Which 7 Inch Display Works Best with Raspberry Pi 4?

Content Menu

● Understanding the Importance of a 7-Inch Display for Raspberry Pi 4

● Official Raspberry Pi 7-Inch Touch Display

>> Overview and Features

>> Pros and Cons

>> Use Cases

● SunFounder TS-7 Pro 7-Inch Touchscreen Display

>> Overview and Features

>> Pros and Cons

>> Use Cases

● WIMAXIT M728 7-Inch IPS Touchscreen Monitor

>> Overview and Features

>> Pros and Cons

>> Use Cases

● ROADOM 7-Inch Touch Display

>> Overview and Features

>> Pros and Cons

>> Use Cases

● Comparison of Key Features

● Powering and Connectivity Considerations

● Troubleshooting Common Issues

● Conclusion

● FAQ

>> 1. What is the resolution of the official Raspberry Pi 7-inch touchscreen?

>> 2. Can I use the official 7-inch touchscreen and an HDMI monitor simultaneously on Raspberry Pi 4?

>> 3. How do I power a 7-inch touchscreen with Raspberry Pi 4 safely?

>> 4. What touch technology is used in these 7-inch displays?

>> 5. How can I troubleshoot flickering or unresponsive touchscreen issues?

● Citations

The Raspberry Pi 4, with its enhanced processing power and versatile connectivity options, has become a popular choice for hobbyists, educators, and professionals alike. To fully leverage its capabilities, pairing it with a high-quality display is essential, especially when portability and interactivity are desired. Among various options, 7-inch displays strike a perfect balance between size, usability, and cost. This article explores the best 7-inch displays compatible with the Raspberry Pi 4, comparing their features, performance, and suitability for different projects.

Understanding the Importance of a 7-Inch Display for Raspberry Pi 4

A 7-inch display offers a compact yet sufficiently large screen for many Raspberry Pi applications, including portable computing, media centers, IoT dashboards, and embedded projects. The size is ideal for handheld devices or setups where space is limited, while still providing enough screen real estate for comfortable interaction.

The Raspberry Pi 4 supports various display interfaces, including HDMI and DSI (Display Serial Interface). Choosing a display that seamlessly integrates with these interfaces and offers good touch functionality can significantly enhance the user experience.

Official Raspberry Pi 7-Inch Touch Display

Overview and Features

The official Raspberry Pi 7-inch Touch Display is a capacitive touchscreen designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi family. It features an 800 x 480 pixel resolution and supports true multi-touch with up to 10 fingers simultaneously. The display connects via the DSI port, which allows for a clean and efficient connection without occupying the HDMI port, keeping it free for other uses.

This display is powered directly from the Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins, eliminating the need for an additional power supply. It supports the Raspberry Pi OS with built-in drivers for touch functionality, including an on-screen keyboard, enabling full operation without external peripherals.

Pros and Cons

The official display is guaranteed to work seamlessly with Raspberry Pi 4 and is supported by official software updates, ensuring long-term compatibility. Its integration with the Pi's hardware and software stack makes it the most straightforward option for beginners and those seeking reliability.

However, the 800 x 480 resolution is relatively low compared to other 7-inch displays, which may affect the clarity of detailed images or text. Additionally, the DSI connection is not available on Raspberry Pi Zero models, limiting compatibility.

Use Cases

This display is ideal for educational projects, simple interactive kiosks, and compact tablet-like devices where official support and ease of setup are priorities[1][2][4].

SunFounder TS-7 Pro 7-Inch Touchscreen Display

Overview and Features

The SunFounder TS-7 Pro is a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with a higher resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels, offering a sharper and more vibrant display compared to the official Raspberry Pi screen. It uses an HDMI interface for video and USB for touch input, making it compatible with Raspberry Pi 4 and other devices.

This display includes built-in dual speakers, physical buttons for volume and brightness control, and a protective cover with a stand, enhancing portability and usability. The TS-7 Pro also reserves a mounting position for a 2.5-inch hard drive or SSD, allowing users to expand storage conveniently.

Pros and Cons

The higher resolution and IPS panel technology provide better viewing angles and image quality. The inclusion of speakers and physical controls adds multimedia functionality out of the box.

On the downside, the HDMI and USB connections require more cables and potentially more power sources than the official DSI display. The setup is slightly more complex but still manageable for users familiar with Raspberry Pi peripherals.

Use Cases

This display suits multimedia projects, portable Raspberry Pi computers, and setups requiring better image quality and audio output, such as media players or gaming consoles[3][11][13].

WIMAXIT M728 7-Inch IPS Touchscreen Monitor

Overview and Features

The WIMAXIT M728 is a budget-friendly 7-inch IPS touchscreen display with a 1024 x 600 resolution and a 6H hardness tempered glass surface. It supports plug-and-play operation with Raspberry Pi 4 via HDMI and USB for touch control, requiring no additional driver installation.

The screen offers a 178-degree wide viewing angle, ensuring clear visibility from different positions. It is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows and Linux distributions, making it versatile beyond Raspberry Pi applications.

Pros and Cons

This display provides excellent value with its high resolution, good build quality, and ease of use. The tempered glass adds durability, and the wide compatibility broadens its usability.

However, it lacks integrated speakers and physical controls, which may require additional peripherals for a complete multimedia experience.

Use Cases

Ideal for users seeking an affordable, high-quality touchscreen for general-purpose Raspberry Pi projects, including portable devices and embedded systems[8][7].

ROADOM 7-Inch Touch Display

Overview and Features

The ROADOM 7-inch touch display offers a capacitive screen with a 1024 x 600 resolution and built-in stereo speakers. It comes with a pre-attached stand and allows mounting the Raspberry Pi to the back, creating a neat all-in-one unit.

The display connects via HDMI and USB for touch input and supports the latest Raspberry Pi models, including the Pi 4. Its capacitive touch supports multiple touch points for interactive applications.

Pros and Cons

The integrated speakers and included stand make this display a convenient option for multimedia and portable projects. The ability to mount the Pi on the back reduces clutter and improves portability.

The display is slightly more expensive than some alternatives, and the overall design may be bulkier due to the stand.

Use Cases

Best suited for users who want an all-in-one solution with audio capabilities for entertainment systems, kiosks, or portable computing[15].

Comparison of Key Features

Powering and Connectivity Considerations

When using a 7-inch touchscreen with the Raspberry Pi 4, power management is crucial. The Pi 4 requires a stable 5V 3A power supply, and the touchscreen itself draws additional current (typically around 450-470mA). Using an official Raspberry Pi power supply or a high-quality equivalent is recommended to avoid undervoltage issues.

The official Raspberry Pi 7-inch display connects via the DSI port and is powered through GPIO pins, simplifying wiring. HDMI-based displays require separate HDMI and USB connections for video and touch input, respectively, which can add complexity but offer higher resolution and broader compatibility.

It is generally not possible to use HDMI output and the official DSI touchscreen simultaneously, but HDMI-based touchscreens do not have this limitation. Proper cable connections and securing ribbon cables are essential to prevent flickering or display issues[5][6][14].

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Users may encounter issues such as screen flickering, touch unresponsiveness, or display not showing the desktop. Common troubleshooting steps include:

- Ensuring all cables, especially ribbon cables and connectors, are firmly and correctly connected.

- Using the latest Raspberry Pi OS and updating all software packages.

- Verifying that the power supply meets the current requirements.

- Checking configuration files to enable touchscreen drivers and adjust display settings.

- Avoiding the use of HDMI and DSI displays simultaneously unless supported by specific software[6][9][14].

Conclusion

Choosing the best 7-inch display for the Raspberry Pi 4 depends on your specific needs and project requirements. The official Raspberry Pi 7-inch Touch Display offers simplicity, guaranteed compatibility, and ease of use, making it ideal for beginners and educational projects. For users seeking higher resolution, better image quality, and multimedia features, options like the SunFounder TS-7 Pro and WIMAXIT M728 provide excellent alternatives with HDMI connectivity and IPS panels.

If integrated audio and a neat all-in-one design are priorities, the ROADOM 7-inch Touch Display stands out as a compelling choice. Regardless of the display selected, ensuring proper power supply and connectivity will enhance performance and reliability.

By carefully considering resolution, touch capabilities, interface type, and additional features, you can select the 7-inch display that best complements your Raspberry Pi 4 and elevates your project experience.

FAQ

1. What is the resolution of the official Raspberry Pi 7-inch touchscreen?

The official Raspberry Pi 7-inch touchscreen has a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, which is lower than many third-party 7-inch displays but sufficient for many basic applications[1][2].

2. Can I use the official 7-inch touchscreen and an HDMI monitor simultaneously on Raspberry Pi 4?

No, the official 7-inch touchscreen uses the DSI port and generally cannot be used simultaneously with an HDMI monitor, except in specific cases with software like OMXPlayer. HDMI-based touchscreens do not have this limitation[4][5].

3. How do I power a 7-inch touchscreen with Raspberry Pi 4 safely?

Use a high-quality 5V 3A power supply (official or equivalent) to power both the Raspberry Pi 4 and the touchscreen. The official display draws power from the Pi's GPIO pins, while HDMI touchscreens may require separate power inputs. Avoid powering the Pi and display from unstable sources to prevent undervoltage and overheating[5].

4. What touch technology is used in these 7-inch displays?

Most 7-inch Raspberry Pi displays use capacitive touch technology, supporting multi-touch points ranging from 5 to 10 fingers, providing smooth and responsive touch interaction[1][3][7].

5. How can I troubleshoot flickering or unresponsive touchscreen issues?

Check all cable connections, especially ribbon cables and USB connectors, ensure the power supply is adequate, update the Raspberry Pi OS and drivers, and verify touchscreen drivers are enabled. Sometimes replacing cables or adjusting configuration files resolves these issues[6][14].

Citations

[1] https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-touch-display/

[2] https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/raspberry-pi-7-touchscreen-display-with-frame

[3] https://the-gadgeteer.com/2022/07/17/sunfounder-raspberry-pi-7-inch-touchscreen-review/

[4] https://forums.pimoroni.com/t/official-7-raspberry-pi-touch-screen-faq/959

[5] https://www.reshine-display.com/how-to-power-a-raspberry-pi-with-a-7-inch-touchscreen-safely.html

[6] https://raspberrypi.stackexchange.com/questions/81851/steps-for-troubleshooting-7-inch-touch-display-issues

[7] https://www.kubii.com/en/displays-supports/3789-7-inch-capacitive-lcd-touch-screen-for-raspberry-3272496312562.html

[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOQP38PE1Fw

[9] https://tutorials-raspberrypi.com/tips-tricks-faq-official-7-raspberry-pi-touchscreen/

[10] https://forums.raspberrypi.com/viewtopic.php?t=293877

[11] https://how2electronics.com/best-7-inch-raspberry-pi-touch-screen-display-setup/

[12] https://thepihut.com/blogs/raspberry-pi-tutorials/raspberry-pi-7-touch-screen-assembly-guide

[13] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSN4XabOAOM

[14] https://raspberrypi.stackexchange.com/questions/113111/raspberry-pi-4-7inch-hdmi-touchscreen-issues

[15] https://www.xda-developers.com/best-display-raspberry-pi/

[16] https://thepihut.com/collections/raspberry-pi-screens

[17] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-eCYlhulrg

[18] https://forums.raspberrypi.com/viewtopic.php?t=350422

[19] https://osoyoo.com/2024/05/15/osoyoo-7-ips-touch-screen-for-raspberry-pi/

[20] https://screenextendershub.com/7-inch-raspberry-pi-screen-review/

[21] https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/accessories/display.html

[22] https://forums.raspberrypi.com/viewtopic.php?t=2655

[23] https://shop.nxez.com/product/raspberry-pi-7-inch-touchscreen-display/

[24] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J69-bxOSMC8

[25] https://docs.sunfounder.com/projects/ts-7c/en/latest/settings_for_raspberry_pi.html

[26] https://tutorials-raspberrypi.com/review-of-the-7-raspberry-pi-touchscreen-display/

[27] https://hken.rs-online.com/web/p/raspberry-pi-screens/8997466

[28] https://community.volumio.com/t/raspberry-pi-4-7-inch-touch-screen-display-volumio/47729

[29] https://forums.raspberrypi.com/viewtopic.php?t=274856

[30] https://forums.raspberrypi.com/viewtopic.php?t=325973

[31] https://www.reshine-display.com/is-the-raspberry-pi-7-inch-touchscreen-compatible-with-all-models.html

[32] https://raspberrypi.stackexchange.com/questions/tagged/touchscreen

[33] https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-touch-display/

[34] https://forums.adafruit.com/viewtopic.php?t=171999

[35] https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/how-to-add-a-raspberry-pi-7-inch-display-to-radxa-rock-single-board-computers

[36] https://askubuntu.com/questions/1238818/ubuntu-20-04-raspberry-pi-4-4gb-official-7-screen-no-touch

[37] https://learn.littlebirdelectronics.com.au/guides/7-inch-lcd-touch-screen-with-raspberry-pi