XIAOMI(HK:01810) 3 6 Ke·2025-07-08 12:22Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "OTA castration" in the smartphone industry, where manufacturers limit the functionality of older models despite their hardware capabilities, leading to a subpar user experience [2][5][40]. Group 1: OTA Castration Phenomenon - Manufacturers often restrict features on older devices to differentiate product lines and maintain exclusivity for newer models [2][5]. - The "OTA castration" results in older flagship models receiving fewer software updates and features compared to newer mid-range devices, despite having similar hardware [5][23]. - Examples include Vivo's X200 series, which lacks certain features available on the mid-range S30 series, despite being marketed as a flagship [15][17]. Group 2: Specific Manufacturer Cases - Vivo's X200 Pro mini received limited functionality for new filters compared to the X200 Ultra, despite both devices having similar hardware [11][13]. - OPPO's Find X8 series introduced new imaging algorithms that older models like Find X7 Ultra do not support, despite having the necessary hardware [24][29]. - Xiaomi's latest flagship, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, lacks certain features that are available on the Redmi K80 Ultra, raising concerns about prioritization in software updates [30][35]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The trend of limiting software updates to newer models creates dissatisfaction among users who expect longevity and full functionality from their devices [40]. - The smartphone industry’s focus on rapid product releases and feature differentiation often leads to inadequate support for older models, undermining user trust [40].