Saturday, February 10, 2024

Difference between the Raspberry Pico and the Raspberry Pico W

The main difference between the Raspberry Pi Pico and the Raspberry Pi Pico W is wireless connectivity.

Here's a breakdown:

Raspberry Pi Pico:

  • No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • More affordable
  • Slightly smaller footprint
  • Ideal for projects that don't need internet access (e.g., robotics, data logging)

Raspberry Pi Pico W:

  • Built-in Wi-Fi 4.2 chip (802.11 b/g/n)
  • More expensive than the Pico
  • Slightly larger footprint due to the Wi-Fi chip
  • Perfect for projects requiring internet access (e.g., IoT devices, remote control, data transmission)

Other minor differences:

  • Pin configuration: The Pico W has a slightly different pin configuration for one GPIO pin (GP0) due to the Wi-Fi chip. However, this shouldn't affect most projects.
  • Onboard LED: The onboard LED is connected differently on the Pico W, but you can still use it for blinking and other simple tasks.
  • Debug header: The debug header is repositioned slightly on the Pico W due to the Wi-Fi chip placement.

Choosing the right Pico:

If you need wireless connectivity for your project, the Pico W is the obvious choice. But if you prioritize cost, size, or don't need internet access, the standard Pico is a good option.


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