The LILYGO T-Watch S3 Plus is not your average smartwatch—it’s a fully programmable, open-source wearable designed for tech enthusiasts, developers, and DIY makers. Built around the powerful ESP32-S3 microcontroller, this smartwatch combines Wi-Fi, BLE, GPS, and even LoRa connectivity with a 1.54-inch IPS LCD touchscreen, making it a versatile platform for custom firmware, IoT projects, and wearable tech experiments.
Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to tinker or a professional developing smartwatch applications, the T-Watch S3 Plus offers unmatched flexibility in a compact, wearable form factor.
Key Features of the LILYGO T-Watch S3 Plus
1. Powerful ESP32-S3 Dual-Core Processor
- ESP32-S3-WROOM-1U chip with Xtensa LX7 dual-core 32-bit CPU
- 16MB Flash + 8MB PSRAM for smooth multitasking and firmware storage 48
- Supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0 (BLE), and LoRa for long-range IoT applications
2. Crisp 1.54-inch IPS LCD Touchscreen
- 240×240 resolution for sharp visuals
- Capacitive touch support for intuitive navigation
- Bright and responsive, ideal for both indoor and outdoor use
3. Multi-Connectivity Options
- GPS for location tracking (great for fitness or outdoor projects)
- LoRa for long-range, low-power wireless communication (perfect for IoT sensor networks)
- Bluetooth & Wi-Fi for smartphone pairing and OTA updates
4. Open-Source & Programmable
- Arduino & ESP-IDF support for custom firmware development
- MicroPython & Lua compatibility for easy scripting
- Expandable via GPIO pins for adding external sensors (e.g., heart rate, environmental sensors)
5. Long Battery Life & USB-C Charging
- 400mAh battery (varies based on usage)
- USB-C charging for convenience
- Low-power modes to extend runtime
6. Built-in Sensors & Expandability
- Accelerometer & gyroscope for motion tracking
- Microphone for voice control applications
- Vibration motor for haptic feedback
- SD card slot for additional storage
Who Is This Smartwatch For?
Developers & Makers – Ideal for coding custom watch faces, IoT projects, or LoRa-based tracking.
Tech Enthusiasts – A great alternative to commercial smartwatches with locked-down firmware.
Students & Educators – Perfect for learning embedded systems, wireless protocols, and wearable tech.
IoT Hobbyists – Use LoRa for remote sensor networks or GPS for location-based projects.
Comparison with Other Smartwatches
| Feature | LILYGO T-Watch S3 Plus | Apple Watch Series 3 | HUAWEI WATCH GT 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | ESP32-S3 (Dual-core) | Apple S3 (Dual-core) | Huawei LiteOS |
| Display | 1.54″ IPS LCD | OLED Retina | AMOLED |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, BLE, GPS, LoRa | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE | Bluetooth, GPS |
| Programmability | Fully open-source (Arduino, MicroPython) | Limited (watchOS only) | Limited (Huawei OS) |
| Battery Life | ~3-7 days (depends on usage) | ~18 hours | ~14 days |
| Price | Affordable (~50−80) | Discontinued (was ~$200) | ~150−200 |
The T-Watch S3 Plus stands out for its customizability and developer-friendly ecosystem, unlike mainstream smartwatches with locked software.
Potential Applications
Custom Watch Faces & Apps – Code your own UI using LVGL or MicroPython.
Fitness & Health Tracking – Add external sensors (e.g., heart rate monitor).
LoRa Mesh Networks – Build a decentralized communication system.
GPS Tracker – Ideal for hiking, biking, or pet tracking.
Smart Home Control – Use Wi-Fi/BLE to control IoT devices.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
Pros:
Fully open-source & hackable – No locked-down firmware.
Multiple wireless options (Wi-Fi, BLE, GPS, LoRa).
Great for learning embedded programming.
Affordable compared to commercial smartwatches.
Cons:
Not as polished as consumer smartwatches (requires coding knowledge).
Battery life varies depending on usage.
Conclusion:
If you’re a developer, maker, or tech enthusiast, the LILYGO T-Watch S3 Plus is a fantastic platform for experimenting with wearable tech. Its ESP32-S3 core, LoRa support, and open-source nature make it a unique alternative to off-the-shelf smartwatches.