Tech Blog #120 | NIO Phone - Smartphone from a EV Manufacturer...

Companies like stability. So they don't like to depend on another company. That's why most companies try to build eco-system around their brand identity. Apple is a great example. Chinese Electric Vehicle Manufacturer, NIO has taken a step towards that direction. And it is a smartphone. And it's a great device to start.

The NIO Phone brings a sleek and modern design with exceptionally slim bezels, providing a diving viewing experience. The device features a curved 6.81-inch LTPO OLED display with a crisp 1440P resolution. The display's refresh rate can reach up to 120Hz, ensuring smooth animations and experience. Also it can dial down its refresh rate to 10Hz to save battery. With an advertised peak brightness of 1800 nits, the screen should be visible even in direct sunlight.

Under the hood, the NIO Phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a high-performance SoC known for its speed and efficiency. Paired with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM and offering storage options of 512GB or a massive 1TB, this phone is well-equipped for multitasking and handling demanding applications.

The camera setup on the NIO Phone is unique in its square formation. It includes three 50MP cameras, each with distinct capabilities. The primary 50MP camera, featuring a Sony IMX707 sensor and optical image stabilization (OIS), promises excellent low-light performance and image stabilization. Next is the ultra-wide-angle shooter with a Sony IMX766 sensor and a 110-degree field of view, ensuring expansive landscape shots and Macro imaging. The third camera is a periscope telephoto lens with a Sony IMX890 sensor, offering 2.8x optical zoom and OIS for capturing distant subjects. So it covers the all essential categories.

The NIO Phone truly shines when it comes to its integration with NIO's electric vehicles through the NIO Link app. With ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, the phone can serve as a car key, automatically locking and unlocking the vehicle as the owner approaches. The app provides control over various car-related features, including air conditioning, seat adjustments, music, battery status, and estimated range. And there's a ton of security features also to avoid hijacking. Well, this features only works with NIO EVs. If you don't have one, well.. use it as a normal device.

The NIO Phone houses a robust 5,200mAh battery, ensuring it can keep up with extended usage. It supports 66W wired fast charging and an impressive 50W wireless charging. Additionally, it features reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other devices using your phone. With IP68 certification, the device is well-protected against dust and water.

NIO has implemented enhanced security measures against malware and employs powerful encryption for both on-device and cloud data. The device runs on Sky UI, offering a clean and user-friendly interface. Importantly, NIO takes pride in not including any ads or bloatware in the system. Even though you are buying this without having NIO EV, smartphone without Bloatwares is a good thing to have.

The NIO Phone is available in seven attractive colors, with options for both glass and leather-like back panels. Pricing starts at CNY 6,499 (approximately $900/€835) for the 12GB/512GB version, CNY 6,899 ($950/€900) for the 12GB/1TB variant, and CNY 7,499 ($1,025/€965) for the top-tier 16GB/1TB configuration. i think it is fairly priced. And Deliveries is to be started by the end of September.

The NIO Phone is more than just a smartphone. It's a companion for NIO electric vehicle owners. Its impressive specifications, camera capabilities, and seamless integration with NIO's vehicles make it a unique offering in the market. But it targets a niche in the market. Is it a recommendable smartphone for others?? Yes indeed. While it may not have the brand recognition of established smartphone manufacturers, NIO's commitment to innovation and its growing ecosystem of products indicate exciting possibilities for the future.