Linux vs Android vs Windows on ARM: Which OS Suits Your Embedded Project?

Linux vs Android vs Windows on ARM

ARM-based processors are transforming the world of industrial and embedded computing. Known for their power efficiency, scalability, and integration capabilities, ARM CPUs are now widely used across industrial automation, medical systems, robotics, transportation, IoT, and AI-driven edge applications. However, selecting the right operating system for ARM CPUs is just as important as choosing the hardware itself. Whether you deploy Linux on ARM, Android on ARM, or Windows on ARM, your decision will impact performance, lifecycle support, security, and long-term reliability.

In this guide, we compare the major operating systems available for ARM-based industrial computers and explain how to choose the right platform for your application.

Why ARM CPUs Are Revolutionising Embedded Computing

ARM processors use a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) architecture, allowing them to deliver strong performance while maintaining low power consumption. This makes them particularly suited to embedded and industrial environments where energy efficiency, thermal control, and reliability are critical.

Key Advantages of ARM Processors:

• Low Power Consumption – Ideal for fanless and sealed industrial systems
• Reduced Heat Output – Improves reliability in harsh environments
• Highly Integrated SoCs – CPU, GPU, AI accelerators, and I/O on a single chip
• Scalable Performance – From compact IoT devices to high-performance edge AI systems
• Cost-Effective Architecture – Efficient design reduces system complexity

ARM-based industrial computers are increasingly deployed in edge computing, machine vision, automation control, and smart infrastructure applications.

Choosing the Right Operating System for ARM

Once you’ve selected an ARM CPU, the choice of operating system is pivotal. Each OS offers unique advantages depending on your application needs.

Choosing the Right Platform

• Linux is ideal for systems that need flexibility, stability, or high-performance AI capabilities, especially when using NVIDIA Jetson modules.
• Android works well when user interaction and multimedia are the focus.
• Windows on ARM suits environments that require Windows software compatibility and enterprise integration.

Many industrial and embedded projects benefit from a hybrid approach, leveraging the strengths of ARM CPUs with the operating system that best fits their application.

NVIDIA Jetson and Linux

For AI and high-performance embedded computing, NVIDIA Jetson platforms (Jetson Nano, Xavier, Orin) are leading ARM-based solutions. Jetson modules run exclusively on Linux, using NVIDIA’s JetPack SDK, which is built on Ubuntu Linux. JetPack includes CUDA, TensorRT, cuDNN, OpenCV, and other GPU-accelerated AI libraries.

Contact BVM for ARM and Embedded Computing Solutions

At BVM, we have over 35 years’ experience supplying, designing, and manufacturing industrial and embedded computing hardware. Whether you need ARM-based systems for Linux, Android, or Windows, our experts can help you select, configure, and deploy the right solution for your application.

📞 Call our sales team on 01489 780144 or 📧 Email sales@bvmltd.co.uk

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