ESP32-P4 vs. C3: Which Elecrow HMI Display is Better for You?

Are you struggling to choose the right ESP32 display for your DIY project, IoT application, or industrial HMI?  There are many ESP32 displays available on the market, and choosing the wrong one can waste time and money.

In this guide, we will provide a detailed comparison and introduction of these ESP32 displays, covering aspects such as chip specifications (ESP32-P4 vs ESP32-C3), product features, and application scenarios, to help you make an informed decision.

❤ The Core Powerhouse: ESP32-P4 vs. ESP32-C3

Before delving into ESP32 displays, let's first compare the core microcontrollers of these displays: ESP32-P4 vs. ESP32-C3.

ESP32-C3 (The Budget Efficient): Suitable for Low-cost, simple IoT tasks, battery efficiency.

ESP32-P4 (The Performance King): Suitable for AI vision, high-res graphics, MIPI-DSI displays, H.264 video.

Key Insight: The P4 isn't a replacement for the C3, it’s a specialist designed for high-end graphics and AI logic that would "choke" a standard ESP32

(We previously published a more detailed blog post about ESP32-P4 vs. ESP32-C3; please check it out if you're interested)

❤ Deep Dive: Elecrow ESP32 Display Series Comparison

1. ESP32 HMI Display - Basic Series (The Reliable Workhorse)

● Chip: Typically ESP32-WROOM or ESP32-S3 (smaller sizes).

● Display Tech: Typically TN or standard TFT. Smaller sizes (2.4"–3.5") often use Resistive Touch.

● Key Feature: Fixed wireless module, affordable price point.

● Ideal Use: DIY home automation, simple sensor readouts.

2. ESP32 HMI Display - Advanced Series (The Versatile Pro)

● Chip: Primarily ESP32-S3.

● Display Tech: IPS Screens (better viewing angles) and Capacitive Touch.

● Key Feature: Replaceable Wireless Modules. This is the "killer feature"—users can swap between Wi-Fi 6, LoRa, or Zigbee.

● Ideal Use: Professional prototyping, outdoor-readable displays, complex UI with LVGL.

3. ESP32 HMI Display - ESP32-P4 Series (The New Flagship)

● Chip: Dual-chip architecture (ESP32-P4 + ESP32-C6).

● Display Tech: High-resolution IPS (up to 1024x600), ultra-smooth response via MIPI interface.

● Key Feature: MIPI-CSI camera support, AI acceleration, and much smoother framerates for animations.

● Ideal Use: Smart home hubs with voice/face recognition, video streaming, high-end industrial HMI.

❤ Let's see what they have to say

1. CrowPanel ESP32 HMI Display - Basic Series

2. CrowPanel ESP32 HMI Display - Advanced Series

3. CrowPanel ESP32 HMI Display - ESP32-P4 Series

❤ How should you choose?

● Choose Basic Series if:

You are on a budget and just need a reliable screen for a weather station or Spotify controller; You need a low-cost display for a simple project and don't mind a stylus; You are a beginner or building a simple, cost-effective IoT dashboard.

● Choose Advanced Series if:

You need high brightness and may want to switch from Wi-Fi to LoRa/Zigbee later; You need a beautiful IPS screen, smooth touch, and maybe voice control (ESP-Skainet); You need flexible connectivity (LoRa/Matter) or want to experiment with voice-controlled AI.

● Choose P4 Series if:

You are building an AI-powered project, need a camera, or want the smoothest possible touch interface; You are building a professional-grade HMI with heavy animations, high resolution, or video playback; You are building an "Edge AI" device, need to play video, or want the most powerful ESP32 display currently on the market

❤ FAQ

Q: Does the ESP32-P4 have Wi-Fi?

A: Not natively. However, Elecrow’s P4 screens include an onboard ESP32-C6 module to provide Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.

Q: Do all three series support LVGL?

A: Yes, all three series are fully compatible with LVGL, though the P4 series will offer much smoother transitions and animations.

Q: Can I use Arduino IDE with these screens?

A: Yes, all three series support Arduino IDE, ESP-IDF, and Micropython. The P4 series is particularly optimized for LVGL.

Q: Why choose ESP32-P4 over S3?

A: Choose P4 for its dual-core 400MHz speed and MIPI support, which allows for significantly higher resolutions and faster image processing than the S3.

Q: Can I use the Advanced Series for Meshtastic?

A: Absolutely. Thanks to its modular design, you can plug in a LoRa module, making it one of the best ready-to-use Meshtastic screen solutions.

Q: What is the difference between Resistive and Capacitive touch?

A: Capacitive touch (Advanced/P4) feels like a smartphone, using skin conductivity for high sensitivity and multi-touch. Resistive touch (Basic models) relies on pressure, requiring a firm press or stylus. While single-touch, resistive is ideal for industrial use as it works with heavy gloves and remains functional even when the screen is covered in dust, grease, or moisture.

Q: Is the P4 overkill for a simple thermostat?

A: Yes. For a simple thermostat, the Basic or Advanced series is more cost-effective. The P4 is better suited for devices requiring a camera or high-res video.

❤ Where to Start

Elecrow has created a clear path: Basic for learning, Advanced for versatile IoT, and P4 for high-performance HMI.

How to begin your build? ———————— Choose the display you want here!