The Nokia Lumia 1020 is making a comeback—well, kind of. A creative tech enthusiast on Reddit, known as OceanDepth95028, has pulled off an incredible DIY project by merging the internal hardware of an iPhone SE 3 with the body of a Nokia Lumia 1020. The result? A sleek and functional hybrid dubbed the “NokiApple LumiPhone 1020 SE.”
More Than Just a Case Swap
This isn’t just an iPhone SE 3 squeezed into a Lumia shell—it’s a full-fledged, customized smartphone. The creator went the extra mile by ensuring the iPhone’s internals worked seamlessly with a rear-mounted fingerprint reader. They even modified the SIM card slot and cleverly disguised the Lightning port to resemble a micro-USB, keeping the phone’s retro aesthetic intact.
Fully Functional with 5G and OTA Updates
What makes this project even more impressive is that the device retains full 5G capability and receives Apple’s over-the-air (OTA) updates, just like a standard iPhone SE 3. Some buttons had to be repositioned, and the dedicated camera button was repurposed to function as either a volume switch or a camera shutter button.
A Frankenphone That Works (Almost) Perfectly
Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, this custom-built smartphone runs modern apps without a hitch. According to the designer, it could even be used as an everyday device. The only drawbacks? Apple Pay and wireless charging didn’t cut, but given the unique nature of this project, those are minor trade-offs.
A Nod to the Lumia 1020’s Legacy
For those unfamiliar, the Nokia Lumia 1020 was launched in 2013 and stood out for its eye-catching design and impressive camera system. It was a Windows Phone fan favorite before the OS faded into history. On the other hand, the iPhone SE 3 is Apple’s budget-friendly powerhouse, with rumors swirling about a new model on the horizon.
This hybrid creation not only brings back the nostalgia of Nokia’s golden days but also showcases how innovation and creativity can breathe new life into classic designs. Who knows—maybe we’ll see more mashups like this in the future!
