While major tech companies dominate the smartphone innovation space, one Chinese teenager has taken matters into his own hands literally.

Lan Bowen, a secondary school student from Hubei province, has successfully built a vertical foldable smartphone using a 3D printer he purchased for 2,000 yuan (RM1,225). His ingenuity and resourcefulness have captivated many online, even drawing recognition from smartphone giant Vivo, according to the South China Morning Post.

In a six-minute video detailing his process, which has amassed 4.7 million views and 400,000 likes since its release on 16 February, Lan showcases his unique device. Unlike conventional foldable smartphones that either bend horizontally or fold inward, his design features an outward-folding mechanism, keeping the screen visible even when compact.

Nicknamed the "meal card machine" due to its compact size when folded, the device is 16mm thick and features a 3D-printed frame. Most of its internal components were salvaged from his family's old smartphones, with only a few necessary parts sourced online.

However, the project wasn't without its difficulties. The most significant challenge was ensuring the touchscreen remained fully functional after unfolding. Through multiple design iterations and overcoming a few broken screens, Lan eventually found a solution.

Although his DIY smartphone has some imperfections, it remains a testament to his technical skills and determination. Despite admitting that he struggles with most school subjects except English and geography, Lan's innovative spirit has won widespread admiration, with many comparing him to Xiaomi's founder, Lei Jun.

His remarkable creation serves as a reminder that groundbreaking ideas aren't limited to billion-dollar tech firms sometimes, they come from a single teenager with a vision and a 3D printer.

Source: South China Morning Post