The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →A DIY 4G phone can work as a maker project, but the available documentation does not establish that a particular build is reliable enough to replace a supported everyday smartphone. Before depending on one, verify that its exact modem, software, SIM, and carrier combination supports the calls, texts, and emergency access you need. Keep a working phone available until you have tested the build in your own location.
What a documented DIY 4G phone can do
The OURS Project’s version 1 is a Raspberry Pi/Linux phone built around a Waveshare 4G HAT with a SIM7600. Its project page describes mobile internet, calls, SMS, contacts, a touchscreen, and a browser-oriented app approach. That demonstrates a maker build with phone functions; it does not certify the build for use with any carrier or establish that it is a dependable general-purpose handset. OURS Project documentation
The OURS Project lists “5 hours battery life” for its version 1 build. This is the project’s reported figure, not an independent test or a prediction for another assembly. The same page identifies longer battery life, battery-level reporting, touchscreen usability, audio quality, and Bluetooth call audio as areas for improvement. OURS Project documentation
A separate Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and SIM7600X HAT guide illustrates other integration work, including modem control, display, battery power, and audio. It is a secondary maker guide, not proof that its pricing, runtime, peak-power, carrier-provisioning, or VoLTE claims apply to your device or carrier. ElectricalFlux’s Raspberry Pi phone guide
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Check these six things before relying on it
1. Exact modem, regional variant, and carrier
Identify the modem’s full model and regional variant, then compare its supported LTE bands with the bands used by your carrier where you plan to use the phone. Ask the carrier whether it accepts that modem or assembled device and SIM for ordinary service. The documented DIY builds do not establish compatibility with any named carrier.
2. Voice and SMS—not just LTE data
A modem connecting to LTE for data does not prove that it can make calls or send SMS in your setup. Those functions depend on the modem variant and firmware, the operating system and telephony software, the SIM, and carrier support. Confirm voice and messaging compatibility for the exact combination you intend to use. Do not infer VoLTE support from a modem family name or a general project description.
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3. Emergency calls and essential services
Find out whether emergency calling and location behavior work with your assembled device and carrier in your jurisdiction. Also check any services you rely on, such as accessibility features, account-verification messages, or essential calling. The cited material does not establish emergency-call support for a specific DIY configuration or carrier.
4. Battery, charging, and daily handling
Test your own assembled phone under realistic screen, radio, and calling use before relying on its battery. The OURS Project’s five-hour figure applies only to its version 1 build, and its documentation lists battery life and charge-level reporting as areas for improvement. Your results may differ with the components, software, signal conditions, and usage in your build. OURS Project documentation
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5. Software and maintenance
A DIY phone depends on custom software and correctly configured modem control. Be prepared to maintain the operating system and telephony setup, troubleshoot hardware, and work through interface or audio limitations. Sixfab notes that whether a modem works with a single-board computer depends on operating-system, kernel, and driver support. Sixfab’s kit FAQ
6. Durability and a fallback plan
Do not assume a custom electronics build has the enclosure, water resistance, repair support, software updates, or failure behavior of a retail phone; the cited sources do not benchmark those qualities. Decide how you will restore access to calls, messages, and connectivity if the build, battery, or power supply fails. Keep another working way to communicate until the DIY phone has proved itself for your needs.
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Choose parts as cellular prototyping hardware
Raspberry Pi 4G LTE modem HAT
The OURS Project’s Waveshare 4G HAT with SIM7600 is a concrete example of a component used in a documented phone build. The project summary does not specify the exact regional modem variant, so treat it as a parts example—not a compatibility recommendation. Check the precise model, LTE bands, carrier acceptance, and voice support before buying. OURS Project documentation
Raspberry Pi LTE modem kit
Sixfab’s official kit documentation lists a base HAT, mini PCIe LTE module, SIM, LTE and GNSS antennas, headers, and cable. Its assembly guide instructs users to connect each antenna to its corresponding port and insert a micro-SIM. Sixfab’s FAQ says third-party SIMs supporting LTE Cat 4 can be used, while compatibility with other single-board computers depends on operating-system, kernel, and driver support. These sources describe cellular prototyping hardware; they do not establish that the kit supplies the voice service needed for a main phone. Kit introduction, Hardware assembly guide, Kit FAQ
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Supporting components
Depending on the selected build, you may also need a modem-compatible antenna, battery and power-management hardware, a display, and an enclosure. Confirm connector and electrical compatibility for the specific components before assembling them; a part’s general category alone is not enough to establish that it will work with your modem or board. OURS Project documentation, Sixfab hardware assembly guide
Decide whether it fits your needs
Compare a DIY build with a supported retail handset on the factors that determine whether you can depend on it—not just whether it powers on or connects to LTE data.
| Factor | Question to answer |
|---|---|
| Carrier and voice reliability | Has your carrier confirmed that the exact modem and SIM can provide the calls and messages you need? |
| Emergency access | Have you established that emergency calling and location behavior work for your configuration and jurisdiction? |
| Battery and charging | Does your assembled unit last through your actual daily use, and can you charge it reliably? |
| Usability and accessibility | Can you use its display, controls, audio, and essential services comfortably? |
| Durability and repair | Does the enclosure protect the hardware, and can you obtain replacement parts or repair it? |
| Maintenance | Are you willing and able to maintain the software and troubleshoot hardware problems? |
| Failure recovery | What will you use if the phone or its power system fails? |
The available project and kit documentation describes components, functions, and some tradeoffs, but does not provide a controlled comparison with retail phones. Use your own requirements and tests to make the decision rather than treating a project demonstration as a reliability benchmark. OURS Project documentation, Sixfab kit FAQ
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