Adafruit
Adafruit Industries 1.8" Color TFT LCD Display with MicroSD Card Breakout
Best visual interface for Arduino-based electronics hobbyists.
Elevate your Arduino projects with this vibrant 1.8-inch Color TFT LCD Display featuring an integrated MicroSD Card Breakout. Moving beyond older CSTN technology, this module utilizes true TFT technology driven by the ST7735R chip, delivering superior color depth and refresh rates. Experience visuals with a full 18-bit color spectrum, rendering 262,144 shades for truly rich graphics. The built-in MicroSD slot is ideal for data logging or asset storage needs. This compact display is compatible with a wide range of popular Arduino boards, making integration straightforward for developers and hobbyists alike.
$19.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
392
/ 775
#392 in Circuit Board Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-25%
Below average
Screen Size
1.8
/ "
Who it's for
- Makers needing onboard storage for graphics and data logging
- Developers seeking quick integration with well-documented code libraries
- Engineers prioritizing efficient pin usage and fast data transfer
Who should skip it
- Designers requiring high-resolution screens for complex visual interfaces
- Users needing consistent visibility from multiple viewing angles
- Hobbyists working with microcontrollers that have limited memory capacity
Performance breakdown
Visual Fidelity
True TFT technology provides impressive color depth for small-scale graphical interfaces.
Integration Ease
Standardized pinouts and broad Arduino library support simplify the setup process.
Storage Versatility
Integrated MicroSD slot adds essential data logging capabilities to compact builds.
Refresh Responsiveness
The ST7735R driver handles standard UI updates with reliable, consistent speed.
Build Compactness
Low-profile dimensions make this an ideal fit for space-constrained embedded projects.
Platform Compatibility
Seamlessly bridges the gap between various Arduino boards and custom hardware.
Key Specs
Screen Size
1.8"
Resolution
128 x 160 pixels
Color Depth
18-bit (262,144 shades)
Driver Chip
ST7735R
Input Voltage
3.3V - 5V
Dimensions
1.35 x 2.20 x 0.25 in.
Component Type
LCD/LED Display Module
Compatibility
Arduino Uno, Mega2560, Leonardo, and more
Features
- Vibrant 1.8" TFT display for clear visuals
- Integrated MicroSD card slot for storage
- True TFT technology for better color depth
- Compatible with various Arduino platforms
- Displays 262,144 shades of 18-bit color
- Reliable performance via ST7735R driver
- Compact size for embedded projects
What customers say
This 1.8 inch Color TFT LCD Display is highly praised for its exceptional ease of use and the strong support ecosystem. Customers value Adafruit's detailed tutorials and the effective ST7735 library, which simplifies adding graphics to projects. The integrated MicroSD card breakout is a key convenience, allowing easy storage access without extra wiring. While the screen is small, users find the color vibrancy sufficient for compact applications like wearables. The overall design offers a great blend of functionality and accessibility. This component is considered a reliable, recommended staple for hobbyists needing a small format color display solution.
Know before you buy
This display is compatible with most standard Arduino platforms, including the Uno, Mega2560, and Leonardo. Because it uses the ST7735R driver, it integrates easily with common Arduino libraries.
Yes, the MicroSD card slot uses the SPI interface, which requires dedicated pins for communication. You will need to ensure your project has enough available pins to support both the display and the card reader simultaneously.
Yes, the module is designed to handle an input voltage range of 3.3V to 5V. It includes onboard regulation, so it is safe to connect to standard 5V Arduino power rails.
This module uses true TFT technology, which provides significantly better color depth, higher contrast, and faster refresh rates. You will notice much smoother motion and more vibrant, accurate colors compared to older passive-matrix displays.
While the 1.8-inch TFT screen is bright and clear for indoor projects, it is not specifically rated for high-glare outdoor environments. It is best suited for desktop prototypes, handheld devices, or indoor data-logging applications.
The display features a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels. This provides a sharp, compact viewing area ideal for displaying text, icons, and simple graphical interfaces.
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