Notkia: A DIY Linux Phone Inside a Nokia 168x Shell – Specs, Features, and Roadmap

Below is a Nokia Linux phone that only uses the Nokia phone shell; inside is a brand‑new PCB designed by the author, matching the original dimensions, hence called Notkia .

The device uses a Nokia 168x series shell, offering single‑hand operation and easy pocketability.

Operating System : Mainline Linux kernel

Processor : Ingenic X1000E, 2200+ CoreMark, 64 MB RAM

Storage : 32 MB NOR + 4 GB SLC NAND

Wireless : LoRa, Wi‑Fi 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, GPS + GLONASS

Display : 2.0" 240×320 IPS LCD (3/4 visible)

Audio : Yamaha MA‑3 (YMU762) synthesizer + standard I2S PCM codec

Camera : 5 MP AF (only for 1680 shell)

Power : TI battery solution with standard BL‑5C battery

Other : Type‑C OTG, RGB LED indicator, temperature/humidity sensor, zero‑conflict keyboard

Actual Running Effect

The project has been submitted to a crowdfunding platform; once funded, necessary software will be developed and all PCB design files (schematics and layout) will be open‑sourced. Required software includes a desktop environment, a T9 input method supporting English, Chinese, Linux commands and PL keywords, an IME framework, terminal tools, various drivers, an S60‑style multimedia player, and classic games such as Snake and Tetris.

The current shell design is patented by Nokia, with the patent expiring on 23 June 2023. After expiration, the author will produce a new plastic shell provided the funding goal is met.

The creator’s motivation stems from modern smartphones becoming unfriendly to privacy and hacking. Dissatisfied with Android modifications and the high price of the Librem 5, the author sought a smaller, single‑hand device and discovered the Nokia 168x series, whose large PCB space inspired the Notkia project.

For more technical details, see the Notkia project page: https://www.hackster.io/reimunotmoe/notkia-f6e772 .