Chinese smartphones were once looked down upon as mere copies of Samsung Galaxy or Apple iPhones. However, that has changed in the last few years, and it’s actually the Chinese smartphone makers like Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, iQOO, and more that deliver innovative features and capabilities. Not only are they technically strong, but they also offer better value for money.
Towards the end of 2024, we are also witnessing a new set of Chinese flagship Android smartphones that offer incredible hardware and software capabilities, surpassing the latest Apple iPhones and Samsung Galaxy smartphones in some areas.
Here are five such features commonly found on Chinese Android flagships that I would love to see on upcoming smartphones from Apple and Samsung:
Water Touch Display Technology
Aqua touch on the OnePlus 12. (Image credit: OnePlus)
This specific feature has trickled down to even mid-range and budget smartphones, making it easier to use a smartphone with wet fingers or a wet screen. Also known as rainwater touch technology, powered by advanced display sensors and enhanced software algorithms, these devices can easily register touch inputs even on wet surfaces. This is 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 Across 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, unlike recent Android flagships like the Oppo Find X8 Pro (review) or the Vivo X200 Pro, the Galaxy S24 Ultra or the iPhone 16 Pro Max come with a low-resolution telephoto lens. While resolution is just one aspect of camera quality, having high-resolution sensors across the 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)
Samsung Galaxy S series and iPhones have always been at the forefront of offering ingress protection (IP) ratings against water and dust. The latest set of Chinese flagships like the vivo X200 Pro (review) have taken this a step further with an IP69 rating, making the smartphones resilient to high-temperature and high-pressure environments. While no brand, regardless of IP rating, covers devices under warranty for liquid damage, these certifications provide users with peace of mind.
Silicon Carbon Battery
Silicon Carbon battery with higher 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 per cent larger in capacity while maintaining a slim profile. A phone with a large battery is a great way to alleviate battery anxiety, and it’s high time for big brands like Samsung and Apple to consider this technology for their upcoming smartphones.
Fast Charging, Fast Charger
iQOO 13 supports 120W fast charging and the charger is included in the box. (Image credit: iQOO)
Chinese smartphone brands have demonstrated that super-fast charging doesn’t significantly impact battery health. While the fast charging on Samsung and Apple smartphones has improved, it still takes more than double the time to charge compared to Chinese flagships like the iQOO 13 (review) with its 120W fast charging. It’s time for the top smartphone makers to adopt faster charging technologies. Additionally, including a charger in the box would be a welcome move, although it’s unlikely to happen.
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