The 2025 Mobile Phone Industry: Innovation Bottleneck and the Limitless Possibilities of DIY Enthusiasts
The 2025 Mobile Phone Industry: Innovation Bottleneck and the Limitless Possibilities of DIY EnthusiastsIn recent years, the mobile phone industry seems to have hit an innovation bottleneck. Flagship phones show minimal changes beyond their processors
The 2025 Mobile Phone Industry: Innovation Bottleneck and the Limitless Possibilities of DIY Enthusiasts
In recent years, the mobile phone industry seems to have hit an innovation bottleneck. Flagship phones show minimal changes beyond their processors. Upgrades to screens, motors, speakers, and other components have slowed significantly, with some even experiencing regressions. Even more disheartening is the homogenization of phone design language. Products from major manufacturers lack personality and distinctiveness, a far cry from the diverse landscape of the feature phone era. However, behind this seemingly stagnant market, a group of highly creative DIY enthusiasts are showcasing limitless possibilities. With their unique perspectives and exceptional skills, they are breathing new life into old phones, creating a series of astonishing personalized works.
I. Hole-less Ultra-Small Screen: The Xiaomi 6 Modding Journey with Replaceable Battery
Bilibili UP master @Jiang Ling Xia Cao's modded Xiaomi 6 is arguably one of the most representative works in the mobile phone DIY community in recent years. He transformed an old Xiaomi 6 into a unique phone with a hole-less full-screen display, a replaceable battery, and the ability to swap batteries without powering down.
First, the UP master boldly removed the Xiaomi 6's screen bezel and minimized the chin, completely eliminating the front-facing camera. The result is a 5.15-inch FHD+ IPS hole-less full-screen display. This is a rare small-screen powerhouse in the 2025 mobile phone market, perfectly catering to small-screen enthusiasts. To solve the absence of an earpiece and front camera, the UP master cleverly relocated the earpiece to the top of the phone and designed a magnetically attachable secondary screen, using the rear camera to achieve front-facing camera functionality, upgrading the phone to a modular dual-screen device.
Most impressively, this modded Xiaomi 6 retains the UP master's original design concept a replaceable battery that can be swapped without turning off the phone. Users simply insert a spare battery into the body for easy replacement, ensuring continuous phone operation. This innovative battery replacement design significantly enhances battery life and improves user experience.
In stark contrast, while the battery capacity of mainstream flagship phones continues to increase, replacing the battery has become increasingly difficult, with many phones now impossible to replace the battery independently. Jiang Ling Xia Cao's modded Xiaomi 6 offers a completely new approach for the mobile phone industry and suggests new possibilities for future development.
II. "Meal Card Phone": The Charm and Potential Risks of Low-Cost DIY
In recent years, the "meal card phone" has sparked a craze online. Its simple and easy-to-understand production method and low cost have attracted many DIY enthusiasts. Making a "meal card phone" typically requires a second-hand iPhone 5s and some simple tools. Users need to disassemble the iPhone 5s, separate the inner and outer screens, peel off a layer of polarizing film from the inner screen, stick it onto glasses, and insert the remaining part into a card holder.
The final product looks unremarkable, even like a half-finished product. However, when wearing special glasses, this "meal card" transforms into a touchscreen phone capable of displaying content. The low cost and unique concealment make the "meal card phone" a DIY project that combines entertainment and practicality.
However, we must acknowledge the shortcomings of the "meal card phone." Since the iPhone 5s has been discontinued for many years, its hardware configuration is outdated, battery life is poor, performance is low, and it is prone to overheating. Furthermore, removing the phone's casing compromises its structural integrity, making it easily damaged. Additionally, using a "meal card phone" requires wearing special glasses, which can damage eyesight with prolonged use. Therefore, while the "meal card phone" is simple to make, it is not recommended for long-term use.
III. DIY Retro Game Console: The Nostalgia of CRT Screens and Technical Challenges
UP master @Hong Lin Zhao Wu took a different approach, combining the mini CRT screen from a 1980s Sony Watchman handheld television with modern smartphone hardware to create a unique retro phone.
This phone features a 2-inch black and white monochrome CRT screen, offering sharp display but limited viewing angles. Its core hardware is an Allwinner H616 processor coupled with 2GB of DDR3 RAM, relatively low-end but sufficient for basic functions such as calling, browsing, and playing games.
The biggest highlight is its retro CRT screen, satisfying DIY enthusiasts' pursuit of retro elements and showcasing the creator's mastery of technology. Combining an old CRT screen with modern smartphone hardware requires overcoming numerous technical challenges, such as screen power supply, signal processing, and size adaptation. @Hong Lin Zhao Wu successfully transformed these challenges into opportunities, creating a one-of-a-kind retro smartphone.
IV. Risks and Safety Tips for DIY Phones
While DIY phones are fun, safety must be prioritized. Many DIY phones pose safety hazards. Problems like battery aging and unstable phone structures in the "meal card phone" can lead to accidents. Therefore, it's recommended that you thoroughly understand relevant knowledge and take safety precautions before attempting DIY phone projects. Avoid projects requiring the disassembly of internal components unless you have extensive electronics repair experience and professional tools.
In conclusion, against the backdrop of the mobile phone industry's lack of innovation, DIY enthusiasts are injecting new vitality into the industry with their creativity. Their works not only showcase mastery of technology but also reflect a pursuit of personalization and creativity. However, DIY phones also carry risks. We hope enthusiasts will prioritize safety while enjoying the fun of DIY, avoiding costly mistakes. Choose appropriate DIY projects and proceed cautiously to maximize personal safety and property security. If you lack experience, watch professional tutorials and seek help to avoid irreparable damage due to improper operation. DIY is challenging and fun, but safety always comes first.
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