Introduction
In the world of Wi-Fi microcontrollers, there are a lot of options to choose from. Two popular and low-cost choices are ESP32-S2 and ESP8266, both manufactured by Espressif Systems. In this comparison, we will explore the similarities, differences, and benefits of each to help you make an informed decision.
Specifications
ESP32-S2
- CPU: 32-bit RISC-V, single-core, up to 240 MHz
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n, up to 150 Mbps
- USB: 1x USB 1.1 OTG
- GPIO: up to 43
- RAM: up to 320 KB
- Flash: up to 1 MB
- Operating Voltage: 2.0 to 3.6V
ESP8266
- CPU: Tensilica Xtensa LX106, single-core, up to 160 MHz
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n, up to 72.2 Mbps
- USB: None
- GPIO: up to 17
- RAM: up to 160 KB
- Flash: up to 4 MB
- Operating Voltage: 2.5 to 3.6V
Comparison
CPU and Performance
ESP32-S2 has a more advanced and powerful CPU than ESP8266, with a single-core RISC-V processor that runs up to 240 MHz. In contrast, ESP8266 has a Tensilica Xtensa LX106 processor that runs up to 160 MHz.
Wi-Fi
Both ESP32-S2 and ESP8266 support 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi standards, but ESP32-S2 can achieve a faster speed of up to 150 Mbps, compared to the 72.2 Mbps of ESP8266.
USB
ESP32-S2 comes with a built-in USB 1.1 OTG interface that allows easy connection to a computer, while ESP8266 does not have USB support.
GPIO
ESP32-S2 has up to 43 GPIO pins that allow for greater flexibility in connecting external devices, while ESP8266 has up to 17 GPIO pins.
RAM and Flash
ESP32-S2 has up to 320 KB of RAM and up to 1 MB of Flash memory, while ESP8266 has up to 160 KB of RAM and up to 4 MB of Flash memory. This makes ESP8266 more suitable for applications that require a lot of storage.
Conclusion
Both ESP32-S2 and ESP8266 are great choices for low-cost Wi-Fi microcontrollers with different advantages. If you need more processing power, faster Wi-Fi speed, and USB support, choose ESP32-S2. If you need more GPIO pins and storage, choose ESP8266. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your specific project requirements and budget.