# Small Object Detection with YOLO: A Performance Analysis Across Model Versions and Hardware

Source: [Small Object Detection with YOLO: A Performance Analysis Across Model Versions and Hardware](<https://www.sota2.com/research/paper/68fa780d1e209131cea768c5>)

Collection index: [llms.txt](<https://www.sota2.com/research/llms.txt>)

Data updated: 2025-10-28T13:57:15.546Z

Authors: Muhammad Fasih Tariq, Muhammad Azeem Javed

Published: 2025-04-14T05:49:31.000Z

## Abstract

This paper provides an extensive evaluation of YOLO object detection models (v5, v8, v9, v10, v11) by com- paring their performance across various hardware platforms and optimization libraries. Our study investigates inference speed and detection accuracy on Intel and AMD CPUs using popular libraries such as ONNX and OpenVINO, as well as on GPUs through TensorRT and other GPU-optimized frameworks. Furthermore, we analyze the sensitivity of these YOLO models to object size within the image, examining performance when detecting objects that occupy 1%, 2.5%, and 5% of the total area of the image. By identifying the trade-offs in efficiency, accuracy, and object size adaptability, this paper offers insights for optimal model selection based on specific hardware constraints and detection requirements, aiding practitioners in deploying YOLO models effectively for real-world applications.

## Recorded benchmark results

A research result applies to its stated dataset, split, metric and evaluation configuration. Compare like-for-like settings, preserve the metric's unit and direction, and distinguish paper-reported results from independent reproduction. The best result recorded here is not a claim of exhaustive, current global coverage.

## Original sources and implementation

[Original paper](<https://arxiv.org/abs/2504.09900>)

[PDF](<https://arxiv.org/pdf/2504.09900.pdf>)
