CircuitMess presents MAKERphone 2.0 as a DIY kit that assembles into a functional 4G mobile phone, with no soldering required. It is an educational build, not a general-purpose smartphone. Before you order, you need to confirm three things: the exact kit version, the modem variant and LTE bands for your region, and whether your carrier supports voice and text on those bands. A SIM card is needed for calls and texts.
What MAKERphone 2.0 is, and what it is not
MAKERphone 2.0 is a hardware kit from CircuitMess. The maker describes it as a phone you assemble yourself rather than a finished device, and the current product page says the build needs no soldering. The kit is built around a dedicated modular slot, so features can be added later without rebuilding the base phone.
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It should not be confused with an Android or iOS smartphone. Running third-party apps from an app store, using a standard mobile operating system, and installing arbitrary software are not capabilities the product page describes. Treat it as a learning platform that happens to make phone calls over a cellular network.
The product name includes ESP32-S3. The CircuitMess product page reviewed for this guide does not publish a full internal architecture, so the chip named in the title should be checked against the specifications on the current product page before you rely on it for any custom work. Separate ESP32-S3 cellular boards, covered later in this article, are different products and do not show how MAKERphone 2.0 is wired.
#1 Best Overall
- Powerful ESP-32 Board: Unlock the world of Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced electronics with the heart of this kit: the ESP-32 board. It features a powerful dual-core processor, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, making it perfect for building connected, smart devices that communicate with your phone or the cloud. It's fully compatible with the Arduino IDE for easy programming.
- Super Starter Kit: This kit contains over 35 different modules and electronic components, including sensors, displays, motors, and input devices. From LEDs and buttons to an OLED screen, servo motor, and keypad, you have everything needed to explore a vast range of projects in one box.
- Step by Step Online Tutorial: Jump right in with our detailed, beginner-friendly tutorial. Access 30+ projects with complete code, clear circuit diagrams, and step-by-step instructions. Learn the fundamentals of electronics, coding, and how to utilize the ESP-32's unique capabilities without any prior experience.
- Hands-on Learning for All Skill Levels: Perfect for students, makers, engineers, and hobbyists. Start with basic circuits and coding, then progress to intermediate and advanced IoT applications. Build practical projects like weather stations, smart home controllers, remote-controlled devices, and interactive gadgets. The skills you learn are the foundation for real-world innovation.
- Quality & Great Support: Elegoo is committed to quality. We provide a clear, detailed tutorial guide, refined code, and a well-organized component kit. All modules are carefully selected for reliability and ease of use. Our dedicated technical support team and active online community are ready to help you succeed in your learning journey.
Optional modules and what each one adds
The maker lists several add-ons that connect through the expansion slot or as plug-and-play modules. None of them is required to make the base phone work. The table below reflects what CircuitMess lists on its product page as of 7 October 2026.
| Module | Capability listed by CircuitMess | Needed for the base phone? | Sold separately? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infrared | Infrared communication | No, optional | Not stated on the product page reviewed |
| Camera | Camera capture | No, optional | Not stated on the product page reviewed |
| 2W speaker (boombox) | Louder audio output | No, optional | Not stated on the product page reviewed |
| Flashlight | Light source | No, optional | Not stated on the product page reviewed |
| Environmental sensing | Environmental measurements | No, optional | Not stated on the product page reviewed |
| DIY perf board | Blank board for your own circuits | No, optional | Not stated on the product page reviewed |
The page does not establish whether each module ships with the base kit or is sold as an add-on, or whether any module is in stock. Check the current listing for each item before planning a bundle.
Rank #2
- ESP32 camera board: Dual-core 32-bit microprocessor up to 240 MHz, 4 MB flash, 8 MB PSRAM, onboard 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 (LE), USB code uploader, camera, memory card slot (Comes with 1GB memory card and card reader)
- 3 sets of code: MicroPython, C and Processing (Java). Python is one of the most popular languages, and C is one of the most classic languages. Processing code needs to run on computers to provide graphical interfaces
- Detailed tutorial: Can be downloaded (in English, 795-page in total) or viewed online (original in English, can be translated into other languages by browsers) (The tutorial link can be found on the product box, no paper tutorial)
- 122 projects from simple to complex: Provides step-by-step guide with electronics and components knowledge, each project has schematics, wiring diagrams, complete code and detailed explanations
- 240 items in total: This ultimate kit includes the most commonly used electronic components, modules, sensors, wires and other compatible items
SIM card and carrier checks
The campaign FAQ states that a micro SIM is required for calls and texts. Without one, the phone can power up and run the software you install, but it cannot place a call or send an SMS through a carrier.
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Regional modem variants are the more important compatibility question. The FAQ describes SIM7600E, SIM7600A, and SIM7600SA variants for the earlier 4G MAKERphone. Those answers carry a November 2018 update date, so treat them as historical guidance. The current MAKERphone 2.0 product page does not confirm that the same modem arrangement applies unchanged to version 2.0. The FAQ itself was last updated on 24 September 2026, but that date does not extend to the variant answers.
Rank #3
- Perfect choice for beginners to learn, electronics and program.
- The Basic Starter Kit is easy to use and you can learn to program at an introductory level.
- You can use ESP32 modules to control other modules, such as LED,DHT11,OLED module, etc
- The tutorial include codes and lessons.It will teach every users how to assembly Basic Starter Kit for ESP32.
- Please download our tutorial and learn after you receive the goods.
Work through these checks in order before buying a SIM or a carrier plan:
- Confirm the exact modem SKU printed on or listed for your kit, and match it to the version you are buying.
- Confirm which LTE bands that modem supports for your shipping region.
- Ask your intended carrier whether it supports voice and SMS on those bands for devices of this type, and whether it allows your device to register on its network.
- Only then purchase a micro SIM and activate service.
A carrier that supports the band on paper may still refuse registration for a device it has not certified. This is the most common reason a DIY phone with a working modem fails to make calls, so ask the carrier directly rather than relying on a coverage map.
Rank #4
- COMPREHENSIVE STARTER KIT: Includes an ESP32 development board and over 20 different types of electronic components and modules. This complete set provides everything you need to start learning electronics and building Internet of Things (IoT) projects, all organized in a convenient plastic storage case.
- POWERFUL ESP32 MICROCONTROLLER: Features a versatile ESP32 development board with an integrated dual-core CPU, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity. This board serves as the core of your projects, enabling wireless communication and control for a wide range of applications from home automation to robotics.
- DIVERSE SENSORS AND MODULES: Explore your environment with a variety of included sensors. The kit contains a DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor, HC-SR501 PIR motion sensor, an IR infrared obstacle avoidance sensor, and a photoresistor light detection module for creating responsive, intelligent devices.
- INPUTS, OUTPUTS, AND CONTROL: Features an I2C OLED display for showing data, a 2-channel 5V relay module for controlling high-power devices (rated 10A 250VAC / 15A 125VAC), active and passive buzzers for audio feedback, various color LEDs, push buttons, and a potentiometer for precise analog input.
- PROTOTYPING ESSENTIALS INCLUDED: Get building right away with an 830-tie-point solderless breadboard, a bundle of male-to-male jumper wires, a USB cable for power and programming the ESP32 board, and a variety of common resistors. The kit is perfect for both beginners and experienced makers.
Building the kit
CircuitMess describes the build as requiring no soldering. The product page reviewed for this guide does not include a complete build manual, a bill of materials, detailed wiring diagrams, a firmware procedure, or a battery specification. Do not start assembly from a third-party tutorial for a different model, because the mechanical layout and modem may differ.
Before you start, do the following:
- Download the current official manual from CircuitMess for the version you own, and check its revision date against the kit’s labelling.
- Confirm that the kit includes the modem, display, and any battery you need, since the product page does not list these in detail.
- Set aside a workspace for the modules and keep the packaging, because mismatched module revisions are a predictable source of problems.
- If the manual is missing a step you need, contact CircuitMess support instead of improvising, since a wrong connection can damage the modem.
Custom ESP32-S3 cellular boards as alternatives
If the MAKERphone 2.0 kit does not match your needs, you can build a custom phone or data device around a separate ESP32-S3 cellular board. These boards are different products. Their capabilities, regional constraints, and audio requirements do not transfer to MAKERphone 2.0.
Best Value
- ESP32-S3 camera board: Dual-core 32-bit microprocessor up to 240 MHz, 8 MB flash, 8 MB PSRAM, onboard 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 (LE), USB-OTG, USB code uploader, camera, memory card slot (Comes with 1GB memory card and card reader)
- 3 sets of code: MicroPython, C and Processing (Java). Python is one of the most popular languages, and C is one of the most classic languages. Processing code needs to run on computers to provide graphical interfaces
- Detailed tutorial: Can be downloaded (in English, 828-page in total) or viewed online (original in English, can be translated into other languages by browsers) (The tutorial link can be found on the product box, no paper tutorial)
- 121 projects from simple to complex: Provides step-by-step guide with electronics and components knowledge, each project has schematics, wiring diagrams, complete code and detailed explanations
- 243 items in total: This ultimate kit includes the most commonly used electronic components, modules, sensors, wires and other compatible items
Espressif’s USB host and PPP example
Espressif documents an example in which an ESP32-S3 acts as a USB host for a compatible 4G module and dials a PPP connection using compatible modem AT commands. This shows that the chip family can drive a cellular modem for internet access. It does not describe voice calling. The example recommends at least 4 MB of flash and 2 MB of PSRAM. Those figures apply to the example, not to MAKERphone 2.0.
Makerfabs ESP32-S3 with A7670X
Makerfabs documents an ESP32-S3 board built around an A7670X modem, controlled over UART with AT commands. The listed functions are telephone, SMS, GNSS, and data. The product page warns that modem variants differ by region and notes a USA registration caution. Check that your region and carrier match the variant you buy.
LilyGO SIM7600 board
LilyGO documents an ESP32-S3 board with a SIM7600 modem. The maker states that voice calling requires its audio package or expansion kit. Without that package, the board should be treated as a data and SMS device, not a phone.
Comparing the alternatives
| Option | Modem control | Voice calls | SMS | Regional caution | Audio requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espressif USB host and PPP example | USB host with compatible modem AT commands | Not stated in the example | Not stated in the example | Depends on the modem used | Not stated in the example |
| Makerfabs ESP32-S3 with A7670X | UART with AT commands | Telephone function listed | Listed | Regional modem variants and USA registration caution on product page | Not stated on the product page reviewed |
| LilyGO ESP32-S3 with SIM7600 | Modem on board | Requires audio package or expansion kit | Not stated on the product page reviewed | Not stated on the product page reviewed | Audio package or expansion kit required for voice |
When you compare any of these boards, check region and band support first, then confirm voice and SMS support, and finally confirm whether audio hardware is included. A headline modem category does not tell you whether a board can make a phone call.
Quick Recap
Before you buy: purchase checklist
- The exact kit version and its matching manual revision.
- The modem SKU and supported LTE bands for your shipping region.
- Confirmation from your intended carrier of voice and SMS support on those bands.
- Which modules are included and which are sold separately.
- Current campaign terms, price, shipping, and delivery dates. The product page links to a Kickstarter campaign, and campaign prices and backer terms change; do not treat any price shown during the campaign as final.
- Whether the listing you are considering matches the version you have verified. Third-party listings may not match the current kit.
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