Traces of new Pi hardware spotted in GitHub

Exciting news arrives in the form of traces of new Raspberry Pi hardware spotted in GitHub's raspberrypi/linux repository. The merged pull request titled "Add device tree for Pi Zero 3 W and Pi 4A" hints at a forthcoming successor to the long-awaited Pi Zero 2 W. Launched five years ago, the Pi Zero 2 W had a modest 512 MB of memory, making it quite cost-effective yet not as powerful as the flagship Pi 4.

The new board might utilize the Broadcom BCM2710, potentially delivering a significant performance boost compared to the Pi 4's 1.5GHz clock speed.

Concerns arise regarding heat dissipation, as the Pi 4 gained a reputation for running hot under load without active cooling. The compact size of the Zero board would only exacerbate this issue, potentially necessitating compromises in other areas. Memory capacity remains uncertain, but it is unlikely to be high given current RAM costs and the need to maintain a competitive price point, similar to the Pi Zero 2 W, which can be purchased for around $18.

The code also suggests the inclusion of eMMC storage, though this is unlikely to reach the final product due to cost constraints. Alongside the Pi Zero 3 W, a Raspberry Pi 4 Model A is also hinted at. While the Zero 3 W represents a clear upgrade over its predecessor, the 4 Model A appears to be a cost-cutting measure amidst rising hardware prices.

The Model A typically comes with less memory and lacks an Ethernet port, featuring a single HDMI output instead of the two found in the 4A. These details could still change before any hardware is released. Raspberry Pi declined to confirm any pipeline plans, leaving enthusiasts eager for an upgraded Pi Zero while also anticipating the potential inevitability of a cut-down Pi 4 in response to rising component costs.