ZTE Corporation has unveiled a new artificial intelligence-powered smartphone designed to perform tasks autonomously across multiple applications, marking the latest step by Chinese manufacturers to embed agentic AI at the heart of mobile operating systems.
The state-backed telecommunications company introduced the NaviX Ultra at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, describing it as the world’s first agentic AI smartphone.
Available in black, pink, white and blue, the device features ByteDance’s Doubao AI assistant, which can be activated through a dedicated button or by voice command.
Unlike conventional smartphones that incorporate standalone AI tools, agentic AI devices are designed to execute complex instructions independently by coordinating actions across multiple applications. Frequently used tasks are processed on the device for lower latency, while more demanding operations are handled through cloud-based AI models.
The launch comes as Chinese smartphone manufacturers increasingly turn to artificial intelligence to differentiate their products amid slowing global demand, rising memory component costs and inflationary pressures.
Budget-focused Chinese brands have been particularly affected by narrowing profit margins as the global smartphone market is forecast to register its sharpest annual decline on record in 2026.
ZTE is not alone in pursuing the technology. AI start-up StepFun this week introduced a smartphone powered by its proprietary operating system and Amoo AI assistant, while Honor, the former Huawei subsidiary, plans to launch devices later this year featuring an AI agent developed in partnership with Alibaba Group.
Meanwhile, Apple has strengthened its position in the Chinese market since late 2025 after receiving regulatory approval to roll out Apple Intelligence through partnerships with Alibaba and Baidu.
ZTE first showcased an AI smartphone prototype under its Nubia brand in December, pricing the device at 3,499 yuan (approximately US$516). The initial production run of 30,000 units sold out rapidly, with second-hand devices later trading at around twice their original retail price.
During demonstrations at the Shanghai conference, Nubia executives showcased capabilities including real-time photo editing, intelligent map generation and automated travel planning. However, the company did not disclose the NaviX Ultra’s full technical specifications.
Market research firm IDC expects AI-enabled smartphones to account for more than half of China’s smartphone market in 2026. ZTE said further specifications for the NaviX Ultra will be released later this year.
