Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Nio has unveiled its second-generation smartphone, the Nio Phone 2, aiming to enhance the integration between smart technology and vehicle operation. The launch, part of the Nio In 2024 Tech Day event, underscores the company’s ambition to be a leader in intelligent vehicle technology.
Priced starting at 6,499 yuan (US$896), the Nio Phone 2 is designed to provide a superior driving experience for Nio car owners through advanced technological capabilities. William Li, co-founder and CEO of Nio, emphasized the company’s vision of building a reputation as a developer of smart technologies. “We hope our new products and technologies will help consumers better understand Nio,” Li stated during the event.
Advanced Features and Specifications
The Nio Phone 2 boasts a 6.82-inch QHD+ display with a peak brightness of 2600 nits, supplied by Samsung. It supports a variable refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz and includes 1440Hz high-frequency dimming for smoother visuals. The device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and features the “Gun Yu Cooling System” to manage heat, maintaining a surface temperature of 40°C during intensive tasks.
Camera capabilities include a 48MP main sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens. The phone is equipped with a 5020mAh battery supporting 80W wired and 50W wireless charging.
AI and Integration with Nio Vehicles
The standout feature of the Nio Phone 2 is its seamless integration with Nio’s EVs. The phone includes NOMI GPT, an AI-powered voice assistant that enhances voice-activated control. It can connect with the car’s cameras for live video streaming and enables features like self-parking and remote unlocking, even if the phone is powered off.
The Nio Phone 2 also features the “NIO Link Car Broadcast” function, allowing live streaming from the car’s cameras or showcasing the driving perspective during WeChat video calls.
Software and User Experience
Running a customized version of Android, the Nio Phone 2 promises a clean user experience with “0 system ads and 0 commercial pre-installed apps.” The phone’s software includes a multimodal perception and cognitive center, emotion engine, and multi-expert Agent, which collectively offer comprehensive AI-powered chat experiences and car-related functions.
Market Context and Competition
Nio’s foray into smartphones comes at a time when the intelligence of an EV is becoming a crucial selling point in China. Competitors like Xiaomi and Huawei also develop smart cars and phones with seamless connectivity but have not yet released a smartphone specifically designed for vehicle integration.
“Nio has been viewed as a leader in developing smart cars in China since its establishment, and it is certain that the smartphone will be welcomed by Nio car owners,” said Gao Shen, an independent analyst in Shanghai. Despite this, Nio continues to face intense competition and profit margin pressures in the Chinese market.
Additional Announcements
Alongside the smartphone, Nio also introduced its SkyOS operating system and the Shenji NX9031 autonomous driving chip, further showcasing its technological advancements. In June, Nio set a new sales record for the second consecutive month, with deliveries increasing by 3.2% month on month to 21,209 units.
Pricing and Availability
The Nio Phone 2 is available in three configurations:
- Base model: 12GB RAM, 512GB storage at 6,499 yuan (US$896)
- Mid-tier: 12GB RAM, 1TB storage at 6,899 yuan (US$951)
- Top-tier EP Edition: 16GB RAM, 1TB storage at 7,499 yuan (US$1034)
A 500 yuan voucher is available for first-generation Nio Phone users. Pre-orders are open, with official sales starting in China on August 10th.
This launch marks another significant step for Nio as it continues to integrate cutting-edge technology with its electric vehicles, aiming to offer a more intelligent and connected driving experience.