You’ve got a BIG idea—maybe it’s a smart home gadget, a futuristic robot, or

something even crazier. But there’s just one problem…

Do you go with Espressif’s ESP32-S3 or Raspberry Pi’s Pico 2 W? 🤔 (Pause)
It’s like choosing between two legendary superheroes—one is a raw powerhouse, while
the other is a strategic genius. Which one should you choose?

Hi, I’m Sanket, and today, we’re putting these two head-to-head, evaluating them
based on:
🔹 Performance – Which one packs more punch?
🔹 Power Consumption – Efficiency or endurance?
🔹 Connectivity – How well do they stay linked?
🔹 Programming & Support – Developer-friendly or a headache?
🔹 AI Capabilities – Ready for the future?
🔹 Real-World Use Cases – Who wins in practical applications?

Stay with me, because by the end of this video, you’ll have your answer— and trust
me, it might just surprise you!

Choosing the right microcontroller is like picking the perfect pizza topping—get it
right, and your project is a masterpiece. Get it wrong… and you might end up with a
crispy disaster.
But don’t worry—I’ve got your back. 🚀

So, let’s meet our contenders!

🔥 In the left corner, we have the ESP32-S3 DevKitC-1 N8—a raw powerhouse featuring
the ESP32-S3 microcontroller, equipped with an Xtensa® dual-core 32-bit LX7
processor clocked at 240 MHz.

⚡ On the right, we have the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W—a strategic genius powered by the
RP2350 microcontroller, boasting a dual-core ARM Cortex-M33 alongside two Hazard3
RISC-V cores, running at 150 MHz.

-Memory Face-Off
The ESP32-S3 packs 512 KB of on-chip SRAM, 384 KB of ROM, and 8 MB of external
flash.
Meanwhile, the Pico 2 W offers 520 KB of on-chip SRAM, 32 KB of ROM, and 4 MB of
onboard flash.
So, if your project demands more memory, the ESP32-S3 might be the smarter
choice! 💡

-Connectivity – Welcome to the Wireless Club!

One of the biggest upgrades in the Pico 2 W is its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2
—just like the ESP32-S3, which supports Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) and Bluetooth 5.0 LE.
For IoT projects, smart devices, or remote monitoring, both boards have got you
covered!

-Security & Extra Features

Here’s a quick breakdown of the security and additional features each board offers.
Feel free to pause and take notes! 📝

On paper, the ESP32-S3 looks faster… but does it actually win?

Numbers don’t tell the whole story—real-world performance is what truly matters!
So, let’s put them to the test.
🚀 ROUND BY ROUND

ROUND 1: PERFORMANCE
It’s time for an all-out benchmark battle—no rules, no mercy! 🔥
We’ll run the same program on both boards to ensure a fair fight.

Here are the tests we’ll be performing:

✅ CPU Speed
✅ Memory Access Speed
✅ Integer & Floating-Point Operations
✅ GPIO Toggling Speed
✅ Mathematical Computations

We’ve written a single C program and are using VS Code IDE for compilation,
displaying the results on the Serial Terminal.
🔹 ESP32-S3 is programmed using the Espressif IoT Development Framework (ESP-
IDF) v5.4.0.
🔹 Pico 2 W is programmed using the Raspberry Pi Pico C/C++ SDK v2.1.0.

I've uploaded the full program to my GitHub repo, and you'll find the link in the
description. Check it out if you want to explore the code in detail! 🔗

🏆 Benchmark Results – Who Wins?

1-1 CPU Speed 1️⃣
1️⃣
For the CPU speed test, the Pico 2 W (RISC-V variant) takes the lead,
followed by the ARM Cortex-M33 variant. The ESP32-S3 comes in last.

- 2️⃣
Memory Access Speed
For the Memory Access Speed test, once again, the Pico 2 W (RISC-V
variant) takes the lead, making it the more efficient choice for memory-heavy
tasks.

- 3️⃣
Integer & Floating-Point Operations
For integer operations, both Pico 2 W variants outperform the ESP32-S3.
In floating-point calculations, the Pico 2 W (ARM Cortex-M33 variant)
takes the lead, followed closely by the ESP32-S3, while the RISC-V variant falls
behind.

- GPIO Toggling Speed 4️⃣

4️⃣ ⚡
The Pico 2 W (RISC-V variant) excels in fast GPIO toggling, making it
ideal for applications that require rapid pin state changes.

- 5️⃣
Mathematical Computations (Prime & Fibonacci Performance)
For mathematical computations, we conducted Prime and Fibonacci tests.
Based on the results, the ESP32-S3 is the clear winner for complex calculations,
outperforming both Pico 2 W variants.

And here’s what we discovered! 👇

- Pico 2 W (RISC-V) 3️⃣⚡
3️⃣
The Pico 2 W (RISC-V variant) tops the charts in CPU speed, GPIO
performance, and memory access, making it ideal for low-latency, high-speed tasks
like real-time control. However, it struggles with floating-point calculations.

2-2 Pico 2 W (ARM Cortex-M33) 2️⃣

2️⃣ ⚖️
The Pico 2 W (ARM Cortex-M33 variant) delivers a strong balance across
all benchmarks. It’s like a solid all-rounder—perfect for general-purpose
applications!

- 1️⃣
ESP32-S3
The ESP32-S3 excels in floating-point math, prime calculations, and
Fibonacci computation, making it a great choice for AI/ML tasks, cryptography, and
heavy numerical processing.

ROUND 2: POWER CONSUMPTION

What if you’re working on a battery-powered project? ⚡ This is where things flip!

To measure power consumption, we’re running the benchmark program on both boards
again—but this time, we’re adding an ammeter in series to get precise current
measurements. 📊

-Results
When it comes to power consumption, the ESP32-S3 and Pico 2 W reveal some notable
differences in efficiency:
-🔋 Active Power Consumption (Running Mode):
The ESP32-S3 has a higher active current draw ⚡ of ~65mA, whereas the Pico 2
W is significantly more power-efficient 🔋 at ~17mA during operation.

-😴 Deep Sleep Mode (Low-Power State):

However, in deep sleep mode, the ESP32-S3 consumes around 1mA 💤, which is
slightly better than the Pico 2 W’s 1.9mA .

💡 In short:
✅ For battery-powered projects that need to run for long periods, the Pico 2 W is
the better option due to its lower active power consumption.

✅ For projects requiring stronger connectivity (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) and can afford

slightly higher power consumption, the ESP32-S3 stands out with its better
performance and connectivity.

ROUND 3: CONNECTIVITY

Both the ESP32-S3 and Pico 2 W are powerful microcontrollers with wireless
capabilities, but they come with some key differences.

-🌐 Wireless Connectivity
As we’ve already seen, the ESP32-S3 supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n) and
Bluetooth 5.0 LE 📡, while the Pico 2 W comes with Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and an upgraded
Bluetooth 5.2 🔄.

Hence, the Pico 2 W has a slight edge in Bluetooth capabilities, while both
offer solid Wi-Fi performance! 🚀

-🔌 USB Support – Key Differences!

The ESP32-S3 features Full-Speed USB OTG (On-The-Go), allowing it to act as
both a host and a device. 🚀
On the other hand, the Pico 2 W comes with USB 1.1, also supporting both host
and device modes, but at a lower speed. ⚡

🔥 If you need faster USB communication or OTG functionality, the ESP32-S3 is

the better choice!

-📍 GPIO Comparison – More Pins, More Possibilities!

When it comes to GPIOs, the ESP32-S3 offers 36 GPIOs , whereas the Pico 2 W
provides only 23.

🚀 If your project requires more I/O options for sensors, displays, or

peripherals, the ESP32-S3 gives you greater flexibility!
- PWM Channel Showdown!
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) is a technique used in microcontrollers to
control power delivery to devices by varying the duty cycle of a digital signal.

The Pico 2 W offers 24 PWM channels ⚡, making it great for motor control, LED
dimming, and other precision timing applications!
On the other hand, the ESP32-S3 provides only 8 LED PWM channels + 2 motor
control PWMs 🎯—still capable, but with fewer channels.

If your project requires more PWM outputs for LEDs, motors, or signal
generation, the Pico 2 W is the better choice! 🚀

-🔄 Communication Interfaces
When it comes to communication interfaces:
⚡ The ESP32-S3 offers 4 SPI controllers & 3 UARTs, making it better for data
transfer between multiple peripherals.
🎯 The Pico 2 W provides only 2 SPI controllers & 2 UARTs, still capable, but
with fewer options.
Both the ESP32-S3 and Pico 2 W come with two I²C controllers.

🚀 If your project involves multiple sensors, fast data communication, or

external modules, the ESP32-S3 is the more versatile choice!

-📊 ADC Comparison – Precision Matters!

When it comes to digital signal processing, the ADC (Analog-to-Digital
Converter) plays a crucial role in converting analog signals into digital data.

Both the ESP32-S3 and Pico 2 W use 12-bit SAR ADCs for analog signal
conversion.
📊 ESP32-S3 has two ADCs, allowing for better multi-channel readings and
improved performance in applications requiring simultaneous analog measurements.

🚀 If your project involves multiple analog sensors or real-time signal

processing, the ESP32-S3 may have an edge!

🔎 When it comes to connectivity options, more doesn’t always mean better! In most
projects, the difference between Bluetooth 5.0 vs. 5.2 or having extra PWM/SPI/UART
interfaces won’t be a game-changer. 🎯

🚀 Unless your application specifically requires multiple high-speed connections or

advanced BLE features, both microcontrollers will perform similarly in real-world
use!

ROUND 4: PROGRAMMING & SUPPORT

Both the ESP32-S3 and Pico 2 W offer strong development support, but they cater to
different types of developers:
⚡ESP32-S3 supports MicroPython and ESP-IDF (C/C++), with toolchain
compatibility for VS Code, Espressif IDE, and Arduino IDE. It’s ideal for IoT,
wireless applications, and advanced firmware development.
🎯📚 Pico 2 W supports MicroPython, C/C++ SDK, and PIO Assembly for custom
hardware control. The toolchain includes VS Code, Thonny, and Arduino IDE, making
it beginner-friendly and great for embedded systems.

🚀 If you're looking for deep IoT integration, the ESP32-S3 is a strong choice
with its advanced wireless capabilities and ecosystem.
🔧 On the other hand, the Pico 2 W is excellent for hardware-level control and
beginner to intermediate IoT applications, thanks to its flexible toolchain and
ease of use!

- Debugging Capabilities
ESP32-S3 features JTAG and Serial Debugging, providing powerful in-depth
debugging tools for complex firmware development.
🎯 Pico 2 W uses SWD (Serial Wire Debugging) and Serial Debugging, a standard
method for ARM-based chips, offering efficient debugging with minimal pin usage.

🚀 If you need advanced debugging features, especially for low-level firmware

analysis, the ESP32-S3’s JTAG support makes it a strong choice.
🔧 However, SWD on the Pico 2 W is still a reliable and efficient method for
ARM-based development!

-🌍 Community & Documentation

📚 ESP32-S3 is backed by a large community on Espressif’s official site,
GitHub, Reddit, and Stack Overflow. Extensive ESP-IDF documentation, libraries, and
online tutorials for Arduino and MicroPython make development easier!
✅ Pico 2 W is supported by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, ensuring long-term
stability and a highly active user base. With extensive documentation, official
Raspberry Pi forums, and third-party libraries, it’s an excellent choice for
beginners and educators. 🎓

🚀 If you’re looking for cutting-edge IoT support, the ESP32-S3 ecosystem is a

great pick. But if you want strong educational backing and a beginner-friendly
experience, the Pico 2 W shines!

Overall:
✅ ESP32-S3 Best for advanced users who need powerful debugging (JTAG), robust
wireless capabilities (Wi-Fi + BLE), and high-speed communication interfaces. Ideal
for IoT, AI/ML, and performance-driven applications. 🚀
✅ Pico 2 W Excels in accessibility, strong community support, and beginner-friendly
development. With extensive documentation and Raspberry Pi Foundation backing, it's
perfect for education, hardware-level control, and embedded projects. 🎓💡

🔎 Your choice depends on your project needs!

ROUND 5: AI SUPPORT

Now, here’s a game-changer! 🎯

Both the ESP32-S3 and Pico 2 W support AI processing and are compatible with Edge
Impulse, making them great choices for deploying machine learning models on
embedded systems. 🚀

⚡ As we’ve seen, the ESP32-S3 excels in floating-point math, prime calculations,

and Fibonacci computations, giving it an edge in AI/ML tasks, cryptography, and
numerical processing.

🎓 Pico 2 W still supports machine learning, but it may struggle with floating-
point-heavy workloads compared to the ESP32-S3.

🔥 If you're working on AI-powered IoT, real-time data analysis, or cryptographic

applications, the ESP32-S3 is the better choice!

⬇️
What AI/ML projects are you planning? Let me know in the comments!

ROUND 5: PRICE
Both the ESP32-S3 and Pico 2 W are affordable options, but there are slight
differences in pricing and features. 💰🔍

-💰 Pico 2 W – A Budget-Friendly Choice!

The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W is highly affordable, typically priced between INR 600 -
INR 800 ($7 - $10), making it:
✔️ Cost-effective for beginners 🎓
✔️ Perfect for hobby projects & education 📚
✔️ Ideal for those working within the Raspberry Pi ecosystem 🔗

🚀 If you're looking for a budget-friendly microcontroller with strong

community support, the Pico 2 W is a solid choice!

-😆ESP32-S3 – With great power comes a great price! 😆

The ESP32-S3 is priced between INR 800 - INR 2000 ($10 - $25), and here’s why it
justifies the slightly higher cost:
✔️ AI Acceleration for ML applications 🤖
✔️ More GPIOs for expanded hardware connectivity
✔️ Advanced debugging (JTAG) for professional development
✔️ Better wireless capabilities (Wi-Fi & Bluetooth 5.0 LE) 🌐

🚀 If you need extra processing power, AI capabilities, and more I/O options,
the ESP32-S3 is worth the investment!

-🎯 Affordability vs Advanced Features

While both provide excellent value, the choice depends on what you prioritize:
💰 For Affordability & ease of use, Pico 2 W is your best bet! 🎓
⚡ Looking for an Enhanced connectivity & AI capabilities? ESP32-S3 is the way
to go! 🚀

-🚀 Final Verdict:
Hmm. Which One Should You Choose? 🤔

✅ Pick the ESP32-S3 if you need:

✔️ Higher processing power for demanding tasks
✔️ AI capabilities and floating-point performance 🤖
✔️ More GPIOs & better connectivity (Wi-Fi + BLE 5.0 LE)
✔️ Advanced debugging & IoT-ready features 🌐

✅ Pick the Pico 2 W if you need:

✔️ Lower power consumption & better battery life 🔋
✔️ Beginner-friendly development & strong community support 📚
✔️ A more affordable microcontroller for budget-conscious projects 💰

🚀 And in the end, it all depends on the application!

🧠🔢 For AI, ML, and floating-point math → Pick ESP32-S3
🎯 For balanced general-purpose performance → Pick Pico 2 W (ARM Cortex-M33
variant)
⚡ For ultra-fast GPIO toggling & low-latency operations → Pick Pico 2 W
(RISC-V variant)

🎉 Either Way, You Can’t Go Wrong!

Both the ESP32-S3 and Pico 2 W are fantastic microcontrollers, each with its own
strengths. No matter which one you choose, you’re getting an amazing board to power
your projects! 💡💪
( Pauses for dramatic effect 😉)

🔥 But now, I’ve got to ask YOU… What are you working on? 💡
Drop your project idea in the comments—I’d love to hear about it! ⬇️

📌 Did this help? Smash that like button, hit subscribe, and ring the bell 🔔 so you
don’t miss out on more awesome content!

🚀 This is Sanket Bhamre, signing out. Until next time… Explore Embedded!