Quick value: why Communica for display pricing
Need the right display at a predictable local price and the parts to make it work? Communica keeps thousands of display modules and accessories in stock for makers, students and engineers across South Africa - with practical pricing transparency, branch pickup from Samrand or Pretoria CBD, and VAT invoicing for institution purchases. That means you can compare a 0.96 OLED, a 2.8 TFT, or a 7.0" HDMI panel side-by-side and order with confidence.
What you get at a glance
We surface prices alongside key specs so you can judge suitability quickly: display type, resolution, interface (SPI/I2C/Parallel/HDMI), voltage, backlight requirements, and commonly compatible controller boards. For teaching labs and prototyping we highlight quantities and lead times to help with budgeting and schedules.
- Local stock visibility and branch pickup - check Samrand availability before you commit.
- Accessory bundles: cables, level shifters, mounting frames and touch digitizers grouped for easy ordering.
- Specification callouts so you pick displays that work with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, STM32 and common dev boards.
Compare common display categories
Use the table below to compare typical modules and price drivers. Prices vary with resolution, interface and brand; use our filters on the product index to refine by exact model.
| Type | Typical Size | Interface | Price Driver |
|---|
| Character LCD | 16x2, 20x4 | Parallel, I2C backpacks | Backlight, adapter PCB |
| Graphic OLED | 0.96"-1.5" | I2C, SPI | Resolution, monochrome contrast |
| TFT LCD | 1.8"-3.5" | SPI, 8/16-bit parallel | Touch panel, frame |
| Large HDMI / LVDS | 5"-10"+ | HDMI, LVDS | Panel grade, controller board |
| ePaper | 1.44"-7.5" | SPI | Colour vs mono, refresh controller |
Specification callouts - what affects price
When evaluating price, prioritise the specs that matter in your application:
- Interface complexity - parallel and HDMI controllers add cost versus SPI/I2C modules.
- Touch digitizer - adds both hardware and driver complexity; capacitive touch is pricier than resistive.
- Brightness and backlight control - automotive or outdoor projects need higher-brightness panels.
- Mechanical extras - bezel, mounting brackets, ribbon cables and adapter boards are common add-ons.
If you want to browse models, start from our Collections (shop by category) or scan every product via the All Products index to compare live prices and stock levels.
Compatibility and quick checks
Before you order, confirm these compatibility points to avoid returns:
- Voltage and logic levels - many small modules are 3.3V; use level shifters for 5V systems.
- Driver support - check if libraries exist for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or your MCU.
- Connector pinout - ribbon cables and FFC pitch must match your controller board.
If you need advice, our product pages show brand information and common pairings - see brands at Shop by Brand.
Practical examples, wiring and accessories
Here are three real-world setups with likely price ranges and recommended accessories so you can plan costs and build time.
1) Small OLED for sensor display (prototype)
Common choice: 0.96" 128x64 monochrome OLED, I2C. Budget items: module, 4-pin FFC cable or jumper leads, header or PCB adapter. Typical accessory bundle: level shifter (if using 5V host), female header set. Works well with Arduino Nano or Raspberry Pi Pico.
2) 3.5" TFT touch for handheld UI
Common choice: 320x480 TFT with resistive or capacitive touch and SPI/parallel interface. Expect to add a touch controller board and flat flex cable. Consider a small power regulator if your battery system is higher than 5V.
3) 7" HDMI display for Raspberry Pi projects
Typical components: HDMI panel with included controller board and HDMI cable. Check if the panel needs a separate 12V supply or draws power over a micro-USB input. Bundles often include a case or mounting frame for quick lab deployment.
Simple wiring reference (ASCII)
SPI OLED to MCU (example):
MCU(3.3V) ----- OLED(3.3V)
MOSI(SPI) ----- SDA
SCLK ----- SCL
GND ----- GND
RESET ----- RST
CS ----- CS
Always check pinout on the product page and use a multimeter to confirm connections before powering the module.
Objections handled: stock, lead times and pricing transparency
Concerned about availability? We publish branch stock and lead-time cues on product pages - if local stock is limited you can request a quote for larger quantities and expected arrival. Need an institutional VAT invoice or pro-forma for a purchase order? Our Samrand head office handles quotations and invoicing for education and procurement teams. Check branch hours and locations to collect orders faster at Branches & Trading Hours.
Worried about compatibility with a specific board? Use our product listings and community-tested notes, or ask for a quoted pairing - we show suggested controllers and common accessories on many pages to reduce guesswork.
Summary - how to decide right now
Start by filtering by interface and size on the Collections, note stock at Samrand, and add recommended accessory bundles for a working prototype. For bulk or lab purchases request a quote so a specialist can confirm lead times and supply options.
Communica’s range - from hobby OLEDs to larger HDMI panels and ePaper - is organised to make price comparisons and compatibility checks fast. If you prefer, start at our homepage to browse featured displays and current promotions.
Ready to compare specs, check stock in Samrand or request a tailored quote for classroom or production needs? Use our product pages to build a basket, or request a quote for bulk purchases - we’ll confirm availability and invoice requirements promptly.