Launched: Compact 5-inch Touch Display 2 by Raspberry Pi - Smaller Size, Affordable Price, Maintaining Same Resolution as Larger Version
The Raspberry Pi Touch Display 2 comes in two sizes, offering a choice between a 5-inch and a 7-inch display. Despite their differences in size, viewing angle, price, and physical design, both versions share most core specifications.
Shared Specifications
Both displays boast the same resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels in portrait mode, a 24-bit RGB TFT panel with anti-glare, and a brightness of 500 cd/m² LED backlight. They also feature a 5-point capacitive multi-touch panel and are powered via the Raspberry Pi's 5V GPIO header through a MIPI DSI ribbon cable.
Key Differences
The primary differences lie in their size and viewing angle. The 7-inch display offers a larger screen area, while the 5-inch model is designed for more compact, flush-mount, or embedded installations. The viewing angle of the 7-inch display is slightly wider at 85° compared to the 80° of the 5-inch display.
In terms of price, the 7-inch display retails for $60, while the 5-inch version is priced at $40, making it $20 cheaper.
Compatibility and Use Cases
Both versions connect to the Raspberry Pi's MIPI DSI port and draw power from the 40-pin GPIO header. They are compatible with all Raspberry Pi boards from 1B+ onward, excluding the Raspberry Pi Zero and Pico series due to their lack of a DSI port.
The 7-inch display is better suited for general use where a larger screen is preferred, such as tablets, entertainment systems, or dashboards. On the other hand, the 5-inch display is ideal for compact and embedded projects like museum labels, retail point-of-sale terminals, smart home control panels, or embedded chasses where a smaller footprint and thin bezel are beneficial.
Conclusion
The 5-inch Raspberry Pi Touch Display 2 offers the same resolution, touch functionality, and integration as the 7-inch model but in a smaller form factor with a narrower viewing angle and a $20 lower price. The 7-inch remains preferable when larger display area or slightly better viewing angles are important. Both displays exclude Raspberry Pi Zero compatibility due to DSI interface requirements and use the GPIO header for power, affecting HAT stacking.
This comparison is based on specifications and analysis from multiple official and tech review sources as of August 2025. The Touch Display 2 is a reliable and simple means to create a touch screen, suitable for various projects requiring a touch screen, such as creating a Star Trek-inspired touch input or small screens for Pi projects. The new 5-inch Touch Display 2 will be available via Raspberry Pi resellers for $40.
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