Meet Notkia: A DIY Linux Phone Built Inside a Nokia 168x Shell
The Notkia project transforms a Nokia 168x handset into a fully functional Linux smartphone by fitting a custom‑designed PCB with a mainline Linux kernel, offering detailed hardware specs, planned open‑source software, and a crowdfunding roadmap for future production.
The Notkia project replaces the internals of a Nokia 168x handset with a custom‑designed PCB that fits the original dimensions, turning the shell into a Linux‑based smartphone.
Key hardware specifications include:
Processor: Ingenic X1000E, 2200+ CoreMark, 64 MB RAM
Storage: 32 MB NOR + 4 GB SLC NAND
Wireless: LoRa, 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, GPS + GLONASS
Display: 2.0″ IPS LCD, 240 × 320, 3/4 visible
Audio: Yamaha MA‑3 (YMU762) synthesizer plus standard I2S PCM codec
Camera: 5 MP AF (compatible with 1680 shell)
Power: Standard BL‑5C battery with TI power solution
Other: Type‑C OTG, RGB LED indicator, temperature/humidity sensor, zero‑conflict keyboard
The device runs a mainline Linux kernel and will ship with a Debian‑based distribution, a desktop environment, a T9 input method supporting English, Chinese and Linux commands, an IME framework, terminal tools, various drivers, a S60‑style media player, and classic games such as Snake and Tetris.
After a successful crowdfunding campaign, the author plans to release all PCB design files (schematics and layout) and develop the necessary software. The Nokia 168x shell’s design patent expires on 23 June 2023, after which new plastic shells can be produced.
For more technical details, see the Hackster.io project page.
Programmer DD
A tinkering programmer and author of "Spring Cloud Microservices in Action"
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