Waveshare ESP32-S3 1.47inch LCD Display Development Board vs Official Raspberry Pi Pico Board

Processing Power and Performance

The Waveshare ESP32-S3 offers a significantly faster processor than the Official Raspberry Pi Pico Board. Waveshare’s board runs on a dual-core Xtensa 32-bit LX7 processor clocked at up to 240MHz, compared to the Raspberry Pi Pico’s dual-core Arm Cortex-M0+ processor with a maximum clock speed of 133MHz. This nearly doubles the clock speed, making the Waveshare ESP32-S3 more suitable for demanding or advanced human-machine interface (HMI) applications.

While both boards feature dual-core processors, the Waveshare's Xtensa LX7 architecture is designed for higher throughput and more complex tasks. The Raspberry Pi Pico, based on the RP2040 microcontroller, focuses on low-cost, flexible performance with efficient power consumption. For users prioritizing raw processing speed and advanced computational capability, the Waveshare ESP32-S3 stands out with its 240MHz clock rate.

Memory and Storage

When it comes to memory and storage, the Waveshare ESP32-S3 again leads with a much larger capacity. It includes 512KB SRAM, 384KB ROM, 16MB flash memory, and 8MB PSRAM, providing ample space for running larger applications and storing data. In contrast, the Official Raspberry Pi Pico Board contains 264KB on-chip SRAM and 2MB on-board QSPI flash.

This difference means the Waveshare board is better suited for projects requiring substantial memory resources, such as complex firmware or applications involving graphical interfaces. The Raspberry Pi Pico’s memory setup is more modest, ideal for lightweight tasks or embedded applications where cost and simplicity are key.

Connectivity and Interfaces

Connectivity features distinguish these two boards significantly. The Waveshare ESP32-S3 supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) and Bluetooth 5 (BLE) with an onboard antenna, enabling wireless communication out of the box. This makes it highly versatile for IoT projects or any application requiring network connectivity.

The Raspberry Pi Pico lacks wireless capabilities entirely, focusing instead on wired interfacing. It provides 26 GPIO pins with 3 analogue inputs and several peripherals including UART, SPI, I2C, PWM channels, USB 1.1 controller with host and device support, and 8 programmable I/O state machines. This makes it suitable for direct hardware interfacing and custom peripheral control but without built-in wireless communication.

Display and Sensors

A key differentiator is the integrated display and sensors on the Waveshare ESP32-S3. It features a 1.47-inch LCD display with a resolution of 172×320 and supports 262K colours, which is valuable for visual output and interactive applications. Additionally, it includes a 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) for motion sensing and gesture detection.

The Official Raspberry Pi Pico Board does not include any display or built-in sensors, targeting users who will add external peripherals as needed. The absence of an onboard display and IMU positions the Pico as a more basic microcontroller platform without integrated visual or motion interfaces.

Power and Efficiency

Both boards offer low-power modes, but the Waveshare ESP32-S3 includes a battery charging module, suggesting support for battery-powered applications and efficient power management. The Raspberry Pi Pico operates within an input voltage range of 1.8 to 5.5V DC and has low-power sleep and dormant modes, making it energy-efficient for embedded use.

However, the Waveshare board’s additional power management features, including the battery charging module, provide more flexibility for portable or autonomous projects. The Pico focuses more on providing stable power options with an accurate on-chip clock and temperature sensor but without integrated battery charging functionality.

Physical Size and Form Factor

The Raspberry Pi Pico has a clearly stated form factor of 21 mm by 51 mm, designed for compact projects and easy integration into existing hardware setups. The Waveshare ESP32-S3’s exact dimensions are not specified in the data, but it integrates a 1.47-inch LCD and multiple components, indicating a potentially larger and more complex board.

The Pico’s smaller, simpler form factor makes it preferable for projects where space constraints and minimal external components are critical. The Waveshare board, with its integrated display and additional modules, may require more room but offers a more complete out-of-the-box solution.

Price Comparison

Price-wise, the Official Raspberry Pi Pico Board is more affordable at C$19.96, compared to the Waveshare ESP32-S3 priced at C$31.99. This nearly C$12 difference reflects the additional features and hardware integrated into the Waveshare board, such as the higher-performance processor, wireless connectivity, display, and extra memory.

For budget-conscious buyers who need a basic microcontroller for general projects, the Pico provides excellent value. Meanwhile, the Waveshare ESP32-S3 targets users willing to invest more upfront for enhanced capabilities and convenience through built-in peripherals.

Which should you buy?

Your choice depends on your project requirements and budget. If you need a powerful processor with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a colour LCD display, motion sensing, and large memory for complex applications, the Waveshare ESP32-S3 is the clear winner despite costing C$31.99. It is well-suited for advanced HMI and IoT projects that benefit from integrated wireless and visual interfaces.

On the other hand, if your priority is a low-cost, compact, and flexible microcontroller board primarily for straightforward embedded tasks or hardware interfacing without the need for wireless or display features, the Official Raspberry Pi Pico Board at C$19.96 is an excellent choice. Its efficient dual-core Arm Cortex-M0+ processor and versatile I/O options make it ideal for beginners and cost-sensitive projects.

In summary, choose the Waveshare ESP32-S3 for feature-rich, wireless, and display-integrated development, and opt for the Raspberry Pi Pico for affordable, versatile, and straightforward microcontroller applications.