The ESP32-S3 mini computer market continues to evolve with compact, display-ready solutions designed for rapid prototyping, local control, and lightweight HMI/AI workloads. M5Stack recently launched the Cardputer ADV edition — a credit-card-sized ESP32-S3 mini computer that ships with improved antenna tuning, a larger 1750 mAh battery, and ES8311 audio codec support for voice/AEC applications.
This ESP32-S3 mini computer targets embedded developers, wearable designers, and portable wireless interfaces. It runs as a standalone computer with display, keyboard, Wi-Fi 4, BLE, speaker, microphone, and USB-C power — no carrier board or external I/O hat required. It acts as a self-contained programmable terminal, local UI node, or portable companion to edge devices.
M5Stack Cardputer Adv Version top and bottom
M5Stack Cardputer Adv Version Specifications:
The ESP32-S3 mini computer is based on ESP32-S3 dual core Xtensa LX7 processor with a 240 MHz clock speed and inbuilt AI vector acceleration. It has got 16 MB Flash and 8 MB PSRAM, which can render UI fast, AI inference, and allows multitasking. They are connected through 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth 5 using BLE Mesh and M5Stack has optimized its antenna design to achieve better and more reliable wireless performance.
M5Stack Cardputer Adv Version Ports
The device uses a 1.14-inch 240 x 135 IPS TFT screen paired with a 56-key low-profile physical keyboard, enabling direct local input without any external hardware. It also supports voice-based features through its ES8311 audio codec with built-in microphone and speaker, ideal for voice commands, intercom use, or notification tones. A microSD card slot offers local storage for scripts, logs, or offline application data.
Power comes from a 1750 mAh rechargeable Li-Po battery, upgraded from the earlier 1200 mAh version for longer runtime. The USB-C port handles power, data, programming, and USB HID keyboard mode. A magnetic expansion rail and pogo-pin interface allow hardware stacking within the M5Stack modular ecosystem, making it suitable for portable terminals, wireless controllers, and standalone edge UI devices.
M5Stack Cardputer Adv Version ESP32-S3 mini computer specification
Software Support:
Developers program the ESP32-S3 mini computer through Arduino, ESP-IDF, MicroPython, and PlatformIO. It supports Meshtastic, Home Assistant ESPHome firmware, custom HID/USB gadget applications, and speech-capable wake-word engines. Its native keyboard interface also works as a plug-and-type USB keyboard for laptops when flashed with HID firmware. M5Stack UIFlow and LVGL-based graphical UI frameworks run natively without external hosts. The documentation website also includes schematics, pinout diagrams, and detailed technical information.
Pricing:
The Cardputer ADV version of the ESP32-S3 mini computer is available on AliExpress for $29.99 and is also listed on the official M5Stack store. It is not yet available on Amazon at the time of writing, but it will be listed soon on M5Stack’s Amazon storefront. More information is available on the official product page.
Niladri Chowdhury