A smartphone mashup: Lumia 1020 transformed into iPhone SE
- A modder named OceanDepth95028 has created a device by fitting an iPhone SE inside a Lumia 1020.
- This involves extensive modifications to repurpose the old Nokia shell while using the latest iPhone's internals.
- The project reflects a growing trend in combining classic and modern technology, sparking interest in the modding community.
On February 17, 2025, a unique smartphone modification was showcased online involving a blend of old and new technology. The device in question was the Lumia 1020, initially released in July 2013, which was known for its advanced camera capabilities featuring a 41-megapixel sensor. Through a creative process, a modder known as OceanDepth95028 managed to fit a third-generation iPhone SE’s internal components into the external body of the Lumia 1020. The outer shell and display glass of the Lumia were retained, while the iPhone's hardware was cleverly integrated to produce a working device. The modification required several technical adjustments. This included relaminating the iPhone's LCD onto the Lumia's front glass, removing the capacitive buttons, and leveraging the larger camera bump of the Lumia to house the new camera and Touch ID sensor. OceanDepth95028 also modified the headphone jack and mapped the Lumia's camera button to function as a volume control. These adjustments highlighted a fusion of design elements from different smartphone generations and underscored a growing trend of modding older devices with newer technology. The story gained traction in online communities, particularly within the Reddit r/hackintosh forum where fellow enthusiasts shared their thoughts on the project. Kevin Purdy, a senior technology reporter, noted that this playful take on modding gives life to both nostalgia for early Nokia designs and a practical application of outdated hardware. This incident illustrates not only the ingenuity of the modder but also the ongoing discourse regarding the value and longevity of older smartphones in an era dominated by constant new releases. As the smartphone market evolves rapidly, ideas like this one provide insight into the ways technology enthusiasts can breathe new life into seemingly obsolete devices. Whether through personal creativity or communal sharing, such projects encourage a culture of sustainable tech use and repair, highlighting skills in engineering and design that resonate with many users today.