Jump directly to the content
Revealed
NOTCH-WATCH

iPhone X rip-offs are EVERYWHERE – here are some of the worst offenders

The Sun has tracked down some of the most blatant iPhone-inspired clones, and it turns out there are quite a few – despite Apple's latest blower only landing in stores last November

APPLE'S new iPhone X design might be controversial, but it turns out rival phone makers are loving it.

Despite fan fury over the quirky all-screen "notch" design, The Sun managed to track down a host of blatant iPhone-inspired blowers at this week's MWC tech show in Barcelona.

 The iPhone X was the first Apple smartphone to introduce a "notch" at the top of the screen
5
The iPhone X was the first Apple smartphone to introduce a "notch" at the top of the screenCredit: Apple

Apple debuted the £999 iPhone X back in September, showcasing a gorgeous handset with a front filled entirely by screen.

Well, almost entirely – there's a small "notch" at the top that juts out into the display, and is designed to house the selfie camera and sensors.

The odd design feature has proved divisive, but it's already being copied by Apple rivals.

The Sun spent some time at Mobile World Congress this week, and found four different smartphones borrowing from Apple's play-book.

 The Leagoo S9 caused a storm at MWC over its iPhone X-style aesthetics
5
The Leagoo S9 caused a storm at MWC over its iPhone X-style aestheticsCredit: The Sun

1. Leagoo S9

The Chinese-made Leagoo S9 looks a bit like an iPhone, and sounds like Samsung's new Galaxy S9.

But it's far cheaper than both, retailing at a lowly £108 – around a tenth of the price of Apple's iPhone X.

The design of the Leagoo S9 is very similar to the iPhone X on the front and back, but the phone feels much cheaper – and runs on a custom version of Google's Android software.

 The iLA X "notch" has left us confused – because there's loads of dead screen space all around it
5
The iLA X "notch" has left us confused – because there's loads of dead screen space all around itCredit: The Sun

2. iLA X

We also found this doozy among the endless booths at MWC 2018 – the iLA X.

This is a particularly shameful rip-off, because it doesn't even make use of the extra screen space that the "notch" provides.

On Apple's phone, the iPhone X uses the screen space either side of the "notch" to show battery life and time info.

But on the weird iLA X, you're just left with a load of dead space – which even extends to below the "notch". Why? We're as clueless as you.

 The Asus Zenfone 5 looks like a fantastic bit of kit, but the "notch" may split opinion
5
The Asus Zenfone 5 looks like a fantastic bit of kit, but the "notch" may split opinionCredit: The Sun

3. Asus Zenfone 5

Let's be fair, here: the Asus Zenfone 5 made be a very reputable manufacturer, and it looks set to be one of the better smartphones of 2018.

It's got a powerful high-end processor, a ruddy incredible screen, and some very impressive camera features.

But Asus has also borrowed the "notch" design, and says it's going to become more common too.

Speaking at a briefing, an Asus spokesperson said: "You're going to see many brands going the same way, not only us.

"There's a lot of reasons behind it. The camera should be in the top. A user wants the biggest screen possible."

 Wiko has adapted the iPhone X "notch" with its own unique style
5
Wiko has adapted the iPhone X "notch" with its own unique styleCredit: The Sun

4. Wiko View2

This amusing creation comes from Chinese-owned French firm Wiko, and it's called the View 2.

It's actually one of the more attractive notched smartphones, with a cool circular cut-out that holds just the camera.

However, the company decided not to follow Apple's lead and push the screen right to the bottom of the phone too, which kind of defeats the whole point.

Do you like Apple's "notch" design? And do you think Apple rivals are right to follow suit? Let us know in the comments.


We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368 . We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.