Introduction

Planning a hardware project like a kiosk system for display.regardingwork.com or experimenting with microcontrollers in China? The Raspberry Pi Zero and Raspberry Pi Pico are both compact, affordable boards, but they serve very different purposes. This post breaks down their differences, focuses on the Pi Zero variants, and helps you choose the right one for your needs.

Raspberry Pi Zero vs. Raspberry Pi Pico

The Raspberry Pi Zero and Pico are often confused due to their small size and low cost, but they’re built for distinct tasks. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature

Raspberry Pi Zero

Raspberry Pi Pico

Type

Single-Board Computer (SBC)

Microcontroller

Processor

Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 (Zero 2 W) or Single-core ARM11 (Zero/Zero W)

Dual-core RP2040

RAM

512MB

264KB SRAM

Operating System

Raspberry Pi OS (Linux)

MicroPython or C/C++ (no OS)

Display Output

Micro-HDMI (supports monitors)

No direct display output

Connectivity

WiFi/Bluetooth (W models), USB OTG

WiFi (Pico W only), no USB OTG

Use Case

Kiosk systems, web displays, lightweight computing

Embedded systems, sensors, small displays

Price in China

50-120 CNY ($7-17 USD)

30-50 CNY ($4-7 USD)

Key Takeaway: The Pi Zero is a full computer that runs Linux and can drive a monitor for projects like a web-based kiosk. The Pico is a microcontroller for low-level tasks like controlling LEDs or sensors, unsuitable for direct monitor display without extra hardware.

Raspberry Pi Zero Variants

The Pi Zero family has several models, each with slight differences. Here’s what you’ll find in China’s markets (2025 prices):

  • Raspberry Pi Zero (2015): Single-core 1GHz ARM11, 512MB RAM, no WiFi/Bluetooth, micro-HDMI. Cheapest but slow and outdated; needs a USB WiFi dongle (~10 CNY). Price: ~50-80 CNY ($7-11 USD). Rarely stocked.
  • Raspberry Pi Zero W (2017): Adds WiFi and Bluetooth to the original. Good for basic kiosks but struggles with heavy web pages. Price: ~60-100 CNY ($8-14 USD).
  • Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W (2021, Recommended): Quad-core 1GHz Cortex-A53, 512MB RAM, WiFi, Bluetooth, micro-HDMI. Five times faster than Zero W, ideal for browser-based kiosk displays. Price: ~80-120 CNY ($11-17 USD).

Warning: In markets like Shenzhen’s Huaqiangbei, you might find “Pi Zero” clones for 40-70 CNY. These may lack proper Linux support, so stick to official Raspberry Pi boards for reliability.

Pi Zero 2 W for Kiosk Systems

For a project like display.regardingwork.com, where you need a low-cost device to display data on an old monitor, the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is the best choice:

  • Why It Works: Runs Raspberry Pi OS, supports Chromium in kiosk mode for fullscreen web displays, connects via micro-HDMI (adapter: ~5 CNY), and has WiFi for remote updates. Its low power (5W) and tiny size are perfect for tucking behind a screen.
  • Setup: Install Raspberry Pi OS Lite, configure Chromium with --kiosk https://display.regardingwork.com, and enable auto-boot. Use SSH for remote management.
  • Limitations: 512MB RAM means keeping web pages lightweight (avoid heavy animations). For 4K or complex sites, consider an Orange Pi Zero 3 (99-150 CNY).

Buying in China

China’s electronics markets are a treasure trove for Raspberry Pi boards:

  • In-Person: Shenzhen’s Huaqiangbei offers Zero 2 W for ~80-100 CNY after haggling. Beijing (Zhongguancun) or Shanghai (Xujiahui Computer City) sell them for ~90-120 CNY. Verify official branding to avoid fakes.
  • Online: Search “Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W” on Taobao or JD.com for ~80-120 CNY. AliExpress has similar prices but slower delivery. Avoid no-name boards under 50 CNY for critical projects.
  • Accessories: Get a micro-HDMI-to-HDMI adapter (5-10 CNY), 5V 2A power supply (10-20 CNY), and a case (10-20 CNY). MicroSD cards (16GB) are ~20 CNY in markets.

Alternatives to Pi Zero

If the Zero 2 W is too limited or pricey, consider:

  • Orange Pi Zero 3: 99-150 CNY ($14-21 USD), 1-4GB RAM, runs Armbian Linux. Great for kiosks with more power.
  • Android TV Stick: 50-150 CNY ($7-21 USD). Plug-and-play for web displays but less flexible for custom software.

Conclusion

For a kiosk system displaying data on a monitor, the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is your go-to for affordability and capability. The Pico, while great for embedded tasks, won’t cut it for direct screen output. In China, snag a Zero 2 W for under 120 CNY and build your project with confidence. Happy hacking!