When comparing ASUS Tinker Board S vs Google Coral, the Slant community recommends ASUS Tinker Board S for most people. In the question“What is the most powerful single board computer?” ASUS Tinker Board S is ranked 8th while Google Coral is ranked 12th. The most important reason people chose ASUS Tinker Board S is:
The Asus Tinker Board S is a more powerful single-board computer than a Raspberry Pi Model B since it has a more powerful microprocessor as well as larger and faster RAM memory.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Fair performance
The Asus Tinker Board S is a more powerful single-board computer than a Raspberry Pi Model B since it has a more powerful microprocessor as well as larger and faster RAM memory.
Pro Stays cool
The ASUS Tinker Board S doesn't have problems related to overheating because it comes with a massive heatsink that can dissipate all heat generated by the board's powerful microprocessor.
Pro Simple setup
All you need to do to set this board up and running is to upload the appropriate Android or Linux image. Both images can be obtained from the ASUS's official web resource in the form of downloadable .zip files. Simply download the files and drivers on your computer and use the Etcher to flash the Tinker Board S. Overall, the process takes around 10 minutes to complete.
Pro Has on-board WiFi and Bluetooth
You'll have no problem connecting to a WiFi network or Bluetooth peripherals with the Tinker Board S since it comes with an onboard 802.11 b/g/n - compliant WiFi and Bluetooth transceiver.
Pro Has some on-board storage
Unlike the previous version of the ASUS's Tinker Board, the model S comes equipped with a 16GB eMMC storage which means that you'll always have some space to store the computer's OS as well as some extra applications.
The eMMC memory performs on par with the more commonly known SD memory used on the majority of other single board computers out there since both of those are based on NAND.
Pro Fits the Raspberry Pi's case
You'll not have to tinker around finding the case for this single-board computer since it has the same form factor as the Raspberry Pi 3. You can find a variety of cases that start at around $6.50 here.
Pro Multi-OS platform
Right now, Tinker Board S can run both Android and Linux. Linux comes in the form of TinkerOS_Debian that is based on a well-known Debian distribution while the TinkerOS_Android is based on the Android 6.
Pro Outputs in 4K
This single board-computer has enough juice to stream the 4K media at the frame rate of 30Hz through its HDMI port.
Pro Less risk to fry a board with a cheap power supply
You're less likely to fry this SBC than some of the other ones because the Tinker Board S has the low-voltage detection circuitry which will shut down the computer if it detects inappropriately low voltage coming from the power supply. Usually, cheaper power adapters are the ones that fail to reach the needed 5V mark.
Pro Better build
Clear and colorful design.
Pro Heatsink Included
Google Coral boards include a heatsink and a fan to ensure the MXU and the SoC are within optimal temperatures.
Pro Flash Memory Included
Unlike Raspberry Pi and some boards, Google Coral has a built in 8GB eMMC flash storage. Perfect if you want to flash another distro or if micro SDs are too unreliable.
Pro AI/ML Native
Google Coral SBCs are designed primarily for AI and ML in the edge. Each board carries a Edge TPU - a smaller version of Google's own ASIC chips used to power Google AI.
Cons
Con Comes without a power supply
You'll need to spend some extra money on a power supply unit since this board doesn't come with the one.
Con Once eMMC gets stuck it’s a headache
Once you get the eMMc stuck with switching operating system it’s a real nightmare to fix it
Con MicroUSB power connector
Con Power-hungry
This single-board computer is quite demanding when it comes to power since it is recommended to be used with a 3A power supply.
Con Expensive
If you're tight in budget, Google Coral isn't for you. One unit costs roughly 150 USD - compared to Raspberry Pi 4 which is only up to 55 USD for the 4GB RAM model.
Con No third party distribution support
Based on documentation, there is no support beyond its own preinstalled distribution built exclusively for Google Coral. You're basically stuck with their own distribution.
Con 1GB LPDDR4 RAM only
There is no larger RAM option for Google Coral boards. You're stuck with the 1GB LPDDR4 RAM - which is comparably the same as Raspberry Pi 4 in its introductory price.