When comparing ODROID-XU4 vs ODROID-W, the Slant community recommends ODROID-XU4 for most people. In the question“What are the best single-board computers?” ODROID-XU4 is ranked 7th while ODROID-W is ranked 64th. The most important reason people chose ODROID-XU4 is:
Much faster than 10/100 as it contains a gigabit ethernet port.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Fast ethernet
Much faster than 10/100 as it contains a gigabit ethernet port.
Pro Great performance
The performance runs laps around competitors in terms of raw power with its impressive specs and octa-core processing.
Pro Includes cooling system
Includes fan and heatsink combo standard. Fan spins when CPU is load is high. Other single-board computers require a seperate purchase where fan runs constantly, has improper power supply, or requires complex setup for proper funtion.
Pro USB 3.0 ports
The ODROID-XU4 has two USB 3.0 ports. Making it one of the few single board computers to have them.
Pro Great OS support
ODROID supports and can run a full desktop version of Ubuntu. Other than that it can run Android, of which there are some excellent ports for ODROID-XU4.
Pro Supports eMMC 5.0 storage
Pro Includes a power button
Some single-board computers have no power button, requiring the power supply to be unplugged or customization to add a button.
Pro Fast processor and good memory capacity
It is very good for emulation.
Pro Fast processor and good memory capacity
Very good for emulation
Pro Practically very usable general purpose computer experience
Practically very usable general purpose computer experience with much lower power consumption when eMMC 5.0 storage is used for booting.
Pro Includes power adapter
Many single-board computers require you to purchase a power adapter separately.
Pro Software compatible with the Raspberry Pi
ODROID-W is compatible with the Raspberry Pi at least as far as software goes. It can run any software built for the Pi.
Pro Amazing heat dissipation
The ODROID-W has some great heat dissipation. From studying the heat of the heatsink, the maximum temperature registered was 37 degrees Celsius, and that was registered when the board was doing a lot of unpacking through apt-get. Normally the temperature is even lower than that.
Pro Can fit most Pi cases
Since it's built to emulate the Raspberry Pi, it's roughly the same shape albeit a bit smaller. But even then it should be able to fit most Raspberry Pi cases.
Cons
Con SD card corrupts
SD card corrupts easily with the XU4, use emmc for more stability but even then it is not that reliable. Also need to reimage the memory every so often.
Con No Audio CODEC
To get Audio out of the XU4 you need to use an HDMI device that has built-in speakers. A USB pdif will work, too.
Con Expensive
It’s expensive for a SBC, for ~$20 more you can get a faster x86 PC barebone.
Con No SATA port
Con Requires a separate power supply (no power via USB OTG)
Con Does not natively support most accessories and sensors on the market
The ODROID GPIO pins operate at 1.8V which means that it cannot support most accessories and sensors on the market which operate at 3.3V or 5V. But this can be fixed for the XU4 with the XU4 Shifter Shield which adapts them for voltages used in the market. It comes at an extra cost of $18 though.
Con SD card corrupts
SD card corrupts easily with the XU4, you can use emmc for more stability but even then it is not that reliable. You will also need to reimage the memory every so often.
Con Unstable USB support
Con Obsolete
Don't fall in love, this model is no longer available.
Con No on-board Ethernet
The ODROID-W has no on-board Ethernet port available, however this can be fixed by using a docking board which has an Ethernet jack.
Con Needs a multi-USB hub
Since it only has a USB host connector available for a full-sized port, you most certainly will need a multi-USB hub to connect more than one external devices to the board.