Creating an exact copy of a smartphone with your own hands is a very difficult task. If we talk about a copy enlarged tens of times, capable of performing almost all the functions of the original, then this may turn out to be an even more difficult task. However, YouTube bloggers Matthew Perkins and Arun Maini managed to create a huge working copy of the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 1.82 m tall and weighing just under 200 kg. This achievement earned the bloggers an official Guinness World Record.
Image source: YouTube
Perkins began assembling the huge iPhone replica by preparing the screen, for which an 88-inch LG Signature OLED TV was converted into a responsive touch display. To do this, he used a touch film of the same size as the TV, gluing it with glue based on UV epoxy resin.
The next task was to find a way to place the oversized components of a smartphone inside the case: speakers, cameras, volume and power buttons, etc. For this, an aluminum frame was made with a cross-shaped support in the middle to enhance the rigidity of the structure. The cameras weren’t cheap, as Perkins chose to use a Canon EOS R5 and Sony RX10 Mark 4, including to emulate the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s telephoto lens. The frame of the device is mounted on a specially made stand with wheels, which made it possible to rotate the heavy structure without any problems.
Image source: guinnessworldrecords.com
The only important component that bloggers were unable to recreate is the operating system, since iOS is closed source. Therefore, bloggers used Bliss OS, which is capable of well simulating the iPhone home screen, thereby creating a feeling of the presence of iOS. Bloggers tested the functionality of the resulting smartphone and were able to use it to make purchases, send messages, make video calls, etc. As for the cost of the device, in total it took about $70 thousand to create a giant copy of the iPhone 15 Pro Max.