The familiar game of smartphone design inspiration is back in the headlines, and this time, the spotlight is on Chinese telecom giant ZTE. A new leak has seemingly revealed the company’s next budget-friendly handset, the ZTE Blade V80 Vita, and its design bears a striking, uncanny resemblance to Apple’s latest flagship, the iPhone 17 series.
The leak, which has sent ripples through the tech community, suggests that ZTE is the latest brand to draw heavily from Apple’s design playbook, potentially offering a slice of the premium iPhone aesthetic at a fraction of the cost.
The Leak That Says It All
The reveal comes from one of the most trusted sources in the mobile leak business, Evan Blass, via his account on X (formerly Twitter). The post includes a crisp, clear image that leaves little to the imagination, showing the ZTE Blade V80 Vita from multiple angles.
The visual evidence is compelling. The most prominent and talked-about feature is the phone's rear camera module. Instead of a small, isolated island, ZTE has opted for a bold, horizontal camera bar that spans almost the entire width of the device's back panel. This design language is a direct echo of the current iPhone 17 Pro Max, which has popularized the wide camera enclosure.
A Closer Look at the iPhone-Inspired Design
Drilling down into the design details, the similarities become even more pronounced. The ZTE Blade V80 Vita’s camera bar houses three individual camera sensors, mirroring the triple-lens setup found on the iPhone 17 Pro Max (available on Amazon for $1,419).
However, ZTE isn't just copying; it's adding its own brand identity. Positioned at the far right corner of the bar is an LED flash. More intriguingly, the bottom right corner of the camera island features a distinctive red circle with the word “Neo” inscribed inside. This could be a branding element for a specific camera mode or sensor, setting it apart from Apple's more minimalist approach.
Moving away from the back, the phone features a flat-edge frame—another hallmark of modern iPhone design. On the right side, we see ZTE's signature red-colored power button alongside the volume rockers. The left side houses the SIM tray and a customizable key, a handy feature not found on Apple's devices.
Where ZTE Chooses to Differ: The Budget-Friendly Compromises and Advantages
While the overall silhouette is decidedly iPhone-esque, ZTE makes several deliberate choices that cater to the budget segment and differentiate its offering. The most notable departure is the inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack, a feature Apple famously removed years ago. The audio jack is situated at the bottom edge, flanking the USB-C port on the left.
This is a strategic move that will be appreciated by users who still rely on wired headphones. Furthermore, the leak hints at the materials used; where the iPhone 17 Pro Max boasts aerospace-grade titanium, the Blade V80 Vita appears to be constructed from polycarbonate or another polymer, a common cost-saving measure for entry-level phones.
What About the Specs? Managing Expectations
As of now, Evan Blass has not shared any technical specifications for the Blade V80 Vita. Without official word from ZTE, we can only look to the recent history of the Blade series for clues. Predecessors like the ZTE Blade V70 were firmly positioned in the entry-level market, featuring modest processors, HD+ displays, and capable but basic camera systems.
Therefore, it is highly expected that the Blade V80 Vita will follow suit, offering entry-level to lower-mid-range specifications. The goal here appears to be design aspiration over raw power. ZTE seems to be betting on consumers wanting the look and feel of a $1,400+ smartphone without the associated price tag, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers or those seeking a stylish secondary device.
The Bigger Picture: Design Homage in the Smartphone World
This leak places ZTE firmly within a long-standing industry trend where manufacturers draw inspiration from market leaders. Apple’s design choices have often set the tone for the entire industry, from the notch to the camera island. For brands like ZTE, aligning their budget devices with these popular aesthetics is a proven strategy to capture market attention and drive sales.
The ZTE Blade V80 Vita, if and when it launches, will enter a crowded field of iPhone lookalikes. Its success will ultimately hinge on its final price point and how well its performance holds up in daily use. But one thing is certain from this leak: from a distance, you might just mistake it for the real thing.
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