Modular cellphones

On September 10, 2013 Dave Hakkens released video titled "Phonebloks" and it took world by storm. The video has introduce us to new concept of modular cellphones. The video went viral and got couple hundred thousand views in a week. As of September 2016 it has nearly 22 million views. 

According to Wikipedia, a modular smartphone is a smartphone made using different components that can be independently upgraded or replaced in a modular design. This will help to reduce e-waste and also increase user comfort. It will give user a ability to custom built his phone as per his requirement. Most of us might have assembled their own PC at some point of their life. Modular smartphone will provide such flexibility to user.

Phonebloks consist of a base and blocks(modules). User can attach different modules to the base as per the requirement. This allows user to customize his phone in many way in very less time.

 

Phonebloks concept

If your phone is getting slow, instead of buying new phone you can change processor/RAM of you phone using proper module. If you want better camera, swap it with different camera module. One can change broken screen or upgrade screen as per requirement. 

 The concept of modular cellphone is very complex to implement. Many companies tried to build prototypes/product based on this concept but very few succeed. Google came very close to creating working prototype called Ara. 

Ara with modules

Unfortunately in September 2016, Google canceled the project.

Many "Semi-modular cellphones" have been developed or are under development but they do not provide full freedom as modular cellphones. Fairphone 2 and Moto Z are cellphones currently available in market which achieve some degree of modularity. 

Fairphone 2 comes with seven modules;  the main chassis, the removable battery, the display assembly, rear camera module, receiver module, the speaker module and back protective cover. Changing modules on this phone is not easy as Ara. Also, it may not able to upgrade the modules.

Fairphone 2 with modules

Moto Z was launched in June 2016 which uses "Moto mods" to attach modules to phone. Various modules can be attached to phone using series of magnets on back of phone. Mods include battery booster module, speaker module and projector module. It does not allow to change performance module or screen.

Moto Z "mods"

The idea of modular cellphone is fascinating and user friendly but at the same time its very complex. Various companies have cancelled or paused research in modular cellphones. With big player such as Google canceling Ara project, full modular cellphone is still a dream.