Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio has unveiled a promotional gesture tied to car purchases: a branded flagship smartphone, the Nio Phone, included as a bonus for buyers. ArenaEV first highlighted this offering, noting that the device is bundled as part of the overall car ownership experience.
The Nio Phone features a large 6.81-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1440 by 3088 pixels, delivering smooth visuals with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and peak brightness around 1800 nits. Under the hood, the handset runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the same processor seen in many 2022 flagship devices, delivering robust performance for daily multitasking, camera apps, and gaming. Its triple-camera setup centers on a 50-megapixel primary sensor, supplemented by an ultrawide lens and a telephoto module with a periscope design offering approximately 2.8x optical zoom. The camera system is designed to capture high-detail photos and versatile shots in varying lighting conditions, aligning with premium smartphone standards while complementing Nio’s automotive technology ecosystem.
The battery capacity of 5,200 mAh supports 66W fast charging and 50W wireless charging, features that are also integrated into Nio’s electric vehicles. This compatibility across devices reinforces a seamless charging experience between car and phone, reducing the need for separate accessories and optimizing convenience for owners who rely on rapid power replenishment during busy days or long trips. The fast-charging capability is particularly valuable for drivers who use the phone for navigation, entertainment, and vehicle control tasks on the go, ensuring the device remains ready without disrupting the driving routine.
In China, the Nio Phone starts at prices around 6,500 yuan, roughly 82,000 rubles at current exchange rates, and it is offered as a gift when customers buy a Nio automobile. The arrangement positions the device not as a mere gadget but as an integrated element of the Nio ecosystem, designed to enhance vehicle ownership with more than 30 customizable features. These features span from door automation to proximity-based unlocks, where doors can automatically unlock as a driver wearing the handset approaches the vehicle, to vehicle health monitoring and personalized settings that adapt to the user’s preferences. The strategy emphasizes a cohesive digital environment where the phone serves as a control hub for car functions, access management, and in-car experiences that mirror the owner’s daily routines.
The broader idea behind the Nio Phone is to deepen the link between hardware and mobility, creating a unified user experience that extends beyond the vehicle itself. By weaving the smartphone into the car’s system, Nio aims to streamline workflows, enhance security, and provide a seamless transition from personal device to vehicle interface. This approach reflects a growing trend in automotive technology where smartphones function as key portals to advanced car features, digital keys, and ecosystem-based services that simplify ownership and elevate convenience for drivers in both municipal and suburban settings. ArenaEV and other tech-focused outlets have noted this strategy as a distinctive move within the Chinese EV landscape and a potential differentiator for Nio’s brand identity.
Earlier reports touched on Apple’s trademark position regarding Vision Pro in China, with industry observers noting that Huawei’s activities in the region have influenced trademark outcomes. This context underscores the competitive and dynamic nature of tech branding in the Chinese market, where cross-industry signals often shape consumer perception and strategic product alignment. While the Vision Pro matter is separate from Nio’s mobile integration strategy, it contributes to a broader narrative about how premium tech products are positioned and protected in major markets.