MAKERphone 2.0 is a build-it-yourself 4G phone kit for people who want to assemble and program a device, not a conventional smartphone replacement. CircuitMess says it needs no soldering, takes a nano-SIM for calls and texts, and supports MicroPython and Arduino C++. Its six optional plug-in modules—including a camera, speaker and prototyping board—share one expansion port, so only one can be connected at a time.
What MAKERphone 2.0 is—and who it suits
CircuitMess presents MAKERphone 2.0 as a hands-on maker project: build the handset, explore its electronics and write or customize software. The company’s product page frames that idea with the tagline “Don’t Just Use Tech. Create It.”
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CircuitMess Chatter 2.0 | Educational STEM Radio Project for Kids & Teens | Wireless Two-Way... | $149.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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It may suit a curious beginner, hobbyist or educator looking for a compact electronics project that can also make calls and send texts. It is a poor fit if the priority is a large touchscreen, app-heavy smartphone experience, or a ready-to-use phone with established local carrier compatibility.
What you get: a small, button-operated phone
The campaign FAQ lists a 1.77-inch colour display with 160 × 128 pixel resolution, a 12-key keypad and a navigation joystick. It has no touchscreen, and the FAQ describes no larger-screen option. The same FAQ gives assembled dimensions of 11.5 × 6 × 1.8 cm and a weight of 104 g; these are campaign specifications, not independently measured figures.
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For core hardware, the campaign FAQ identifies an ESP32-S3 with 4 MB flash and 4 MB PSRAM. Files, photos and music are stored on a microSD card in the built-in slot. The stated connections include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB-C, alongside cellular service.
Cell service: 4G LTE, but check your carrier
The campaign FAQ says the phone supports 4G LTE and uses a nano-SIM for real calls and texts. That does not establish that it will work on every carrier: the reviewed product information does not provide a country-by-country compatibility table or a complete LTE-band list. Before pledging or buying, check the current campaign or seller information for bands and carrier support in your region, and confirm that your carrier accepts the device.
MAKERphone 2.0 should not be confused with a LoRa or Meshtastic handset. The FAQ says LoRa is not built in; it discusses it only as a possible additional module or stretch-goal idea.
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Six optional modules use one expansion port
The UMAX expansion port accepts six module types, according to the campaign FAQ, but only one module can be connected at once. The manufacturer describes modules as plug-and-play, and the FAQ says a module app appears in the phone’s menu.
| Module | What it adds |
|---|---|
| Camera | Camera functionality; the campaign material does not establish image quality. |
| Big Speaker | A 2-watt speaker module. |
| Flashlight | A flashlight accessory. |
| Environment sensor | Temperature and humidity sensing. |
| Infrared module | Infrared control functionality. |
| DIY Perf Board | A prototyping board for building or experimenting with circuits. |
The one-at-a-time limit matters if you are considering the phone as a platform for several add-ons: modules are alternatives to swap, not a set of accessories that operate together through that port. Confirm that any separately purchased module is compatible with MAKERphone 2.0.
Building and programming the handset
Assembly
CircuitMess says no soldering is required; parts click, screw or plug together. The campaign FAQ estimates about two hours to assemble the phone. That is the maker’s estimate rather than an independently timed build, so allow for more time if this is your first electronics project.
Programming
CircuitMess advertises MicroPython and Arduino C++ support. The campaign FAQ identifies an Arduino-compatible ESP32-S3 and says users may flash custom firmware. These are vendor claims; the published information does not independently validate every firmware path or establish the experience for every skill level.
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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.MAKERphone 2.0 versus the original MAKERphone
The campaign FAQ contrasts version 2.0 with the original 2018 MAKERphone. The differences below are the campaign’s account, not independently tested comparisons.
| Feature | Original MAKERphone (campaign FAQ description) | MAKERphone 2.0 (campaign FAQ description) |
|---|---|---|
| Cellular generation | 2G | 4G LTE |
| Assembly | About seven hours of soldering | Solder-free assembly; approximately two hours estimated by CircuitMess |
| Expansion port | No | UMAX port for six module types; one module at a time |
Price, campaign status and delivery
MAKERphone 2.0 pricing has appeared differently across campaign-era pages and regions. CircuitMess’s campaign-era page showed backing from $119 against a stated $169 price; a separate localized official page displayed different figures. Help Net Security reported a $129 Kickstarter phone pledge and a planned $169 retail price on October 5, 2026. These are time- and region-dependent displays, not a single stable global price. Check the live campaign tier and your region before relying on a figure.
A Kickstarter pledge is a campaign transaction, not confirmation of an in-stock retail purchase. The reviewed sources do not establish completed retail availability, actual delivery performance or a guaranteed shipment date. The campaign FAQ says final production hardware exists and software is in final testing, but that is campaign-provided status information rather than independent confirmation.
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Quick Recap
What to verify before committing
- Whether the listed LTE bands and nano-SIM service work with your carrier and in your country.
- What the current pledge tier includes, including any modules or software offer, and whether those terms apply in your region.
- Whether you are comfortable with a small screen, physical keypad and joystick instead of a touchscreen.
- Whether one-at-a-time module use meets your project needs.
- Whether you are willing to accept campaign delivery uncertainty rather than buying an item confirmed in stock.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
