PineTab-V sets new standard as first RISC-V Linux tablet at $149
The PineTab-V has officially debuted as the world’s first commercially available tablet powered by RISC-V architecture—an open-source alternative to traditional ARM and x86 processors. Announced at the 2025 RISC-V Summit, this $149 device delivers a full desktop-class Linux experience in a portable tablet form, opening doors for developers, educators, and open-source enthusiasts. The PineTab-V isn’t just another budget device—it’s a signal of the growing viability of RISC-V in mainstream hardware. Backed by a Debian-based operating system and Pine64’s open-hardware philosophy, the PineTab-V offers a unique spin on personal computing. Here’s why it matters, what it offers, and how it compares to traditional mobile hardware platforms.
Understanding RISC-V and why it matters now
RISC-V is an open standard instruction set architecture (ISA) that diverges from the proprietary nature of x86 (Intel/AMD) or ARM (used by most smartphones and tablets). Designed for flexibility and extensibility, RISC-V allows hardware developers to tailor processors to match specific needs without licensing fees. This disrupts conventional hardware economics and opens the floodgates to more innovation, especially in education and embedded systems.
The emergence of RISC-V in consumer devices like the PineTab-V signals a significant shift. With China heavily backing RISC-V as part of its broader push for tech self-reliance and companies like SiFive and Alibaba investing in the architecture, the PineTab-V is arriving at a pivotal moment when global interest in ISA alternatives is rising rapidly.
PineTab-V specifications and Linux integration
The PineTab-V runs a fully functional Debian-based Linux distribution out of the box—offering true multitasking and access to thousands of open-source applications. Unlike Android or heavily locked-down mobile OSes, Linux on the PineTab-V means you’re working with a full-featured operating system akin to what runs on desktops and servers.
- Processor: Powered by a dual-core RISC-V chip from StarFive’s JH7110 series
- Operating system: Pre-installed Debian Linux with graphical user interface
- RAM and storage: Options vary, with configurations offering up to 4GB RAM and 64GB eMMC flash storage
- Ports: USB-C for charging and peripherals, microSD slot for storage expansion, headphone jack
- Screen: 10.1-inch IPS display, 1920×1200 resolution
This spec sheet positions the PineTab-V for lightweight productivity, coding, digital learning, and media consumption—especially for those comfortable with Linux environments.
How PineTab-V compares to ARM-based tablets
At $149, the PineTab-V squarely undercuts most ARM-based tablets running Android or iPadOS. Brands like Samsung and Apple offer polished hardware but at locked-in ecosystems and premium pricing. In contrast, the PineTab-V’s open-source Linux OS offers full user control at a significantly lower cost.
| Device | Architecture | OS | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PineTab-V | RISC-V | Debian Linux | $149 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 | ARM | Android 13 | $199+ |
| Apple iPad 9th Gen | ARM-based A13 Bionic | iPadOS 17 | $329 |
| Raspberry Pi 400 (not a tablet) | ARM | Raspberry Pi OS | $149 (with monitor) |
While the PineTab-V won’t match branded competitors in raw performance or polish, its value lies in open development, transparency, and true ownership—a crucial differentiator as privacy and control become central concerns in consumer tech.
Who is the PineTab-V really for?
This isn’t a consumer-oriented iPad rival—it’s a platform for tinkerers, Linux users, and developers who value transparency and modifiability over plug-and-play simplicity. For students learning coding, engineers developing for RISC-V, teachers building open-source curricula, or hobbyists replacing locked-down tablets, the PineTab-V is an ideal low-cost gateway.
Its compatibility with Debian packages means users can browse with Firefox, edit documents with LibreOffice, or run terminal apps directly, all without needing proprietary app stores. Add developer tools, SSH remote capabilities, and customizable kernels, and the PineTab-V becomes more than a utility—it’s a sandbox for freedom computing.
Final thoughts
The PineTab-V represents a major milestone: the first true RISC-V tablet for the general public, paired with a mature Linux OS and priced at just $149. It’s not designed to dethrone premium tablets, but rather to open new doors for experimentation, education, and open-hardware advocacy. If you’re seeking a low-cost Linux slate that respects user choice and pushes the boundaries of traditional computing, the PineTab-V is a project worth supporting. For developers testing RISC-V applications and open-source enthusiasts longing for a portable Linux rig, this is the real deal. Expect future iterations to iterate quickly as global RISC-V momentum accelerates.
Image by: Dean Pugh
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