The Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32S3 Sense is an ultra-compact, high-performance development board that combines the power of the ESP32-S3 dual-core processor with an integrated camera sensor and digital microphone, making it the ideal tool for embedded machine learning, intelligent voice and vision AI applications .
Powered by the ESP32-S3R8 chip featuring an Xtensa LX7 dual-core 32-bit processor running at up to 240 MHz, this board delivers exceptional computing power for demanding edge AI tasks . It includes 8MB PSRAM and 8MB Flash on-chip, providing ample memory for complex programs, neural network models, and data buffering .
The Sense variant stands out with its integrated detachable OV3660 camera sensor capable of 2048×1536 resolution, supporting intelligent vision applications such as object detection, image classification, and video monitoring . A digital microphone is also built in for voice sensing, audio recognition, and sound-triggered applications . The board also features an onboard SD card slot supporting up to 32GB FAT memory for local data logging and storage .
Wireless connectivity includes a complete 2.4GHz Wi-Fi subsystem and Bluetooth 5.0 / Bluetooth Mesh, with support for 100m+ remote communication when connected to the included U.FL antenna . The board also includes lithium battery charge management, allowing standalone battery-powered operation for portable and wearable projects .
The XIAO ESP32S3 Sense maintains the classic thumb-sized 21 × 17.8mm form factor, making it suitable for space-constrained projects like wearables and compact IoT devices . It supports Arduino IDE and MicroPython development, and works with SenseCraft AI for no-code deployment of pre-trained AI models .
With its powerful processor, built-in camera and microphone, and ultra-compact design, the XIAO ESP32S3 Sense is the ultimate tool for getting started with intelligent voice and vision AI . It is suitable for individual makers, students, and businesses purchasing in bulk for product development or educational programs.
Features
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Powerful MCU: ESP32-S3R8 dual-core Xtensa LX7 32-bit processor, up to 240 MHz, Arduino/MicroPython supported
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Advanced Functionality: Detachable OV3660 camera sensor for 2048×1536 resolution, compatible with OV5640; integrated digital microphone
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Great Memory: 8MB PSRAM + 8MB Flash on-chip, plus onboard SD card slot supporting 32GB FAT memory
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Outstanding RF Performance: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and BLE 5.0 dual wireless communication, 100m+ range with U.FL antenna
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Thumb-Sized Compact Design: 21 × 17.8mm XIAO form factor, ideal for wearables and space-limited projects
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Battery Charge Support: Built-in lithium battery charge management for portable applications
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SenseCraft AI Ready: Pre-trained AI models for no-code deployment
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Rich Interface: 1× UART, 1× IIC, 1× IIS, 1× SPI, 11× GPIO (PWM), 9× ADC, 1× B2B connector (with 2 additional GPIOs)
Technical Specifications
Usage
Getting Started (Arduino IDE)
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Install Arduino IDE: Download and install the latest version from the official website
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Add board support: Add the following URL in Arduino IDE Preferences: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/espressif/arduino-esp32/gh-pages/package_esp32_index.json
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Select the board: Choose XIAO_ESP32S3 from the board list; set Flash Size to “8MB (64Mb)” and PSRAM to “OPI PSRAM”
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Install the antenna: Connect the included 2.4GHz antenna to the onboard U.FL connector for best signal
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Install expansion board (Sense): Align the B2B connector on the expansion board with the XIAO, press firmly until you hear a “click”
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Upload your program: Use the Blink example to verify operation. The onboard orange LED (GPIO21) will blink when the program runs
Entering BootLoader Mode
If the board is not recognized or upload fails:
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Press and hold the BOOT button
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Connect to your computer via USB data cable while holding BOOT
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Release the BOOT button after connection
Battery Usage
The XIAO ESP32S3 Sense supports 3.7V lithium battery power and charging. When connecting a battery, observe polarity: negative terminal near the USB port, positive terminal away from the USB port . The red charge LED indicates charging status: flashes when charging, turns off when fully charged .
Typical Applications
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Embedded Machine Learning: Image processing, speech recognition, video monitoring
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Wearable Devices: Compact size and battery support for portable AI applications
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Smart Home: Camera and microphone for intelligent sensing and automation
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Health Monitoring: Vision and audio AI for health tracking applications
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Low-Power IoT Networking: Battery-powered wireless sensor nodes
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Rapid Prototyping: Space-constrained AI vision and voice projects
Notes for Business Buyers
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Production-ready SMD design: No components on back, standardized stamp holes for commercial PCBA integration
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Ultra-low power consumption: 14 µA deep sleep enables long battery life for portable products
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SenseCraft AI ecosystem: Pre-trained models and no-code deployment accelerate product development
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Suitable for bulk purchasing: Ideal for IoT product development, AI edge devices, and educational programs
Q: What is the Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32S3 Sense used for?
It is an ultra-compact development board designed for embedded machine learning, intelligent voice and vision AI, wearables, smart home devices, and space-constrained IoT applications .
Q: What makes the Sense version different from the standard XIAO ESP32S3?
The Sense version adds a detachable OV3660 camera sensor (2048×1536), a digital microphone, and an onboard SD card slot for local storage .
Q: What camera sensor does the XIAO ESP32S3 Sense include?
It includes an OV3660 camera sensor for 2048×1536 resolution. It is compatible with the OV5640 camera sensor for higher resolution . Note: OV2640 was discontinued, and current shipments use OV3660 .
Q: Is the XIAO ESP32S3 Sense compatible with the Arduino IDE?
Yes. Install the ESP32 board package and select XIAO_ESP32S3 from the board list. Set Flash Size to “8MB (64Mb)” and PSRAM to “OPI PSRAM” .
Q: What is the deep sleep current of this board?
The deep sleep current is approximately 14 µA, making it suitable for battery-powered applications requiring long operational life .
Q: Does this board support battery charging?
Yes. The board includes integrated lithium battery charge management supporting 3.7V LiPo batteries. Fast charge current is 50 mA; trickle charge is 3.8 mA .
Q: What is the communication range with the included antenna?
When connected to the included U.FL antenna, the board supports 100m+ remote communication .
Q: What interfaces does the XIAO ESP32S3 Sense provide?
It provides 1× UART, 1× IIC, 1× IIS, 1× SPI, 11× GPIO (PWM), 9× ADC, plus a B2B connector with 2 additional GPIOs through the expansion board .
Q: Is MicroPython supported?
Yes. The board supports Arduino IDE, MicroPython, and ESP-IDF development .
Q: Can I purchase in bulk for product development?
Yes. The XIAO ESP32S3 Sense is suitable for both individual users and business purchasing. Its production-ready SMD design and standardized stamp holes make it practical for commercial PCBA integration and volume deployment .
