[alias_neo]

If we compare with the Pi5 yes, something like an N100 based board might be preferable (we should really compare the BCM to the N100, not the Pi itself).

Pi4 _does_ do hardware video encoding, so that is still a valid option for many applications; RP has a good record, decent board design, great software support and a huge community; if we compare with Radxa and their X4 for example; their track record is one of poor board design, poor software support and a miniscule community.

My personal opinion, and it's just that, my opinion based on my experience;

Unless I'm looking at an "embedded" task (board needs to go _inside_ a product), I wouldn't use an SBC; If I'm running Plex/Jellyfin/etc, I'd use a mini-PC or "bigger"; something with a better board design (there are questions about the board design of the Radxa X4 with N100 given its power envelope), proper cooling, better storage and GPU etc.