DIY Slider Phone Combines Broken Galaxy Z Flip With BlackBerry Keys - Yanko Design

"Plaza's DIY slider phone project has gone viral across major tech sites for good reason, representing both impressive engineering and a nostalgic callback to when phones had personality. The build process involved salvaging components from a damaged Z Flip 5, integrating a physical BlackBerry keyboard, and creating a custom magnetic slider mechanism that echoes classic phones like the Nokia N97. The result runs Android with full keyboard functionality, creating a device that feels both retro and surprisingly modern."

"The engineering challenges were substantial, requiring custom PCB work, 3D printing for housing components, and careful integration of two completely different hardware ecosystems. Plaza had to map the BlackBerry keyboard to work seamlessly with Android, design a slider mechanism that feels satisfying to use, and ensure the frankenstein device actually functions reliably for daily tasks. The magnetic slider provides that tactile click that smartphone users have been missing for over a decade."

Marcin Plaza combined a broken Galaxy Z Flip 5 with a BlackBerry Q10 keyboard to build a DIY slider smartphone. The build salvaged components from the damaged foldable, integrated a physical BlackBerry keyboard, and added a custom magnetic slider mechanism reminiscent of classic phones. The device runs Android with full keyboard functionality. Engineering work included custom PCB modifications, 3D-printed housings, and careful integration of two disparate hardware ecosystems. The BlackBerry keyboard was mapped to work seamlessly with Android. The magnetic slider delivers a satisfying tactile click. The result restores tactile typing accuracy and a ritualized sliding interaction for daily smartphone tasks.

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