Raspberry Pi 3 Model B & B+: Affordable Development Boards for IoT in 2025
The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and B+ continue to be some of the most popular single-board computers in the world of IoT development. Compact, powerful, and incredibly affordable (starting at just $35), these boards are a great entry point for anyone looking to dive into DIY electronics, coding, or connected devices.
Despite their small, credit-card-sized footprint, Raspberry Pi 3 boards are capable of running full desktop operating systems, media centers, and embedded applications. It’s no wonder they’re widely used in robotics, smart home setups, weather stations, and even in building custom laptops or gaming consoles.
Key Features of Raspberry Pi 3 Model B / B+
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Faster Performance: Equipped with a 1.2GHz Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, it’s up to 10x faster than earlier models.
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1GB RAM: Smoothly run larger applications, play HD videos, and multitask with ease.
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Built-in Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: No need for additional modules — connect to the internet and other devices right out of the box.
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Versatile Usage: Use it as a media center, desktop PC alternative, or for any IoT-based smart system.
You can run lightweight and optimized operating systems such as Raspberry Pi OS (formerly Raspbian), Ubuntu, and Windows 10 IoT Core, making it easy to customize the board for your project.
What Can You Build with Raspberry Pi 3?
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Smart mirrors
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Home automation systems
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DIY robots
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Weather monitoring stations
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Portable gaming consoles
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Media streaming hubs
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Educational kits for students
You’ll find thousands of tutorials and open-source projects built around the Raspberry Pi 3 in the maker community.
Technical Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Broadcom BCM2387, 1.2GHz Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A53 (64-bit) |
| GPU | Dual-core VideoCore IV, supports OpenGL ES 2.0, 1080p video playback |
| RAM | 1 GB |
| Storage | MicroSD slot (SDIO) for OS and data |
| Connectivity | 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 (Classic + BLE), 10/100 Ethernet |
| USB Ports | 4 × USB 2.0 |
| Video Output | HDMI 1.3/1.4, Composite RCA |
| Audio Output | 3.5mm jack, HDMI audio |
| GPIO | 40-pin header (27 GPIO pins, 3.3V, 5V, GND) |
| Camera Port | 15-pin MIPI CSI-2 |
| Display Port | DSI port for Raspberry Pi touch display |
✅ Fully compatible with Raspberry Pi 1 & 2 accessories and add-on boards.
Compatible Operating Systems
Raspberry Pi 3 boots from a microSD card and supports a wide range of lightweight and embedded operating systems:
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Raspberry Pi OS (Raspbian)
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Ubuntu MATE
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Windows 10 IoT Core
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LibreELEC / OSMC (for media centers)
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Kali Linux (for security testing)
🔗 Check out: 15 Free IoT Operating Systems for Raspberry Pi Projects
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a powerful yet affordable development board in 2025, the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B or B+ is still an excellent choice. Its versatility makes it ideal for IoT development, education, and hobby electronics.
How are you using your Raspberry Pi 3? Drop your project ideas or questions in the comments below!
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Reference: Raspberry Pi Official Documentation
