LILYGO T-Deck Plus ESP32-S3 LORA-89 Ulbox GPS 2.8in Display

In this review of the LILYGO T-Deck Plus ESP32-S3 development board, the bottom line is simple: this is a feature-rich single-board solution for makers who need on-board LoRa radio, GPS and a responsive microcontroller for mesh and IoT experiments. The reviewer finds it strongest as a development platform thanks to the ESP32-S3 dual-core MCU and integrated 915 MHz LoRa radio, which together let hobbyists and developers prototype wireless tracking or Meshtastic-style networks without sourcing separate modules. Note that the board does not have a built-in battery meter, so battery percentage shown can be inaccurate until firmware updates improve that behavior.

Key Features

• ESP32-S3FN16R8 MCU: The dual-core LX7 processor provides the compute headroom needed for Bluetooth, GPS parsing and LoRa stacks while running user applications.
• 915 MHz LoRa-89 radio: Integrated LoRa radio simplifies long-range, low-power wireless projects by removing the need for a separate transceiver module.
• 2.8in display: The built-in screen gives a simple local UI for status, GPS readouts or Meshtastic messages without attaching an external display.
• Built-in antenna and ABS shell: The included antenna and protective enclosure make the board ready for field testing right out of the box.
• Open-source resources: Public firmware and documentation on GitHub and the LILYGO wiki make it easier to get started and adapt the board to custom projects.

Who It's For

This board is aimed at makers, hobbyists and developers who need an all-in-one node for long-range mesh communications, GPS tracking and experimental Bluetooth applications. Its integrated LoRa and GPS are convenient for outdoor prototypes and small-scale deployments where compact hardware is preferred.

It is less suited to users who expect a turnkey consumer device; setup and reliable battery reporting depend on community firmware and configuration. If you require guaranteed battery percentage accuracy or an out-of-the-box polished product, consider a board with dedicated power metering or a commercial tracker instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong on value: an MCU, LoRa radio, GPS and display in one compact package.
• Good build quality and usable Bluetooth connectivity reported by several customers.
• Active open-source resources on GitHub and the LILYGO wiki help with development and examples.

Cons

• Battery percentage display is not accurate due to absence of a built-in battery meter; requires firmware improvements to mitigate.
• Some users report mixed functionality and setup can be less straightforward for newcomers.

Specifications

Brand	LILYGO
Microcontroller	ESP32-S3FN16R8 dual-core LX7
Radio	915 MHz LoRa-89 integrated
Display	2.8in built-in display
Enclosure	ABS shell with built-in antenna
Documentation	GitHub and LILYGO wiki links provided

Our Verdict

The LILYGO T-Deck Plus is a practical, cost-effective development board for enthusiasts building LoRa or GPS-enabled projects, offering a rare combination of components in one package. While it requires some familiarity with community firmware and the battery percentage can be misleading until software fixes arrive, it represents good value for developers who want an integrated node for mesh, tracking or custom IoT prototypes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the board include documentation and example code?
The product links to a GitHub repository and the LILYGO wiki which contain source code, examples and setup guidance.

Is the battery percentage accurate on this board?
No, the device lacks a built-in battery meter so the displayed battery percentage may be inaccurate; firmware updates are expected to improve the behavior.

Can this board be used for Meshtastic or similar networks?
Yes, customers have used it for Meshtastic-style applications thanks to the ESP32-S3 and integrated LoRa radio, though results depend on firmware and user configuration.