LilyGo T3 S3
Modern silicon in a compact package. The officially recommended successor to classic LoRa32 boards.
Important: 915 MHz for United States
Always buy the 915 MHz version for use in the United States. The 868 MHz version (Europe) is not legal in America.
What Is The LilyGo T3 S3?
When space and budget matter equally, the LilyGo T3 S3 delivers modern ESP32-S3 performance in a remarkably small footprint. This compact development board inherits the legacy of the beloved LoRa32 series while bringing contemporary processing power.
The onboard ESP32-S3 chip provides WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, while the 0.96" OLED display offers real-time feedback on network activity. Under favorable conditions across open terrain, ranges approaching 10 miles become achievable. Urban environments typically yield 1-2 miles depending on building density.
Meshtastic officially recommends the T3 S3 as the optimal choice within LilyGo's LoRa portfolio, balancing capability against cost for newcomers and experienced users alike.
Technical Specifications
| Chipset | ESP32-S3 (dual-core) + SX1262 or SX1276 LoRa |
| LoRa Frequency | 915 MHz (US) - confirm frequency when ordering |
| Display | 0.96" OLED, 128x64 pixels (SSD1306 controller) |
| Battery | External 3.7V LiPo via connector (battery not included) |
| GPS | No (not built-in) |
| WiFi / Bluetooth | WiFi 802.11 b/g/n + Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 56 x 36 x 24 mm (exceptionally compact) |
| Special Features | USB-C interface, MicroSD slot, HAT & Unit expansion interfaces |
Detailed Description
The T3 S3 represents LilyGo's current-generation LoRa development platform. Multiple variants exist featuring different radio chips: the SX1262 at 915MHz, SX1276 at 915MHz, and even an SX1280 operating at 2.4GHz for experimental applications.
For US deployments, select the 915 MHz variant. The newer SX1262 chip offers marginally improved performance and reduced power consumption compared to the older SX1276 design.
Be Aware: This remains a development board requiring a case and antenna for practical deployment. Always connect an antenna before applying power to prevent damage to the radio stage.
Buy LilyGo T3 S3
Sold through LilyGo's official channels and AliExpress retailers. Pricing starts around $28. Remember: Select the 915 MHz variant for US use.
View On AliExpressMake sure to select the 915 MHz version for the United States
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