ZTE is preparing to launch its latest budget smartphone, the Blade V80 Vita, which features a design notably inspired by Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro. A leak showing renders by Evan Blass (@evleaks) reveals a striking resemblance in the rear camera layout, signaling a trend where premium design cues trickle down to affordable devices.
The Blade V80 Vita’s back panel sports a wide camera island with three lenses and an LED flash positioned far to the right, closely mimicking the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s setup. For an entry-level phone, three cameras suggest capable photography hardware.
ZTE adds its own touch by placing a circular Neo branding inside the camera island, replacing the LiDAR scanner found in Apple’s flagship. The phone retains a flat-edge frame, but features a red power button, a custom key on the left side, and a 3.5mm headphone jack alongside a USB-C port. This combination of modern design and practical features differentiates the V80 Vita in the crowded Android entry-level market.
While Apple uses unibody aluminum for its iPhones, the Blade V80 Vita likely utilizes different materials better suited for its budget segment. Its edges are fully flat, unlike the slightly curved sides on the iPhone. These material choices reflect the contrast between premium flagship construction and cost-conscious design.
Specifications and Target Market
Exact specs of the Blade V80 Vita remain undisclosed, but ZTE’s Blade series usually targets budget users with modest hardware. The previous Blade V70 Design offered simple components to keep costs down. It’s expected the V80 Vita will continue this pattern with an entry-level chipset, sufficient battery life, and affordability as priorities.
ZTE’s strategy with this device emphasizes style over high-end performance. It is not positioned as a flagship but aims to provide a premium look for a friendly price. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack offers additional appeal, as Apple has abandoned this port on recent iPhones.
This trend of flagship design features transitioning to budget phones is gaining momentum. Other brands, such as Motorola with its Edge 70 model, have also adopted thin and flat designs inspired by Apple. Consumers increasingly demand devices that offer both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality without a premium price tag.
Design Trend in 2025
The leaked design of the ZTE Blade V80 Vita highlights the wide camera bar characteristic of the iPhone 17 Pro as one of the most recognizable phone design silhouettes for 2025. ZTE appears eager to lead this trend among affordable Android phones, replicating not just general aesthetics but also specific camera placements.
Adoption of Apple-like design elements by Android vendors is nothing new, but ZTE’s approach is notable for its direct homage in the camera module layout. The smartphone industry is clearly evolving, allowing innovations from premium flagships to influence devices across all pricing tiers.
Users can now enjoy a premium visual experience without paying flagship prices, although some compromises in internal hardware are expected. This aligns with the broader market movement seen in chipsets like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, which balances top-tier performance and efficiency to serve multiple segments.
In addition to its stylish design, the ZTE Blade V80 Vita offers practical features such as a customizable button and headphone jack, enhancing user flexibility. Official launch details and full specifications are awaited, but early leaks already showcase ZTE’s clear intent to blend cutting-edge design language with budget-friendly appeal in 2025’s smartphone market.
