Orange Pi 6 Plus takes aim at the Raspberry Pi 5 with a spec sheet built for AI, storage-heavy projects, and serious I/O. Headlining the board is an integrated NPU rated at up to 45 TOPS, giving it laptop-class on-paper AI acceleration for tasks like computer vision, voice processing, or running efficient local models without cloud reliance. Think edge AI applications such as monitoring live camera feeds for smoke or fire in remote locations, or building smart automation that reacts instantly at the device level.
Under the hood, a 12-core SoC is paired with LPDDR5 memory options of 16GB, 32GB, or a hefty 64GB, making it a strong fit for multitasking, inference workloads, and development environments. Storage and expansion are a standout: the board offers a total of three M.2 slots, including support for M.2 2280 SSDs and an M.2 Key E slot for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules. There’s also a microSD card reader for quick boot media or lightweight storage.
Connectivity and display options cover a wide range of builds, from home labs and NAS setups to multi-display kiosks and AI dashboards. You get two Ethernet ports with 5 Gbps bandwidth, plus support for multiple monitors via DisplayPort, USB Type-C, HDMI, and eDP. Makers will appreciate camera support over MIPI CSI, along with a mix of USB ports for peripherals.
Key highlights:
– NPU up to 45 TOPS for on-device AI acceleration
– 12-core SoC with LPDDR5 memory options: 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB
– Three M.2 slots total, including M.2 2280 for SSDs and M.2 Key E for wireless
– Dual 5 Gbps Ethernet ports for fast networking and home lab projects
– Display outputs via DisplayPort, USB Type-C, HDMI, and eDP for multi-monitor setups
– MIPI CSI connectors for cameras
– Two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 Type-A ports
– microSD card reader
– 40-pin GPIO header for hardware projects and expansion
– Compact footprint of about 4.5 by 3.9 inches
With its blend of AI horsepower, generous memory configurations, triple M.2 expandability, and robust I/O, the Orange Pi 6 Plus looks like a compelling Raspberry Pi 5 alternative for creators, hobbyists, and developers who need more edge AI capability. Pricing and availability details have not yet been announced.
