ESP8266 Community Forum

Hi. Thanks for the info.

Just did some research, here is what i found: (mainly about form factor)

http://sherry-aithinker.blogspot.co.at/ ... y-sgs.html

There are altogether 16 pin counts, The external size of the ESP-12S WiFi module is 24mm*16mm*3mm.

http://electrodragon.com/product/esp-12 ... e-esp8266/

* Based on ESP8266 wifi IC
* Fully compatible with forepast versions ESP-12E, or ESP12F
* FCC & CE & RoHS all passed
* Further improved antenna design, better signal performance

Note: They sell the ESP-12S for only $2.40! (This is even cheaper then a lot of 10 at aliexpress right now)

http://tronixlabs.com.au/esp8266/esp826 ... australia/

This has an improved PCB layout and offers better radio performance over the ESP-12F.
Note that the ESP12S doesn't have the SPI pins at the bottom of the board (see the pinout below). You can use these with our SMD adaptor boards.

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Conclusion:
I might look like a smaller(width) ESP-12 but it's exactly the same as the ESP-12. It has the same physical dimensions and pinout. The breakout pads of the module are now smaller (no more holes, just castellations). This led to a bigger(width) metal housing which probably causes the illusion of a smaller module.


PS: Just saw that they also improved the ESP-07 (ESP-07S).
http://sherry-aithinker.blogspot.co.at/

I just got my 12S the mail... You're right, they are the same size, it is just an illusion. I think it is a tad harder to hand solder. It otherwise seems to work the same. It might be my imagination, but the blue LED seems a little different somehow, like smoother looking in operation.

The ESP-7S is a neat looking module if you need the antenna.

Is it really smaller? It would seem odd for them to change the size. My thought is that the can is bigger and taking up the difference in space. I would hate for it to be a different size as I have boards designed with the ESP-12(E) footprint.

It's the same size. It fit my development board designed for the 12F just fine.