The Raspberry Pi 500+ is a compact, keyboard-sized single-board computer designed for users looking for an advanced, space-saving system. With 16 GB of RAM and an integrated 256 GB M.2 SSD, it is particularly well-suited to memory-intensive applications, multitasking and projects with significant local data requirements. These benefits are particularly evident in development environments, local server setups, media applications and more complex software workflows, where additional RAM and fast mass storage are essential.
Technically, the Raspberry Pi 500+ is based on the BCM2712 SoC, like its predecessor, the Raspberry Pi 500. The underlying platform is therefore identical; the difference lies in the features.
Architecture and storage
Both models use the BCM2712 processor. The Raspberry Pi 500 comes with 8 GB of RAM, while the Raspberry Pi 500+ has 16 GB. This effectively doubles the RAM in a direct comparison.
There is also a clear distinction in terms of mass storage. The predecessor offers a microSD card slot. The Raspberry Pi 500+ additionally features an internal 256 GB M.2 SSD. The microSD slot remains.
Connectivity and interfaces
Both models have the same connectivity options. Both models feature two micro-HDMI ports, one USB 2.0 port and two USB 3.0 ports. Network connectivity is provided via Gigabit Ethernet. Wireless communication is supported by dual-band Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5, including BLE.
There is also a 40-pin GPIO header, enabling the use of classic Raspberry Pi expansion modules.
Technical comparison
| Feature | Raspberry Pi 500 | Raspberry Pi 500+ |
| Soc | BCM2712 | BCM2712 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| GPIO | 40-pin GPIO header | 40-pin GPIO header |
| Video | 2 × micro-HDMI | 2 × micro-HDMI |
| USB | 1 × USB 2.0, 2 × USB 3.0 | 1 × USB 2.0, 2 × USB 3.0 |
| Network (LAN) | Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gb/s) | Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gb/s) |
| WLAN | 2.4/5 GHz dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi 5 (300 Mb/s) | 2.4/5 GHz dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi 5 (300 Mb/s) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5, BLE | Bluetooth 5, BLE |
| Mass storage | microSD card slot | microSD card slot + interne M.2 SSD (256 GB) |
| Power supply | USB-C, 5 V / 5 A (25 W) oder 5 V / 3 A (15 W, 600 mA Peripherie-Limit) | USB-C, 5 V / 5 A (25 W) |
More resources for demanding projects
While the architecture and interfaces remain unchanged, the key difference is the significantly increased memory capacity. With 16 GB of RAM and an integrated 256 GB M.2 SSD, the Raspberry Pi 500+ provides much more scope for running multiple applications simultaneously, working with larger data sets and developing more extensive environments. This transforms the proven keyboard concept into a more powerful platform for ambitious projects and efficient workflows.
Images: Raspberry Pi
