Chinese smartphones were once seen as copies of Samsung Galaxy or Apple iPhone. However, that has changed over the past few years, and it’s actually Chinese smartphone manufacturers like Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, iQOO, and more that offer innovative features and capabilities. Not only are they technically strong, but they also offer good value for money.
Towards the end of 2024, we are also seeing a new set of Chinese flagship Android smartphones offering incredible hardware and software capabilities, surpassing the latest Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy smartphones in some areas.
Here are five features commonly found on Chinese Android flagships that I’d like to see in upcoming smartphones from Apple and Samsung:
Water Touch Display Technology
Aqua Touch on OnePlus 12 (Image credit: OnePlus)
This unique feature has also done the trick in mid-range and budget smartphones, making it easier to use the smartphone with wet fingers or a wet screen. Powered by advanced display sensors and sophisticated software algorithms, also known as rainwater touch technology, these devices can easily register touch inputs even on wet surfaces. It’s a highly useful feature, especially for those with sweaty fingers, and it’s surprising that it’s missing even on high-end Apple and Samsung flagships.
High-resolution cameras at focal lengths
Oppo Find X8 Pro has four 50 MP cameras. (Image credit: Oppo)
Apple and Samsung already have several smartphones with dedicated ultra-wide and telephoto lenses. However, recent Android flagships like the Oppo Find X8 Pro (review) or Vivo X200 Pro, Galaxy S24 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro Max come with low-resolution telephoto lenses. While resolution is only one aspect of camera quality, having high-resolution sensors on board can significantly improve the photography experience on these high-end smartphones, which sell millions of units annually.
IP69 rating
vivo X200 Pro comes with IP69 rating. (Image credit: vivo)
The Samsung Galaxy S series and iPhones are always ahead in offering Ingress Protection (IP) ratings against water and dust. The latest set of Chinese flagships like the Vivo X200 Pro ( review ) have taken it a step further with an IP69 rating, which makes the smartphones resilient in high-temperature and high-pressure environments. Regardless of the IP rating no brand covers devices under warranty for liquid damage, these certifications provide users with peace of mind.
Silicon Carbon Battery
Silicon carbon battery with high energy density. (Image credit: Oppo)
Chinese smartphone makers are leading the innovation of silicon-carbon batteries. Compared to previous generations, the latest models pack batteries that are at least 20 percent larger in capacity and retain a slim profile. A phone with a bigger battery is a great way to ease battery worries, and it’s time for big brands like Samsung and Apple to consider this technology for their upcoming smartphones.
Fast charging, fast charger
The iQOO 13 supports 120W fast charging and the charger is included in the box. (Image credit: iQOO)
Chinese smartphone brands have shown that super-fast charging does not significantly affect battery health. While fast charging has improved on Samsung and Apple smartphones, it still takes more than twice as long to charge compared to the 120W fast charging of Chinese flagships such as the iQOO 13 ( review ). It’s time for top smartphone manufacturers to adopt fast charging technologies. In addition, including a charger in the box would be a welcome step, although this is unlikely.
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