Meet the Arduino Nano R4: Why Is This Tiny Upgrade So Big for Makers?

What Exactly is the Arduino Nano R4?

The Arduino Nano R4 is a significant upgrade to Arduino’s popular Nano line, powered by the Renesas RA4M1 microcontroller. Imagine taking the powerful brains of the Arduino UNO R4 and shrinking them into a tiny, versatile form. With a 48 MHz Arm Cortex-M4F core, 256 KB of flash storage, and integrated EEPROM, the Nano R4 provides remarkable performance in a miniature footprint.

Regardless of whether you're prototyping, building IoT projects, or designing space-conscious hardware, the Nano R4 is designed to streamline your workflow and empower your creativity.

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What's New in the Arduino Nano R4?

The Nano R4 offers  exciting new features, making it one of Arduino’s most attractive small boards ever released:

• Enhanced Processing Power: 48 MHz Arm Cortex-M4F MCU (Renesas RA4M1).
• Expanded Memory: 256 KB Flash, 32 KB SRAM, and 8 KB EEPROM.
• Compact & Production-Friendly: Single-sided component placement and castellated headers for easy PCB integration.
• Versatile Connectivity: USB-C, built-in 3.3V Qwiic I²C connector, additional 5V I²C compatibility, UART, SPI, PWM, DAC, and CAN bus support.
• Real-Time Clock (RTC): An integrated RTC with battery backup capability for accurate timekeeping.
• RGB LED Indicator: Onboard LED for debugging, feedback, or user-interface enhancements.

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Looking to Fast-Track Your Arduino Hardware Design?

Browse the shield templates below, each pre-aligned with headers, that let hardware engineers move from concept to working prototype in record time. Choose a template, customize it to your needs, and start building.

1. Arduino MKR Wifi Template
2. Arduino Nano 33 Template
3. Arduino MKR Zero Template
4. Arduino Nano RP2040 Template

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Can I run my UNO R4 Minima sketch on a Nano R4?

Arduino Nano R4 keeps the classic Nano pin layout, so headers, shields, and breadboard wiring stay the same. Yes, just remap the pin numbers to match the Nano R4 layout. The Nano breakout connectors pinout is shown below:

Analog (JP1)

Digital (JP2)

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Why Does the Nano R4 Matter to Makers?

✅ Compact Size, Big Performance

Nano R4 packs high-end functionality previously reserved for larger Arduino boards into a sleek, ultra-compact form factor. This allows makers to design more sophisticated, compact IoT and wearable projects without compromising power or features.

✅ Seamless Transition from UNO R4

Already using Arduino’s popular UNO R4 boards? The Nano R4 offers complete compatibility with UNO R4’s software ecosystem, meaning your existing libraries, sketches, and workflows transfer smoothly to your Nano-sized projects.

✅ Production Ready & Cost-Effective

The castellated headers and single-sided components ensure easy and cost-effective manufacturing—perfect for makers looking to transition prototypes into commercial products quickly and affordably.

✅ Improved Connectivity and Expansion

The integrated Qwiic connector and additional I²C lines allow effortless integration of sensors, displays, and other peripherals. Add the RTC and RGB LED, and you have a remarkably versatile board ready for endless applications.

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Who Is the Arduino Nano R4 Designed For?

The Nano R4 meets a variety of needs:

• Hobbyists & Students: Easy-to-use and powerful enough to handle beginner and advanced projects alike.
• Product Developers: Small, affordable, and production-ready for embedding into commercial hardware.
• Educators: Compact form factor and compatibility with Arduino IDE make it ideal for teaching embedded systems, robotics, and IoT concepts.

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How Does Nano R4 Compare to Previous Arduino Boards?

Compared to older Nano models (Nano Every or Nano 33), the Nano R4 offers substantial performance and memory improvements:

The Nano R4 brings many of the features previously only available in higher-end Arduino boards into a Nano-sized form factor.

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Why Should You Upgrade to the Arduino Nano R4?

If you're currently using older Nano boards or even an Arduino UNO, here are quick reasons to make the jump to Nano R4:

• Power & Performance: Significant upgrade with faster processing and more memory.
• Better Compatibility: Simplified transition from UNO-based projects.
• Lower Cost & Easier Manufacturing: Perfect for small-scale production or commercial projects.
• Versatile Applications: Suitable for IoT, robotics, wearables, automation, and more.
• Future-Proof: Modern features like USB-C, RTC, and expanded connectivity mean longer-lasting project relevance.

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Where Can You Get the Arduino Nano R4?

The Arduino Nano R4 is available in two variations:

• Without Headers: Ideal for embedding into custom PCB designs (around $12.10).
• With Pre-soldered Headers: Ready for quick prototyping and breadboarding (around $13.30).

Both versions are available directly from Arduino's online store and major electronics distributors.

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Ready to Start Your Nano R4 Project?

Arduino’s Nano R4 sets a new standard for compact, powerful, and production-friendly microcontroller boards. Whether you’re prototyping the next big IoT device or scaling your prototype for production, the Nano R4 offers the power and flexibility you need.

Visit our Featured Projects page to discover innovative Arduino builds and spark inspiration for your next big idea.

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