Nubia V80 Design: 'iPhone 17 Pro' Lookalike Arrives for Just $100, Packed with AI

A Bold Design Gambit: Nubia V80 Design Mimics the iPhone 17 Pro's Aesthetic for a Fraction of the Price

In a move that has certainly raised eyebrows, Chinese tech manufacturer Nubia, known for its high-end Z80 Ultra, has quietly launched a budget-friendly smartphone that bears a striking resemblance to Apple's future iterations. The Nubia V80 Design, previously rumored as the ZTE Blade V80 Vita, is now making waves not just for its wallet-friendly price point, but also for its audacious design choices that clearly take inspiration from the Cupertino giant. Depending on the market, this device might even sport both monikers, but its core specifications remain consistent.

Decoding the Nubia V80 Design's Specs Sheet

At its heart, the V80 Design boasts a generous 6.75-inch LCD display, offering a resolution of 900x1940 pixels, which translates to a pixel density of 317 ppi. Crucially for a smooth user experience, it supports a 120Hz refresh rate, and can ramp up its brightness to a respectable 1000 nits, ensuring decent visibility even in bright conditions. Powering this budget contender is the Unisoc T7280 chipset, a 12nm processor featuring an octa-core setup with two Cortex-A75 cores ticking at 2.2 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz, complemented by a Mali-G57 MP1 GPU. Users can opt for configurations with up to 8GB of RAM and a substantial 256GB of internal storage. However, in a typical budget segment move, there's no provision for expandable storage via microSD cards.

Camera Deception and Connectivity Realities

The rear camera module is where the iPhone 17 Pro-esque illusion is most apparent. It's designed to look like a sophisticated triple-lens system, but in reality, it houses a primary 50-megapixel sensor and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. The other visible "lenses" are purely decorative, a clever design trick that manages expectations regarding photographic prowess. For selfies and video calls, a 16-megapixel sensor is housed within a punch-hole cutout on the display. Under the hood, the V80 Design packs a robust 5000 mAh battery, supporting 22.5W wired fast charging and a 10W reverse wired charging capability. Connectivity-wise, the device supports dual SIM cards, but it's important to note that the Unisoc T7280 chipset is limited to 4G networks, meaning no 5G speeds here. A side-mounted fingerprint scanner provides convenient unlocking, and depending on the region, NFC support and a 3.5mm audio jack are also present, offering a touch of welcome familiarity.

A Nod to the Future: AI Integration Takes Center Stage

What truly sets the Nubia V80 Design apart in its price bracket is its emphasis on Artificial Intelligence. The inclusion of a dedicated physical button for quick access to AI features is a bold statement. Running on Android 16, this smartphone is equipped with a suite of AI tools designed to enhance daily usability. These include real-time translation for seamless communication, intelligent detection of fraudulent calls to bolster security, automated responses for convenience, and AI-assisted writing tools. For the visually inclined, it offers image editing capabilities and the ability to generate custom wallpapers. Furthermore, the Nubia Linkfree feature leverages Bluetooth to enable offline communication, facilitating voice calls and messages over distances of several hundred meters, a truly intriguing prospect for remote areas or situations with limited network coverage.

Pricing and Availability: An Unbeatable Value Proposition?

The Nubia V80 Design is already available in select markets, and its pricing is remarkably aggressive. On the Philippines, the base 4GB/256GB model retails for a mere PHP 5,800 (approximately $100 USD or €85), while the top-tier 8GB/256GB variant commands PHP 6,500 (around $110 USD or €95). In Malaysia, the 8GB/256GB model is priced at MYR 570 (approximately $140 USD or €120). This makes the V80 Design a compelling option for consumers seeking a stylish smartphone with modern AI features without breaking the bank. The device comes in four appealing color options: Midnight Black, Pale Amber, Celadon Cyan, and Peach Fuzz, catering to a range of aesthetic preferences.