The Tiny But Mightier Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+ Is Here For Just $25

The Raspberry Pi developer board has been around for a long time and one of the best things about it has always been its low price. The last new major model that we talked about was in March when the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ turned up featuring a 1.4GHz processor, integrated WiFi, and Gigabit Ethernet port onboard selling for $35. For folks who don't need that Ethernet port or the USB hub and would like to save a bit of cash to boot, Raspberrypi.org has announced the launch of a new version of the developer board called the Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+.

The Model A+ device sports a Broadcom BCM2837B0, Cortex-A53 (ARMv8) 64-bit SoC that operates at 1.4GHz; the same processor in the model B+ device from March. Onboard memory for the A+ is 512MB LPDDR2 SDRAM according to the specifications; the board has support for 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi networks with 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.2 BLE onboard. Connectivity options include an extended 40-pin GPIO header and a full-size HDMI port for video output along with a single USB 2.0 port, the USB hub of the B+ model was cut to save money and reduce the size of the A+.

The Raspberry Pi Camera Module is supported via a CSI camera port; the Raspberry Pi touch display is supported as well via an integrated DSI display port. If your project doesn't support an HDMI port, there is a composite video port and a 4-pole stereo sound output. Loading the operating system onto the board is achieved via a microSD card slot, and the board runs off a 5v/2.5A DC power input. Raspberrypi.org has promised that this A+ model will be in production until at least January 2023.

Another significant upside for the Raspberry Pi Model A+ is that it has a smaller form factor making it easier to integrate into projects that have tighter space requirements. A new case for the A+ will be available starting next month, and the board itself can be pre-ordered now for $25 with shipping expected on November 19.