Phorneistania Transforms Faulty Samsung into QWERTY Slidable Device
Marcin Plaza, a designer and YouTuber, has made headlines with his latest project: a custom Android smartphone that merges a broken Samsung Galaxy Z Flip with a BlackBerry physical keyboard. This unique device, which features a sliding hinge mechanism and a custom case made from 3D printed prototypes and anodized aluminum, is a fun and exciting alternative in an era of flat rectangular devices.
The project involved engineering a flexible printed circuit board with an Arduino-compatible Pro Micro board to integrate the BlackBerry Q10 keyboard with the Samsung phone hardware. The process was a DIY effort, with 3D printing services and custom PCB manufacturers used to realise the concept.
The new case for the modified phone is a custom design made from CNC'd aluminum, featuring a chunky four-bar linkage. The screen used in the modified phone is the front screen from the top half of the zFlip 5. Normally, this screen would only be used for notifications, but due to the Samsung's broken folding OLED, it is now used for the whole screen.
The bottom half of the modified phone contains a Blackberry Q10 keyboard, which is connected to the phone's USB port. A custom flex PCB with an Arduino Micro Pro is used to facilitate this connection. The Arduino Micro Pro in the modified phone acts as a Human Input Device.
The modified phone also features wireless charging and Samsung's Good Lock app, which enables Plaza to get a launcher and apps on the small screen. Magnets are used to create a satisfying "snap" when the slider opens and closes.
Interestingly, only the screen and internals from the Samsung are used in the modified phone. The rest of the device is glued together, but this is not important since only the essential components are being utilised.
Despite the public interest in the project, Plaza has not shared the design files for the modified phone. However, it is clear that this unique device is a testament to Plaza's creativity and engineering skills, and a reminder that sometimes, even a broken phone can be transformed into something truly extraordinary.
