Core Viewpoint - The smartphone market is witnessing a rising competition for "small screen flagships," with OnePlus launching the 13T as the industry's first "small screen performance flagship" featuring a 6.32-inch display and high-end specifications [1][4]. Market Trends - The small screen smartphone market has seen a surge in activity since the second half of 2024, with multiple flagship models being released, including the vivo X200 Pro mini, Xiaomi 15, Samsung Galaxy S25, and OPPO Find X8s, all around 6.3 inches [1]. - Over 50% of consumers are actively interested in small screen models, indicating a shift in consumer demand and technological trends [2]. Technological Advancements - Recent technological advancements, such as the introduction of high-performance processors like Snapdragon 8 and Dimensity 9400, have enabled small screen smartphones to deliver strong performance despite their compact size [3]. - Innovations in battery technology, particularly silicon-carbon anode batteries, have addressed previous concerns regarding battery life in small screen devices [3]. Market Performance - The Chinese smartphone market has shown positive performance in early 2025, with a 2.5% year-on-year increase in sales, largely driven by government subsidy policies and the Spring Festival sales peak [5][6]. - The overall smartphone shipment in China reached 71.6 million units in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting a 3.3% year-on-year growth, although this growth was below IDC's expectations [6]. Challenges and Future Outlook - Despite the initial boost from subsidy policies, the effectiveness of these measures is waning, and the market is facing challenges such as rising costs and cautious consumer sentiment [7][8]. - Companies are encouraged to focus on product quality and innovation to differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape, as the subsidy will not be a core competitive advantage [7][9].

Core Insights - The smartphone market is witnessing a shift from curved screens to flat screens, driven by consumer demand for practicality and usability [1][3][5] - There is a growing interest in small-screen smartphones (below 6.3 inches), as recent models have begun to overcome previous performance and battery life limitations [11][13][15] - The trend towards flat screens and small screens reflects a more mature consumer perspective, prioritizing functionality and ease of use over aesthetic appeal [17] Flat Screen Trend - Since Q4 of the previous year, flagship smartphones have predominantly adopted flat screen designs, with notable examples including Honor Magic7 and OPPO Find X8 [3] - Flat screens offer several advantages over curved screens, such as higher durability, lower production costs, and reduced accidental touches [5] - The upcoming OPPO Find X8 Ultra is set to feature a flat screen, marking a significant departure from traditional design norms for Ultra models [7] Small Screen Resurgence - The introduction of mini models, such as the vivo X200 Pro mini, has reignited interest in small-screen smartphones, which are now being recognized for their flagship-level performance [11][13] - The "impossible triangle" of performance, battery life, and imaging capabilities has been addressed in recent small-screen models, making them more appealing to consumers [11][15] - Upcoming models like OPPO Find X8s and OnePlus 13 mini are expected to further enhance the small-screen segment, providing consumers with more options [15] Consumer Preferences - The return to flat and small screens indicates a shift in consumer preferences towards practical and user-friendly designs [17] - Flat screens are perceived to have lower touch error rates and better durability, while small screens are appreciated for their portability and ease of handling [17] - Overall, the industry is moving towards products that align with consumer demands for usability and reliability [17]