Inkplate 5 vs 6 vs 6FLICK: which model to choose

TECHNICAL SUPPORT Inkplate
1

Customer:

I’ve read through all of your Inkplate options and am excited to buy one, but which? The Comparisons Chart shows the 5 to be a winner over many metrics including price. What would I miss out on compared to the 6 or 6FLICK? If it’s relevant, I have some experience with Arduino.

Originally submitted via email support on 1 November 2024. Migrated to the forum for community visibility.

2

Soldered Support:

The 5 is less costly due to a combination of the e-Paper technology advancing and better panels existing for cheaper, and experience with designing these kinds of boards. The most updated models are:

Inkplate 5gen2 - has a slightly different panel than gen1 (see comparison table for details). Gen1 is discontinued but still supported.
Inkplate 6 - the same as it was.
Inkplate 6FLICK - a new iteration of 6PLUS.

A quick rundown on the features:

  • 6 is a bit of an older model but has a more square aspect ratio, which could be great for example a photo frame.
  • 5v2 has a ‘smartphone’ type feel when you hold it in your hand and has that narrower aspect ratio, which works well in a dashboard or something text-heavy, but can also be good for uncropped smartphone pictures.
  • 6FLICK is similar to 6, but with a touchscreen and backlight, which some users really love if they’re making an interactive UI for their Inkplate sketch.

All models have key features like: black and white and 3-bit grayscale, SD card, RTC, Wi-Fi, fast update and full update, GPIO expanders.

It all comes down to personal preference and what you’re going to use it for.