Neither Android nor iOS: DIY Smartphone Runs on ESP32

7 hours ago

[LuckyBor] has created a homemade 4G smartphone using an ESP32-S3 and a simcom modem, capable of calling, texting, and web browsing.
The phone features a 3.5″ touchscreen, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and an OV2640 Arducam module for taking pictures.
Currently in alpha, the phone is a brick of layered modules, but [LuckyBor] plans to slim it down with a four-layer PCB and open-source the design.
The final version will include an SD-card adapter and support for user-installed apps via MicroPython.
The project aims to provide an open and private smartphone experience, contrasting with commercial phones that may have backdoors or spyware.
Discussions around the project highlight the potential for simple, open-source programs on such a platform, free from data collection.
The phone's replaceable battery and SD card support are noted as desirable features missing in many commercial phones.
The project is seen as a step towards reclaiming ownership and control over personal technology.

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