Key Takeaways
1. The Huawei Mate 20X gained a loyal fanbase despite being seen as a secondary option to the Mate 20 Pro upon its 2018 launch.
2. Nubia’s Neo 5 Max features a massive 7.5-inch screen, making it the largest smartphone available, designed specifically for gamers.
3. The Neo 5 Max has mid-range specifications with a Dimensity 7080 chip, 7,100 mAh battery, 8 GB RAM, and 256 GB storage, highlighting its budget-friendly nature.
4. There is a potential gap in the market for large flagship smartphones, as upcoming models from other brands suggest a growing interest in larger devices.
5. Compact flagships are experiencing a decline globally, while larger phablets may see a revival in popularity, especially in China.
It’s not hard for us to see how popular a device is among people, and the Huawei Mate 20X was surprisingly popular when it launched in 2018. Even though it seemed like a secondary option compared to the top-tier Mate 20 Pro, the Mate 20X still built a loyal fanbase. Now, after eight years, a sort of successor might finally be on the scene.
Nubia’s New Release
Nubia has just unveiled the Neo 5 Max, a new smartphone aimed at gamers. The “Max” label is no joke, since the Neo 5 Max showcases a huge 7.5-inch screen, making it the largest smartphone on the world stage. Although companies like Oukitel and Cubot also produce large phones, they are primarily available in China and generally have inferior hardware compared to the Nubia Neo 5 Max.
Specifications and Performance
The Neo 5 Max is more of an average offering, as we noted in our first report. While it’s meant to be a gaming phone, it runs on the upcoming mid-range Dimensity 7080 chip. Other features include a 7,100 mAh battery, 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage, a 50 MP primary camera, and a 3x optical zoom lens. Active cooling and shoulder triggers highlight the Neo 5 Max’s gaming focus.
In contrast to the Mate 20X, which aimed to be a true premium device, the Neo 5 Max comes as a more budget-friendly choice, which is unfortunate. Generally, flagship devices max out around 6.9 inches, and some might say there’s a gap in the market for real large flagship phones. This might not just be wishful thinking: upcoming models like the Vivo X300 Max and Xiaomi 17 Max suggest that manufacturers are ready to roll out entry-level flagships in bigger sizes, simply to attract fans of larger devices.
The Return of Compact Flagships
On the flip side, compact flagships are making a comeback, at least in China. Global models like the Asus Zenfone, Sony Xperia 5, and Apple’s iPhone Mini have all been discontinued, likely due to poor sales. Perhaps the revival of phablets will perform better in the market.
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