Repurposing old smartphones has become a popular trend, and a recent project by [LastComputer] showcases an innovative transformation. They took a damaged Samsung Galaxy S23, which looked like it had been run over, and turned it into a functional gaming PC.
Key Highlights of the Project:
- Phone Details: The Galaxy S23 was purchased for around 1,700 Ukrainian Hryvnia (~$40). It was SIM locked, which contributed to the lower price.
- SoC Advantages: Despite its condition, the phone’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC is capable of impressive gaming performance, often found in handheld consoles.
- Modification Process:
- The conversion involved careful disassembly and some gentle adjustments to the frame.
- A new battery was essential because the mainboard requires one to function.
- A 3D-printed phone case was created to house a 512 GB SSD.
- Cooling Improvements: Active cooling was implemented with a heatsink and fan, significantly reducing thermal throttling and improving overall performance.
Performance Upside:
- Running applications in Samsung’s DeX mode offers a good desktop experience. Gamers can run titles like “God of War” and use emulators like Dolphin to play classic games.
- The project proves that high-end smartphones can offer substantial computing power even when repurposed.
For a detailed look at the process and outcomes, check out the full video here.
