I’ve been using Arduino boards for a long time, mainly the Uno and Nano, and I’m now looking to try something new. Two options that caught my attention are the Raspberry Pi Pico and the ESP32.
From what I understand:
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The Pico is affordable, supports MicroPython and C/C++, and has decent performance.
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The ESP32 is more powerful, with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but might have a steeper learning curve.
I'm curious to know which one would be a better upgrade from Arduino in terms of flexibility.
If you prefer a board that maintains a workflow similar to the Arduino Uno or Nano, the Raspberry Pi Pico offers a familiar development experience. It supports both C/C++ and MicroPython, making it a great option for experimenting with new programming environments while retaining a simple and straightforward approach to hardware control.
Its Programmable I/O (PIO) feature also opens the door to custom protocol development and precise timing applications, which aren’t easily achievable on traditional Arduino boards.
On the other hand, if you're ready to explore more advanced capabilities such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, multitasking, or real-time data streaming, the ESP32 provides significantly more flexibility.
It supports multiple programming environments—including the Arduino IDE—while offering powerful hardware features like dual-core processing, built-in wireless communication, touch sensors, and high-resolution ADCs.
While the development process might initially seem more involved due to the richer feature set, the ESP32 is well-suited for complex or connected projects and offers long-term value for those interested in expanding their skill set.
Thank you so much for sharing the info.