LILYGO T-Deck Plus: ESP32-S3 Communicator with LoRa, GPS and Keyboard

LILYGO T-Deck Plus combines an ESP32-S3, LoRa SX1262, GPS, a 2.8-inch touchscreen and a physical keyboard in a device with a 2000 mAh battery. It resembles a small PDA, but it is neither a ready-made phone nor a conventional walkie-talkie. It is a programmable platform for developing custom applications, IoT projects and LoRa communication, including use with Meshtastic.

Its openness primarily means that the device can be programmed using the available documentation, schematic and examples. Specific features depend on the firmware installed.

ESP32-S3 with 16 MB Flash and 8 MB PSRAM

At the heart of the device is an ESP32-S3FN16R8 with a dual-core LX7 processor running at up to 240 MHz, 16 MB of Flash and 8 MB of PSRAM. This combination provides room for graphical applications, terminal prototypes and wireless projects. PSRAM can help applications handle larger amounts of data, such as display graphics.

Touchscreen, keyboard and trackball

The T-Deck Plus has a 2.8-inch ST7789 IPS display with a resolution of 320 × 240 pixels. Compared with the original T-Deck, it adds a GT911 capacitive touch panel. The device can be controlled by touch, trackball or physical keyboard, provided the installed firmware supports those inputs.

The keyboard communicates over I²C and has its own auxiliary microcontroller. It is better suited to chat, terminal use and short commands than to writing long documents. With Meshtastic, it can be used to enter messages directly on the device.

LoRa SX1262 and choosing a frequency variant

LoRa communication is handled by the Semtech SX1262 chip. It is intended for longer-range data transmission, not for using the device as a conventional phone. The platform's maximum transmit power is approximately +22 dBm, but that does not mean this power level is permitted with every configuration or in every region.

Before choosing a device, select a frequency variant appropriate for your region and follow local regulations. Practical range also depends on conditions and communication settings.

GPS and the Grove pin trade-off

The Plus version includes an MIA-M10Q GNSS module, allowing applications to work with location data without an external GPS module. This can be useful for projects involving location data or maps.

Built-in GPS also has an important consequence for developers: the pins of the original Grove interface are used for GPS on the Plus version. Grove is therefore not available as a general-purpose connector as it is on the original T-Deck. This needs to be considered when designing accessories.

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and microSD

The ESP32-S3 offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 LE. Depending on the firmware, the T-Deck can communicate over a local network, through a mobile hotspot or with devices over BLE.

A TF/microSD slot provides additional space for data. It can be useful for mapping projects, for example, where internal Flash alone may not be sufficient.

Microphone, speaker and trackball limitation

The device has a microphone and speaker, allowing developers to create voice or other audio applications. The documentation notes a limitation, however: when the microphone is enabled, the trackball's centre-button function on GPIO0 may not be available. Developers should therefore consider an alternative control.

Battery and dimensions

The built-in LiPo battery has a capacity of 2000 mAh and charges via USB-C. A universal battery-life figure would be misleading: consumption depends on display backlighting, GPS use, LoRa and Wi-Fi activity, and the firmware installed.

The device measures approximately 100 × 68 × 11 mm, making it closer in size to a small PDA than a typical modern phone.

Meshtastic and other uses

The T-Deck Plus can be used as a Meshtastic terminal. Its combination of LoRa, GPS, display and keyboard makes it possible to build a standalone device for working with messages and location data, but suitable firmware is required. The presence of the hardware alone does not mean every feature will be available in every application.

The platform is also useful for custom IoT projects, wireless experiments, graphical interfaces and terminal prototypes. The available documentation, schematic and examples can help with development.

Main specifications

Who is the T-Deck Plus for?

The T-Deck Plus makes sense for developers and enthusiasts who want to experiment with LoRa, Meshtastic or custom applications. Its strength is the combination of a display, keyboard, positioning module and wireless connectivity in one device.

It is not a suitable replacement for a ready-made consumer phone or a conventional walkie-talkie. Before choosing one, consider the need for suitable firmware, the regional frequency variant and the Grove interface limitation.