Give me a Pixel 10 Vortex

When Google launched the most recent Pixel collection final 12 months, 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 actual fact this induced even a minor stir tells you numerous concerning the state of the iOS and Android cellphone business.

Cellphone naming conventions lately 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 provided a lot that means within the first place.

There’s little level in complaining. Massive manufacturers know in addition to I do how boring and repetitive the names are, however you possibly can make certain that market analysis is behind the continuity in machine names. Folks know the rating if the upcoming smartphone has the identical collection of names because the final one. They already know what the following Samsung or Apple telephones can be referred to as, they usually’re secure in that information — properly, other than that Galaxy S25 Edge curveball. The producers are welcome to make the most of 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 business general. The refusal to take a danger with extra attention-grabbing names displays an absence of creativeness or a concern of being daring available in the market, and you may see it in virtually each facet of recent flagships.

This gained’t have escaped your discover. Except for foldables, the design of most flagship smartphones is depressingly comparable. It is perhaps optimum to be used, however I can’t assist however assume that promoting the next-gen smartphone to followers could possibly be simpler if it doesn’t look equivalent to its predecessor.

The identical goes for options. The place are the IR blasters, modular equipment, or pop-up cameras? What about new and revolutionary 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 following handset half a millimeter thinner, similar to its counterparts.

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

Whereas humdrum naming conventions appear to be on the rise, there’s some resistance to the development. Some telephones nonetheless have marginally extra attention-grabbing monikers, particularly whenever 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. A few of 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 danger with the Nexus. Apple hasn’t even strayed that removed from conference, however at the least the iPhone 17 Air can be a bit of completely different if it seems later this 12 months.

We additionally know that humdrum and repetitive names aren’t vital for achievement within the tech world. For example, Garmin is likely one of the largest gamers within the smartwatch business. Its wearable names embody Quantix, Fenix, Forerunner, and Intuition. Cellphone makers ought to take observe.

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 recommendations in your subsequent era of handsets. And I’m doing it freed from cost — no advertising funds wanted, simply decide one from the record.

I would like names that sound cool and evoke emotions of pace or energy. It’s additionally helpful if a collection of names hints at which telephones have greater or decrease specs, too, as with the ability to establish this can be a part of the rationale Apple goes with Professional Max and Samsung goes with Extremely annually. We’ll additionally need to keep away from sure phrases — a Google Pixel Earthquake or OnePlus Twister could possibly 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 start line for an entry-level machine — highly effective however not fairly a god. Apollo takes issues additional, embodying mild, information, 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 can be nice for Apple’s delight and goals of grandeur — and for its followers’ vanity.

OnePlus 14 Chimera, Griffin, Phoenix

Legendary beasts can be splendid cellphone 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 chicken that bursts into flames solely to be reborn and extra highly effective. LG even used this title for a cellphone 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 cellphone) and burning brighter with every cross. After which there’s the Supernova, a cosmic explosion of unimaginable energy that leaves an enduring affect on the universe.

a cellphone’s growth as a journey, it begins with an Origin base mannequin from which every part grows. Evolution is the method of refining, strengthening, and adapting; then comes the Apex, which is the height and the end result 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 your entire Pixel household is switching to an in-house chip, then possibly Vortex is the proper title, pointing to a strong and transformative course of in Google’s line-up.

Motorola Spark, Pulse, Surge (2025)

This might be a reasonably bare try and venture the circulate of energy, which sits properly 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 machine. The Pulse follows, carrying that power ahead. Then comes the Surge of unstoppable energy from the premium flagship.

Xiaomi Wink, Kiss, Pleasure 

If that’s all a bit intellectual, Xiami might faucet into widespread tradition with smartphone names derived from three of the commonest 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 machine.

When you’ve got any distinctive cellphone naming recommendations of your personal, regardless of how whacky, be at liberty to depart them within the feedback beneath.