CES 2014: Could ZTE's Modular Handset Be The Future Of The Smartphone?

Over at CES 2014, we got to take a look at ZTE’s Eco-Mobius - a modular smartphone concept that allows its user to upgrade aspects of the handset, such as CPU, RAM, and flash storage, on the fly. Could this be the future of the smartphone?

For a better idea of what the Eco-Mobius can offer, be sure to take a look at our below video. The idea behind this concept is fairly simple, albeit rather unorthodox for the smartphone industry. ZTE argues that a more sensible smartphone should allow its owner to replace and upgrade individual components in order for handsets to last longer, and to allow greater degrees of individual customization.

As such, while Apple offers three differing iPhones for consumers - the iPhone 5s, the iPhone 5c, and the iPhone 4s - ZTE’s Eco-Mobius would offer one single smartphone, but one which can be upgraded and altered. Power users could add in more advanced components, “smartphoneographers” could add in a 30 megapixel camera, and those looking for a more basic handset would have the option of installing less powerful components.

It’s definitely an interesting idea - but it’s also one that stands in direct opposition with Apple’s ethos. Even the MacBook’s internal components, which were once entirely upgradable, are becoming more and more problematic to replace and change.

But the concept is nevertheless an intriguing one, and if ZTE’s work continues successfully, it could be that we see a modular ZTE smartphone launch in the near future. Is this something you’d be interested in?

For more information, check out our below video.

If you can’t see the above video, please click this link.

Also at CES 2014, we got to take a closer look at NueVue’s iDevice cases, uNu’s Aero and Ultrapack chargers, and OtterBox’s new Symmetry cases for the iPhone.

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