Chinese EV maker Nio has unveiled the Nio Phone, which unlocks exclusive features in Nio vehicles and is said to be the perfect fit for them. The standard model with 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of internal memory will set you back 6,499 Yuan ($890).
The phone specifically targets Nio EV owners, but anyone can buy one if they want. It provides seamless integration with the infotainment system of Nio cars, which lack Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, and gives easy access to around three dozen in-car features like remote self-parking, power window control, climate control and tailgate toggle. It can also be used to unlock the doors of the car with a proximity sensor that works even when the phone is off or out of charge.
Size-wise, the Nio Phone is slightly bigger than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. It features a 6.81-inch 2K display, three cameras, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 CPU and a 5,200mAh battery. The color options correspond to the exterior and trim colors available for Nio EVs.
Those looking for a more premium smartphone can order a version with 1 TB of internal memory and 16 GB of RAM. It will cost 7,499 Yuan ($1,027). The production will be handled by Lens Technology, a certified Apple phone parts vendor.
Selling the phones outside of China is not in the plans at the moment. Things may change as the Nio brand becomes more recognizable worldwide, the company says.
