Nio has unveiled its first smartphone at a major event in China. The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer has equipped the phone with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and three powerful 50 MP cameras on the rear. Although Nio primarily focuses on producing cars, the company has ingeniously designed the Phone to double as a car key, functioning even when the vehicle is turned off. This is just one example of over 30 vehicle-related features that can be accessed through a dedicated app.
Nio Launches its First Smartphone with Advanced Vehicle Features
The smartphone boasts a 6.81-inch LTPO OLED display at the front, offering a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz and a peak brightness of 1800 nits. With a resolution of 1440p, users can enjoy a high-quality visual experience. In terms of memory, the phone is available in two options: 12 GB or 16 GB RAM. Storage capacity ranges from 512 GB to 1 TB.
The camera module sports a distinctive island design that sets it apart from the commonly seen circular or rectangular setups. All three cameras, alongside an LED flash, are available in a square form. The primary 50 MP camera, positioned in the bottom left corner, features a Sony IMX707 sensor and optical image stabilization (OIS).
Situated in the top left corner is the ultra-wide-angle shooter, which boasts a Sony IMX766 sensor and a field of view (FoV) of 110 degrees. The third camera, located in the bottom right corner, is a periscope telephoto lens with a Sony IMX890 sensor, 2.8x optical zoom, and OIS.
Nio Link is the app responsible for the phone’s various car functionalities. Utilizing Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, the app enables the car to automatically lock and unlock when it detects the owner’s phone in close proximity. Additionally, the app allows users to control the air conditioning, adjust the seats, manage the music system, and obtain a battery capacity and estimated range report.
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Furthermore, the Nio Phone can be placed in the executive island of the ES8 car, where it seamlessly transforms into a control screen for managing music, ambient lighting, and more. Users can pre-set their destination through the dedicated navigation app. And once the phone is in the car, it automatically transitions to the entertainment system. The phone can even record videos using the car’s external cameras, offering the convenience of editing and sharing the footage.
By connecting to the car as an external screen, the Nio Phone allows simultaneous operation of a second app. The large screen proves advantageous for video calls and gaming. The phone features Sky UI, which includes a widget for easy access to Nio Link. Additionally, the device boasts an appealing interface. And Nio takes pride in the absence of ads or bloatware on the system.
Considering the expanded car access, Nio has implemented heightened security measures against malware and enhanced encryption to protect data stored both on the device and in the cloud. The phone comes with a 5,200 mAh battery. Supporting 66W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. Moreover, the device is IP68 certified, offering robust protection against dust and water.
Also, the Nio Phone will be available in seven different colors. It includes Black, Light Blue, Gold, Dark Blue, Green, Gray, and Rose Gold. Some variants feature a glass panel, while others offer a leather-like texture on the rear.
Additionally, in terms of pricing, the phone starts at CNY6,499 ($900/€835) for the 12 GB RAM and 512 GB storage version. The 12 GB RAM and 1 TB storage option cost CNY6,899 ($950/€900). While the 16 GB RAM and 1 TB storage variant is available for CNY7,499 ($1,025/€965).
