As a maker and IoT enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for development platforms that can bring my ideas to life quickly and efficiently. Recently, I got my hands on five incredible M5Stack modules that have completely transformed my approach to prototyping and development. Today, I’m sharing my detailed unboxing experience and first impressions of these cutting-edge devices.
Why M5Stack?
Before diving into the new modules, let me briefly explain why I’ve become such a fan of the M5Stack ecosystem. Having worked with various M5Stack products over the past year, I’ve been consistently impressed by their build quality, modularity, and the seamless integration between hardware and software. The platform makes it incredibly easy to go from concept to working prototype in record time.
The Unboxing Experience: 5 Modules, Endless Possibilities
1. M5Stack CoreS3 SE IoT Controller – The Versatile Powerhouse
Price: $38.90
The first module I unboxed was the CoreS3 SE, and it immediately caught my attention with its sleek medium-grey design. This is the lightweight version of M5Stack’s third-generation CoreS3, powered by the robust ESP32-S3 solution.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: Dual-core Xtensa LX7 @ 240MHz
- Memory: 16MB Flash + 8MB PSRAM
- Display: 2.0″ capacitive touch IPS screen (320×240)
- Connectivity: Built-in 2.4G WiFi, OTG & CDC support
- Audio: Dual microphones + 1W speaker with AW88298 amplifier
- Power Management: AXP2101 chip for low power consumption
What sets the SE version apart is its focus on core functionality while maintaining affordability. Unlike the standard CoreS3, it doesn’t include a camera, proximity sensor, IMU, or compass, but for most IoT applications, these omissions aren’t deal-breakers.
First Impressions: The build quality feels premium, and the touch screen is incredibly responsive. The inclusion of dual microphones and a quality speaker makes it perfect for voice-controlled applications.
2. M5Stack LLM Module Kit – Bringing AI to the Edge
Price: $49.90
This was the star of the unboxing for me. The LLM Module Kit represents a significant leap forward in edge AI computing, bringing large language model capabilities to embedded devices.
Technical Highlights:
- Processor: AiXin AX630C SoC with dual Cortex A53 @ 1.2GHz
- AI Performance: 3.2 TOPS @ INT8 precision
- Memory: 4GB LPDDR4 (1GB system + 3GB for hardware acceleration)
- Storage: 32GB eMMC 5.1
- Power Consumption: Only ~1.5W at full load
- Pre-installed Model: Qwen2.5-0.5B
Built-in AI Functions:
- KWS (Keyword Wake-up Spotting): Voice activation
- ASR (Automatic Speech Recognition): Speech-to-text conversion
- LLM (Large Language Model): Natural language processing
- TTS (Text-to-Speech): Voice synthesis
The kit includes both the main LLM module and the LLM Mate module, along with connecting cables. What’s remarkable is that this entire AI powerhouse operates offline, ensuring privacy and eliminating dependency on cloud services.
Real-World Impact: This module opens up possibilities for creating truly intelligent IoT devices – from smart home assistants to industrial automation systems that can understand and respond to natural language commands.
3. Module13.2 LLM Mate – The Perfect Development Companion
The LLM Mate module serves as the perfect companion to the LLM module, providing essential interface and debugging capabilities.
Key Features:
- USB Conversion: CH340N chip for seamless debugging
- Connectivity: Type-C interface for USB log output
- Networking: RJ45 interface with 100 Mbps Ethernet capability
- Communication: FPC-8P interface for stable LLM module connection
- Expansion: HT3.96×9P solder pad for DIY projects
This module essentially transforms the LLM setup into a complete development platform, making it easy to integrate into existing systems or develop new applications.
4. I2C Hub 1-to-6 Expansion Unit – Solving the Connectivity Challenge
Price: $5.95
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most valuable. This compact I2C hub addresses a common problem in IoT development: connecting multiple I2C devices without address conflicts.
Technical Details:
- Chip: PCA9548A multiplexer
- Expansion: 1 input to 6 Grove ports
- Address Range: 0x70-0x77 (adjustable via DIP switch)
- Cascading: Support for multiple units
- Mounting: LEGO-compatible holes
Why It Matters: In complex IoT projects, you often need to connect multiple sensors, displays, and other I2C devices. This hub eliminates address conflicts and makes system expansion incredibly straightforward.
5. M5PaperS3 – E-Ink Display Revolution
Price: $59.00
The final module in this unboxing was perhaps the most visually striking – the M5PaperS3 with its gorgeous 4.7″ e-ink display.
Display Specifications:
- Size: 4.7″ touchable e-ink display
- Resolution: 960×540 pixels (235 ppi)
- Grayscale: 16-level support
- Touch: GT911 capacitive touch panel with dual-point support
- Processor: ESP32-S3R8 with 8MB PSRAM + 16MB external Flash
Power Efficiency:
- Low Power Mode: 9.28µA (incredible!)
- Standby Mode: 949.58µA
- Operating Mode: 154.02mA
- Battery: 1800mAh built-in lithium battery
Additional Features:
- Built-in gyroscope sensor (BMI270)
- RTC chip (BM8563) for sleep/wake functions
- Passive buzzer for audio feedback
- MicroSD card support for storage expansion
Use Cases: This module is perfect for applications requiring always-visible information displays with minimal power consumption – think smart home control panels, electronic shelf labels, or IoT monitoring dashboards.
Development Ecosystem and Software Support
One of M5Stack’s greatest strengths is its comprehensive software ecosystem. All these modules support multiple development platforms:
Arduino IDE
Traditional C++ programming with extensive library support
UIFlow 1.0 & 2.0
Visual programming interface perfect for rapid prototyping
ESP-IDF
Advanced development framework for professional applications
Platform.IO
Professional IDE with advanced debugging capabilities
The LLM module goes even further, running a full Ubuntu system and supporting:
- StackFlow Framework: Simplified AI application development
- OpenAI API Compatibility: Standard API interface for easy integration
- APT Package Management: Easy software and model updates
Project Ideas and Applications
With these five modules, the project possibilities are virtually endless:
Smart Home Hub
Combine the CoreS3 SE with the I2C hub to create a central control system that manages multiple sensors and actuators throughout your home.
AI-Powered Assistant
Use the LLM module kit to build a completely offline voice assistant that can understand natural language commands and provide intelligent responses.
Information Display System
The PaperS3 is perfect for creating always-on information displays – weather stations, calendar displays, or status monitors that update periodically while consuming minimal power.
Industrial IoT Gateway
Combine multiple modules to create sophisticated industrial monitoring systems with AI-powered anomaly detection and natural language reporting.
Performance and Build Quality
After spending time with each module, I’m impressed by the consistent build quality across the entire lineup. The attention to detail in both hardware design and software integration is evident. Each module feels robust and production-ready, not like typical development boards that require extensive additional components.
The documentation and community support are also excellent, with comprehensive guides available for each module and active community forums for troubleshooting and project sharing.
Value Proposition
When considering the capabilities these modules provide, the pricing is remarkably competitive:
- CoreS3 SE at $38.90: Exceptional value for a complete IoT controller
- LLM Module Kit at $49.90: Revolutionary pricing for edge AI capabilities
- I2C Hub at $5.95: Incredibly affordable solution for expansion needs
- PaperS3 at $59.00: Competitive pricing for a high-quality e-ink development platform
Conclusion: The Future of IoT Development
These five M5Stack modules represent more than just individual development tools – they’re components of a comprehensive ecosystem that makes advanced IoT and AI development accessible to makers, students, and professionals alike.
The standout for me is definitely the LLM module kit. The ability to run sophisticated AI models offline on such a compact, low-power device is genuinely game-changing. Combined with the other modules, it opens up possibilities for creating truly intelligent, responsive IoT systems that were previously only possible with cloud-dependent solutions.
Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to explore AI and IoT, an educator teaching embedded systems, or a professional developing commercial products, these M5Stack modules provide an excellent foundation for innovation.
What’s Next?
I’m planning to create several project tutorials using these modules:
- Building an offline AI voice assistant using the LLM kit
- Creating a smart home dashboard with the PaperS3
- Developing a multi-sensor environmental monitoring system
- Integrating all modules into a comprehensive smart home hub
Stay tuned for detailed project guides and tutorials!
Have you worked with M5Stack modules before? What projects are you planning to build? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!
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Disclaimer: The products featured in this review were purchased independently. This post contains affiliate links that support our content creation at no additional cost to you.