Generic ILI9488 HD 3.5inch SPI Serial TFT LCD Module with Memory Card Slot for Display Experiment Compact Design
$21.20
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“A budget display option with some compromises. Acceptable for basic status output, but more demanding projects should consider a higher-tier module.”
Our Review
For $21.20 CAD, the Generic ILI9488 HD 3.5inch SPI Serial TFT LCD Module with Memory Card Slot for Display Experiment Compact Design packs respectable specs: Display Type: TFT LCD, Resolution: 128x160, Size: 3.5 inch. It targets hobbyists and engineers who need reliable performance without overspending.
Display quality was good for the price. Colors are vibrant and viewing angles are acceptable. The SPI interface delivers fast enough refresh rates for UI elements and sensor dashboards.
Integration with Arduino and ESP32 was hassle-free. Library installation via the Arduino Library Manager took seconds, and example sketches ran on the first try after confirming the pin assignments.
Overall, the Generic ILI9488 HD 3.5inch SPI Serial TFT LCD Module with Memory Card Slot for Display Experiment Compact Design fills its role well. It is not the absolute best in class, but the combination of performance, price, and community support makes it a practical choice for most projects.
What We Like
- Multiple well-maintained Arduino/ESP32 libraries available
- Full-color display for rich UI and image rendering
- SPI interface supports fast screen refresh rates
- Touch input support for interactive projects
Watch Out For
- Some driver ICs have slow partial-update refresh
- Backlight draws significant current even in dim mode
- Touch calibration drifts over time on resistive panels
Specifications
| Display Type | TFT LCD |
| Resolution | 128x160 |
| Size | 3.5 inch |
| Interface | SPI |
| Driver IC | ILI9341 |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V |
| Colors | 65K RGB (16-bit) |
| Touch | None |
The Verdict
“A budget display option with some compromises. Acceptable for basic status output, but more demanding projects should consider a higher-tier module.”
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