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LILYGO has added an ESP32-S3 variant to its Mini E-Paper Core lineup. The new board keeps the original’s 1.02-inch, 128×80 e-paper display and compact form, but upgrades the processor and adds 2MB of QSPI PSRAM. If you’re choosing between versions, make sure the product listing is set to “ESP32 S3 [H676]” before ordering; the original and S3 models share one listing.
What is the LILYGO Mini E-Paper-S3?
It is a compact programmable ESP32 development board with a 1.02-inch electrophoretic display. LILYGO describes the Mini E-Paper Core as an ESP32-based, programmable and expandable product concept, designed around a small form factor and low power use. The display measures 128×80 pixels, according to the official LILYGO repository.
The display’s e-paper technology needs power to change what is shown, rather than to maintain a static image. That makes the board suited to small status displays and other projects where an always-on screen is useful; it does not, by itself, establish how long a complete project will run on a particular power source.
What changed from the original Mini E-Paper Core?
The central change is the microcontroller. The original uses an ESP32-PICO-D4, while the new version uses an ESP32-S3. Hackster describes the move as a shift from the original dual-core Tensilica LX6 architecture to LX7, whose vector instructions are intended to help with on-device AI and machine-learning workloads. That is an architectural capability, not a published performance benchmark for this board.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| Feature | Original Mini E-Paper Core | Mini E-Paper-S3 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ESP32-PICO-D4, dual-core Tensilica LX6, as reported by Hackster | ESP32-S3, Tensilica LX7, as reported by Hackster |
| Memory | No PSRAM listed in the cited specifications | 2MB QSPI PSRAM and 512kB SRAM; 2MB PSRAM is listed by the official repository, while Hackster reports 512kB SRAM |
| Flash | 4MB, as reported by Hackster | 4MB, listed by the official repository |
| Display | 1.02-inch, 128×80 e-paper, as reported by Hackster | 1.02-inch GDGDEW0102T4, 128×80 e-paper, listed by the official repository |
| Analog I/O | Two DAC pins, according to Hackster | Five ADC-connected GPIO pins, according to Hackster; it does not retain the original’s two DAC pins |
The extra PSRAM gives the S3 more working memory for projects that need it, while the newer processor is the more meaningful choice if you specifically want ESP32-S3 features. Both versions retain the same small display format, so the upgrade is not a screen-resolution increase.
Does it have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
Yes. Hackster reports single-band 2.4GHz Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth 5 Low Energy support. These are useful for connected sensors, simple dashboards and control projects, but the board does not offer dual-band Wi-Fi on the specifications cited here.
Rank #2
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- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How do you program the ESP32-S3 e-paper board?
LILYGO’s repository provides setup paths for both PlatformIO and Arduino IDE. Its PlatformIO quick start recommends Visual Studio Code with the PlatformIO extension. The Arduino route uses Arduino IDE with the Arduino ESP32 package.
- Choose an environment: Follow the matching PlatformIO or Arduino IDE instructions in the official repository.
- Select the board environment: In PlatformIO, select the environment specified by the repository for the Mini E-Paper-S3 rather than assuming settings for the original board will apply.
- Connect by USB: Attach the board to the computer with a USB data connection, then upload the firmware using the repository’s instructions.
- Check USB settings if upload fails: LILYGO notes that the S3 uses USB as its JTAG upload port and may require a
USB_CDC_ON_BOOTconfiguration. Confirm the setting against the repository’s current example and selected framework.
Which Mini E-Paper variant should you buy?
Choose based on the microcontroller and I/O your project needs, not the display: the panel is the same size and resolution in both versions.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
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- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Pick the S3 if you want the ESP32-S3 architecture, listed 2MB QSPI PSRAM, or the S3’s ADC-connected GPIO options.
- Consider the original if your design specifically relies on its two DAC pins or you need to match an existing ESP32-PICO-D4 project.
LILYGO’s product page lists the Mini E-Paper at $19.10, but the listing combines the original and S3 variants. Hackster advises selecting “ESP32 S3 [H676]” for the newer board. Price, stock and shipping can change, so check the current listing and selected variant before buying: LILYGO Mini E-Paper product page.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
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