The HaPlay Go Zero is an innovative handheld computer that repurposes an old Android smartphone, specifically a Xiaomi Redmi 2. Designed by an Indonesian hardware enthusiast known as mongkeelutfi on Reddit, this device features a 4.7-inch 720p display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor, a thumb keyboard, and runs on a Linux-based operating system. This project exemplifies upcycling by transforming outdated hardware into a functional device.
Unlike many DIY handhelds, which often use single-board computers like Raspberry Pi, the Go Zero is built around an old smartphone housed in a 3D printed case. The creator installed postmarketOS on the Redmi 2, modified the device to accommodate a physical keyboard, integrated a USB hub, and included LED lights.
Construction costs for the HaPlay Go Zero are around $42, excluding the phone, and it boasts two USB 2.0 Type-A ports for peripherals plus a USB Type-C port for charging. The device’s improved battery capacity (4855 mAh) significantly outperforms the original Redmi 2 battery.
Although the Redmi 2 was a budget-friendly option at launch in early 2015, it includes a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, 2GB of RAM, and up to 16GB of internal storage, plus it has a microSD card slot that supports cards up to 32GB. This performance is comparable to that of a Raspberry Pi 3, with additional benefits like support for 4G LTE, WiFi, and Bluetooth. However, an error in 3D printing means the headphone jack is currently inaccessible.
The HaPlay Go Zero could inspire other DIY enthusiasts to embark on similar projects, particularly for those in Indonesia, where it may soon be available for purchase. One prototype is listed on the Indonesian e-commerce site Tokopedia, with models starting from about $59 for a version with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage, going up to around $69 for a model featuring 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage.
For more details about postmarketOS, you can check out their official site.
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