Brand
M5StackReference Price
$65 US reference; official store out of stock when checked
Reference price; regional pricing and bundles may differ.
Tools Details
Product type
ESP32-S3 e-paper development terminal with touch, NFC and LoRa
Core function
Programmable low-power reader, signage, access interface and connected status-display platform
Power / battery
Built-in 1150mAh battery; USB-C 5V input; runtime is not specified and depends on firmware and radio/display use
Key Facts
Display / input
3.97-inch SSD1677 monochrome e-paper, 480 × 800, four-level grayscale, FT6336G touch and integrated frontlight
Controller / memory
ESP32-S3R8, dual-core LX7 up to 240MHz, 16MB flash and 8MB PSRAM
Connectivity
2.4GHz Wi-Fi; SX1262 LoRa radio covering 868–923MHz; built-in FPC antenna
NFC
ST25R3916 supporting ISO14443A/B, FeliCa and ISO15693
Expansion / sensors
microSD, BMI270 six-axis IMU, RX8130CE RTC, PDM microphone, buzzer, RGB LED and M5IOE1 IO expander
Firmware
Official UiFlow2 and Arduino tutorials; M5Stack links downloadable CrossPoint e-reader firmware
Reference price / availability
US$65 on the official US store; SKU C153 displayed Out Of Stock on 2026-10-10. Recheck regional price and stock.
Product Overview
PaperMono C153 pairs a 3.97-inch, 480 × 800 four-level grayscale e-paper touchscreen with an ESP32-S3R8, frontlight, microSD, a 1150mAh battery, NFC and an SX1262 LoRa radio. It is a development board for custom readers, signs and connected status displays—not a finished consumer e-reader. The official US store listed it at $65 but showed the SKU out of stock when checked October 10, 2026.
What Stands Out
Unlike a display-only module, PaperMono integrates touch, lighting, storage, battery and both near-field and long-range radio hardware. M5Stack also documents Arduino and UiFlow2 paths and links firmware for the CrossPoint reader project.
Why It Matters
PaperMono makes a low-power display stack into an identifiable platform for bespoke interfaces: a maker can build a reader, information panel or connected badge without assembling each hardware layer from separate modules.
Best For
Embedded developers and makers building custom e-paper readers, signage, NFC interfaces or low-power status displays.
Not For
Readers seeking a finished e-reader with a content store, or anyone expecting a consumer appliance that works without firmware and project setup.
Things to Know
The official US product page listed SKU C153 at $65 and showed Out Of Stock when checked October 10, 2026. Confirm current stock, regional price, shipping and support before ordering.
This is standard PaperMono C153 with NFC and SX1262 LoRa. PaperMono-Lite removes both radios; confirm the exact SKU rather than transferring features between versions.
The display is four-level grayscale, not a color panel. Software refresh mode and screen content affect update time; M5Stack recommends periodic full refreshes after partial updates to manage ghosting.
Custom external e-paper waveforms require correct DC balance; M5Stack warns incorrect use can permanently damage the panel. Use the documented panel guidance and verify the firmware path before building around rapid updates.
LoRa is specified across 868–923MHz. Check local radio rules and regional frequency configuration; the presence of LoRa hardware alone does not establish compatibility with a particular network or firmware.
Arduino, UiFlow2 and CrossPoint firmware are software paths, not a finished reading service. Plan time for flashing, configuration and project-specific testing.
Sources
M5Stack PaperMono C153 official product page
shop.m5stack.com
Covers
Exact SKU C153, current US price/stock display, hardware, package and explicit PaperMono versus PaperMono-Lite comparison.
M5Stack PaperMono official documentation
docs.m5stack.com
Covers
Model-specific hardware, tutorials, CrossPoint firmware, display refresh modes, ghosting and waveform/DC-balance precautions.
M5Stack PaperMono launch article
shop.m5stack.com
Covers
Launch context, product role, Lite distinction and software/project framing.
CNX Software PaperMono overview
cnx-software.com
Covers
Independent specialist context on the board, configuration and availability; not used to override current official stock status.
Other e-paper devices
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