Hey everyone! I've been on the hunt for the perfect flip phone, but it feels like there's always something that doesn't fit right. Ideally, I'd love to take a regular flip phone and modify it to run Android 11 or higher so I can still use essential apps like WhatsApp and Uber. I haven't found anyone who's done this yet and I'm wondering if I just haven't searched the right terms. The thought of changing a Blackberry's internals by buying separate parts sounds super cool to me! I was originally eyeing the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip but getting it delivered to Brazil has been tricky, plus I'm worried about it running Android 11 – what if they suddenly stop supporting it? I know this might seem a bit silly, but I hope it makes sense!
2 Answers
You might want to check out Arduino; they have a GSM hat that could be a nice starting point for DIY projects like this. Also, there’s a company called Kite that offers open hardware smartphone kits which could provide a solid foundation. Try starting with a basic smartphone kit to learn what components you'll need—this will prepare you for tackling a project like building a customized flip phone later on! While I'm personally sticking with commercially available phones, I'm excited for you and hope you find the right resources for your project!
Building your own phone sounds really ambitious, and you're right that it isn't an easy task. Unfortunately, you can't just mix and match parts from different devices and expect them to work together seamlessly. I really recommend just saving up for the phone you want instead of trying to piece one together; the hassles and costs can really add up. If it's hard to find in Brazil, consider looking internationally and maybe you can convince the seller to mark it as a 'gift' to avoid import fees!