Phones have become boring: It’s time to rethink them from the outside in

This one-sided perspective is shifting as manufacturers recognize the untapped potential of the phone’s rear surface for interactive and aesthetic enhancements. The first Nothing Phone introduced the Glyph Interface with light strips that looked straight out of a sci-fi movie and added to the appeal of midrange phones. Meanwhile, Realme gave the world a phone that changes color when it catches a cold. I wonder if we might see more playful gimmicks, perhaps with functional sides. Let’s explore the possibility.

The vision for phone back personalization

These three phone makers are on to something

The Nothing Phone 1 may have given us a glimpse into the future of phone customization in 2022. The Glyph Interface on its back uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on the rear side. Beyond aesthetics, the lights flash in different patterns for calls, messages, or other alerts, letting you know what’s happening without looking at the screen. You can customize them for specific people or apps and adjust the brightness to avoid blinding anyone staring in awe.

It’s not only Nothing. We saw how Realme made the back panel on the 14 Pro+ phone its canvas. It changes color based on a thermochromic fiber material that reacts to temperature, rearranging its molecules and reflecting light differently. You could call it the “chameleon phone” because, like the lizard, it adapts to its environment. The phone sports the default off-white color with gold flecks at normal or warm temperatures. Expose it to colder temperatures below -8C or 16F, and you’ll see a pearl-like blue with wavy patterns.

What’s more interesting is how the process is reversible. When the temperature rises, the molecules return to their original structure, and the color reverts, a gradual process that requires no external intervention. The Asus ROG Phone 9 may be the most impressive of all three, carrying a mini-LED display on the back called AniMe Vision. It shows the time, battery level, notifications, animations, and mini-games. When you’re bored, you can play PacMan and Space Invaders on the back of your phone with the side button.

With these examples, phone design concepts can reach new heights. Exterior personalization is the keyword, where theming comes from the phone rather than as an add-on. Picture the back of your device, adjusting its appearance based on the designs you choose. It’s reactive and smart enough to change based on your interactions. Add a dedicated menu where users can tweak the settings and sync the design with their creativity, and we could create a dynamic experience.

What reasons justify a customizable phone back?

Not everyone likes cases

A polychromic phone appeals to those who don’t want to hide their phone’s original design behind a case. You can reflect your creativity without adding extra bulk. Modern phones are tougher than ever, with durable glass and metal that can withstand everyday use. Corning’s Gorilla Glass is a prime example.

Many phones, including the Realme 14 Pro+, feature the high-end Gorilla Glass 7i with an IP69 rating. Several drop tests showed that the phone can survive multiple drops without dents, and you can swim with it without damage. The Realme C61 is another phone strong enough to go without a case.

Consider a chameleon phone. Not the kind that disappears in front of you, but one that combines elements from brands like Nothing, Realme, and Asus to create a dynamic panel. Instead of static lights or simple color changes, it might feature lights responding to conditions you define. It could display colors based on artificial intelligence, connected devices, a library of downloaded patterns, or routines.

For example, on-device AI could analyze a connected fitness tracker by its type, profile, or function and generate a one-of-a-kind visual design for the back panel based on your metrics or related to exercise. You can pick patterns for specific periods and install more from a dedicated store with themed collections for holidays, seasons, events, or interests.

The panel may require layers, with a hybrid-glass polymer or advanced lenticular printing mixed with LED technology to reflect your design choices on the surface. A thin, bendable circuit board underneath carries the chip, sensors, and lights that trigger the change. The flexibility would allow manufacturers to play around the phone’s build, especially if it calls for unconventional shapes.

Another direction is modular panels, similar to the Nothing CMF Phone 1. You could pop in a new back panel and choose from various materials and grip textures.

The cons of a customizable phone back

It’s going to be a tough and costly project

The biggest challenge with a polychromic back design using lights is battery drainage. Active visuals on the back of your phone are bound to drain power. There’s also the possibility of burn-ins. A faint ghost pattern could be permanently stuck on your phone’s back if a picture stays on the panel too long.

Worse, overlapping images burnt in to make one distorted mess. If you bypass these issues, convincing the average user to buy one is the ultimate challenge, especially when functionality over aesthetics is the priority and considering the costs.

High-end users who can afford to experiment with new ideas may be the ideal target audience. It sounds too ambitious, considering heat dissipation, comfort, maintenance, internal space management, and other factors. Still, there’s something thrilling about where it could go.

Phone back personalization may be worth exploring

A dynamic phone back may not replace cases or see the light of day. Still, it’s nice to imagine. After all, Samsung proposed a transparent phone. A chameleon phone isn’t the strangest thing you’ll see. Your phone’s rear end will have a secure design that mirrors your lifestyle and can be swapped out if it needs repair. The materials are recyclable, which is a bonus. The world needs more eco-friendly accessories.