This tiny single‑board computer packs a big surprise (and it’s not a Raspberry Pi)

The range of single-board computers is extensive, with a wide selection of models available on Amazon, for example. The Conclusive Engineering KSTR-SAMA5D27 is a newly introduced model that stands out for its particularly compact design. Conceptually, however, it differs significantly from the Raspberry Pi. For instance, the board lacks an HDMI output, making it largely unsuitable for use as a media center—especially given its limited processing power. It is based on the SAMA5D27 SoC, which features a single Cortex-A5 core clocked at up to 500 MHz, paired with just 256 MB of LPDDR2 RAM. There is no onboard storage such as eMMC; instead, the system relies on a memory card, which is typical for this class of device.

The PCB measures just 50 × 70 mm. Connectivity options include Ethernet with data rates of up to 100 Mbit/s, as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1. A USB Type-C port is available for both data and power delivery. Thanks to integrated power management, the board can also be operated directly from a rechargeable battery. For expansion, the board provides 64 GPIO pins for connecting sensors and actuators, along with a QWIIC interface. The manufacturer lists the KSTR-SAMA5D27 at $119, though prospective buyers should review shipping conditions before ordering.