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 induced even a minor stir tells you numerous in regards to the state of the iOS and Android cellphone business.

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 provided a lot which means within the first place.

There’s little level in complaining. Massive manufacturers know in addition to I do how uninteresting and repetitive the names are, however you’ll be able to ensure that market analysis is behind the continuity in gadget names. Individuals 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 shall be known as, they usually’re secure in that data — nicely, other than 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 seem to be a small factor to get irked about, however they trouble me as a result of they optimize the business total. The refusal to take a threat with extra fascinating names displays an absence of creativeness or a concern of being daring available in the market, and you’ll see it in nearly each side of contemporary flagships.

This received’t have escaped your discover. Except foldables, the design of most flagship smartphones is depressingly comparable. It may 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 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 modern options? We all know the place all this stuff are; they’re on the design room ground, having been rejected in favor of constructing 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 shade division — The Samsung Galaxy S25 colours are tediously comparable — however at the least the names of the colours are comparatively fascinating generally. 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 may be some resistance to the pattern. Some telephones nonetheless have marginally extra fascinating monikers, particularly if 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 number of the Chinese language manufacturers are additionally a bit extra formidable, 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 least the iPhone 17 Air shall be a bit totally different if it seems later this yr.

We additionally know that humdrum and repetitive names aren’t mandatory for fulfillment within the tech world. As an example, Garmin is likely one of the greatest gamers within the smartwatch business. Its wearable names embody Quantix, Fenix, Forerunner, and Intuition. Cellphone makers ought to take word.

Neglect Max and Extremely — these are names value utilizing

For any multi-national smartphone producers nonetheless studying, I’m more than pleased to supply my very own identify recommendations in your subsequent technology of handsets. And I’m doing it freed from cost — no advertising and marketing price range wanted, simply choose one from the checklist.

I need 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 having the ability to establish this can be a part of the explanation 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 start line for an entry-level gadget — highly effective however not fairly a god. Apollo takes issues additional, embodying mild, 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 can be nice for Apple’s satisfaction and desires of grandeur — and for its followers’ vanity.

OnePlus 14 Chimera, Griffin, Phoenix

Legendary beasts can be perfect 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 hen that bursts into flames solely to be reborn and extra highly effective. LG even used this identify for a cellphone vary a couple of 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 fireside 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 a long-lasting affect on the universe.

Taking a look at a cellphone’s improvement as a journey, it begins with an Origin base mannequin 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 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 the whole Pixel household is switching to an in-house chip, then perhaps Vortex is the fitting identify, 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 to undertaking the movement 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 gadget. 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 might faucet into in style 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 gadget.

In case you have any distinctive cellphone naming recommendations of your individual, regardless of how whacky, be happy to depart them within the feedback under.