MAKERphone 2.0: A DIY 4G Phone That Teaches Coding
Build your own phone and learn programming with this innovative kit.
1LEGO-like assembly
The MAKERphone 2.0 arrives as loose parts, requiring no soldering or electronics expertise. Users assemble it with a screwdriver in about two hours, clicking or screwing each component into place. The process is guided by an illustrated manual and video walkthroughs, similar to LEGO instructions. Once built, it functions as a fully operational 4G phone, capable of making calls and sending texts over a live network.
2Educational focus
Designed as a kid's first phone, it lacks an app store or social feeds to minimize distractions. Instead, it encourages creativity through VibeBoy, a companion coding studio. Users describe ideas in plain English, and AI generates Python code, which can be tweaked or rewritten. The app includes four learning stages, progressing from watching AI-generated code to writing original Python and C++ from scratch.
3Modular expansion
Six snap-on modules transform the phone into a versatile hardware platform. Options include a camera for pixelated media, a louder speaker, a flashlight, and an environment sensor. An infrared module controls other devices, while a perforated board allows custom circuits. This modularity extends learning beyond coding, introducing hardware experimentation and customization.
4Companion smartwatch
The MAKERband smartwatch follows the same DIY philosophy, arriving as a kit for assembly. Once built, it pairs with the phone via Bluetooth and works with iOS/Android. It features 15 watchfaces and five mini-games, with customization through VibeBoy. For example, users can create a pixel cat watchface that naps after 9 PM, blending creativity with practical functionality.
5Proven track record
CircuitMess, the Croatian company behind the product, has shipped hundreds of thousands of educational kits to over 100 countries. Their products have earned coverage from major tech outlets like Wired and The Verge. The MAKERphone 2.0 isn't a prototype but finished hardware ready for production, reflecting years of development in educational technology.
6Pricing and availability
Priced at $129 (24% off the original $160), the kit is available for immediate purchase, though stock is limited. The campaign has already raised over $300,000, indicating strong market interest. The package includes everything needed for assembly, plus access to VibeBoy for coding education and module integration.
7Educational philosophy
The product transforms screen time from passive consumption to active creation. By making technology tangible through physical assembly and coding, it demystifies electronics and programming. The gradual skill progression—from using AI-generated code to writing original programs—builds confidence and practical knowledge in young users.
8Industry implications
The MAKERphone 2.0 represents a growing trend in educational technology that blends hardware and software learning. Its success could inspire more products that combine DIY assembly with real-world functionality, potentially reshaping how children interact with technology. By focusing on creation rather than consumption, it offers an alternative to traditional smartphone use.
Original article: Yanko Design — MAKERphone 2.0: A DIY 4G Phone That Teaches Coding