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STEPX Neo: The AI Phone That Wants to Be Your Friend

STEPX Neo: The AI Phone That Wants to Be Your Friend

Imagine a phone that doesn't just run apps—it understands you. That's the pitch from STEPX (Step Terminal), which unveiled its first "large model-native" smartphone, the STEPX Neo, at a Shanghai event. Priced at 3,999 yuan, this device aims to blur the line between hardware and AI companion.

Design: Retro-Future Vibes and a Talking Back

The Neo sports a "retro-futuristic" look with a transparent mechanical back panel and five Easter eggs nodding to AI history. But the real head-turner is its sensory setup: a six-microphone array, a low-power audio chip, and the Whisper1.0 algorithm give it a kind of hearing. Plus, there's a MiniLED dot-matrix screen on the back that acts as the AI's "face"—flashing expressions and info at a glance.

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Under the Hood: Two Brains Are Better Than One

Running the show is Step AOS 1.0, an operating system built for AI agents. It keeps your data and the AI's data in separate "domains" for privacy, and it's designed to be transparent and reversible—so you're always in control. The AI itself is split: on-device handles quick commands offline, while the cloud tackles complex, multi-app tasks. Think of it as a fast reflex paired with a big brain.

An Ecosystem That Plays Nice

STEPX isn't going it alone. The company launched Step Studio, a natural-language tool that lets developers tap into the phone's sensors and back screen. Early demos include a flight skateboard assistant and a brain-computer interface that turns thoughts into speech. Meanwhile, the Step Amoo agent already works with nearly 100 partners—Alipay, WeChat Work, Xiaohongshu, Ctrip, Didi, and more—so you can pay, book, and collaborate without jumping through hoops.

Price and Perks: More Than Just a Phone

At 3,999 yuan (carbon black or silicon silver), the Neo comes with 12 months of 10 billion tokens per month—basically a year of AI fuel. And if you're among the first 10,000 users who meet certain tasks, you'll get a "Starship Ticket" that lets you swap your Neo for a new STEPX device free within five years. Pre-orders began October 13, with open sales starting October 16.

Key Points

  • AI-native design: Hardware, OS, and large model deeply integrated for a seamless agent experience.
  • Unique sensory organs: Six-mic array, audio chip, and a back-screen dot matrix for expressive interaction.
  • Dual-domain security: User and agent data kept separate, with visible, controllable, reversible architecture.
  • Hybrid AI: On-device for speed and privacy, cloud for heavy lifting.
  • Developer-friendly: Step Studio opens sensors and protocols for innovative apps.
  • Ecosystem integration: Works with ~100 partners for payments, travel, and more.
  • Price & perks: 3,999 yuan, 12 months of tokens, and a chance for a free upgrade within five years.