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The CircuitMess Ringo is a DIY phone you assemble and can program—not a ready-to-use smartphone. Plan for soldering, tools that are not included in the standard kit, and a cellular module whose compatibility depends on the version and your location. CircuitMess estimates about five hours to build and recommends the project for ages 11 and up, with adult help for an 11-year-old.
What the CircuitMess Ringo kit is
Ringo is a hands-on electronics project built from circuit boards, a display, controls, a battery and case parts. Assembly includes soldering and connecting boards, fitting the case, then setting up the phone. CircuitMess presents it as an introductory STEM project, but its guide also says it is not the simplest kit and recommends practicing soldering first if you are new to it.
The guide describes the estimated age group as 11+. It says an 11-year-old should be able to assemble the kit with adult help. CircuitMess estimates assembly at around five hours; actual time varies with the builder’s experience. These are the manufacturer’s guidance and estimates, not independent test results. See the Ringo introduction and build guide.
What is included—and what you need separately
The official component list includes a main board, brain board, microSD card, display and sound boards, analog joystick, network board, Li-Po battery, acrylic case pieces, buttons and small hardware. A micro-USB cable and microSD reader are also listed. The microSD card stores media, apps, games and settings. CircuitMess notes that kit versions can differ, including the network board, so check the exact package or listing rather than assuming every Ringo contains identical hardware.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The standard kit does not include assembly tools. CircuitMess lists safety glasses, cutter pliers, a small screwdriver, soldering iron, stand, sponge and solder as relevant equipment; its guide says an entry-level soldering iron is sufficient. Consult the mandatory tools guide and budget for anything you do not already have.
What building and learning involve
The build guide proceeds through tools and soldering basics, soldering components, installing buttons, casing and final setup. It is a guided project, but it is not tool-free or fully assembled when purchased. CircuitMess says builders can practice soldering, identify components and learn how parts connect, alongside introductory microcontroller and digital-electronics concepts. Its coding and hacking material extends the project to C/C++ programming, simple games and external peripherals; see the full build guide and Ringo schematics.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Hardware specifications and battery estimate
- Display: 1.8 inches, 160×128 pixels, 8-bit color, according to CircuitMess.
- Battery: rechargeable 1300 mAh Li-Po. CircuitMess estimates up to three days with moderate use such as games or music; this is a manufacturer estimate, not a tested guarantee.
- Storage: the included microSD card is used for media, apps, games and settings.
- Connection: the included micro-USB cable is used for charging and uploading programs and games.
Specifications and the runtime estimate are from the CircuitMess Ringo build guide.
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CircuitMess identifies a SIM800C module in the 2G standard version and a SIM7600 module in the 4G version. The module may depend on the ordered version and location; the guide does not say the versions are interchangeable. Cellular service is needed for calls and messages, and the guide says the network module is also used to obtain time from the cellular network. Ringo can still function without a SIM, but calls and messages will not work.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The phone uses a micro-SIM. There is no complete, current carrier-compatibility matrix in the official guide, and support for a particular country or provider is not universal. Before buying for cellular use, confirm the installed module, the cellular bands it supports, the provider’s device and service policies, and whether the relevant network service is available where you will use it. The setup chapter and usage guide explain setup; older network-card, US compatibility and 4G connection discussions document historical user questions, not a present-day compatibility guarantee. The module manufacturer’s SIM7600 Series page describes that module family, but it does not establish that a specific Ringo version will work with a particular carrier.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to decide whether Ringo suits you
| Consideration | What to check |
|---|---|
| Cellular use | Exact network module, local band support, provider policy and service availability. Do not assume the 2G and 4G versions are interchangeable. |
| Building experience | Whether the builder is comfortable learning soldering, or can practice first and get adult help as needed. |
| Tools | Which listed soldering and hand tools are already available; the standard kit does not include them. |
| Purpose | Whether the goal is a build-and-code learning project or a ready-to-use phone for everyday use. |
Historical community discussion reported hardware differences between network versions and, in a 2023 exchange, an unavailable 4G module. That is dated information, not confirmation of current replacement stock; ask CircuitMess about present-day parts availability before planning an upgrade. CircuitMess’s current homepage does not establish whether Ringo is currently for sale. Check any live listing for seller, stock, included network version and exact contents before purchasing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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.
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