The Return of Small-Screen Phones: OPPO FindX8mini Leading the Charge, New Trend to Emerge Next Year

The Return of Small-Screen Phones: OPPO FindX8mini Leading the Charge, New Trend to Emerge Next YearRecently, there have been numerous reports of multiple brands planning to release flagship phones with smaller displays. Looking at the current market, most small-screen phones come with a 6

The Return of Small-Screen Phones: OPPO FindX8mini Leading the Charge, New Trend to Emerge Next Year

Recently, there have been numerous reports of multiple brands planning to release flagship phones with smaller displays. Looking at the current market, most small-screen phones come with a 6.3-inch display, leaving many wondering if it's possible to get even smaller. Recently, a truly ultra-small-screen phone, the Unihertz JellyMax (China version), went on sale officially, starting at 2399 yuan. Reportedly, the Unihertz JellyMax only boasts a 5.05-inch LCD display, making it truly miniature. However, to achieve this screen size, the phone's thickness reaches 16mm, and its weight clocks in at 179g, making it heavier than some Pro imaging flagship models. Additionally, the screen resolution is only 1520720, and the refresh rate is limited to 60Hz, resulting in a mediocre display experience. In terms of core performance, the Unihertz JellyMax features a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, a 4000mAh battery with support for 66W wired fast charging, and currently offers only one storage configuration: 12GB+256GB. The imaging setup is perhaps the most notable aspect, boasting a 100MP main camera + 8MP telephoto dual-camera setup on the rear, and a 32MP single-camera on the front. In summary, although the Unihertz JellyMax's screen is undoubtedly small, it comes at the cost of display quality, battery life, and some performance specifications.

In comparison, among the newly released phones last month, some Chinese "small-screen" phones, despite not reaching a screen size under 5 inches, have gained popularity among consumers due to their compact straight-screen design, ultra-thin body, and performance on par with Pro models. According to blogger @DigitalChatStation's latest leak, there will be even more small-screen products next year. Aside from OPPO and OnePlus, which will add flagship small straight-screen phones to their lineups, their sub-brands might also introduce similar models later on. For tablet-type products, two 8-9 inch versions are confirmed, equipped with MediaTek Dimensity 9400 / Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipsets.

Currently, at least two brands are expected to release flagship small-screen phones before the end of the year, and more manufacturers are expected to adopt this approach next year. Among them, OPPO's compact straight-screen FindX8mini is slated to be the first to debut, possibly as early as January next year, with an estimated price range of 4000 - 7000 yuan. Based on recent leaks, the OPPO FindX8mini might feature a 6.3-inch 1.5K small straight-screen, a slimmer body, and an excellent screen quality. It will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset coupled with the Tian Gong cooling system, and its battery capacity is expected to be comparable to the Pro model, offering similar battery life. It could also support 100W wired fast charging and wireless fast charging. In other aspects, the FindX8mini is likely to inherit features from the OPPO FindX8 and X8Pro, such as full-focal length Dolby Vision video recording, solid-state quick-launch button, one-touch sharing, mountain-sea communication, off-grid communication, and satellite communication.

Apart from small-screen phones, news suggests that small-sized tablets are also on their way. With a thin and lightweight design, they are expected to offer excellent portability and appeal to gamers. As fashion is cyclical, small-screen electronic devices are returning to the spotlight. With guaranteed performance and screen quality, many consumers are likely to be eager to try them out.

Here's a detailed breakdown of the above content:

1. Analysis of the reasons for the comeback of small-screen phones:

• Changing User Needs: As smartphone screen sizes continue to grow, some users are seeking a more compact and portable experience. They want phones that fit easily in their pockets or bags and offer a more comfortable one-handed operation experience.

• Intensified Market Competition: Currently, the smartphone market is fiercely competitive. All brands are searching for new breakthroughs, and the return of small-screen phones has become a new market trend.

• Technological Advancements: With advancements in display and chip technology, manufacturers can now pack more powerful performance and superior screen quality into smaller form factors.

2. Deficiencies of the Unihertz JellyMax:

• Small Screen Size but Sacrifices Display Quality: Although the phone's screen size is only 5.05 inches, its screen resolution and refresh rate are relatively low, resulting in a less than ideal display experience.

• Heavy Body: In pursuit of a smaller screen size, the phone's thickness and weight are substantial, contradicting the concept of a lightweight small-screen phone.

• Mediocre Configuration: Beyond the screen and size, the phone's processor, battery, and storage configuration are relatively standard, resulting in a lackluster price-to-performance ratio.

3. Highlights of the OPPO FindX8mini:

• Small Straight-Screen: Expected to feature a 6.3-inch 1.5K small straight-screen, balancing small-screen experience with high-quality display.

• Slim Body: It's known that the body will be slimmer, aligning with the design principle of small-screen phones.

• Powerful Performance: Packed with the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset and Tian Gong cooling system, delivering robust performance.

• Excellent Battery Life: Battery capacity is expected to be comparable to the Pro model, supporting 100W wired fast charging and wireless fast charging.

• Rich Features: It's likely to inherit numerous features from the FindX8 series, including full-focal length Dolby Vision video recording, solid-state quick-launch buttons, one-touch sharing, mountain-sea communication, off-grid communication, and satellite communication.

4. Market Prospects for Small-Sized Tablets:

• Strong Portability: The thin and lightweight design makes them highly portable, allowing users to utilize them anytime, anywhere.

• Optimal Gaming Experience: The small screen size is more suitable for certain games, such as handheld games and strategy games.

• Existing Market Demand: As the tablet market gradually reaches saturation, manufacturers need to find new breakthroughs, and small-sized tablets could represent a new opportunity.

5. Significance of the Return of Small-Screen Electronic Devices:

• Satisfying Diverse User Needs: Large-screen phones cater to the need for large screens and multitasking, while small-screen phones fulfill the desire for portability and one-handed operation. Their coexistence contributes to a diversified smartphone market.

• Technological Innovation: The comeback of small-screen phones has spurred advancements in mobile technology, such as more advanced display technology, more powerful chipsets, and better battery technology.

• Heightened Market Competition: The return of small-screen phones will further intensify competition in the smartphone market, pushing the industry towards continuous development.

In Conclusion:

The comeback of small-screen phones is a notable trend, reflecting diverse user needs and the continuous evolution of the smartphone market. It's anticipated that more manufacturers will release small-screen phones in the future, providing users with more diverse options. Additionally, small-sized tablets could emerge as a new growth point in the market.