Give me a Pixel 10 Vortex

When Google launched the most recent Pixel collection final yr, there was a murmur of pleasure across the smartphones’ names. Google had revived the XL moniker for the Pixel 9 Professional XL, a suffix not seen for the reason that Pixel 4 lineup. The very fact this triggered even a minor stir tells you numerous concerning the state of the iOS and Android telephone trade.

Cellphone naming conventions in recent times are tedious, and it bothers me. Max, Plus, Professional, and Extremely have been so overused that they’re all however meaningless — in the event that they ever supplied a lot that means within the first place.

There’s little level in complaining. Large manufacturers know in addition to I do how boring and repetitive the names are, however you possibly can make sure that market analysis is behind the continuity in system names. Folks know the rating if the upcoming smartphone has the identical collection of names because the final one. They already know what the subsequent Samsung or Apple telephones will likely be referred to as, they usually’re protected in that data — nicely, except for that Galaxy S25 Edge curveball. The producers are welcome to benefit from this and maybe maximize income, however I’ll nonetheless see them as boring and uninspired.

Smartphone names may look like a small factor to get irked about, however they hassle me as a result of they optimize the trade total. The refusal to take a threat with extra attention-grabbing names displays a scarcity of creativeness or a worry of being daring out there, and you’ll see it in nearly each facet of recent flagships.

This gained’t have escaped your discover. Except foldables, the design of most flagship smartphones is depressingly related. It could be optimum to be used, however I can’t assist however suppose that promoting the next-gen smartphone to followers may very well be simpler if it doesn’t look similar to its predecessor.

The identical goes for options. The place are the IR blasters, modular equipment, or pop-up cameras? What about new and modern options? We all know the place all these items are; they’re on the design room flooring, having been rejected in favor of creating the subsequent handset half a millimeter thinner, identical to its counterparts.

You’ll discover the identical nod to conformity in each factor of flagship telephones. The manufacturers don’t even exhibit far more variation within the coloration division — The Samsung Galaxy S25 colours are tediously related — however at the very least the names of the colours are comparatively attention-grabbing typically. Colours like Sage, Onyx, and Sapphire would make higher names for the precise gadgets than the identical outdated labels.

Whereas humdrum naming conventions appear to be on the rise, there’s some resistance to the pattern. Some telephones nonetheless have marginally extra attention-grabbing monikers, particularly while you look previous Samsung, Apple, and Google. The OnePlus Nord breaks the mildew barely, and Motorola has extra selection, if not creativeness, with the G Play, G Energy, G Stylus, and so forth. Among the Chinese language manufacturers are additionally a bit extra bold, with names just like the realme GT Neo and the Nubia REDMAGIC.

Even the largest gamers have dabbled with naming pleasure up to now. Samsung has had the Galaxy Beam, Galaxy Alpha, and the Samsung Omnia. Google took a threat with the Nexus. Apple hasn’t even strayed that removed from conference, however at the very least the iPhone 17 Air will likely be somewhat completely different if it seems later this yr.

We additionally know that humdrum and repetitive names aren’t essential for achievement within the tech world. For example, Garmin is without doubt one of the largest gamers within the smartwatch trade. Its wearable names embrace Quantix, Fenix, Forerunner, and Intuition. Cellphone makers ought to take notice.

Neglect Max and Extremely — these are names price utilizing

For any multi-national smartphone producers nonetheless studying, I’m very happy to supply my very own title solutions to your subsequent technology of handsets. And I’m doing it freed from cost — no advertising and marketing price range wanted, simply decide one from the record.

I need names that sound cool and evoke emotions of velocity or energy. It’s additionally helpful if a collection of names hints at which telephones have greater or decrease specs, too, as having the ability to determine this can be a part of the rationale Apple goes with Professional Max and Samsung goes with Extremely annually. We’ll additionally wish to keep away from sure phrases — a Google Pixel Earthquake or OnePlus Twister may very well be problematic if a pure catastrophe happens.

In Greek mythology, Helios was the titan of the solar, driving his blazing chariot throughout the sky every day. He’s a pure place to begin for an entry-level system — highly effective however not fairly a god. Apollo takes issues additional, embodying gentle, data, and artistry. However on the peak stands Zeus, the undisputed ruler of Olympus, commanding thunder and dominion over gods and mortals alike. All of those could be nice for Apple’s delight and goals of grandeur — and for its followers’ shallowness.

OnePlus 14 Chimera, Griffin, Phoenix

Legendary beasts could be very best telephone names for OnePlus, implying a way of energy and cutting-edge tech. The Chimera was a wild fusion of creatures — a lion, a snake, and a goat — symbolizing unpredictability and uncooked potential. The Griffin, half lion and half eagle, was a noble guardian, combining energy and knowledge. The Phoenix is a legendary chook that bursts into flames solely to be reborn and extra highly effective. LG even used this title for a telephone vary just a few years in the past.

Samsung Galaxy 26 Meteor, Comet, Supernova

Celestial forces make a lot sense for Samsung’s Galaxy line. A Meteor is a swift and fleeting streak of fireplace throughout the sky. The Comet is extra enduring, returning on predictable cycles (like a telephone) and burning brighter with every move. After which there’s the Supernova, a cosmic explosion of unimaginable energy that leaves an enduring influence on the universe.

Taking a look at a telephone’s growth as a journey, it begins with an Origin base mannequin from which every thing grows. Evolution is the method of refining, strengthening, and adapting; then comes the Apex, which is the height and the fruits of all progress. I like these names for the Pixel household, particularly now that it’s reaching its 10-year anniversary.

And if the rumors are true and all the Pixel household is switching to an in-house chip, then possibly Vortex is the fitting title, pointing to a strong and transformative course of in Google’s line-up.

Motorola Spark, Pulse, Surge (2025)

This may be a reasonably bare try and mission the circulation of energy, which sits nicely with Motorola’s motto. A spark is a flicker of vitality and the primary second of ignition, which might make sense for an entry-level system. The Pulse follows, carrying that vitality ahead. Then comes the Surge of unstoppable energy from the premium flagship.

Xiaomi Wink, Kiss, Pleasure 

If that’s all a bit intellectual, Xiami may faucet into standard tradition with smartphone names derived from three of the most typical emojis. The entry-level wink teases the potential of the lineup, and the Kiss is one thing everybody likes to obtain. The Pleasure — derived from the face with tears of pleasure emoji —  displays most happiness for the top-tier system.

When you have any distinctive telephone naming solutions of your individual, irrespective of how whacky, be happy to go away them within the feedback under.