waveshare 1602 LCD Display RGB Module 16x2 Characters 16M Colors RGB Backlight LCD Module, 3.3V/5V Compatible, I2C Bus, for Raspberry Pi/Pi Pico, Jetson Nano Arduino
$23.82
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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 $23.82 CAD, the waveshare 1602 LCD Display RGB Module 16x2 Characters 16M Colors RGB Backlight LCD Module, 3.3V/5V Compatible, I2C Bus, for Raspberry Pi/Pi Pico, Jetson Nano Arduino packs respectable specs: Display Type: TFT LCD, Resolution: 240x240, Size: 2.8 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.
The waveshare 1602 LCD Display RGB Module 16x2 Characters 16M Colors RGB Backlight LCD Module, 3.3V/5V Compatible, I2C Bus, for Raspberry Pi/Pi Pico, Jetson Nano Arduino earns its place in the parts bin. Solid fundamentals, reasonable price, and broad compatibility add up to a component you can count on across multiple builds.
What We Like
- Multiple well-maintained Arduino/ESP32 libraries available
- IPS panel offers wide viewing angles
- Full-color display for rich UI and image rendering
- SPI interface supports fast screen refresh rates
Watch Out For
- Some driver ICs have slow partial-update refresh
- Requires more wiring pins than OLED alternatives
- Backlight draws significant current even in dim mode
Specifications
| Display Type | TFT LCD |
| Resolution | 240x240 |
| Size | 2.8 inch |
| Interface | Parallel 8-bit |
| Driver IC | ILI9488 |
| 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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