The Return of Right-Angle Frames: Are Chinese Flagships Going "iPhone16"?

The Return of Right-Angle Frames: Are Chinese Flagships Going "iPhone16"?It's quite surprising how the global smartphone industry has embraced the right-angle frame design once more, following Apple's decision to reinstate it with the iPhone 12 series. While Android manufacturers initially adopted it only for standard or mid-range models of their flagship series, it appears they've all jumped on the bandwagon this year, starting in October

The Return of Right-Angle Frames: Are Chinese Flagships Going "iPhone16"?

It's quite surprising how the global smartphone industry has embraced the right-angle frame design once more, following Apple's decision to reinstate it with the iPhone 12 series. While Android manufacturers initially adopted it only for standard or mid-range models of their flagship series, it appears they've all jumped on the bandwagon this year, starting in October.

On September 7th, a well-known industry insider, Digital Chat Station, revealed that most of the new flagship phones released from October onward (almost certainly referring to the standard versions) will sport a combination of flat screens and right-angle frames. Sound familiar? It's practically the iPhone 16 design! What's more intriguing is that most Pro models will likely boast curved displays alongside right-angle frames. However, these frames will be slightly curved to avoid the sharpness issue and make the screen bezels seem narrower.

What's even more unexpected is that the insider mentioned this trend includes "Huawei", a name everyone understands. He also revealed witnessing two "ultra-large cup" phones (presumed to be the ultra-premium versions) with right-angle frames. We're witnessing a full-scale "iPhone 16-ization" of Chinese flagships, with the Pro and Ultra-Pro versions undergoing minor adjustments to the design, unlike Apple's straightforward approach.

Don't even think about the feel-good factor when it comes to this design. Even the insider acknowledged it's just "not as sharp", implying there's hardly any tactile sensation. Remember the Hammer phone with a right-angle frame? Old Luo, the founder, even used a knife to cut an apple during a live stream, highlighting the design's sharpness. This was back when such frames were not the norm, and everyone preferred rounded edges, even iPhones. Now, right-angle frames are the trend, and everyone's following in Apple's footsteps. While people criticize the iPhone 16's uninspired design, they're all adopting its right-angle frames.

What's even more interesting is that a certain brand released a flagship phone with a right-angle frame resembling the iPhone's and then decided to implement the same design on its mid-range models. This is the reality, as mimicking the iPhone often leads to market recognition.

This collective "iPhone 16-ization" of Chinese flagships shouldn't come as a shock. Apple has always been a trendsetter in the smartphone market, and its designs and features often become benchmarks for other manufacturers. This isn't to say Chinese phone makers lack innovation but rather that aligning with mainstream trends often yields greater market acceptance.

For consumers, whether right-angle frames are good or bad is subjective. Some appreciate their sharp, angular feel, deeming them more technologically advanced. Others find them too sharp and prone to hand cuts, arguing they lack comfortable grip.

Regardless, the return of right-angle frames is undeniable. Manufacturers are striving to improve their comfort and practicality. In the future, we might witness even more diverse designs. However, whether they resonate with consumers will ultimately depend on each brand's performance.