You've spent hours planning your project, choosing the right board and getting the software ready. Now comes another decision: which touchscreen should you buy? It's easy to get stuck here. Some screens look great but don't support your setup. Others have the right size but lack the touch features you need.
If you're comparing displays for Raspberry Pi, don't focus on screen size alone. Think about how you'll use the display every day. For instance, a 5-inch resistive touch LCD may work well for a workshop control panel, while a finger-operated screen may suit a smart kiosk.
Glove-Friendly, Finger-Friendly or Stylus: How Are They Touched?
Different displays react differently to touch. The resistive display reacts to the touch pressure, meaning that it can be used with gloves, a stylus or your fingers.
This feature is useful for building machinery and portable devices. At the same time, the capacitive display is designed to be touched by a finger and will suit dashboards, kiosks and similar projects.
Which 5-Inch Display Should Be Purchased?
A smaller display can provide you with many opportunities, depending on its design and your layout.
Thus, the 5-inch resistive touch LCD (G) offers 800×480 resolution and an HDMI interface. You can consider it for your workshop, learning and control panels.
The 5-inch HDMI LCD (H) has the same resolution, but it uses capacitive touch technology. Such displays are compatible with selected models of Raspberry Pi and Jetson boards.
Touch support for the display can vary depending on the operating system. Do not forget about this factor before placing an order.
Why Would You Purchase a Larger Display?
It does not necessarily have to be large just because you are buying a larger display. If your project will be showing temperature readings or a few buttons, a compact display will do the job.
On the other hand, larger displays for Raspberry Pi can help with camera preview and menus in detail. There are options such as 7-inch QLED, 8-inch DSI and 10.1-inch displays.
Do not forget about the fact that HDMI and DSI interfaces are incompatible. Therefore, you need to check whether your board supports the particular display.
Things to Consider Before Spending Money
First of all, determine the exact board model and operating system.
Next, check the interface, power consumption and touch drivers for the display.
For projects with a Jetson board, it does not necessarily mean that every screen will work with any version of the board. It is better to find out the supported hardware and software first.
In addition, you need to measure the display size for mounting. The display which works electronically needs to be placed into the housing too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between resistive and capacitive touch screens?
A resistive screen responds to pressure, so you can use it with gloves, a stylus or a finger. A capacitive screen is designed for finger touch and suits dashboards and kiosks.
Which Waveshare 5-inch display should I buy?
The 5-inch resistive touch LCD (G) has 800×480 resolution and HDMI, and suits workshops, learning and control panels. The 5-inch HDMI LCD (H) has the same resolution but uses capacitive touch.
Can I use an HDMI display on a DSI port?
No. HDMI and DSI interfaces are not interchangeable, so confirm which one your board supports.
What should I check before buying a touchscreen?
Check your exact board model and OS, the display interface, power consumption and touch drivers. Also measure the display for mounting in your enclosure.
Where can I buy Waveshare touchscreens in India?
Tanna TechBiz supplies Waveshare displays in India.
Conclusion
The display you will purchase actually depends on the project itself. The 5-inch resistive touch LCD suits for pressure touch displays. On the other hand, displays for Raspberry Pi can help with finger-based touch menus.
Tanna TechBiz provides Waveshare touchscreen options in India.
October 27, 2026
