ThinkNode M5

ESP32 variants found on Meshtastic devices:

• ESP32 (original): dual-core, Wi-Fi + classic Bluetooth/BLE - the base for early nodes like the T-Beam, Heltec V1/V2 and T-LoRa V1/V2.
• ESP32-S3: dual-core with more RAM/GPIO and native USB - today the most common variant, found on bigger screens and touchscreens like the Heltec V3/V4, T-Deck, T-Watch S3, Vision Master and Station G2/G3.
• ESP32-C3: single-core RISC-V, smaller and cheaper - used on the Heltec HT62.
• ESP32-C6: RISC-V with Wi-Fi 6 and Zigbee/Thread (802.15.4) support - used on the LilyGo T-Lora C6 and M5Stack Unit C6L.

In practice: among ESP32 variants, the S3 is now the most common on new devices (especially ones with a screen); the nRF52840 wins on battery life; and the RP2040 shows up both on cheap DIY boards and as a dedicated sensor co-processor on more capable nodes - on the SenseCAP Indicator, for example, the ESP32-S3 drives the 4" touchscreen and connectivity while a separate RP2040 processes the sensors, a division of labor typical of devices that need more processing power.

Yes: the device has a built-in battery, already integrated inside the case and ready to use, or a proper slot for a standard battery format, like the 18650 holder on the T-Beam.

No: the device has no dedicated place to fit a battery. This includes boards that only have a JST connector for a LiPo pack - that's just a power input, not a fitted slot, so the battery ends up loose, taped or velcroed on externally.

Besides the LoRa radio (which forms the mesh network itself and is present on every compatible device), this field lists the device's other connectivity options:

• LoRa: the long-range radio that forms the Meshtastic network.
• BT / BLE (Bluetooth): used to pair with the Meshtastic app on your phone.
• Wi-Fi: found on ESP32-based boards; lets you reach the node's web interface or use MQTT without a phone.

The most common screen types on Meshtastic devices, and their advantages:

• OLED: small and monochrome, very high contrast (true blacks) and low power draw when showing little content; the most common choice on nodes like the T-Beam.
• E-Ink / E-Paper: only draws power when the image changes and stays readable afterward without using battery; great readability in direct sunlight. Used on devices like the T-Echo, with a dedicated interface (InkHUD).
• Color LCD / TFT / IPS: color screens that fit more information (maps, icons), but draw more power; used on touchscreen devices like the T-Deck.
• None: no screen, controlled only through the phone app - tends to be more compact and cheaper.

Yes: the device ships with a protective case/enclosure included.

No: it's sold as a bare board - you'll need a separate case (bought or 3D-printed) if you want to protect the electronics.

Yes: the device's case gives access to the board's GPIO pins and connectors, letting you add sensors, a bigger battery, an external antenna or other accessories.

No: the case fully encloses the board, with no access to those pins/connectors - the board itself almost always has them, but the case blocks their use.

"Yes" means the device ships with a built-in GNSS chip, no external module needed. These chips usually track several satellite constellations, not just US GPS - GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (Europe) and BeiDou (China) - which makes the fix faster and more accurate.

"No" means the device relies on the paired phone's location (via Bluetooth) or has no GPS at all.

Indicates whether the device has a built-in piezo speaker, used to sound an alert when a new message or a mesh network alert arrives.