Prototype sample of a modular smartphone from Phonebloks showed how parts can be disassembled that allows user to choose specific hardware components. Know how to build, repair and upgrade a modular device.

Building Your Modular Smartphone

First thing a user need is to purchase the base device or the main board where modular parts communicate to function. According to earlier reports, base of the main device along with the display panel will cost at $50. From the base device, users will then choose other hardware parts such as processor, memory chipset, graphics card and loudspeaker to become operable. Every modular device runs Android OS and the prototype sampled at YouTube runs Android Jelly Bean.

Upgrading The Modular Smartphone According To Budget, Need And Desire

Difference between modular smartphones and whole-widget models is the liberty to choose parts. Purchasing a high-end device usually features high-class cameras, latest processors, huge memory and high-capacity internal storages. Exclusive software perks are usually added on most of these devices which contributes on how expensive they can be. Unfortunately, not all of these features are maximised by every owner.

On a modular device, a user can choose specific parts depending on budget, needs and desire anytime. Modules will come in various categories such as battery, camera, processor, memory, storage, microSD card expansion slot and loudspeaker. Upgrading the device will become as easy as removing parts from the slot similar to what people do on desktop computers.

Repairing A Modular Smartphone Easier Than Whole-Widget Models

Repairing smartphones today will require users to surrender the device completely to the service centre and could take days or weeks before it is ready for release. On modular devices, a user can send the parts which are affected by hardware issue without the immediate need to surrender the base device -- unless it has a problem too. Users can still make calls, login to the Internet, watch videos and listening music tracks while the camera module is being repaired. Replacement can also be a quick solution on defected modules by simply browsing and purchasing new modules at the specialty store.

Project Ara Prototype 2 will debut next year at the upcoming Developers Conference. The events are scheduled in Americas and Europe on January 15 and in Asia Pacific on January 21.

Credit: YouTube/Phonebloks