OPPO executives speak out: Android has overtaken strongly, will Apple’s era of “squeezing toothpaste” end?
Recently, the technology circle has been very lively by the release of Apple's iPhone 17. However, the remarks of Chen Xi, OPPO's ColorOS design director, caused a huge wave. He bluntly stated that the technological gap between Android and Apple is rapidly narrowing, and it has even surpassed in many fields, which has forced Apple to give up the "toothpaste-squeezing" upgrade strategy. As soon as this view was thrown out, digital enthusiasts were instantly in an uproar, and everyone discussed that the "Chu-Han dispute" in the mobile phone industry is really about to change?
Let's take a look at the surprises brought by iPhone 17 this time. The standard version of the entire series is equipped with a 120Hz high refresh screen for the first time, and the starting storage is directly increased to 256GB, and the price has also been reduced to 5,999 yuan, which is directly full of cost performance. What's more amazing is that Apple has also launched an ultra-thin model iPhone Air, with a thickness of only about 5.6mm, boldly testing the new form. This series of operations has made many Apple fans say, "Apple has finally discovered its conscience." But Chen Xi believes that this is all "forced" by the Android camp.
In recent years, Android has made obvious progress. The Android system, which was once criticized for being stuck, now relies on the in-depth optimization of domestic manufacturers, such as the "fluid effect" of OPPO ColorOS, which is comparable to the smoothness of iOS, and has completely torn off the lagging label. In terms of hardware innovation, Android has been "storming". OPPO Find X9's 100W fast charging is paired with a large 7000mAh battery, and the battery life anxiety disappears instantly; Huawei's three-fold Mate XTs have reached a new level in the field of folding screens; Nubia Z80's true full screen has a screen-to-body ratio of up to 95.3%, and its appearance and strength coexist. What’s more considerate is that Xiaomi, OPPO and others have also realized the interconnection with Apple devices, and file transfer and Mac sub-screen collaboration are no problem, which makes iPhone users who want to change to Android phones have no worries.
Compare Android and Apple in specific fields, and the gap will be even more obvious. In terms of screen form, the Nubia Z80 Ultra has achieved a hole-free full screen, but the iPhone 17 is still using a hole-punch screen (although it is the Lingdong Island Optimized Version); in terms of fast charging and battery life, the OPPO Find X9's 100W+7000mAh combination is compared with the iPhone 17's battery, but it only charges 45W, which is simply a dimensionality reduction blow; folding screen technology, Huawei Mate XTs can be used for three-screen multi-tasking, but Apple is still in the patent layout stage, and mass production is even 3 years behind; in terms of AI applications, Xiaomi MiLM-6B supports offline processing, and Apple mainly relies on cloud collaboration, and its localization capabilities are slightly insufficient.
In comparison with this series, it is no wonder that Apple changed the norm on the iPhone 17 this time. However, Apple's "compromise" has also caused a lot of controversy. In terms of price, the starting price of the standard iPhone 17 has been reduced to 5,999 yuan. Although it is more affordable, it is also criticized for moving closer to Android's cost-effectiveness route; in terms of design, the horizontal matrix camera of the Pro series has been crazily criticized by netizens for being like a "power bank" and has no choice but to dissipate heat.
For the Android camp, this is both an opportunity and a challenge. In the high-end market, Apple's concessions have given Android an opportunity to seize the share, and Huawei's folding screen accounts for 24.4% of the market share of over 6,000 yuan. However, some manufacturers blindly imitate Apple's designs, such as building a "Lingdong Island", and are criticized for "losing the soul of innovation"; Xiaomi accounts for only 2.8% of the high-end market, and ecological stickiness is still the key to Apple firmly defending its basic market.
Looking forward, the competitive focus of the mobile phone industry is already very clear. Technically, hole-free full-screen has become a battleground for military strategists, and 72% of users regard it as their core demand. Nubia has been mass-produced, and Apple is expected to follow up in 2027; in the end-side AI field, although the computing power of Apple's A19 Pro chip is strong, Android relies on its open ecosystem and iterates faster. In terms of ecosystem, Android relies on "compatible with Apple" to attract dual-held users, and Xiaomi Pengpai OS supports Apple device linkage as an example; Apple relies on iOS's closed-loop experience to strive to retain old users.
After all, the narrowing of the gap between Android and Apple is essentially the result of collective innovation by domestic manufacturers, and has broken Apple's technology retention strategy. The current competition is no longer just a simple battle between high and low technology, but more concerned with users' scenario needs. If you pursue hardware breakthroughs and want to try new technologies, Android flagships will definitely satisfy you; if you value the seamless experience of the ecosystem, Apple will still be your best choice. Whoever can take the lead in defining the next generation of interaction standards, such as mature applications of holeless screens and end-side AI, will be able to laugh to the end in this mobile phone war.
