Give me a Pixel 10 Vortex

When Google introduced the most recent Pixel sequence remaining yr, there used to be a murmur of pleasure across the smartphones’ names. Google had revived the XL moniker for the Pixel 9 Pro XL, a suffix now not observed for the reason that Pixel 4 lineup. The truth this led to even a minor stir tells you numerous concerning the state of the iOS and Android telephone trade.

Phone naming conventions lately are tedious, and it bothers me. Max, Plus, Pro, and Ultra were so overused that they’re all however meaningless — in the event that they ever presented a lot which means within the first position.

There’s little level in complaining. Big manufacturers know in addition to I do how boring and repetitive the names are, however you’ll be able to make sure that marketplace analysis is at the back of the continuity in tool names. People know the rating if the approaching smartphone has the similar sequence of names because the remaining one. They already know what a better Samsung or Apple telephones might be referred to as, and so they’re secure in that wisdom — neatly, excluding that Galaxy S25 Edge curveball. The producers are welcome to benefit from this and most likely maximize income, however I’ll nonetheless see them as uninteresting and uninspired.

Smartphone names may appear to be a small factor to get irked about, however they hassle me as a result of they optimize the trade general. The refusal to take a chance with extra fascinating names displays a loss of creativeness or an apprehension of being daring available in the market, and you’ll be able to see it in nearly each and every side of recent flagships.

This received’t have escaped your realize. With the exception of foldables, the design of maximum flagship smartphones is depressingly identical. It may well be optimum to be used, however I will be able to’t assist however assume that promoting the next-gen smartphone to fanatics may well be more straightforward if it doesn’t glance just like its predecessor.

The identical is going for options. Where are the IR blasters, modular equipment, or pop-up cameras? What about new and cutting edge options? We know the place these kind of issues are; they’re at the design room ground, having been rejected in choose of creating a better handset part a millimeter thinner, similar to its opposite numbers.

You’ll in finding the similar nod to conformity in each and every part of flagship telephones. The manufacturers don’t even showcase a lot more variation within the colour division — The Samsung Galaxy S25 colours are tediously identical — however no less than the names of the colours are moderately fascinating now and again. Colors like Sage, Onyx, and Sapphire would make higher names for the real gadgets than the similar outdated labels.

While humdrum naming conventions appear to be on the upward push, there’s some resistance to the rage. Some telephones nonetheless have marginally extra fascinating monikers, particularly whilst you glance previous Samsung, Apple, and Google. The OnePlus Nord breaks the mould reasonably, and Motorola has extra selection, if now not creativeness, with the G Play, G Power, G Stylus, and so forth. Some of the Chinese manufacturers also are slightly extra formidable, with names just like the realme GT Neo and the Nubia REDMAGIC.

Even the largest avid gamers have dabbled with naming pleasure prior to now. Samsung has had the Galaxy Beam, Galaxy Alpha, and the Samsung Omnia. Google took a chance with the Nexus. Apple hasn’t even strayed that a ways from conference, however no less than the iPhone 17 Air might be somewhat other if it seems that later this yr.

We additionally know that humdrum and repetitive names aren’t essential for good fortune within the tech international. For example, Garmin is among the greatest avid gamers within the smartwatch trade. Its wearable names come with Quantix, Fenix, Forerunner, and Instinct. Phone makers must take into accout.

Forget Max and Ultra — those are names price the use of

For any multi-national smartphone producers nonetheless studying, I’m more than pleased to supply my very own identify ideas in your subsequent era of handsets. And I’m doing it at no cost — no advertising and marketing finances wanted, simply pick out one from the checklist.

I need names that sound cool and evoke emotions of velocity or energy. It’s additionally helpful if a chain of names hints at which telephones have upper or decrease specifications, too, as with the ability to determine this can be a part of the rationale Apple is going with Pro Max and Samsung is going with Ultra every yr. We’ll additionally wish to keep away from sure phrases — a Google Pixel Earthquake or OnePlus Tornado may well be problematic if a herbal crisis happens.

In Greek mythology, Helios used to be the titan of the solar, using his blazing chariot around the sky on a daily basis. He’s a herbal place to begin for an entry-level tool — robust however now not rather a god. Apollo takes issues additional, embodying gentle, wisdom, and artistry. But on the top stands Zeus, the undisputed ruler of Olympus, commanding thunder and dominion over gods and mortals alike. All of those can be nice for Apple’s satisfaction and goals of grandeur — and for its fanatics’ vanity.

OnePlus 14 Chimera, Griffin, Phoenix

Mythical beasts can be excellent telephone names for OnePlus, implying a way of energy and state of the art tech. The Chimera used to be a wild fusion of creatures — a lion, a snake, and a goat — symbolizing unpredictability and uncooked attainable. The Griffin, section lion and section eagle, used to be a noble mum or dad, combining energy and knowledge. The Phoenix is a mythical chook that bursts into flames simplest to be reborn and extra robust. LG even used this identify for a telephone vary a couple of years in the past.

Samsung Galaxy 26 Meteor, Comet, Supernova

Celestial forces make such a lot sense for Samsung’s Galaxy line. A Meteor is a swift and fleeting streak of fireplace around the sky. The Comet is extra enduring, returning on predictable cycles (like a telephone) and burning brighter with every go. And then there’s the Supernova, a cosmic explosion of impossible energy that leaves an enduring have an effect on at the universe.

Looking at a telephone’s construction as a adventure, it starts with an Origin base type from which the whole lot grows. Evolution is the method of refining, strengthening, and adapting; then comes the Apex, which is the height and the end result of all growth. I really like those names for the Pixel circle of relatives, particularly now that it’s attaining its 10-year anniversary.

And if the rumors are true and all of the Pixel circle of relatives is switching to an in-house chip, then possibly Vortex is the suitable identify, pointing to an impressive and transformative procedure in Google’s line-up.

Motorola Spark, Pulse, Surge (2025)

This can be a reasonably bare try to challenge the drift of energy, which sits neatly with Motorola’s motto. A spark is a flicker of power and the primary second of ignition, which might make sense for an entry-level tool. The Pulse follows, sporting that power ahead. Then comes the Surge of unstoppable energy from the top rate flagship.

Xiaomi Wink, Kiss, Joy 

If that’s all slightly intellectual, Xiami may just faucet into pop culture with smartphone names derived from 3 of the commonest emojis. The entry-level wink teases the opportunity of the lineup, and the Kiss is one thing everybody loves to obtain. The Joy — derived from the face with tears of pleasure emoji —  displays most happiness for the top-tier tool.

If you’ve gotten any distinctive telephone naming ideas of your individual, regardless of how whacky, be at liberty to go away them within the feedback underneath.