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The Khadas VIM1S is a compact single-board computer suited to maker projects that use its 40-pin GPIO header, removable microSD storage, display output, and wired or wireless networking. Practical ideas include a sensor reader, a small networked control panel, a kiosk or local media player, an information display, and a Linux learning device. These are project concepts based on documented interfaces—not turnkey applications supplied by Khadas.
What the VIM1S offers makers
Khadas specifies an Amlogic S905Y4 processor with four Cortex-A35 cores at 2.0GHz, 2GB LPDDR4 memory, 16GB eMMC storage, Mali-G31 MP2 graphics up to 850MHz, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and 10/100 Ethernet. The board also provides two USB 2.0 host ports, USB-C OTG and 5V input, HDMI output, a TF/microSD slot, a fan header, an RTC battery header, and a 40-pin header. See the Khadas VIM1S specifications and hardware documentation.
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The 40-pin header exposes power and ground alongside interface signals including GPIO, I2C, UART, PWM, and ADC-related lines. The available assignments depend on the operating system; consult the relevant Khadas GPIO header pinout before choosing pins or wiring a peripheral.
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DIY projects to try
GPIO status display or sensor reader
Use the header to read a compatible sensor or drive a simple status indicator. A sensor reader could report a measurement to a local display or network service; an indicator could show whether a process or device is active. The pinout documents multiple interfaces, but it does not establish compatibility for every sensor or library.
#1 Best Overall
- VIM1S is equipped with a high-performance SOC from Amlogic - S905Y4, RAM: 2GB LPDDR4 at 1176MHz, 32Bit; Storage: 16GB eMMC 5.0，2.0GHz Quad core Cortex-A35 CPU，Integrated with ARM Mali-G31 MP2 GPU up to 850MHz,Support multi-video decoder up to 4x1080P @60fps, 4K@60fps H.265 decoder. Supports HDR10, HDR10+, HLG HDR video processing.
- Flexible Connectivity: Wifi5 AP6256 Module 802.11ac/a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, 10/100M LAN
- Maker Friendly :VIN-port, Programmable MCU, 40-Pin 2.54mm Header/30-pin 1.0mmFPC Connector, x3 user buttons, hardware encryption .
- Rich I/O: x2 (500mA) USB 2.0 HOSTs, x1 USB Type-C (USB2.0 OTG & 5V DC IN)
- UHS-I TF Card Extension (256GB Max) via the onboard Molex Slot.
- Choose a sensor or output device whose electrical requirements match the board and selected pin.
- Check the pinout for the exact OS and kernel you intend to run.
- Confirm the required software libraries and that the application can access the chosen interface.
Small networked control panel
Combine a local control interface with a sensor or GPIO output, then connect the board over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Ethernet as the project requires. This could suit a bench controller or a small home-lab status panel. The VIM1S specifications establish network hardware, not a ready-made control-panel application; the interface and service need to be chosen and configured for the project.
Removable-media kiosk or local media player
HDMI provides a display connection, while the microSD/TF slot can be used for storage or as a boot device, according to Khadas’s hardware documentation. That combination can support a kiosk or a player for locally stored media, subject to the chosen operating-system image and software.
Rank #2
- High Performance: Amlogic A311D - x4 2.2Ghz Cortex A73, x2 1.8Ghz Cortex A53 12nm SoC fabrication process for low heat 2T2R AC Wi-Fi with RSDB Features Bluetooth 5.0 USB 3.0 Available Gigabit Ethernet with WOL support LPDDR4/X USB-C PD for heavy applications
- Neural Network Accelerator: NPU: Supports a maximum frequency of 800MHz at 5.0 TOPS INT8 inference up to 1536 MAC Internal L2 cache (512KB) and system workspace buffer (1MB) Supports all major deep learning frameworks including TensorFlow and Caffe
- Maker Friendly: Stackable Design Programmable MCU 3 Programmable LEDs (Blue, Red and White) XPWR for external Power button Onboard SPI Flash Khadas TST Khadas KBI
- Business Applications Dual independent displays with GSensor H.264 / H.265 Encoding Supports multi-video decoding up to 4Kx2K@60fps+1x1080P@60fps VIN Power Input
- Rich IO: 40 Pin GPIO Header (USB, I2C, I2S, UART, ADC etc) 8-ch I2S for Microphone Array application (over M.2 Connector) MIPI-DSI MIPI-CSI Designed with GPIO Extender Chip
Khadas’s specification sheet lists AV1, VP9, and H.265 decoding up to 4K at 60fps, plus up to four simultaneous 1080p@60fps video decodes. Its product page summarizes decoding as “Up to 1080p@60fps.” These are manufacturer capability claims, not playback test results; actual results depend on codec profile, application, operating system, and display configuration. Check the target media and software before designing around a particular format. Sources: specifications and product page.
Always-on information display
Connect an HDMI display and use the board’s network connection to present a dashboard, status page, or signage. A maker would need to select the dashboard software, configure its startup behavior, and decide how the display gets its content. Khadas documents the relevant display and network interfaces, but the cited materials do not establish measured power draw, thermal behavior, or unattended reliability.
Rank #3
- High Performance:Amlogic S905D3；12nm process for low heat & high efficiency；2T2R AC Wi-Fi with RSDB Features；Bluetooth 5.0；USB 3.0 Available；Gigabit Ethernet with WOL support；LPDDR4/X；USB-C PD for heavy applications
- Neural Network Accelerator:NPU: Supports a maximum frequency of 800MHz at 1.2 TOPS;INT8 inference up to 1536 MAC;Internal L2 cache (512KB) and system workspace buffer (1MB);Supports all major deep learning frameworks including; TensorFlow and Caffe
- Dual independent displays with GSensor;H.264 / H.265 Encoding; Supports multi-video decoding up to 4Kx2K@60fps+1x1080P@60fps; VIN Power Input
- Rich IO:40 Pin GPIO Header (USB, I2C, I2S, UART, ADC etc);8-ch I2S for Microphone Array application (over M.2 Connector);MIPI-DSI;MIPI-CSI;Designed with GPIO Extender Chip
- What's in the Box: VIM3L; Wi-Fi Antenna x2
Compact Linux learning or development device
The VIM1S can be a small platform for learning Linux development, boot configuration, or board-level software work. Khadas’s documentation lists Ubuntu 22.04 and Android 11, with Linux kernel 5.4, in its specifications; treat these as versions shown in that documentation, not a guarantee that they are the newest releases or that current images remain available. The VIM1S Development Guide links to topics including Ubuntu builds, Android source, and bootloader work.
Using the 40-pin header safely
Do not assume that a pin number from one guide, operating system, or kernel maps directly to the same function in another setup. Khadas notes that its listed Linux GPIO numbers apply to its vendor kernel and may differ under mainline Linux. Its Android table also shows different assignments in some rows. Use the table for your exact OS and kernel, then verify signal voltage and peripheral requirements before connecting hardware.
Rank #4
- High Performance: Amlogic A311D - x4 2.2Ghz Cortex A73, x2 1.8Ghz Cortex A53 12nm SoC fabrication process for low heat 2T2R AC Wi-Fi with RSDB Features Bluetooth 5.0 USB 3.0 Available Gigabit Ethernet with WOL support LPDDR4/X USB-C PD for heavy applications
- Neural Network Accelerator: NPU: Supports a maximum frequency of 800MHz at 5.0 TOPS INT8 inference up to 1536 MAC Internal L2 cache (512KB) and system workspace buffer (1MB) Supports all major deep learning frameworks including TensorFlow and Caffe
- Maker Friendly: Stackable Design Programmable MCU 3 Programmable LEDs (Blue, Red and White) XPWR for external Power button Onboard SPI Flash Khadas TST Khadas KBI
- Business Applications Dual independent displays with GSensor H.264 / H.265 Encoding Supports multi-video decoding up to 4Kx2K@60fps+1x1080P@60fps VIN Power Input
- Rich IO: 40 Pin GPIO Header (USB, I2C, I2S, UART, ADC etc) 8-ch I2S for Microphone Array application (over M.2 Connector) MIPI-DSI MIPI-CSI Designed with GPIO Extender Chip
- Choose the operating system and kernel for the project.
- Open the matching Linux or Android pin table in the GPIO header documentation.
- Identify the intended interface and confirm the pin is available to the software you plan to use.
- Check the peripheral’s voltage, signal, and power requirements against the board documentation before wiring it.
What you need to set up a VIM1S
The product page lists a VIM1S board, two antennas, a user manual, and a warranty card in the box. It says the power adapter and USB-C cable are sold separately. Check current Khadas guidance for the required voltage, connector, and current before selecting power accessories; do not infer electrical compatibility from the USB-C connector alone. For projects that need removable storage or boot media, Khadas says the microSD/TF slot supports those uses. See the product page and hardware guide.
Before buying or assembling parts, decide which display, operating system, network connection, and peripherals the project needs. The board’s documented interfaces make these builds plausible, but specific sensors, cards, adapters, software images, and application performance require their own compatibility checks.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 1. HDMI input & digital microphones for smart display & video conferencing applications
- 2. Mali G52MP8(8EE) 800Mhz GPU, supports 4K UI, H.264 and H.265 encoding at 4K 50fps
- 3. Four display interfaces: HDMI, MIPI-DSI, V-by-One & eDP. VIM4 can support 3 Independent Displays at the same time.
- 4. Maker Friendly: 8GB LPDDR4X 2016MHz, 64bit RAM for memory intensive software applications; OOWOW embedded service for online OS delivery, device maintenance and more!
- 5. AP6275S Wi-Fi 6 module with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2X2 MIMO and RSDB
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