Chinese smartphone maker StepX has introduced the StepX Neo, the world's first agentic smartphone powered by a native LLM. The company has also revealed that artificial intelligence is at the core of StepX Neo’s operating system, instead of treating AI as an extra feature. This marks a unique approach compared to most flagship smartphones, in which AI tools are added via software or separate applications.
Existing smartphones rely on standalone AI assistants or software-based features. However, the StepX Neo combines its operating system, AI model and hardware into one integrated platform. The company says this design allows the AI agent to perform more advanced tasks and work across multiple apps and services in a more connected way.
StepX Neo runs on Step AOS, an operating system developed specifically for AI agents. At the core of the platform is Amoo, the company's built-in AI assistant. StepX says Amoo is deeply integrated into the operating system instead of functioning as a standalone chatbot or voice assistant. The company expects the AI agent to complete complex actions and interact with multiple applications in a connected workflow.
To support this AI ecosystem, StepX has partnered with several popular services including Meituan, WPS, CapCut, Ctrip, Gaode Maps and Alipay. The Chinese smartphone maker says these partnerships will help the AI agent complete tasks across different apps in a more connected way. It reduces the need for users to open and switch between multiple applications.
One of the notable hardware features is a secondary display placed on the rear panel. StepX has not explained how the screen will function in daily use. The rear display will help users view notifications, use the AI assistant, and access some smart features without turning on the main screen.
The phone will also feature a dual rear camera setup, though StepX has not shared any details about the camera specifications so far. Several core hardware details are still unavailable. StepX has yet to reveal information related to the processor, RAM, storage, battery capacity or charging technology.
StepX has not shared the official launch date or price of the Neo yet. Industry experts expect the smartphone to arrive in China next year and target the premium smartphone market. The company has also not confirmed whether the device will be launched in other countries, including India.
The announcement highlights how smartphone companies are now moving beyond simple AI features and developing devices where artificial intelligence is a key part of the experience. The impact of this approach will become clearer after the StepX Neo reaches users and its performance is tested in daily situations.
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