CircuitMess is launching the Makerphone 2, a modular smartphone designed for users who want to build and customize their own device without needing technical expertise.
The device features a unique hardware architecture that separates core components into swappable modules.
The phone features a unique hardware architecture that separates core components into swappable modules. It includes an infrared module for controlling older electronics like televisions, a camera module, a two-watt speaker, an LED lighting module, and a temperature and humidity sensor module. A perfboard is also included to allow users to connect their own custom sensors.
Specifications
- Modular Design: Includes infrared module, camera module, 2-watt speaker, LED module, temperature/humidity sensor module, and a perfboard for custom sensors
- Connectivity: 4G LTE cellular support
- Assembly: No soldering skills required
- Operating System: Not based on traditional smartphone OS like Android; uses a custom platform
- SoC: Not Qualcomm or MediaTek
Connectivity on the Makerphone 2 relies on 4G LTE support, which enables standard voice calls alongside data services. The device does not run Android or any other traditional smartphone operating system. Instead, it uses a custom platform developed by CircuitMess that is not based on Qualcomm or MediaTek system-on-chip designs.
Assembly of the device requires no soldering skills, making it accessible to hobbyists and educators who want to explore hardware without specialized tools. Users can swap out specific modules like the camera, infrared sensor, or speaker without discarding the whole device.
The crowdfunding campaign for the Makerphone 2 is scheduled to launch in Q2 2026, with availability expected by the end of June. Supporters can currently reserve an early bird price of $99 USD for a symbolic one-dollar deposit. Final pricing tiers and specific configuration options have not been fully detailed in available reports.
CircuitMess designed the Makerphone 2 for hobbyists and educators who want a hands-on approach to building their own devices. Its custom operating system and modular hardware approach differentiate it from conventional mobile devices that rely on standardized components and established software ecosystems.
CircuitMess positions the Makerphone 2 as a tool for learning about hardware design and connectivity while providing functional smartphone capabilities through its LTE support and included modules.
Source: NotebookCheck
