Nio’s Latest Smartphone: The Second-Generation Nio Phone Integrates Cutting-Edge Tech with EVs
At the Shanghai World Expo Center last Saturday, Nio, the renowned Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, showcased its innovative edge at the AI-themed Nio IN event. The highlight of the event was the launch of the company’s second-generation smartphone, the Nio Phone 2. This advanced device is packed with state-of-the-art features designed to enhance user experience, especially for Nio car owners. Here’s a closer look at what the new Nio Phone offers and how it seamlessly integrates with Nio’s smart EVs.
Nio Phone: Pure System with Zero Ads
The Nio Phone 2 distinguishes itself from many other smartphones by running a pure system devoid of advertisements or pre-installed third-party apps. This design philosophy aims to provide users with a clean and streamlined interface right out of the box.
Offered in three versions—Performance, Flagship, and EPedition—the Nio Phone’s pricing starts at RMB 6,499 (about $900). All versions feature robust storage options ranging from 512 GB to 1 TB and RAM configurations between 12 GB and 16 GB.
Technological Marvels Under the Hood
Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the Nio Phone 2 promises exceptional performance. Whether you’re multi-tasking between apps or playing graphic-intensive mobile games, this phone can handle it all, thanks to its improved cooling system.
The 6.82-inch curved screen, custom-designed by Samsung, offers brilliant visuals with its 2K and 120Hz display. This Ultra HDR screen ensures stunning color accuracy and brightness, making the user experience even more immersive. The phone incorporates a 48MP main camera, a 48MP ultra-wide camera, and a 50MP 2.6x periscope telephoto camera, each from Sony, for exceptional photographic capabilities.
Deep Integration with Nio EVs
Where the Nio Phone truly shines is its integration with Nio’s electric vehicles. Equipped with Nio Link, the phone allows users to control various vehicle functions directly from the palm of their hand. For instance, you can use the phone to unlock your car, trigger the self-parking mode, or even transition a video call from the phone to the car’s screen and speakers seamlessly.
Safety and convenience features also abound. The phone’s UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) and Bluetooth capabilities make it a secure car key and help locate your parked car effortlessly. There’s also NFC key support, further expanding its usability.
AI Integration: The Nomi GPT Assistant
Adding an extra layer of smart functionality is the Nio Phone’s Nomi GPT—a virtual voice assistant that leverages artificial intelligence for improved voice-activated control. Among its many capabilities, Nomi GPT can interact with the car’s cameras, enabling live video streaming directly to the phone.
SkyOS and the Future of Smart Vehicles
Another star of the Nio IN event was the unveiling of SkyOS, Nio’s new full-domain operating system designed for smart EVs and AI. SkyOS promises high bandwidth, low latency, and robust computing power to manage vehicle applications such as intelligent driving, digital cockpit, and smartphone functionalities.
Compared to traditional Linux solutions, SkyOS boasts much lower communication latency—less than one millisecond—ensuring faster system responses and shorter braking distances in emergencies. And with complete control over data collection and flow, SkyOS excels in information security.
The Shenji NX9031 Chip
Nio also announced the successful tape-out of the Shenji NX9031 chip—reported as the industry’s first high-level smart driving chip manufactured using a 5nm process. This chip is set to be instrumental in the ET9 executive flagship sedan, which will start deliveries in the first quarter of 2025.
The NX9031 chip is akin to having the computing power of four industry-flagship chips, thanks to its advanced image processing capabilities and AI noise reduction algorithms. This functionality improves the car’s ability to recognize objects in low-light conditions, making driving even safer.
Expanding Sales Channels
The Nio Phone isn’t just confined to proprietary channels. Apart from being available on the Nio App, interested buyers can now purchase it through popular platforms like JD.com and Douyin. The phone is also showcased in 93 Nio Houses across China, broadening its retail reach significantly.
Industry Implications
Nio’s venture into the smartphone space is seen as a strategic move to enhance the allure of its smart cars. As Gao Shen, an independent analyst, noted, “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.”
While competition in the EV market intensifies, Nio’s growth and technological strides, evident in its innovative products like the second-generation Nio Phone and SkyOS, seem poised to offer substantial value to consumers. With these advancements, Nio continues to reinforce its position as a pioneer in smart technology.
Mehek 
Divya