The M5StickC PLUS2 is an updated version of the M5Stack’s M5StickC PLUS IoT development kit. Here’s a comparison between the M5StickC PLUS and M5StickC PLUS2:
M5StickC PLUS2 Overview
- Microcontroller:
- ESP32-PICO-D4: The same microcontroller as the M5StickC PLUS, offering dual-core processing, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth capabilities.
- Memory:
- 8MB PSRAM: An upgrade from the 4MB Flash memory in the original PLUS, allowing for more data storage and buffer space for applications.
- 4MB Flash: Still retains the same Flash memory size.
- Display:
- 1.14″ TFT LCD Screen: Same resolution and size as the original PLUS (135 x 240 pixels).
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2: No change in connectivity options.
- Sensors and Input/Output:
- IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit): Includes a 6-axis sensor for motion detection, similar to the PLUS.
- RTC (Real-Time Clock) for timekeeping.
- Microphone: For audio input.
- Light Sensor: Measures ambient light.
- Buttons: Includes a red button for user interaction.
- IR Transmitter: For infrared communication or control.
- Expansion:
- Grove Port: One Grove connector, consistent with the PLUS.
- Power Management:
- Built-in Battery: Upgraded to a 120mAh battery from the 95mAh in the original PLUS, offering longer operating time.
- USB Type-C: For charging, programming, and data transfer.
- Other Features:
- Vibration Motor: For haptic feedback.
- RGB LED: For status indication or user feedback.
- Speaker: For audio output.
- Type-C to Grove Expansion: An option to connect additional Grove modules via the USB port.
Key Differences Between M5StickC PLUS and M5StickC PLUS2
- Memory:
- PLUS: 4MB Flash memory.
- PLUS2: 8MB PSRAM alongside 4MB Flash, providing more memory for applications and data handling.
- Battery Life:
- PLUS: 95mAh battery.
- PLUS2: Upgraded to a 120mAh battery, potentially allowing for longer use between charges.
- Software and Development:
- Both devices are compatible with the same development environments (Arduino IDE, MicroPython, UIFlow), but the PLUS2 might benefit from the extra memory for more complex projects or larger data sets.
- Design and Form Factor:
- The PLUS2 might have slight design variations or improvements, although the overall form factor remains similar to maintain compatibility with existing cases and accessories.
- Price:
- Given the memory and battery upgrades, the M5StickC PLUS2 could be slightly more expensive than the original PLUS.
Common Features
- Microcontroller: Both use the ESP32-PICO-D4, providing similar processing power and connectivity options.
- Display: Identical 1.14″ TFT LCD screen with the same resolution.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 remain unchanged.
- Sensors and Actuators: The sensor suite and basic I/O features are largely the same.
M5StickC PLUS2 is an iterative version of M5StickC PLUS, featuring the ESP32-PICO-V3-02 chip as the main controller with built-in WiFi functionality. The compact device integrates a wealth of hardware resources within its small form factor, including infrared, RTC, microphone, LED, IMU, buttons, buzzer, and more. It boasts a 1.14-inch TFT screen with a resolution of 135*240, driven by the ST7789V2. The battery capacity has been increased to 200mAh, and the interface also supports HAT and Unit series products. This compact and versatile development tool is designed to spark limitless creative possibilities.
M5StickC PLUS2 facilitates the rapid prototyping of IoT products, streamlining the entire development process. Even beginners in programming can easily build interesting applications and apply them to real-life scenarios using M5StickC PLUS2.
Power on:
Wake up can be started by pressing “BUTTON C” for more than 2 seconds, or IRQ signal triggered by RTC regularly. After triggering the wake up signal, the hold(G4) pin needs to be set to a high level (1) in program initialization to maintain the power supply, otherwise the device will enter the shutdown state again.
Power off:
When there is no USB external power supply, press “BUTTON C” for more than 6 seconds; Or when there is no USB external power supply, set HOLD(GPIO4)=0 in the program operation, that is, to achieve power off.
Features
- ESP32-PICO-V3-02-Base，support WiFi
- Built-in 6-Axis IMU
- IR transmitter
- Microphone
- RTC
- Buttons, LCD(1.14 inch)
- Built-in Lithium Polymer Battery@200mAh
- Extendable Socket
- Built-in Passive Buzzer
- Wearable & Wall mounted
- Compatible with multi-platform development:
Includes
- 1x M5StickC Plus2
Applications
- Internet of things terminal controller
- Wearable devices
- Stem education product
- DIY creation
Specification
| Resources | Parameters |
|---|---|
| ESP32 | ESP32-PICO-V3-02 240MHz dual core,support wifi,2 MB SPI PSRAM,8 MB SPI flash |
| PSRAM | 2 MB PSRAM |
| Flash | 8 MB flash |
| Power Input | 5V @ 500mA |
| Port | TypeC x 1, GROVE(I2C+I/0+UART) x 1 |
| LCD screen | 1.14 inch, 135*240 Colorful TFT LCD, ST7789v2 |
| Button | Custom button x 3 |
| LED | GREEN LED |
| MEMS | MPU6886 |
| Buzzer | built-in buzzer |
| MIC | SPM1423 |
| RTC | BM8563 |
| Battery | 200mAh @ 3.7V |
| Antenna | 2.4G 3D Antenna |
| PIN port | G0, G25/G36, G26, G32, G33 |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C |
| Case Material | Plastic ( PC ) |
| Product Size | 48*25*13mm |
| Package Size | 114*64*23mm |
| Product Weight | 17g |
| Package Weight | 24.8g |
Conclusion
The M5StickC PLUS2 offers enhancements over the M5StickC PLUS primarily in memory and battery capacity, making it more suitable for applications that require more data storage or longer operation times. The additional PSRAM allows for larger data buffers, which can be beneficial for applications like video recording, audio processing, or dealing with large datasets. However, the core functionality, form factor, and development environment compatibility remain consistent with the original PLUS, ensuring that projects and codebases can be easily ported between the two devices.
If your project demands more memory or extended battery life, the M5StickC PLUS2 would be the better choice. For simpler projects or those not memory-intensive, the original M5StickC PLUS might still suffice, offering a slightly lower entry cost.