The Polestar Phone: Unlocking the Future of Connectivity
Polestar, the renowned Volvo offshoot EV company, has taken a unique step in the industry by creating its very own smartphone called the Polestar Phone. While car-brand smartphones are not uncommon, they are typically licensing deals that the car company does not actively involve itself in. However, Polestar has taken a different approach with the Polestar Phone, exhibiting their pride in the device. In fact, the company has gone as far as to make the phone’s official website a testament to its significance, prominently featuring it alongside their electric vehicle lineup.
The decision to create a smartphone is an interesting move for a niche EV brand. One possibility behind this decision could be the direct involvement of Polestar’s engineers with the Android Automotive OS, which might have sparked their enthusiasm for Android device development. According to the website, the Polestar Phone was jointly designed by the Polestar global design team and the Xingji Meizu team in Gothenburg, Sweden. It is adorned with Swedish gold details that symbolize high performance, adding a touch of luxury to the device. However, beyond these design elements, the phone seems to be a rebranded version of the Meizu 21 Pro, a smartphone with an already established reputation.
In terms of the phone’s relationship to a Polestar car, both devices run on the Android operating system and share the common trait of being powered by electricity. Although the phone has a smaller battery capacity than the EV, it still boasts a respectable 5,050 mAh battery. On the other hand, Polestar’s electric vehicles feature much larger batteries, such as the Polestar 4’s impressive 100 kWh battery. Additionally, while the phone comes with a 6.79-inch OLED display, the Polestar cars showcase large tablet screens that provide an immersive driving experience.
When comparing the specifications, it becomes evident that the Polestar Phone surpasses the infotainment systems found in Polestar vehicles. The phone is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. On the other hand, the Polestar cars rely on the outdated Intel Atom A3960 SoC, an ancient x86 desktop CPU produced on a 14 nm process. This stark contrast in computing power is a reflection of the current state of the car infotainment market, where smartphones often outperform the technology found within vehicles.
One of the exciting features of the Polestar Phone is its ability to interact with a Polestar car, specifically the Polestar 4. While the phone does not currently support Android’s digital car key functionality, Polestar promises that it will be available in the future. The Polestar UI, a custom user interface developed by the company, ensures a seamless and consistent experience between the phone and the car. The “Polestar Link” feature enables users to view multiple pages of the phone’s home screen on the car’s tablet display, indicating the possibility of seamlessly transferring apps between the two devices. While detailed information on these features is scarce, their potential for enhancing the connected experience is promising.
Initially available only in China, there are indications that the Polestar Phone may eventually be sold internationally. Its presence on the Google Play Dev Console suggests that the company has plans to expand its availability beyond the Chinese market. This move aligns with Polestar’s global ambitions and their commitment to delivering innovative solutions to a wider audience.
In conclusion, the Polestar Phone represents an intriguing development in the automotive industry. By delving into the smartphone market, Polestar demonstrates its dedication to creating a holistic and interconnected experience for its customers. The phone’s sleek design and advanced specifications make it a compelling device on its own. However, its integration with Polestar’s electric vehicles elevates its value, providing users with a seamless and intuitive interface. As technology continues to evolve, Polestar’s foray into the smartphone world foreshadows a future where cars become an integral part of our connected ecosystem, ultimately unlocking a new level of convenience and functionality.
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