When it comes to Apple's dominance in the smartphone arena, the unveiling of the iPhone 17 series has likely deepened many people's appreciation. Whether in terms of hardware prowess or software sophistication, Apple's rivals are drawing ever nearer. Take the operating system, for instance; while Apple has never been known for Android compatibility, the Android阵营 (Android camp) now boasts a high degree of interoperability with Apple's ecosystem. It seems that everyone fears being overlooked by users if they don't align with Apple's standards. Of course, this observation is not meant to be derogatory; it simply highlights the practical trend of domestic smartphone makers emulating Apple's design and functionality.

In fact, this trend extends beyond flagship models; an increasing number of budget and mid-range phones are also starting to exhibit a distinct Apple-esque flair. Take the realme 15T, set to launch in just four days, as a prime example. Upon viewing the official appearance photos, nearly everyone's initial reaction is that the design exudes an Apple-like aura in every detail, with some elements appearing to be almost pixel-perfect replicas. The camera module, in particular, seems to have borrowed heavily from the iPhone's aesthetic.

The phone also features a Dynamic Island-style front design, which bears a striking resemblance. While the overall aesthetics of the phone are indeed appealing, a closer inspection reveals that many feel it is merely imitating the iPhone, which gradually erodes the unique impression of the realme brand. To be frank, domestic manufacturers might be adopting this approach out of necessity. These budget and mid-range phones rely on a strategy of flooding the market with new models to capture user attention. Given that users' interest in such models tends to wane quickly, imitating the iPhone seems like a shortcut to attract users within a limited timeframe.

Of course, the negative repercussions for domestic manufacturers are not as severe as some might imagine. Due to the significant price disparity, users who opt for similar models are highly unlikely to switch to buying an iPhone for various reasons. Therefore, domestic smartphone makers are not overly concerned about users defecting to the Apple camp. Instead, competition among domestic manufacturers is set to intensify, as once one manufacturer adopts this strategy, others are sure to follow suit.

In fact, the realme 15T is already available overseas, and the current promotion simply indicates its upcoming domestic launch. Given its budget positioning, one should not expect too much from its features and specifications. For instance, the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 offers average performance, but it does come with some attractive features, such as IP69 super water resistance and a massive 7,000mAh battery. The phone's slim 7.79mm profile and lightweight 181-gram build also provide a very comfortable feel. If you're not a heavy gamer, it should handle daily use without any major hiccups.

In terms of imaging capabilities, while it's not just limited to scanning QR codes, it's not expected to excel either. Of course, if you find the 15T's features and specifications too underwhelming, realme has also prepared the 15 and 15 Pro models. The Pro version, in particular, is expected to boast quite strong imaging capabilities and a powerful CPU chip. realme has already released the detailed specifications of the three upcoming new models, with only the prices yet to be announced.

Personally, I suspect that the standard version will likely be the most popular. And if the starting price of the 15T exceeds 1,500 yuan, it's not expected to make a significant splash in the market.