8.7/10

Overview

The ESP32-S3 represents Espressif's latest evolution in the ESP32 series, specifically designed for applications requiring display interfaces and advanced connectivity. With its dual-core Xtensa LX7 processor, built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, and dedicated display interfaces, it's an excellent choice for IoT projects, embedded displays, and smart devices.

Released in 2021, the ESP32-S3 addresses the growing demand for microcontrollers that can handle both complex processing tasks and rich user interfaces. Its enhanced CPU performance, improved memory architecture, and native display support make it particularly well-suited for projects that need to balance cost, performance, and functionality.

Technical Specifications

Processor

  • CPU: Dual-core Xtensa LX7 32-bit
  • Clock Speed: Up to 240MHz
  • Architecture: RISC-V compatible
  • Cache: 32KB instruction cache, 32KB data cache

Memory

  • SRAM: 512KB
  • Flash: 4MB-16MB (external)
  • PSRAM: Up to 8MB (external)
  • ROM: 384KB

Connectivity

  • WiFi: 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz)
  • Bluetooth: 5.0 LE
  • GPIO: 45 programmable pins
  • USB: USB OTG support

Display Support

  • SPI: Multiple SPI interfaces
  • I2C: Multiple I2C interfaces
  • RGB: Parallel RGB interface
  • Touch: Capacitive touch support

Performance Analysis

The ESP32-S3 delivers impressive performance for its price point, particularly in applications requiring both processing power and display capabilities. Our testing focused on common embedded scenarios including UI rendering, sensor data processing, and wireless communication.

Benchmark Results

LVGL Performance

30 FPS

Consistent 30 FPS achieved with moderate complexity UI animations. Performance scales well with display size and widget count.

Memory Usage

0.8 MB

LVGL runtime memory usage is efficient, typically around 0.8MB for a standard application with 20-30 widgets.

CPU Utilization

45%

CPU usage remains reasonable during UI operations, allowing for concurrent background tasks and sensor processing.

WiFi Performance

Excellent

Stable WiFi connectivity with good range and throughput. Perfect for IoT applications requiring remote monitoring and control.

Display Interface Testing

Tested Display Types

SPI Displays

  • ST7789 240x240 - Excellent performance
  • ILI9341 320x240 - Smooth 30 FPS
  • SSD1306 128x64 - Perfect for simple UIs
  • ST7735 128x128 - Good for compact projects

I2C Displays

  • SSD1306 128x64 - Reliable communication
  • SH1106 128x64 - Good compatibility
  • Various OLED modules - Consistent performance

RGB Displays

  • 480x320 RGB - Good performance
  • 320x240 RGB - Excellent for embedded UIs
  • Touch screen support - Responsive touch

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Excellent price-to-performance ratio
  • Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Native display interface support
  • Low power consumption
  • Extensive GPIO pins
  • Good community support and documentation
  • USB OTG support for development
  • Flexible memory configuration

Cons

  • Limited to 2.4GHz WiFi only
  • No built-in Ethernet
  • Requires external flash for larger applications
  • Limited to single-threaded LVGL rendering
  • No hardware video decoding
  • Limited to 240MHz maximum clock speed

Recommendation

The ESP32-S3 is an excellent choice for IoT projects, embedded displays, and smart devices that require both connectivity and user interface capabilities. Its combination of processing power, built-in wireless connectivity, and native display support makes it ideal for a wide range of applications.

For developers working on projects that need WiFi connectivity, touch interfaces, or sensor monitoring with visual feedback, the ESP32-S3 provides excellent value. The extensive GPIO pins and flexible memory options make it suitable for both simple and complex projects.

Best suited for: IoT devices, smart home projects, embedded displays, sensor monitoring, wearable devices, and cost-sensitive applications.

Quick Specs

CPU 240MHz Dual-Core
RAM 512KB
Flash 4-16MB
Price $8-15

Performance Score

8.7/10
Processing
Connectivity
Display
Value