This repository documents my teardown of the LoopDL (also known as Loop DL), a subsidized 5G smart speaker launched for £1 (now £95) in the UK. It runs Android 15 with built-in cellular connectivity via eSIM.
The images folder contains photos of the full disassembly process in approximate order:
- External views and initial opening
- Speakers
- Main board with SoC
- Battery
- USB/eSIM daughterboard
- Screen
(Preview image above is resized for better README viewing – click it to see full resolution. All photos are available in full size in the /images/ folder.)
- SoC: MediaTek MT6877V (Dimensity series, supports 5G)
- Battery: Model U497082PV – 4250mAh / 32.73Wh, 7.7V nominal (8.8V charging limit), manufactured by Shenzhen Utility Energy Co., Ltd. (Production date: October 2025)
- eSIM: Integrated eUICC chip located on the USB/eSIM daughterboard (two profiles: bootstrapping/"Rain" simulation from China Mobile HK, and operational Gamma/Three UK profile)
While actual capacity testing has not been performed, the physical construction and labeling indicate it is one unified pack (not two separate packs stacked in parallel). There is no evidence of parallel stacking that would yield a true 8500 mAh at ~7.7–8.8V.
The "8500 mAh" figure advertised by LoopDL is likely an "equivalent" rating calculated by expressing the pack's capacity at a single-cell nominal voltage (~3.85V), a common (though misleading) practice when comparing to single-cell batteries. The actual rated capacity remains 4250 mAh at 7.7V, delivering the same total energy of 32.73 Wh.
Thanks to these excellent community guides:
- robyn.zip – Rooting a 5G speaker I got for £1 – Detailed step-by-step guide using DSU Sideloader, GSI, and Magisk patching
- daveio/loop wiki – Early hardware analysis and rooting information
The typical process involves unlocking the bootloader, sideloading a Generic System Image (GSI) temporarily, pulling boot partitions, patching with Magisk, and flashing back.
The LoopDL ships with two eSIM profiles:
- Bootstrapping/"Rain" simulation profile (China Mobile HK – provides free data, often routes through South Africa)
- Operational Gamma/Three UK profile (£25/mo plan) - Installed via LoopDL activating (Scanning QR etc)
Normally, the "Rain" profile is automatically disabled once the Gamma/Three profile is activated. After rooting, you can regain full control:
- Install the OpenEUICC Magisk module.
- Reboot and open the OpenEUICC app.
- Both profiles will be listed (you can also enable Dual SIM mode from the top menu if supported).
- Disable or delete the Gamma/Three UK profile if desired.
- Re-enable the China Mobile HK "Rain" profile – it provides free? internet access, with traffic routing through South Africa.
- Magisk (root solution): Official GitHub Repo
- OpenEUICC (eSIM management Magisk module): AndroPlus-org/magisk-module-openeuicc – Use the archived v4 release (proven to work on LoopDL)
- DSU Sideloader (used in rooting guides): GitHub Repo
- Explore WebADB-based rooting workflows (browser-based ADB via WebUSB for easier access without a full PC setup).
Contributions are very welcome! Open issues for part identifications, additional photos, or guide improvements.