GoKawiilRaspberry Pi Zero 3 W and Pi 4 Model A appear in kernel device trees
Device tree files for an unannounced Raspberry Pi Zero 3 W and a Raspberry Pi 4 Model A have appeared in Raspberry Pi's Linux kernel tree, first spotted by Phoronix. The Zero 3 W files indicate it uses the Broadcom BCM2711 quad-core Cortex-A72 chip found in the Pi 4, a major upgrade from the Zero 2 W's Cortex-A53 processor, along with configuration suggesting an 8-bit eMMC storage controller.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Device tree entries often precede official hardware announcements, so this could signal that both boards are nearing release, though Raspberry Pi has not confirmed anything. The analysis by the author suggests the eMMC configuration may be a development leftover rather than a final feature, since added storage could undermine the Zero line's low-price positioning, and questions remain about thermal management given the BCM2711's heat output in such a small form factor.
- Device tree files for a Raspberry Pi Zero 3 W and Pi 4 Model A have surfaced in the kernel source, with no official announcement yet.
- The Zero 3 W appears to use the BCM2711 chip from the Pi 4, a significant performance jump from the Zero 2 W's Cortex-A53 processor.
- Configuration details hint at possible 8-bit eMMC storage support, though this may not make it into the final retail board.
Raspberry Pi 4 Model B — While we wait for official word on the Zero 3 W and Pi 4 Model A, the current Raspberry Pi 4 Model B remains a fantastic way to get hands-on with the same BCM2711 chip rumored for these new boards. It's a great platform for tinkering, learning about device trees, and running the same Linux kernel builds discussed in this article.
See Raspberry Pi 4 Model B on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: bret.dk, 2026-10-27
Published there as: “Raspberry Pi Zero 3W and Pi 4 Model A spotted in device trees”
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