My impression is that the coming generation of chips are going to be completely integrated RiSCV chips with RAM integrated on one package. Akin to a microcontroller but that can run Linux.
I got an intel SBC for something that required non-ARM and I remember the power raw being surprising after having been spoiled by so many raspberry ARMs.
Something like the SG2002
Ex: LicheeRV Nano
https://www.cnx-software.com/2024/02/08/licheerv-nano-low-co...
This is sufficient for "automation" hobby projects. You get the full Linux/OS creature comforts without the hassle of doing Arduino or Mircopython.
If you want a full desktop experience (or a project with video output) on a SBC it's probably easiest to go for a Intel SBC
RPi is getting squeezed from top and bottom price brackets