if you needed Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth for your projects, you probably already had it. So why would you upgrade to this model?

Well, it really is down to the processing. With the Broadcom BCM2710A1 quad-core, 64-bit SoC, the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W can handle far more data, and faster. This has implications for image processing, streaming, hosting databases, even emulation.

In short, if your Raspberry Pi Zero or Pi Zero W project has been struggling under the weight of inferior processing, and there is no scope to size up the project to a Pi 4, then the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is the solution you've been looking for.

Setting up the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W

Getting started with the Pi Zero form factor requires a few extra peripherals. Along with the usual microSD card and power supply, you'll need a mini-HDMI to HDMI adapter. For text entry, you'll also need a USB OTG adapter or a micro-USB to USB adapter.

After installing the Pi Zero's operating system (Raspberry Pi OS Lite is the ideal option here) the computer can be booted with a suitable power supply. A 5.1V/2.5A mains electric adapter is perfect for this. Not all smartphone chargers are suitable; it's easier to buy the official micro-USB power supply from Raspberry Pi.

Note that the Pi Zero uses micro-USB for power, rather than USB Type-C. Like sticking at 512MB of RAM, this appears to be a cost-saving option.

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W Buying Options

Buying the device alone will set you back the universal $15 price, converted to your local currency with necessary taxes added. But as noted above, other equipment will help you get the most out of the Pi Zero 2 W. If you're short of power supplies and SD cards, buying a full Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W kit is a smart option.

These range from modest collections adding the PSU, SD card, and perhaps a USB OTG cable to huge boxes with heatsinks, USB and HDMI adapters, a camera, case, and maybe even a USB game controller on top of the basic peripherals.

So, while the Pi Zero 2 W costs $15 on its own, you could easily end up spending three times as much to end up with a working computer. And even then you may still need a display, a keyboard, and a mouse.

What Can You Do With a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W?

As with the main Raspberry Pi, the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W can underpin several different project types. However, its diminutive weight makes it ideal for remote-controlled projects, such as robots and drones.

Alternatively, it has custom or prototype IoT (Internet of Things) applications, can be set up as a smart speaker, a Bluetooth speaker, and even a compact portable computer.

But a good chunk of interest in this device is in the possibilities for retro gamers. A number of retro gaming projects rely on the Raspberry Pi series, with the Pi Zero the heart of several handheld devices.

Among these is the Retroflag GPi, a Game Boy clone that you can slot a Pi Zero into to handle emulation. It's a compact system that requires a specific small size and narrow profile of the Pi Zero. Does the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W fit into the Retroflag GPi?

Well obviously, I had to find out:

As you can see, the answer is yes. Furthermore, the increased processing power means that more games can be emulated. This includes some Sega Dreamcast and Sony PlayStation 1 titles, previously limited to superior hardware.

Note that this compatibility would not have been possible if the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W had USB-C power and data ports.

Upgrade Your Existing Small Form Factor Projects and Develop New Ones

It's a nice little computer that existing Pi Zero owners will be interested to try out. But there is a feeling that the Raspberry Pi might have missed some opportunities with the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W. After all, it's stuck at 512MB of RAM, and there is no USB Type-C. On the other hand, keeping antiquated micro-USB connectivity means its compatible with existing projects.

Boasting increased processing power and incredible flexibility, the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is a much-needed revision to the original. With a variety of buying options, the low-priced SBC can handle a vast selection of projects. While it might be particularly suited to IoT, remote control, robotics, and retro gaming, the new spec means that the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is ready to embrace a host of new possibilities previously limited to the Raspberry Pi 3 and 4 models.

Oh, and it only costs $15.

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