
The saga of smartphones can be traced back to the era of the first appearance of PDA devices. However, in the recent 3 years, new hot technologies and designs have emerged, becoming prevalent trends and extensively commercialized across various smartphone lineups from diverse manufacturers.
1. Dominant Smartphone Design Trends of the Last 3 Years
The saga of smartphones can be traced back to the era of the first appearance of PDA devices. However, in the recent 3 years, new hot technologies and designs have emerged, becoming prevalent trends and extensively commercialized across various smartphone lineups from diverse manufacturers.
Exploring the Current Hot Trends in Smartphone Design
Screen Display
Smartphone screens have undergone significant evolution over time, initially featuring conventional flat displays with a 4:3 aspect ratio, gradually extending to 16:9. The advent of 2.5D curved and edge screens towards the end of 2017 by brands like Oppo, Samsung, Vivo, and even Apple marked a notable shift in design aesthetics.
During this period, Apple spearheaded the trend of 'notch' displays with the iPhone X, a design element quickly adopted worldwide. Subsequently, to maximize screen real estate and minimize the notch, waterdrop displays emerged, swiftly gaining traction. By the end of 2018, flagship devices like the OPPO F9 and Realme 2 Pro boasted waterdrop displays, signaling a broader industry shift.

The Realme 2, featuring a waterdrop display, debuted in October 2018.
As of mid-2019, waterdrop displays remain ubiquitous, with nearly 40 different models incorporating this design feature.

The tradition of waterdrop displays persists with the Realme C2.
Camera Innovations
The realm of smartphone cameras has witnessed substantial transformations, with manufacturers implementing various practical and innovative technologies into camera arrays. The most notable evolution lies in both the quantity and form of these camera systems.
OPPO consistently leads the industry in introducing trends and innovations in smartphone cameras, exemplified by the revolutionary rotating cameras on the N1 and N3, which have attained legendary status. Subsequently, the trend of concealed cameras debuted with the OPPO Find X, a groundbreaking device unveiled exactly a year ago (June 2018).

The OPPO Find X - a pioneer in the trend of hidden cameras.
In terms of quantity, smartphones can now house 2, 3, or even 4 cameras within their compact frames. However, surveys indicate that for the majority of users, dual cameras suffice, and there is a considerable array of smartphones offering this feature on the market.

The Realme C2 - A budget-friendly smartphone priced at 2,790,000 VND, boasting dual cameras that capture stunning images.
Rear Panel Design
The design aspect has undergone significant transformations over the years in smartphones. In early 2014, the OPPO R1 debuted with its stunning dual-glass design, sparking a considerable frenzy. From glass, smartphones began shifting towards metal back panels, exuding a more luxurious and dazzling appearance, as seen in devices like the OPPO R5 and R7 series. As smartphones became indispensable in daily life, the usage duration increased, prompting the adoption of faux metal and glass materials to reduce weight and enhance heat dissipation, ensuring comfortable usage for extended periods.
The rear panels of smartphones feature increasingly exquisite and trendy patterns. Initially, there was a surge in bright colors such as blue, green, red, and purple, seldom seen before. Subsequently, intricate patterns like dragon scales, constellations, and gradient color shifts or contrasting dual tones became prevalent, heralding a new trend. Notably, even at a price point of 2,790,000 VND, users can obtain a smartphone adorned with a unique diamond pattern, enhanced with a matte finish to resist fingerprint smudges, and enjoy discounts of 300k – 400k if purchased this weekend (June 29 – 30, 2019).

The Realme C2 encompasses all the current smartphone trends: a primary dual camera setup of 16+2MP, a 6.1-inch IPS dewdrop display, and is available in two diamond-like colors - green and black. The product is currently available in stores nationwide.
