Hey everyone! I'm about to start my final year in electronics and communication engineering and I have a project due soon. I've got this dream of creating a smartphone prototype. I've got around 10 months and I'm ready to fully commit to this project. My question is: is this actually achievable? If not, what's the best I can aim for within those constraints? I also have a limited budget. I've done some basics like designing simple PCB layouts, and I'm comfortable with Linux, but I want to keep this project straightforward. Any advice?
3 Answers
You should definitely look for datasheets for the main chips found in smartphones. This is crucial because if you can't find these, creating a prototype might be tough.
If you're in the U.S., be aware that tariffs can hike up costs. Before you dive in, think about what specific features you want in your prototype—what components you'll need, and whether you have skills in PCB design and firmware writing. Breaking it down will help a lot!
It's actually feasible to whip up a basic version in just a day using a Raspberry Pi Zero, a SIM800 (or similar cellular module), and a touchscreen. So yeah, you can definitely do something, but it ultimately depends on how advanced you want your prototype to be.
I totally get it! I want to avoid overcomplicating things. I just want something simple based on what I outlined.