solderic.com The ESP32-C3 offers a cost-effective, low-power solution with RISC-V architecture, suitable for simple IoT applications, while the ESP32-S3 delivers enhanced AI capabilities and higher performance with dual-core Xtensa processors, ideal for complex smart devices. Explore the full comparison to discover which ESP32 variant best fits your project's requirements and maximizes your development potential.
Comparison Table
| Feature | ESP32-C3 | ESP32-S3 |
|---|---|---|
| Core | Single-core RISC-V 32-bit | Dual-core Xtensa LX7 32-bit |
| CPU Frequency | Up to 160 MHz | Up to 240 MHz |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 5 (LE) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0 (LE) |
| AI Acceleration | No | Supports vector instructions for AI |
| SRAM | 400 KB | 512 KB |
| Flash | Up to 16 MB (external) | Up to 16 MB (external) |
| USB Support | No | USB OTG |
| Security Features | Secure boot, Flash encryption | Secure boot, Flash encryption, AES, SHA-2, RSA accelerators |
| GPIO Pins | 22 | 45 |
| Target Applications | Low-power IoT, basic Wi-Fi/Bluetooth devices | AIoT, voice recognition, smart devices |
Introduction to ESP32-C3 and ESP32-S3
ESP32-C3 features a single-core RISC-V processor optimized for IoT applications with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 LE support, offering enhanced security with hardware encryption and secure boot. ESP32-S3 integrates a dual-core Xtensa LX7 processor designed for AI and machine learning tasks, equipped with vector instructions and Bluetooth 5.0 LE alongside Wi-Fi capabilities for advanced connectivity. Both chips cater to different performance and application needs within the ESP32 series, focusing on connectivity, security, and processing power.
Core Architecture Comparison
The ESP32-C3 features a RISC-V single-core processor operating at up to 160 MHz, optimized for energy efficiency and cost-effective IoT applications. In contrast, the ESP32-S3 is powered by a dual-core Xtensa LX7 processor, running up to 240 MHz, designed to handle more demanding AI and signal processing tasks. The architectural differences highlight the ESP32-C3's suitability for lightweight, secure applications, while the ESP32-S3 excels in performance-intensive scenarios requiring enhanced parallel processing and vector instructions.
Performance Benchmarks
The ESP32 S3 outperforms the ESP32 C3 in raw processing power due to its dual-core Xtensa LX7 processor running at up to 240 MHz, compared to the ESP32 C3's single-core RISC-V processor at 160 MHz. Benchmark tests reveal the ESP32 S3 delivers higher throughput in AI and machine learning tasks, benefiting from its vector instructions and enhanced RAM bandwidth. In real-time applications and signal processing, the ESP32 S3 consistently achieves lower latency and higher instructions per cycle (IPC) than the ESP32 C3.
Wireless Connectivity Features
The ESP32-C3 integrates Bluetooth 5.0 LE and IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi for reliable wireless connectivity, optimized for low power consumption and IoT applications. The ESP32-S3 enhances wireless performance by supporting Bluetooth 5.0 BLE, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and improved coexistence features, offering higher data rates and better interference management. Your choice between ESP32-C3 and ESP32-S3 depends on whether you prioritize advanced Wi-Fi capabilities or energy-efficient connectivity.
Memory and Storage Capabilities
The ESP32-C3 features 400KB of SRAM and supports up to 16MB of external flash memory, making it suitable for moderate-memory applications. The ESP32-S3 offers a larger 512KB of SRAM and can handle up to 16MB of external flash as well, providing enhanced performance for memory-intensive tasks and AI acceleration. Both chips support external PSRAM, with the ESP32-S3 accommodating up to 8MB, enabling greater flexibility for complex applications requiring higher memory capacity.
Power Consumption Analysis
The ESP32-C3 delivers low power consumption through efficient RISC-V core architecture, making it ideal for battery-operated IoT devices. The ESP32-S3, while more powerful with AI acceleration, consumes higher energy under load, suitable for applications requiring enhanced performance. Your choice should balance power efficiency against processing needs to optimize device runtime.
Security Features and Enhancements
The ESP32-C3 features robust security with hardware-based AES, SHA, RSA accelerators, and secure boot, ensuring data integrity and protection against unauthorized firmware modifications. ESP32-S3 enhances security further by supporting new cryptography engines, such as vector instructions for advanced encryption, and has improved secure boot mechanisms, making it ideal for applications requiring strong data confidentiality. Your choice between ESP32-C3 and ESP32-S3 should consider these enhanced security features, especially if advanced cryptographic operations and secure execution environments are priorities.
Development Ecosystem and Tools
ESP32-C3 and ESP32-S3 both support a robust development ecosystem through Espressif's official ESP-IDF framework, offering seamless integration with popular IDEs like Visual Studio Code and PlatformIO. The ESP32-S3 provides enhanced AI acceleration support and advanced debugging features, making it better suited for complex machine learning applications. Your choice depends on project requirements for processing power and AI capabilities, as the S3 offers a more advanced toolchain for AI development while the C3 focuses on low-power, secure IoT solutions.
Ideal Use Cases and Applications
The ESP32-C3 excels in low-power IoT applications, secure wireless connectivity, and cost-sensitive smart devices due to its RISC-V core and integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE 5.0. The ESP32-S3 targets advanced AIoT solutions by offering enhanced AI acceleration with vector instructions and greater peripheral support, making it ideal for voice assistants and edge computing. Both chips suit industrial automation and smart home devices, with the ESP32-S3 favored for more demanding AI and sensor fusion tasks.
Final Verdict: ESP32-C3 vs ESP32-S3
The ESP32-S3 offers enhanced AI acceleration and more GPIOs, making it ideal for advanced IoT projects requiring machine learning and complex sensor integration. The ESP32-C3, with its RISC-V core and lower power consumption, is better suited for cost-sensitive, energy-efficient applications. Choosing between the two depends on whether performance and AI capabilities (ESP32-S3) or power efficiency and budget (ESP32-C3) are the primary project priorities.
esp32 c3 vs esp32 s3 Infographic
