Is Tesla About To Create A Smartphone?

X, previously known as Twitter, has changed many features and Elon Musk intends to introduce and remove more to align with his visions for the platform. One such feature is Twitter Blue, introduced before the name change. This allows users to pay for a verification badge, represented with a blue check, next to the user’s profile.

This new feature allows regular users to acquire verification. In the past, this badge was reserved for confirming the identities of public figures or official business accounts. Many users have in turn created parody accounts with Blue subscriptions to verify, and this has left many misled, thinking that the accounts belonged to the official person or business shown.

A tweet from a parody account resembling Elon Musk mentioned the launch of a new Tesla Smartphone last Tuesday. This tweet, though deceptive, prompted discussions about the implications for well-known brands like Apple and Samsung.
 

Addressing The Tesla Phone Rumours

 
Elon Musk, responding to a suggestion on Twitter about creating his phone if the app were to be removed from App Stores, commented, “I certainly hope it does not come to that, but, yes, if there is no other choice, I will make an alternative phone.”

This inevitably stirred rumours and a buzz surrounding the phone. If you search “Tesla Phone” on the web, so many results show clickbait stories of the device, its specs and its release date, though no official confirmation has been given by the billionaire.

Given recent decisions, like Elon’s choice to eliminate the ‘block’ feature, the notion of the app’s removal from major stores appears plausible.
 

Would The Tesla Phone Thrive In The Market?

 
Considering Elon Musk’s extensive influence and financial support, one might believe a Tesla Phone could immediately impact the mobile industry.

Musk does have a track record of disrupting traditional industries, as Tesla has done with the automotive market. That said, it’s worth considering what experts and market trends indicate.

Experts believe that Musk might be entering unfamiliar territory. While Apple and Samsung are market leaders, global brands like Huawei and OnePlus already present devices that compete directly with iPhones and Samsung Galaxies.

Not to mention, these companies have been in the smartphone business for years, fine-tuning their products based on deep consumer insights and market data.

Its important to keep in mind other ventures led by Musk that haven’t performed up to the mark. Companies like Neuralink and the Boring Company haven’t lived up to the early hype. One could argue that Tesla’s success is an outlier among Musk’s portfolio of businesses.

While it’s true that Google and Apple have a strong hold on their respective app stores, and removing Twitter from them could spell disaster for the platform, the idea that a Tesla Phone could serve as a lifeboat for Twitter seems far-fetched.

The time it would take to design, develop, and release such a phone might be too long, with Twitter’s users possibly migrating elsewhere. The question remains, will Musk’s followers stick with him out of brand loyalty?
 

Something To Think About

 
While Musk has a passionate following, it’s relatively modest in size to support an entirely new mobile platform. Persuading a large number of consumers to switch from their current devices to a Tesla Phone would certainly be a financial risk.

Another point worth mentioning is that even industry veterans have faced obstacles in this competitive market. Remember the Windows Phone? Despite Microsoft’s substantial resources, the project folded in less than a decade. Given these conditions, it’s tough to be optimistic about a Tesla Phone’s long-term viability.

So, while the rumors and Musk’s own words spark interest and curiosity, the reality might not be as rosy. A Tesla Phone would face intense competition, not only from Apple and Samsung but also from a range of seasoned and creative companies globally.
 

The Nothing Phone 1

 
Last year saw the release of the Nothing Phone (1), a fresh entrant to the smartphone marketplace from the London-based startup, Nothing. In a market dominated by indistinguishable designs, this device made its mark with its unique aesthetic.

CEO Carl Pei expressed his dissatisfaction with the homogenous appearance of modern phones, and in response, his company’s debut phone offers a distinctive transparent design on its rear panel. A transparent back might appear to be purely for show, but this smartphone goes beyond that.
 

Design and Display

 
With an eye on both design and functionality, it showcases the “Glyph Interface,” a sequence of over 900 LEDs that serve various purposes, from notifying users about specific contacts to indicating charging status.

On top of its appealing design, the phone’s main features are aligned with the industry’s midrange standards. The 6.55-inch display boasts a 2400 x 1080 resolution, giving users a sharp visual experience.
 

Technical Specs

 
The device runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ processor and offers storage options of 128GB or 256GB. When it comes to camera capabilities, it is equipped with dual rear cameras and a front camera, which is satisfactory for everyday use but may not impress photography enthusiasts.

But the attention to detail in design doesn’t end with its exterior. The phone runs on Nothing OS – essentially Android 12 dressed in Nothing’s skin.

This provides users with a clean experience devoid of unnecessary bloatware, often found in other devices. For those always on the move, the phone’s 5G capability ensures fast internet connectivity.

One might argue that the true essence of the Nothing Phone (1) lies not in its specifications but in its design philosophy.

By crafting a device that stands out in a sea of similar-looking phones, Nothing aims to offer a choice to those who seek differentiation.

The main drawback, though, is the camera’s mediocre performance in certain lighting conditions and some minor issues like the phone’s interface occasionally feeling unresponsive.

But given its price point and the features it packs, the Nothing Phone (1) does offer value for money.
 

Nothing Phone 1’s Sequel

 
Building on its inaugural success with the Phone 1, London-based startup Nothing returned to the scene with the Phone 2, a device that takes design, functionality, and user experience to the next level.

Unlike its predecessor, which focused mainly on a transparent back and LED notifications, the Phone 2 brings more to the table.
 

Design

 
Design-wise, the Phone 2 stays true to its roots with its see-through Gorilla Glass back panel.

This time, the company has amped up the sophistication by revealing an artful layout of its internal components, reminiscent of a cyberpunk tapestry.

Available in white or a refined grey shade, the phone has a more mature aesthetic while still maintaining its unique appeal.
 

Interface

 
Beyond its physical elegance, the phone embraces a more focused approach to user interaction through its Glyph interface. This LED-based feature, now consisting of 11 programmable zones, offers users a way to personalise their experience even further.

From showing battery levels to notifying about essential messages, Glyph extends its capabilities, giving the device a fresh sense of depth.
 

Hardware and Software

 
When it comes to hardware, the Phone 2 opts for a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. Paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM, this device doesn’t just keep up; it excels in handling tasks with agility.

While its chipset might not be the freshest on the market, it certainly holds its own against phones that cost considerably more.

On the software front, the Phone 2 unveils its Monochrome UI, a fresh take on smartphone user interface. It enriches the device with new widgets, wallpapers, and icon packs that tie seamlessly into its exterior.

The Monochrome User Interface is not just a treat for the eyes but also challenges users to engage with their smartphones more consciously.
 

Display

 
As for the display, a 6.7-inch OLED screen featuring a 120Hz refresh rate makes it a pleasure to interact with the device. Colours are vibrant, and the brightness level is impressive, easily exceeding 1,000 nits in certain conditions.

The phone does have a few drawbacks, such as its water resistance, which leaves something to be desired. It also falls a tad short in the camera department, offering satisfactory but not exceptional photo quality.

Despite these minor caveats, the Phone 2 doesn’t compromise its essential experience, making it a solid contender in the realm of mid-range phones.

Regarding longevity, Nothing commits to three years of operating system updates, which, although not market-leading, provides sufficient assurance for the consumer.
 

Battery Life

 
As for battery life, the Phone 2 offers astonishing longevity. The 4,700 mAh battery breezed through our video rundown test, clocking a surprising 24 hours and 25 minutes, placing it just a sliver behind Samsung’s Galaxy S23+.

While it doesn’t outdo the Pixel 7 in every aspect, the Nothing Phone 2 holds its own remarkably well, especially for its $600 price tag.

It caters to those who wish for a device that is not just another slate of glass and metal, but a thoughtfully designed companion that encourages its users to think twice about their digital habits.
 

Google’s Pixel 7’s Camera

 
The Pixel 7’s camera sets a new benchmark in mobile photography, and when pitted against the Nothing phones, its superiority is evident.

Where the Nothing series opts for competent, workable camera systems, the Pixel 7 takes it to the next level with its 50MP primary shooter.

This is the same lens seen in the pricier Pixel 7 Pro, capturing a staggering amount of detail in a broad range of lighting conditions.

Even in challenging lighting, the Pixel 7’s camera excels, producing photos at 12.5MP resolution that are sharp, vibrant, and full of life.

Another area where the Pixel 7 leaves the Nothing phones behind is its AI-powered features. Text-to-speech is rapid and more accurate, making the device more than just a point-and-shoot camera.

It’s a smart system that understands context and can produce better shots automatically.

A faster and better low-light mode means your photos will still shine even when the sun doesn’t. The Nothing phones, while commendable in their own right, can’t match up to this level of sophistication.

The Pixel 7’s camera capabilities are rounded off by object-tracking autofocus and automatic level indicators, tools that are useful but not commonly found in the Nothing series.

Google also provides exclusive features like the ability to unblur faces and objects using AI in the Google Photos app—a distinct advantage for those who want their photos to be just right.
 

Comparing Apple and Samsung’s Competitors

 
For those looking for a unique design, the Nothing Phone models are an option. While the Nothing phones have their merits, especially when considering their lower price point, the Pixel 7 steals the spotlight with its high-end camera features.

If photography is your priority, the Pixel 7 stands alone, making it a compelling choice for anyone seeking a premium camera experience without the premium price.

Sufficient research on technical specs and capabilities are the best way to find a phone that best suits your needs. There are so many options outside of popular brands, but with that being said, how long until consumer behaviours shift towards more price-conscious products over making brand loyalty-inspired buying decisions? Only time will tell.