When M5Stack first introduced the Cardputer in 2023, it instantly caught the attention of the maker community. A computer the size of a credit card, with a screen, keyboard, and an ESP32-S3 brain — it was an idea that blended portability with creativity.
Now, a year later, M5Stack is back with a more polished, more capable version: the Cardputer-Adv, powered by the new M5Stamp S3A module. While it keeps the same compact footprint, it brings a range of thoughtful upgrades that make it more practical, versatile, and fun to build with.
The Cardputer-Adv takes what worked in the original and improves it across the board — from power and connectivity to audio and sensors.
Let’s break down what’s new.
Bigger Battery, Better Runtime
Battery life was one of the main limitations of the first Cardputer. M5Stack listened.
The new model packs a 1,750 mAh Li-ion battery, replacing the earlier dual-cell setup (1,400 + 120 mAh). It’s a single, higher-capacity unit that offers longer operation time, especially when using Wi-Fi or audio features.
Charging is handled through the onboard USB-C port, so you can easily power it up from any modern charger or power bank.
Smarter Antenna Design for Stronger Connectivity
The 2.4GHz 3D antenna is another subtle but important improvement. Wireless stability was always a concern on small ESP32-based boards, but this new antenna design enhances signal strength and range for both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0.
That means better performance for IoT dashboards, data streaming, and BLE-based communication projects.
Audio Gets Serious
Audio was more of a novelty in the first version — now it’s a true feature.
The Cardputer-Adv introduces:
- The ES8311 audio codec for clearer, more balanced sound
- A high-SNR MEMS microphone for clean voice capture
- A 1W speaker with NS4150B amplifier, and
- A 3.5mm headphone jack
Combined, these make it possible to create voice assistants, intercoms, or portable music players straight out of the box — no soldering required.
New Built-in Motion Sensor
One of the most interesting additions is the BMI270 6-axis IMU. This motion sensor opens new doors for gesture-controlled projects, motion-based logging, or orientation-aware apps.
For a handheld device this small, that’s a big win.
Refined Keyboard Feel
The same 56-key keyboard returns, but with a more comfortable actuation — reduced from 260 gf to 160 gf.
This makes typing smoother and easier, especially for extended coding or command-line sessions. It’s a small change that dramatically improves usability.
At its heart, the Cardputer-Adv runs on the M5Stack M5Stamp S3A — a compact but powerful module based on the Espressif ESP32-S3FN8.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Dual-core Xtensa LX7 (up to 240 MHz) + RISC-V ULP co-processor |
| Memory | 512KB SRAM |
| Storage | 8MB Flash + MicroSD slot |
| Display | 1.14” IPS LCD (240×135, ST7789V2) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 4 (802.11b/g/n), Bluetooth 5.0 BLE + Mesh |
| Audio | ES8311 codec, MEMS mic, 1W speaker, 3.5mm jack |
| Sensors | BMI270 6-axis IMU |
| Expansion | Grove (I2C), 14-pin header (SPI, UART, ADC, etc.) |
| Power | 1,750 mAh Li-ion battery, USB-C charging |
| Size / Weight | 84 × 54 × 20 mm / 81 g |
| Other Features | IR transmitter, magnetic mount, LEGO-compatible holes, lanyard hole |
Development and Compatibility
The Cardputer-Adv stays true to M5Stack’s open approach — you can code it with:
- Arduino IDE (for classic sketches)
- PlatformIO (for advanced workflow)
- ESP-IDF (Espressif’s official framework)
- UiFlow2, M5Stack’s visual programming tool
Documentation includes schematics, pinouts, and ready-to-use examples, making it easy to jump from unboxing to building within minutes.
The new upgrades make this pocket-sized computer more capable than ever. Some project ideas:
- A portable IoT dashboard for monitoring sensors
- A handheld text terminal or coding-on-the-go device
- A voice-controlled automation tool
- A mini game console or retro emulator
- A motion-activated data logger
The combination of display, audio, wireless, and battery makes it a surprisingly complete system in a very small footprint.
The M5Stack Cardputer-Adv is currently priced at $29.99 and is available via the M5Stack Store and AliExpress.
It’s expected to hit Amazon soon, but for now, only the first-generation Cardputer is listed there.
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