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The Unexpected Maker ProS3 u.FL is an ESP32-S3 development board designed for projects that need Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and benefit from placing the antenna away from the board. Unlike the standard ProS3’s onboard chip antenna, this version provides a u.FL connector for an external antenna. It supports CircuitPython, Arduino, ESP-IDF, and MicroPython; however, Adafruit now marks the exact legacy u.FL product as no longer stocked. ProS3[D] is the current successor, with both onboard and u.FL antenna options.
What is the Unexpected Maker ProS3 u.FL?
It is a compact development board built around Espressif’s ESP32-S3, a dual-core 32-bit Xtensa LX7 microcontroller with a maximum clock of 240 MHz. The chip provides 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5, including BLE Mesh support. Unexpected Maker lists 16 MB of QSPI flash and 8 MB of extra QSPI PSRAM for the ProS3. Unexpected Maker’s ProS3 specifications describe the current board family; the u.FL distinction is the antenna connector in place of the onboard chip antenna.
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The u.FL connector lets a project use a compatible external antenna and position it separately from the microcontroller board. Make’s January 9, 2024 review explains that this can help when the antenna needs to be mounted away from the board. The connector does not itself include an antenna: plan for a suitable antenna and compatible cable as part of the project.
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What hardware does it include?
- USB-C: provides native USB and USB Serial/JTAG connectivity.
- Battery support: a PicoBlade connector supports LiPo charging.
- Expansion: STEMMA QT, 27 GPIO, and castellated headers support peripherals and integration.
- Power management: two 3.3 V regulators support the board and external circuitry. Unexpected Maker says the second LDO can be controlled through IO17 and is automatically shut down with ESP32-S3 deep sleep.
- On-board indicator: an RGB LED is included.
The connector and power features are useful when a project combines a battery, sensors, and wireless connectivity. Check the board’s pinout and power requirements before connecting peripherals; the existence of GPIO or a 3.3 V rail does not guarantee compatibility with every module.
#1 Best Overall
- 【ESP32-S3 PERFORMANCE】Dual-core 240MHz processor with 16MB Flash and 8MB PSRAM for IoT, AI, and machine learning projects.
- 【WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY】Onboard antenna for 2.4GHz WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 LE — for smart home devices, no external antenna needed.
- 【LEAD-FREE GOLD EDITION DESIGN】Immersion gold (ENIG) plating for durability and conductivity. Lead-free, RoHS-compliant — for long-term prototyping.
- 【PRE-SOLDERED, PLUG-IN DESIGN】ESP32-S3 boards come with pre-soldered headers and plug directly into the included expansion and terminal boards — no soldering required.
- 【MULTI-PLATFORM COMPATIBILITY】Works with C++, MicroPython, ESP-IDF, Raspberry Pi, and STM32 — with online tutorials for quick start. Power via USB-C (5V) or VIN pin (5–12V); do not exceed 5V on the USB-C ports.
How can you program the ProS3 u.FL?
CircuitPython is the most direct beginner-oriented route described for the board: it supports UF2 drag-and-drop updating. Other available development paths include Arduino IDE, Espressif’s ESP-IDF, and MicroPython. Choose based on your existing code and libraries, rather than assuming that one firmware workflow is required by the hardware.
How does the u.FL version compare with ProS3[D]?
ProS3[D] is the successor product, not simply evidence that the original u.FL model remains available. The successor offers both an onboard antenna option and a u.FL option. That makes the antenna choice less restrictive than the legacy u.FL model, which replaces the onboard chip antenna with an external connector.
Rank #2
- High-Performance ESP32-S3 Chip – Powered by the ESP32-S3 processor for fast performance and stable connectivity. Ideal for IoT, AI voice interaction, smart home, robotics, and DIY development projects with extensive open-source support.
- 3.5-Inch Capacitive Touchscreen – Features a 3.5" full-color IPS display with 320×480 RGB565 resolution for clear images and smooth touch control. Perfect for HMI interfaces and interactive applications.
- Rich Expansion Interfaces – Includes multiple interfaces such as IIC and UART for easy connection to sensors, modules, and external devices. Built-in RGB indicator light provides convenient status feedback.
- Audio & TF Card Support – Built-in microphone and external speaker support enable voice input and audio playback. Integrated Micro TF card slot allows convenient storage expansion for multimedia and project files.
- Portable & Easy to Use – Equipped with a USB Type-C port for simple programming and power supply. Supports external lithium battery connection with onboard charging management for safe and portable operation.
| Feature | Legacy ProS3 u.FL | ProS3[D] |
|---|---|---|
| Antenna | u.FL external antenna connector instead of the onboard chip antenna. | Onboard antenna and u.FL antenna options are offered. |
| Processor and memory | ESP32-S3 family; current ProS3 specifications list 240 MHz maximum clock, 16 MB flash, and 8 MB PSRAM. | Successor in the ProS3 family; consult the current product listing for its exact configuration. |
| Availability evidence | Adafruit marks the exact legacy product no longer stocked. | Listed as the successor product by Adafruit; stock and price can change. |
The available product records do not establish a full side-by-side comparison of dimensions, GPIO layout, or every power-management detail for both revisions. Verify the specific revision’s pinout and documentation before designing a PCB or relying on a connector location.
Is the original ProS3 u.FL still available?
Adafruit’s product record for ID 5749 lists the original u.FL product at $29.95 but marks its variants no longer stocked; that price is a historical listing, not a current offer. Its product record for ID 6398 showed $26.50 and “8 in stock” when accessed in 2026, but stock and pricing are volatile. Confirm the exact model, antenna configuration, and live availability on the seller’s page before ordering. The existence of the ProS3[D] successor does not mean the legacy u.FL version is in stock.
Rank #3
- Teyleten Robot SuperMini ESP32-S3 Development Expansion Board ESP32 Expansion Edition wifi Bluetooth Expansion Board 3pcs
Who should choose this board?
The ProS3 u.FL makes most sense when the project needs ESP32-S3 wireless capability and an external antenna can solve a placement constraint. For a build that does not need a separate antenna, an onboard-antenna board may be simpler. For a new purchase, compare the ProS3[D] antenna options and verify availability, pinout, and included accessories before committing to the legacy revision.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ESP32-S3 3.49inch touch LCD development board, equipped with ESP32-S3R8 32-bit LX7 dual-core processor, up to 240MHz main frequency. Supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) and Bluetooth 5 (LE), with onboard antenna. Supports ESP-IDF, Arduino IDE
- Onboard 3.49inch IPS capacitive touch display for clear color picture display, 172 × 640 resolution, 16.7M color. Built-in AXS15231B LCD & touch controller, using QSPI and I2C interfaces for communication respectively
- Equipped with dual microphone array with noise reduction and echo cancellation circuit, suitable for accurate speech recognition and near/far-field wake-up. Onboard audio codec. Supports AI speech interaction
- Built-in 512KB of S-R-A-M and 384KB ROM, with onboard 8MB PSRAM and an external 16MB Flash memory. Onboard TF card slot for extended storage and fast data transfer, suitable for applications such as data recording and media playback
- Onboard QMI8658 6-axis IMU (3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope) for detecting motion gestures, counting steps, etc. Onboard PCF85063 RTC chip for RTC functionality. Onboard 3.7V MX1.25 Lithium battery recharge/discharge header
Rank #4
- ESP32-S3 Touchscreen Module: 2.8-inch touch serial screen ESP32-S3R8 main control ST7789T3 driver Support communication interface RS485/WiFi/Bluetooth
- 2.8-inch Touch Serial Display, developed based on the ESP32-S3 chip, features a 2.8-inch touchscreen with integrated WiFi and Bluetooth functionality, supporting serial port control. Equipped with an integrated black embedded mounting bracket for easy installation and a sleek, minimalist appearance, it is suitable for smart appliances, smart home systems, industrial instruments, and other applications.
- The esp32 s3 Screen Features a 240x320 resolution color screen with 262K color depth (RGB666), capacitive touch, and wide viewing angles for a smooth interactive experience
- Driver IC:ST7789P3;Touch Chip IC: FT6336U;The esp32-s3 Screen is widely used in energy storage charging equipment, kitchen appliances (such as air fryers, ovens), household appliances (water heaters, washing machines), industrial control products, water quality detectors and other intelligent devices, as well as various scenarios that require LCD color screen display. It is an ideal choice for upgrading traditional segment code screens or black - and - white screens
- High Performance & Low Power Consumption: Equipped with a highly integrated ESP32 - S3 R2 module, it achieves energy - saving and efficient operation through a low - power design
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
