Small control panels can make a big difference in a smart home or DIY electronics project. Instead of relying entirely on smartphone apps or complicated touchscreen interfaces, a physical rotary controller offers a more direct way to adjust settings, navigate menus, and manage connected devices.
The NEXTION ONX2424G013 ESP32-S3 Smart Knob Screen takes this approach by combining a circular 1.28-inch IPS display, a programmable rotary encoder, and wireless connectivity in one compact development board. Built around the ESP32-S3 platform, it supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, and popular development environments such as Arduino IDE and ESP-IDF.
Available through Banggood, this device is aimed at makers, developers, and smart home enthusiasts who want to build customized control interfaces without assembling a display, microcontroller, and rotary input separately.
Rather than being a ready-made consumer smart home controller, the ONX2424G013 is a programmable hardware platform. Its main appeal lies in the flexibility to create a control interface that matches a particular project.
1.28-Inch Circular IPS Display with 240 × 240 Resolution
The first thing that distinguishes the NEXTION ONX2424G013 is its circular screen. It features a 1.28-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 240 × 240 pixels and support for 262K colors.
Unlike a conventional rectangular display, the round screen works particularly well with compact interfaces built around circular menus, rotating indicators, gauges, clocks, and status information.
The display also offers a rated brightness of 300 nits, making it suitable for many indoor control applications. Its GC9A01N display driver provides a foundation for developers creating custom graphical interfaces.
One important detail is that this model does not support touchscreen input. Instead, users interact with the interface through its physical rotary encoder and push-button function. This makes it more appropriate for projects where tactile control is preferred over touch gestures.
ESP32-S3 Processor for Flexible Development
At the heart of the ONX2424G013 is the ESP32-S3R8 microcontroller, featuring a dual-core 32-bit Xtensa LX7 processor with a maximum clock speed of 240MHz.
The development board also includes:
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16MB Flash storage
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8MB PSRAM
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512KB SRAM
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384KB ROM
This hardware configuration provides resources for running graphical interfaces, processing user input, and communicating with connected devices.
The ESP32-S3 platform is particularly attractive to DIY developers because of its broad software ecosystem. The ONX2424G013 supports ESP-IDF, Arduino ESP32, ESPHome, and LVGL-based development workflows.
For experienced programmers, this means the device can serve as the foundation for a customized embedded interface rather than being limited to a fixed factory application.
Developers interested in other compact devices powered by ESP32-S3 can also explore our DeepSeek XiaoZhi review, which demonstrates how this platform can support AI applications and smart home functions.
Rotary Encoder Makes Navigation More Intuitive
The integrated rotary knob is arguably the most important part of this development board. It supports clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, as well as a press action for confirming selections.
This three-way interaction gives developers more freedom when designing menus and control systems.
For example, a smart home interface could use rotation to adjust room temperature or lighting brightness, while pressing the knob confirms a selection. The same mechanism could also navigate music menus, switch between dashboard screens, or change operating parameters.
Because the controller uses a physical encoder rather than a touchscreen, it can provide tactile feedback during operation. This is useful for compact devices where users need to make adjustments without looking closely at the interface.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 for Wireless Projects
Connectivity is another important advantage of the NEXTION ONX2424G013.
The integrated ESP32-S3 platform supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 Low Energy, allowing the board to communicate with compatible wireless devices and smart home systems.
These wireless capabilities open up several possible applications:
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Smart Home Control: Create a customized interface for monitoring and controlling compatible smart home devices.
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Wireless Dashboard: Display information received from other devices over a network.
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IoT Projects: Build interactive interfaces for connected sensors and embedded electronics.
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Desktop Control Panel: Develop a compact interface for monitoring system information and adjusting settings.
For Home Assistant users, the board is particularly interesting because its OpenNextion development ecosystem includes an ESPHome-based demonstration that can display authorized Home Assistant entities and provide direct control.
However, wireless connectivity alone does not guarantee compatibility with every smart home platform. The required firmware, integrations, and device configuration still depend on the project.
Multiple Interfaces for Hardware Expansion
The ONX2424G013 is not limited to wireless communication. It also provides several physical connections for development and hardware expansion.
Its available interfaces include:
| Interface | Main Function |
|---|---|
| USB-C | 5V power, firmware flashing, and serial logging |
| UART | Communication with external hardware |
| 6 GPIO pins | Connecting compatible sensors and peripherals |
| BOOT button | Entering firmware download mode |
| RESET button | Restarting the development board |
The six general-purpose GPIO connections give developers room to integrate additional components, such as compatible sensors, indicator LEDs, and other electronic modules.
The USB-C connection is especially useful during development because it supports firmware installation, debugging, and power delivery.
The board operates from a 5V, 1A power supply. It also features three rear mounting holes, making it easier to incorporate into a custom enclosure or a larger DIY project.
Compatible with Arduino IDE, ESP-IDF, and LVGL
Software compatibility can determine whether a development board is worth considering, especially for users who already work with particular programming environments.
The NEXTION ONX2424G013 supports several widely used development platforms:
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Arduino IDE: Suitable for developers who prefer the familiar Arduino programming workflow.
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ESP-IDF: Provides access to the ESP32-S3 development framework and more advanced hardware functions.
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LVGL: Allows developers to create customized graphical interfaces, menus, indicators, and animated elements.
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ESPHome: Provides an option for integrating compatible projects with Home Assistant.
OpenNextion also provides an application platform with firmware examples and online flashing tools. Developers can select compatible examples, install firmware through a supported browser workflow, and test the display without necessarily building an entire application from scratch.
This is an important advantage for beginners. They can start with an existing demonstration, understand how the display and rotary encoder work, and gradually move toward more complicated projects.
What Can You Build with the NEXTION Smart Knob Screen?
The combination of a round LCD, physical rotary input, and wireless connectivity makes this board suitable for several different applications.
1. Smart Home Controller
One practical application is a compact smart home control panel. Users can design a circular interface for adjusting lighting, checking sensor readings, or controlling compatible Home Assistant devices.
2. Desktop Volume Controller
The rotary encoder can be programmed to adjust computer volume or other software settings. The screen can display the current value, connection status, or selected function.
3. Information Dashboard
Developers can build a small dashboard showing time, weather, cryptocurrency information, or other network-provided data. Community projects such as OnxDesk demonstrate how the hardware can be used for this type of application.
4. IoT Monitoring Interface
When connected to compatible sensors and external hardware, the board can display temperature readings, environmental information, and other measurements.
These are development possibilities rather than guaranteed built-in functions. Users will need suitable firmware, software configuration, and additional hardware where required.
NEXTION ONX2424G013 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | ONX2424G013 |
| Display Size | 1.28 inches |
| Display Type | Circular IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 240 × 240 pixels |
| Color Depth | 262K colors |
| Brightness | 300 nits |
| Display Driver | GC9A01N |
| Touchscreen | Not supported |
| Processor | ESP32-S3R8 |
| CPU | Dual-core Xtensa LX7, up to 240MHz |
| Flash | 16MB |
| PSRAM | 8MB |
| Wireless | 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5 LE |
| Input | Rotary encoder and push button |
| Interfaces | USB-C, UART, 6 GPIOs |
| Power Input | DC 5V/1A |
| Working Temperature | -20°C to 70°C |
Specifications are based on the manufacturer’s ONX2424G013 documentation.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Although the NEXTION ONX2424G013 offers a useful combination of hardware and development flexibility, it is important to understand what the product actually provides.
First, the circular display does not have touchscreen functionality. All normal interface navigation relies on the rotary encoder and its push action.
Second, this is a development board rather than a finished smart home controller. Users who want a ready-to-use device may need to spend time installing firmware, configuring wireless connections, and creating their preferred interface.
Third, the board does not include a waterproof enclosure. Anyone planning to install it in a humid environment or an exposed location should consider designing suitable protection.
Finally, developers should check the available firmware examples and hardware documentation before purchasing, particularly if they intend to connect external components or use a specific smart home platform.
For users exploring dedicated home automation interfaces, our smart home control panel review provides another example of how connected devices can simplify everyday smart home management.
Final Verdict: Is the NEXTION ONX2424G013 Worth Considering?
NEXTION ONX2424G013 is an interesting option for DIY electronics enthusiasts who want more than a basic ESP32 development board. Its combination of a 1.28-inch circular IPS display, integrated rotary encoder, ESP32-S3 processor, and wireless connectivity provides a convenient starting point for building custom control interfaces.
Its strongest advantage is the combination of physical interaction and programmable graphics. Instead of navigating everything through a smartphone, developers can create a dedicated knob-based interface for smart home automation, desktop controls, or IoT monitoring.
It is not necessarily the best choice for someone looking for a plug-and-play consumer product. However, for makers familiar with Arduino, ESP-IDF, or ESPHome, the ONX2424G013 offers a compact platform with considerable customization potential.