LILYGO T-LoRa Pager is an ESP32-S3 handheld with support for text messaging, AI motion detection, and NFC

LILYGO T-LoRa Pager is an ESP32-S3-based IoT handheld device that comes in an old pager form factor but relies on LoRa for text messaging, GNSS for positioning, NFC for contactless communication, and features AI-assisted motion detection with a BHI260AP IMU sensor.

The device also includes a 2.33-inch IPS display (480×222), a QWERTY keyboard, a rotary encoder, an audio codec, a microSD slot, a battery management system, and a wireless charging pad. These features make this device suitable for portable, remote sensing, asset tracking, field communication, and edge AI projects, where GNSS, LoRa, and/or NFC functionalities are required.

LILYGO’s T-LoRa Pager specifications:

• Wireless SoC – Espressif Systems ESP32-S3
  • CPU – Dual-core 32-bit LX7 processor running at 240 MHz
  • Memory – 512 KB SRAM, 8 MB PSRAM.
  • Storage – 16 MB Flash
  • Wireless – WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 5.x
• Storage – microSD card slot for external storage
• Display – 2.33-inch IPS display (ST7796), 480×222 resolution
• Audio – RC01812 audio codec, supports microphone and headphone jack
• Wireless connectivity
  • LoRa
    • SX1262 for 433/868/915/920 MHz
    • Optional LR1121 for sub-GHz and 2.4GHz LoRa
  • GNSS – u-blox MIA-M10Q with support for concurrent multi-constellation tracking
  • NFC – STMicroelectronics ST25R3916, supports reader/writer, card emulation, P2P
  • Antennas (foldable dual antennas)
    • 433/868/915/920 MHz LoRa antenna
    • 2.4GHz LoRa antenna (LR1121 version only)
• USB – 1x USB Type-C port for power and programming
• User inputs
  • QWERTY keyboard
  • Rotary encoder
• Sensor – Bosch BHI260AP smart sensor with embedded IMU and AI features
• Expansion – I2C, SPI, and UART via 16-pin GPIO header on the top
• Misc
  • RTC – Real-time clock
  • Haptics – DRV2605 haptic feedback driver
  • Power, Boot, and Reset buttons
  • M2 screw holes for mounting
• Power
  • USB Type-C input (5V, 500mA)
  • Wireless magnetic charging pad
  • Battery management – BQ25896 charger, BQ27220 fuel gauge
• Dimensions – 106 x 89 x 23 mm

In terms of software, the device can be programmed with Arduino IDE, ESP-IDF, and Visual Studio Code. More information, along with a getting-started guide and hardware information, can be found on the product’s GitHub repository. The T-Lora Pager is also supported by third-party, open-source LoRa messaging firmware, such as ChatterBox. Meshtastic support might be coming soon, and somebody already ported it to MeshCore.

There are many LoRa-based communication devices now, and we covered other similar products such as the LILYGO T-Deck Pro handheld LoRa-based text messaging kit based on an ESP32-S3, MessengerPi 2-in-1 LoRa messenger and walkie-talkie based on the Raspberry Pi RP2040, and the LILYGO T3-S3 MVSR LoRa voice communication kit, which emulates the behavior of a Walkie-Talkie using Codec2 low-bitrate speech audio codec at 3200 bps using LoRa FSK modulation. Somebody also retrofitted a Nokia E63 phone into a LoRa messenger for secure, off-the-grid communication.

LILYGO first introduced the T-LoRa Pager a few months ago, but it quickly went out of stock (and still is on the company’s store). It’s been available on AliExpress from a few sellers at crazy prices ($170+) since then, but we’ve just noticed third-party sellers are now offering it for a little over $100 including shipping (but not eventual taxes), and it’s also sold on Banggood for $101.36. [Update: It’s now on the official LILYGO store for about $97]. Four variants are available (433 MHz, 868 MHz, 915 MHz, and 920 MHz), so make sure to select the model that matches your country’s regulations.

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