What is the difference between M5StickC PLUS and PLUS2?
04 Sep 2024
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Rapid classification M5StickC, M5StickC PLUS, M5StickC PLUS2
M5StickC
The M5StickC is a compact M5Stack controller powered by ESP32. It is a portable, easy-to-use, open-source IoT development board suitable for various IoT projects. This small device can turn your ideas into reality, fuel your creativity, and assist in quickly prototyping your IoT project. It simplifies the development process and serves as a key component of the M5Stack product series.
Note： This product is EOL now.
M5StickC PLUS
The M5StickC PLUS is the larger-screen version of the M5StickC, with the ESP32-PICO-D4 module featuring WiFi as the main control. Despite its compact size, it packs various hardware resources, such as infrared, RTC, microphone, LEDs, IMU, buttons, buzzer, and PMU. The 1.14-inch TFT screen with a 135 * 240 resolution represents an 18.7% increase in display area compared to the previous 0.96-inch screen. Additionally, it now boasts a 120mAh battery capacity and supports HAT and Unit series products.
M5StickC PLUS2
The M5StickC PLUS2 is an enhanced version of the M5StickC PLUS. It is powered by the ESP32-PICO-V3-02 chip with built-in WIFI functionality. This compact device is equipped with various hardware resources such as infrared, RTC, microphone, LED, and IMU. The buttons and buzzer are controlled by the ST7789V2, which also drives the 1.14-inch TFT screen with a resolution of 135*240. The battery capacity has been increased to 200mAh, and the interface supports HAT and Unit series products. This small and compact development tool is designed to inspire creativity.
M5StickC PLUS VS M5StickC PLUS2
The M5StickC PLUS2 has been upgraded in several aspects compared to the M5StickC PLUS.
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The adoption of a more powerful ESP32-PICO-V3-02 chip with 2MB PSRAM and larger 8MB Flash memory enhances overall performance and scalability, enabling the PLUS2 to handle more complex applications, especially those requiring additional memory, such as real-time data processing or image buffering.
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PLUS2 has been upgraded with the CH9102 MCU to provide more reliable USB serial communication, especially in scenarios where high-speed data transfer and low-latency communication are in high demand.
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The device's battery capacity has been enhanced to 200mAh, effectively prolonging the operational lifespan of the device.
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In addition, the power management unit and LED indicators have been improved for a more rational overall layout and a better operating experience. These upgrades make PLUS2 more suitable for handling complex tasks and demanding application scenarios.
| Resources | M5StickC PLUS | M5StickC PLUS2 |
| ESP32 | 240MHz dual core | ESP32-PICO-V3-02,240MHz dual core |
| 600 DMIPS, 520KB SRAM, Wi-Fi | support wifi, 2 MB SPI PSRAM, 8 MB SPI flash | |
| MCU | CH552 | CH9102 |
| PSRAM | - | 2 MB |
| Flash Memory | 4MB | 8MB |
| Power Input | 5V @ 500mA | |
| Port | TypeC x 1, GROVE(I2C+I/O+UART) x 1 | TypeC x 1, GROVE(I2C+I/O+UART) x 1 |
| LCD screen | 1.14 inch, 135*240 Colorful TFT LCD, ST7789v2 | |
| Button | Custom button x 2 | Custom button x 3 |
| LED | RED LED | GREEN LED |
| MEMS | MPU6886 | |
| Buzzer | built-in buzzer | |
| IR | Infrared transmission | |
| MIC | SPM1423 | |
| RTC | BM8563 | |
| PMU | AXP192 | TIMER POWER |
| Battery | 120 mAh @ 3.7V | 200mAh @ 3.7V |
| Antenna | 2.4G 3D Antenna | |
| PIN port | G0, G25/G36, G26, G32, G33 | |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C | 0°C to 40°C |
| Case Material | Plastic ( PC ) | |
The difference between turning on and off
Since M5StickC PLUS2 has cancelled the PMIC power management chip AXP192, the switching mode will be different. As mentioned at the beginning of the article, the operation is the same, so the library files supported by the program will also be different. Both the Wi-Fi signal and the infrared signal are stronger than before.
Software support and ecosystem
The M5StickC PLUS is a powerful and versatile tool that excels in both hardware and software. It offers a comprehensive library of files and sample code, providing developers with everything they need to get started and quickly bring their creative ideas to life. Furthermore, the PLUS is compatible with the Arduino IDE, allowing developers to tap into the extensive resources of the Arduino community to expand their applications.
The M5StickC PLUS2 offers unparalleled software support. The PLUS2 not only inherits the software ecosystem of the PLUS but also adds support for MicroPython. This lightweight implementation of Python allows developers to program in the simple and easy-to-understand Python language, greatly lowering the threshold for programming. For beginners, this is a significant advantage. Furthermore, PLUS2 supports the ESP-IDF development framework, which provides professional developers with more control.
In terms of ecosystem, both M5StickC PLUS2 and PLUS can access the ecosystem of M5Stack, which provides a tool called M5Burner that allows users to burn firmware and update programs with ease.
In summary, the M5StickC PLUS2 and PLUS are the best in terms of software support and ecosystem. The PLUS2 offers users a more flexible and powerful development experience thanks to its MicroPython support and more powerful hardware configuration. The Plus maintains its competitiveness in the market thanks to its stable performance and rich feature extensibility. The M5StickC series offers a wealth of choices for beginners and professional developers alike, ensuring everyone can find the right development board to realize their creative dreams.
