$32 Smart Home display: ESP32-P4 meets LVGL on the WT32P4C5-43S

We have previously reported on compact smart displays powered by microcontrollers—specifically, low-cost development boards designed not for complex 3D graphics, but for processing and displaying sensor data. The WT32P4C5-43S is a new system of this type available for preorder at $32. While currently listed as sold out, interested buyers can sign up for restock notifications. Alternatively, similar models from manufacturers like Elecrow are available directly on Amazon.

The system comes with a 4.3-inch TFT touchscreen display featuring a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. In addition to rendering visual content, it supports touch input, making it well-suited for displaying sensor telemetry or serving as a smart home control hub. However, as the WT32P4C5-43S is a development board, setup requires technical know-how and custom configuration. That said, it supports the LVGL graphics library, simplifying UI development. Consequently, this display is best suited for experienced makers rather than complete beginners.

Under the hood, the board is powered by the popular ESP32-P4 microcontroller. It features a microSD card slot—essential for hosting UI assets—and GPIO pins for connecting sensors and actuators. Wireless connectivity is provided via an integrated ESP32-C61 or ESP32-C5 co-processor module.