For a long time, black was the coolest color you could choose for a smartphone. It felt sleek and premium, almost like a more refined version of the neutral gray tones that Apple helped popularize. But now that it’s gone, black no longer stands out like it used to. That’s exactly why, when I was shopping for my latest phone, I went out of my way to avoid a black model.
Black phones used to look premium, now they’re just the default
What used to be the “cool” color is now just vanilla
there are many Benefits of choosing a black phone instead of another color – it’s professional, minimalist, matches the front screen, matches any set or case and is available on almost all smartphone models.
That last reason is exactly why black seems overdone. It’s predictable and boring, like vanilla ice cream or white sneakers, and because it’s everywhere, your phone blends in with everyone else’s. If you want a new phone you spent a thousand dollars on to feel special, choosing the most common color is the quickest way to lose that feeling, especially if your previous phone was also black.
In fact, black isn’t the only over-the-top option. Everything I’ve said here also applies to other dark neutral colors. Samsung and Apple have popularized dark blue tones, and while they seem a little more interesting than black, they ultimately fall into the same category of dark, soft, neutral tones.
Color is one of the few and most prominent ways to make a device feel different, and it’s important for something you hold in your hand and look at all day. Unfortunately, black says nothing about you and your personality; In fact, it indicates that you like to play it safe.
All dark phones look the same, so I went for something different
It’s safe, but it’s just not fun.
Now, you’re probably thinking that I’m one of those people who loves phones with bright, vibrant colors, but the truth is that I prefer muted tones: mint green, champagne, bronze, copper, baby blue, salmon, and lavender all look beautiful to me.
They don’t attract as much attention as vibrant orange or yellow, but they’re still much less bland than dark-colored phones that look identical to the naked eye, with the camera design being the only differentiating factor.
When it came time to buy a new phone this year, I went with the Sand Storm OnePlus 15. Before that, I had a Realme X2 Pro Lunar White.
The Sand Storm OnePlus 15 is the only one that doesn’t have a glass back and the new micro-arc oxidation coating on the sides and camera bump, but the real reason I chose it is that it looks amazing. Ironically, the black option that used to make phones look premium is now the budget option as it is the only color available on the 12GB RAM + 256GB ROM variant of the phone.
Sand Storm isn’t quite as bold, but it still stands out in a sea of identical dark-colored phones; I never have trouble finding it when I leave it somewhere in the gym because it looks unique. It’s actually very similar to the Desert Titanium on the iPhone 16 Pro, which I always thought was one of the best colors Apple has ever created.
9/10
- SoC
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Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Generation 5
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6.78 inches 2772*1272 (FHD+)
The OnePlus 15 features the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC that enables gaming features never seen before on a smartphone. The 165Hz display is perfect for mobile gaming, and when not gaming it runs at 120Hz, making it ideal for everyday use. The triple camera array is quite good and the 7300 mAh battery lasts for several days on a single charge.
Brands are finally making interesting colors again
But maybe you didn’t even realize
Once upon a time, the only brands that tried to draw attention to their devices with extravagant colors were budget-focused ones, like The Motorola G family. Fortunately, those days are finally over and bold colors are starting to make a resurgence in the mainstream.
It is impossible not to talk about phone colors without mentioning the iPhone 17 Pro Cosmic Orangewhat is apparently more popular than the more neutral variants Deep Blue and Silver. Apple has made orange the new “main” color of the flagship on purpose, and I hope other brands follow their example. with at least one standout option in their lineups.
Unfortunately, Samsung hasn’t upped its color game on the new S26 alignmentbut at least we have some unique options in the form of sky blue and rose gold.
Color is now the only thing that still makes a phone feel different
All smartphones look the same, but color is a big part of the design
While I can’t force you to choose anything other than black for your next phone, I hope I’ve at least convinced you that dark shades are pretty boring. The moment you see a phone in a more interesting color that you like more, you will regret choosing black, so think carefully before making this important decision. Or just put a colorful case on it.
