The concept of the modular phone has evolved significantly over the years, but in a positive manner.
Welcome to Tech Talk, a weekly column focused on the devices we use and their functioning. We strive to keep it straightforward here so that everyone can comprehend how and why the gadget in your hand operates as it does.
There may be moments when things get a bit technical, as that’s the essence of technology — it can be complicated and detailed. However, together we can simplify it all and make it understandable!
You might not be interested in how all this operates, and that’s perfectly fine too. Your tech devices are personal and should bring enjoyment. Yet, you might just pick up some knowledge along the way…
What constitutes a modular phone?
A few years back, the concept of a modular phone emerged. Companies discussed products like Phoneblocks and Project Ara, and we were quite enthusiastic about what we were hearing. They were phones that users could configure; you determined elements like which processor to select, the amount of memory, the camera lenses, and so forth.
What made them an exciting idea was the ability to swap those components out and modify them in the future. Imagine constructing a custom computer and choosing the parts you desire, then upgrading one of them later on.
That vision never came to fruition and honestly, was never going to be practical. Phones contain fundamental components that are all permanently connected to a main circuit board, and your only option is to replace the entire (costly) board. There was never going to be a battery-operated device with interchangeable components that didn’t weigh a couple of pounds, and it would run so hot that it would be unmanageable.
The modular label remained, though, and like many concepts, its definition transformed. Now, when you think of a modular phone, you’re referring to something that is user-serviceable; there’s no need for industrial tools to open and replace some parts that often require changing.
In contrast to phones at the other end of the repairability spectrum, such as foldables, modular phones are engineered to be sustainable. The companies producing them sell components like a new battery or a replacement screen, and with a screwdriver and a guitar pick, you can replace them yourself at your kitchen table.
When you hear discussions about a modular phone, this is what they mean. Devices like the new Fairphone or the HMD Skyline are constructed with the idea that you can swap out the parts that typically fail or deteriorate, enabling you to continue using them for a longer period. Coupled with the software support from certain companies, you might use a phone for six or seven years.
This interpretation of modular is significantly better.
I concede that the notion of upgrading the chip inside your phone next year when newer and more powerful variants are released is incredibly appealing. However, it’s also unfeasible. What we possess is nearly as good, and in some respects, even superior.
You’re likely going to purchase a new phone this year or next. It’s part of what we do and what we’ve come to accept. Regardless of how fond we are of what we already have, it will eventually wear out or simply be replaced by something newer and “better.”
What if you could keep the phone you adored when you bought it functioning just as well for years? That’s what “modular” provides. If you accidentally crack the screen, you buy a new one and replace it. When the battery loses its charge, you simply insert a brand-new one. Even components like camera lenses or USB ports have been designed for replacement on some phones without necessitating the purchase of an entirely new set of internals.
New products will still be alluring, partly because companies producing them will convince us how much superior they are compared to what you currently hold. But understanding exactly what to expect and being able to maintain it that way is fantastic. Some items just shouldn’t be disposable.
If you’re not particularly handy with a screwdriver, modular also means lower repair costs. If fixing it is straightforward for us, it’s equally easy for someone equipped with the right tools and expertise to tackle.
You can think of sustainability when you hear modular; they signify the same concept. I only wish more phones were designed in this manner.
