Whatever you think of the iPhone 12, there is no doubt that it will affect the design of other phones in the near future. All you have to do is look at the spate of notched phones that have arrived after the iPhone X as an example. Although some companies got there first, Apple was the trendsetter. With that in mind, it's just a matter of when an Android phone maker will copy the iPhone 4/5 throwback style flat design that has been adopted from the latest Apple flagships.
But which Android brands would benefit the most from taking inspiration from Cupertino's newest look? While we certainly wouldn't expect companies to simply follow Apple's lead when Android thrives on diversity, there are some vendors out there who could borrow a page from the iPhone 12's book. Not only has it managed to rejuvenate some big names, but it also fixes bugs that are holding their phones back.
Huawei and Honor 'Pro' phones
Huawei's phone business may struggle under the weight of the ongoing U.S. trade ban, but the new independent brand Honor is on the rise. Despite their different fortunes, both Android vendors could learn a thing or two from Apple's flat design aesthetic.
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The two have enthusiastically endorsed curved screens on their high-end models and appear to be making a mistake. Take a look at the sharply curved "waterfall" screens of the Mate 40 Pro and Honor 30 Pro Plus as an example. They are slippery and even fragile devices, precisely because of their curves, and not just because of their displays. An iPhone-like flat design might not be as noticeable, but it might appeal to global Android fans who have been wary of premium models from Huawei and Honor in recent years.
Xiaomi flagships
Current high-end Xiaomi phones such as the Mi 10 Pro and the (unfortunately) China-exclusive Mi 10 Ultra offer excellent value for money. The emphasis on curvy glass, however, isn't quite as exciting. It's not just that the curves make it difficult to hold - it's also that you've probably seen these basic design cues on many phones, even with Xiaomi adding a few flourishes of their own. The company relies heavily on its name and datasheet to convince you.
The Mi 11 features recognizable camera bumps and vibrant color options, but it's yet another curved plate. A flat design could help Xiaomi stand out in a crowded sea of Android makers and make its phones so much easier to hold.
Nokia 9 PureView successor
It's not just curved-screen Android phones that could take on an iPhone-inspired flat body. If there is a sequel to Nokia 9 PureView, it should be on the shortlist.
HMD Global's camera-focused phone was unwieldy. The screen may have been flat, but the combination of a curved back with a glossy glass surface and a large body made holding it a challenge. And that's a serious problem for a phone that was all about photography. Getting a stable shot is difficult when you're worried about dropping your device on the sidewalk. A flat look would help pin these photos down.
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Incidentally, this could revitalize Nokia's design language. While it's not too difficult to spot modern Nokias on the street, they're nowhere near as iconic as pre-HMD phones like the N95 or the Lumia 1020. A flat look wouldn't turn back time, but it could be the typical Nokia bring back quirkiness that apparently disappeared years ago.
We should also not forget that the Nokia 9 PureView was received very poorly when it launched almost two years ago. If HMD Global is looking to get back to the flagship, a fresh, flat look can erase some of those bad memories.
LG Velvet 2
The LG Velvet is a stylish phone. It arguably is a much-needed reinvention for a company struggling to distance its designs from those of heavyweights like Samsung. Does that mean LG should leave the Velvet alone? We don't think so.
As we said earlier, the Velvet is a fashionable phone that is set by trends. A Velvet 2 could easily keep up this trend by dropping the curves of its predecessor for a low profile (but still stylish) chassis. It wouldn't have to be as closely shadowing the iPhone - just borrow enough of these clues to get it to the fore in Android design by 2021.
Tell us: what is your suggestion?
While we have some Android phone ideas aimed at enhancing the flat design features of the iPhone 12, we may not be able to cover all of them. There is bound to be a phone that you would want a makeover for, whether it be a track of the hardware in your pocket or a dream device that you've had your eye on for a while. Let us know your suggestions in the comments!