The Orange Pi Plus 2E is a single-board computer (SBC) developed by the Shenzhen Xunlong Software Co., Ltd. It belongs to the Orange Pi family, which is known for providing affordable and versatile alternatives to popular SBCs like the Raspberry Pi. The Orange Pi Plus 2E is an enhanced version of the Orange Pi Plus, featuring improved specifications and additional features.

Orange Pi is an open-source computer maker which makes open-source single-board computers with Orange Pi brand. Such a single-board computer can be run under Android, Ubuntu, Debian, Raspbian Image.

Orange Pi Plus 2E front

Orange Pi Plus 2E back

Specifications of Orange Pi Plus 2E:

Processor: Allwinner H3 system-on-chip (SoC). Quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 CPU and a Mali-400MP2 GPU @600MHz, supports OpenGL ES 2.0
Memory: 2GB of DDR3 RAM
Storage: MicroSD cards + onboard 16GB NAND flash storage (eMMC)
Networking: Ethernet (10/100/1000Mbps) and Realtek RTL8189ETV Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n)
USB Ports: Three USB 2.0 HOST, one USB 2.0 OTG
Video Output HDMI and CVBS output (Max. 1080p)
Video-Input: A CSI input camera connector
Audio:5mm audio jack for audio output and input
GPIO Pins: 40-pin GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) header
I2C, SPI, UART: Various communication protocols for connecting to sensors and other devices
Operating System: Compatible with various Linux distributions and Android
Buttons: Power Button(SW4), Recovery Button(SW3), Uboot Button(SW2)
LED: Power led & Status led
Other: IR input
Form Factor: 60mm x 93mm
Power Supply: 5V/2A DC input

Pinout of Orange Pi Plus 2E

Use Cases of Orange Pi Plus 2E:

The Orange Pi Plus 2E can be used for a variety of projects, including but not limited to:

Home automation
Media center (with software like Kodi)
Retro gaming console
Network-attached storage (NAS)
DIY projects and prototyping

What you need to get started with Orange Pi Plus 2E SBC

To get started with the Orange Pi Plus 2E single-board computer (SBC), you'll need a few essential components. Here's a basic list to help you get started:

MicroSD Card: A microSD card is required for storing the operating system and your data. It's recommended to use a high-quality, high-capacity microSD card (at least 8GB) like this one for better performance.
Power Supply: The uses a USB Type-C connector for power. Ensure you have a compatible power supply with a rating of 5V and at least 2A to provide sufficient power.
HDMI Cable: The Orange Pi Plus 2E features a HDMI port for video output. Depending on your display, you may need a HDMI cable.
Display: A monitor or TV with an HDMI input for connecting to the Orange Pi. Ensure it supports the resolution you plan to use.

There are HDMI displays of different sizes on the site, from which you can choose the version you want. Some displays have a touch screen and some don't. Some of touch screen are resistive and some other are Capacitive. So, be careful in choosing between them.

Keyboard and Mouse: USB or wireless keyboard and mouse for interacting with the Orange Pi. There are some wireless keyboard at store that you can get it.
Case (Optional): While not strictly necessary, a case can help protect your Orange Pi Plus 2E and keep it dust-free.
Cooling (Optional): Depending on your usage, you may consider adding a heatsink or fan for cooling. The Orange Pi Plus 2E can generate more heat than previous models, especially under heavy loads.
Operating System (OS): Download and install an operating system on your microSD card.
Ethernet Cable (Optional): If you prefer a wired internet connection, you can use an Ethernet cable like this to connect your Orange Pi to your router or network switch.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Orange Pi Plus 2E:

Orange Pi Plus 2E vs Raspberry Pi 4. Which one is better?

Processing Power: The Raspberry Pi 4 has a more powerful processor compared to the Orange Pi Plus 2E, with a quad-core Cortex-A72 architecture.

Memory: The Raspberry Pi 4 offers more flexibility in terms of RAM options, with 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB variants available. The Orange Pi Plus 2E comes with a fixed 2GB DDR3 RAM.
Connectivity: The Raspberry Pi 4 includes USB 3.0 ports, which offer faster data transfer compared to the USB 2.0 ports on the Orange Pi Plus 2E. The Raspberry Pi 4 also has a higher specification for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Video Output: The Raspberry Pi 4 supports dual 4K displays through its micro HDMI ports, providing more advanced video capabilities compared to the Orange Pi Plus 2E.
Community and Support: The Raspberry Pi has a larger and more established community, resulting in extensive documentation, tutorials, and software support. The Orange Pi community is active but may not be as extensive as the Raspberry Pi community.

Does Orange Pi Plus 2E run 64-bit OS?

The Orange Pi Plus 2E typically runs a 32-bit operating system. The Allwinner H3 processor, which is used in the Orange Pi Plus 2E, has a 32-bit ARM Cortex-A7 architecture. As a result, the majority of operating systems and software distributions available for the Orange Pi Plus 2E are designed for 32-bit systems.

What are the most popular operating systems for Orange Pie Plus 2E?

Entertainment: LibreELEC (A specialized operating system for Kodi media centers)
Gaming: RetrorangePi (A retro gaming and entertainment system distribution that turns your Orange Pi into a retro gaming console.), Lakka
General use: Ubuntu, Android

How do I start up the Orange Pie Plus 2E?

Please read this article to understand how to get started with Orange Pi Plus 2E.

Can I use the Orange Pi Plus 2E as a desktop computer?

Yes, the Orange Pi Plus 2E can be used as a basic desktop computer for certain tasks. However, it's important to note that the performance of the Orange Pi Plus 2E is not comparable to higher-end desktop computers, so its capabilities are best suited for lightweight computing needs.

Keep in mind that the Orange Pi Plus 2E is more suitable for lightweight computing tasks and educational purposes rather than demanding desktop applications or heavy multitasking.

What is the purpose of the GPIO pins on the Orange Pie Plus 2E?

The GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) pins on the Orange Pie Plus 2E allow it to interact with and control external hardware, such as sensors, LEDs, and other devices. You can learn how it works in this article.

Which SBCs are the main competitors of Orange Pi Plus 2E?

Orange Pi Plus 2E competes in the single-board computer (SBC) market with various other boards that offer similar capabilities, price points, and features. Here are some of the main competitors of the Orange Pi Plus 2E:

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ and Raspberry Pi 4: The Raspberry Pi series is one of the most popular and widely used SBCs. Both the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ and Raspberry Pi 4 offer competitive features, performance, and a large community of users.
Banana Pi M64: The Banana Pi M64 is another SBC with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, similar to the Orange Pi Plus 2E. It features 2GB of RAM, onboard Wi-Fi, and Gigabit Ethernet.
NanoPi M3: The NanoPi M3, developed by FriendlyELEC, is a compact SBC with an octa-core processor (Samsung S5P6818), 2GB of RAM, and various connectivity options.
Odroid XU4: The Odroid XU4, produced by Hardkernel, is a powerful SBC with an octa-core Samsung Exynos 5422 processor. It is known for its high performance and versatile applications.
Banana Pi Pro: Another offering from Banana Pi, the Banana Pi Pro, features a quad-core Allwinner A20 processor, 1GB of RAM, and built-in Wi-Fi, making it a competitor in the mid-range SBC market.
NanoPi NEO: The NanoPi NEO, also from FriendlyELEC, is a compact and affordable SBC with various models. It is suitable for lightweight projects and applications.
Odroid C2: The Odroid C2 is a single-board computer from Hardkernel with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53

Orange Pi Plus 2E Development Board