Nubia M153 with ByteDance’s Doubao AI Sells Out Instantly, Resale Prices Soar to $706

In a stunning display of demand for next-generation AI-integrated smartphones, the Nubia M153 engineering prototype—the first phone to feature ByteDance’s Doubao AI assistant in a preview version—has completely sold out on ZTE’s official online store within hours of its release. Priced at RMB 3,499 (approximately $495), the limited-edition device has sparked a frenzy among tech enthusiasts and resellers alike, with second-hand listings on Xianyu already climbing to as much as RMB 4,999 ($706)—a staggering premium of around RMB 1,500 ($210) over its original retail price.

This unexpected surge in resale value underscores the growing appetite for AI-powered mobile experiences, especially when backed by a tech giant like ByteDance, the parent company behind the globally dominant TikTok platform. The Nubia M153 isn’t just another smartphone—it’s a bold experiment in integrating cutting-edge artificial intelligence directly into the fabric of daily mobile use.

A Collaborative Powerhouse: ZTE and ByteDance Join Forces

The Nubia M153 is the product of a strategic partnership between ZTE Corporation and ByteDance. While ZTE’s Nubia sub-brand took charge of the hardware design, development, and manufacturing, ByteDance’s Doubao unit led the product definition and user experience design for the AI assistant. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the convergence of hardware and AI software, aiming to deliver a seamless, intelligent mobile experience that goes beyond traditional voice commands and app-based interactions.

ByteDance’s Doubao AI assistant is designed to be more than just a chatbot. It’s an intelligent companion capable of understanding context, predicting user needs, and offering proactive suggestions. From managing schedules and drafting messages to providing real-time translations and content recommendations, Doubao aims to redefine how users interact with their smartphones.

Premium Specs for a Premium AI Experience

The Nubia M153 comes in a single high-end configuration: 16GB of RAM paired with 512GB of internal storage. Under the hood, it’s powered by Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, ensuring top-tier performance for multitasking, gaming, and AI-driven applications. The device sports a large 6.78-inch LTPO display, offering smooth refresh rates and vibrant visuals—ideal for both productivity and entertainment.

The choice of hardware reflects the ambitious nature of the project. Running advanced AI models in real-time requires significant computational power, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite, combined with ample RAM, ensures that Doubao can operate smoothly without draining the battery excessively. The LTPO display further enhances efficiency by dynamically adjusting refresh rates based on content, conserving power when high refresh rates aren’t necessary.

Limited Availability Fuels Secondary Market Boom

The rapid sell-out of the Nubia M153 wasn’t entirely surprising, given its limited production run and the buzz surrounding its AI capabilities. However, the sharp spike in resale prices has caught many by surprise. On Xianyu, a popular Chinese second-hand marketplace, unopened units are already being listed at nearly double the original price. This kind of premium is rare, even for highly anticipated flagship devices, and speaks volumes about the perceived value of integrating advanced AI into a smartphone.

Industry analysts suggest that the scarcity of the device, combined with the novelty of ByteDance’s AI technology, has created a perfect storm for speculative buying. Some buyers are clearly looking to flip the device for a quick profit, while others are genuine early adopters eager to experience the next frontier of mobile AI.

What This Means for the Future of Smartphones

The Nubia M153 is more than just a niche product—it’s a glimpse into the future of smartphones. As AI continues to evolve, the line between hardware and software is blurring. Companies are no longer just selling devices; they’re selling intelligent ecosystems that learn, adapt, and anticipate user needs.

ByteDance’s entry into the smartphone AI space is particularly noteworthy. With its vast experience in content recommendation algorithms and user engagement, the company is well-positioned to push the boundaries of what an AI assistant can do. If Doubao proves successful, it could set a new standard for AI integration in mobile devices, prompting other tech giants to accelerate their own AI initiatives.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Of course, the road ahead isn’t without challenges. AI-powered smartphones require not only powerful hardware but also robust software ecosystems and user trust. Privacy concerns, data security, and the ethical use of AI will be critical factors in determining the long-term success of devices like the Nubia M153.

Moreover, the high price point—even before resale premiums—could limit widespread adoption. For AI smartphones to truly go mainstream, manufacturers will need to find ways to bring advanced AI capabilities to more affordable price brackets.

Still, the initial reception of the Nubia M153 suggests that there is a willing market for premium AI experiences. As technology matures and production scales up, it’s likely that we’ll see more devices offering similar capabilities at lower price points.

Conclusion: A Bold Step into the AI-Powered Future

The sell-out of the Nubia M153 is a clear signal that consumers are ready for the next evolution in mobile technology. By combining ZTE’s hardware expertise with ByteDance’s AI prowess, the device represents a bold step toward a future where smartphones are not just tools, but intelligent partners in our daily lives.

As resale prices soar and early adopters share their experiences, all eyes will be on how Doubao performs in real-world use. If it lives up to the hype, the Nubia M153 could be remembered as the device that ushered in a new era of AI-integrated smartphones—one where intelligence is not an app, but an integral part of the device itself.

For now, the frenzy around the Nubia M153 is a testament to the transformative potential of AI in mobile technology—and a hint of the exciting innovations yet to come.

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