The tech world's latest curiosity, the "Bean Phone," has vanished from the market almost as quickly as it appeared. This limited-edition device, a collaboration between ByteDance's AI division and smartphone maker ZTE, was less a commercial product launch and more a high-profile technology preview. Its immediate sell-out and the subsequent revelation of its deep technical lineage have sparked discussions about the future of AI integration in mobile devices and the enduring legacy of past hardware ventures.
A Limited Run for a Technical Showcase
The device, officially named the nubia M153, was positioned from the start as an engineering sample. According to supply chain sources cited in reports, ByteDance produced only around 30,000 units for this initial foray. Priced at CNY 3,499 and available in a single 16GB + 512GB configuration exclusively on ZTE's online store, the stock was depleted rapidly following its announcement on December 1st. The company has confirmed it will not be replenishing inventory or initiating mass production for this first-generation model, effectively capping its market circulation. This strategy underscores the project's experimental nature, designed to test the waters for ByteDance's "Bean Phone Assistant" AI software rather than to compete in the crowded smartphone market.
Device Specifications & Availability
- Model: nubia M153 (Bean Phone Engineering Sample)
- Collaboration: ByteDance (AI Software) & ZTE/nubia (Hardware)
- Configuration: 16GB RAM + 512GB Storage (only variant)
- Launch Price: CNY 3,499
- Initial Production Run: ~30,000 units
- Availability Status: Sold out, no further production planned
- Next Model ETA: Late 2026 (Projected)
The Unexpected Legacy of Smartisan OS
What has captivated tech enthusiasts and industry observers alike is not just the phone's scarcity, but its unmistakable DNA. Detailed examinations of the device's software have revealed a profound connection to Smartisan OS, the distinctive operating system developed by the now-defunct Smartisan Technology, founded by Luo Yonghao (also known as "Lao Luo"). Code strings containing identifiers like "smartisan" and "smartisanos" have been found within the system. Furthermore, the user interface, including icons for the browser, app store, and notes, bears a striking resemblance to Smartisan's iconic design language. Perhaps the most poignant throwback is the inclusion of the song "Mi Dian" as a system ringtone, a signature element of classic Smartisan phones that instantly evokes nostalgia among longtime fans.
A Glimpse into ByteDance's AI Hardware Strategy
The Bean Phone project is spearheaded by ByteDance's Ocean team, an internal group formed by consolidating talent from several of the company's hardware acquisitions. This includes key personnel from Smartisan, VR company PICO, and audio specialist Oladance. The nubia M153 serves as a hardware vessel for the "Bean Phone Assistant," an AI that operates at the operating system level. With proper authorization from the phone manufacturer, this assistant can perform complex, multi-step tasks across different applications based on voice or text commands. Examples cited include booking tickets, placing online orders, batch downloading files, and aggregating logistics tracking information from multiple sources—all through a single instruction.
Key Software Feature: Bean Phone Assistant
- Type: System-level AI assistant integrated into the OS.
- Core Function: Executes complex, multi-application tasks from a single command.
- Example Tasks: Cross-app ticket booking, online shopping, batch file operations, unified package tracking.
- Future Plan: ByteDance aims to license this assistant to multiple phone manufacturers as an ecosystem feature, not as a standalone phone brand.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
While the first chapter of the Bean Phone story has closed with a sold-out sign, the narrative is far from over. Supply chain sources indicate that ByteDance and ZTE have already commenced development on a second-generation device. Barring any significant changes, this successor is tentatively scheduled for release around the end of 2026. Importantly, ByteDance has clarified that it does not intend to become a full-fledged phone manufacturer. Instead, the company's stated goal is to partner with multiple handset brands, offering the Bean Phone Assistant as an integrated AI ecosystem feature. The nubia M153, therefore, stands as a proof-of-concept—a demonstration of what's possible when deep AI functionality is woven directly into the fabric of a mobile operating system, built upon an unexpected foundation of past design philosophy.