This $100 Chinese phone looks like an iPhone 17 — but runs Android 16
NubiaThursday, 13 November 2025 at 11:04
Nubia has quietly introduced a new entry-level smartphone called the V80 Design, now on sale in Asia, including the Philippines and Malaysia. The phone was launched alongside the Nubia Air, with almost no hype — a low-key move for a model that clearly takes inspiration from Apple’s recent iPhones.
Familiar shape, very different story
At first glance, the resemblance is obvious. The V80 Design’s camera module stretches across the back, and the LED flash sits on the right edge — a layout nearly identical to the iPhone 17 Pro. But while it looks premium, the price tag tells another story entirely.
Display and camera setup
The front is dominated by a 6.75-inch Full HD+ panel offering a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,000 nits peak brightness. It’s bright, smooth, and surprisingly vivid for a budget device. A 16MP front camera is tucked into a clean punch-hole cutout.
Flip it over and you’ll find a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth camera — that’s it. The third circle on the back is only for aesthetics, maintaining the illusion of a triple-camera system.
Hardware, software, and performance
Inside, the phone runs on Unisoc’s T7280 chipset, built around two Cortex-A75 and six Cortex-A55 cores, paired with Mali-G57 graphics. Nubia ships the device with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, which is plenty for casual users.
Out of the box, it boots MyOS 16 based on Android 16. Powering everything is a 5,000mAh battery with 22.5W fast charging, and you’ll find a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a single speaker, and dual microphones.
Perhaps the nicest surprise: the 3.5mm headphone jack is still here. Charging and data go through a USB-C port.
Little extras and pricing
Nubia also includes a short-range communication feature called Linkfree, which lets nearby compatible devices exchange text messages and calls via Bluetooth — no mobile signal needed.
The V80 Design is available in Midnight Black, Pale Amber, Celadon Cyan, and Peach Fuzz, with an IP64 rating for splash and dust resistance.
In the Philippines, the 4GB + 256GB model sells for roughly PHP 5,800 (around $100), while the 8GB variant costs about PHP 6,500 (roughly $110). In Malaysia, the 8GB model goes for MYR 570, or about $140.
For that price, the V80 Design offers a sleek look, smooth screen, and modern software — all wrapped in a package that’s easier on the wallet than any iPhone it resembles.
Key Takeaways
- The Nubia V80 Design mimics the look of Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro.
- Offers a 6.75-inch 120Hz Full HD+ display and 50MP dual-camera setup.
- Powered by Unisoc T7280 with up to 8 GB RAM / 256 GB storage.
- Features 5,000 mAh battery, 22.5 W fast charging, and Android 16 (MyOS 16).
- Starts at around $100, available now in Asia.
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