As technology keeps improving, smartphones are becoming smarter, faster, and more integrated into our daily lives. Every year, phones are becoming more advanced with higher specs that include faster processors, more memory, and better screens. These improvements are driving trends that can give a glimpse at the future of new smartphones.
The following are trends that consumers will continue to see during the rest of 2021 and beyond.
People hate carrying around charging cords, which is why smartphones with wireless charging capabilities are becoming more and more common. Being able to set your phone down on a charger without having to plug it in is very convenient. This trend started with premium smartphones getting wireless charging first, but now it’s trickling down to mid-priced phones as well.
Three factors are keeping wireless charging from really taking off. First, wireless charging isn’t all that fast. Even the best wireless charger can’t beat the traditional plugin cord. The second factor is that wireless chargers are just one more phone accessory consumers need to buy. The biggest growth for wireless charging will be availability in public spaces, like coffee shops, restaurants, and even airports. The convenience of being able to charge your phone in public without the need for a cord or power outlet will drive this trend. Finally, there are several types of wireless chargers on the market on they’re not compatible with each other. The industry needs to agree on a standard so regardless of the phone you have, it will work on any wireless charger.
Foldable (flip) phones used to be the standard. Then smartphones took over and flip phones went out of style. But foldable phones are starting to make a comeback in the form of dual-screen phones that act as a smartphone and a tablet. Motorola released their revived Razr that unfolds into a tablet with a generous 6.2” OLED display. Further, Samsung released their Galaxy Fold Z 2, and Huawei released their Huawei Mate Xs.
Foldable smartphones give consumers a fully functional smartphone that pulls double-duty as a tablet. The technology is improving but challenges remain. The biggest challenge is creating a foldable screen and hinges that don’t show the crease when unfolded. Also, some have reported that over time those hinges tend to loosen, turning the phone into a floppy mess.
Smartphone photography has been steadily improving over the years as more and more people ditch their bulky cameras. In fact, smartphone cameras are the one feature manufacturers are constantly improving. That trend is expected to continue into 2021 and beyond. Many phones are now packed with multiple lenses; the main lens, a zoom lens, and a wide-angle lens. These phones will also feature night mode and image stabilization. The smartphone camera has improved so much over the years that the quality of pictures taken by a flagship phone can easily rival a good DSLR camera for the amateur photographer.
Whether you know it or not, smartphones today are already making use of AI technology, and the trend is expected to grow over the next several years. The most obvious use of AI is seen when using Apple’s Siri or Google’s Google Assistant on Pixel phones. However, artificial intelligence is baked into other functions in your phone as well. For example, when taking pictures, AI will use facial recognition technology to label who is in the picture and can tell if you’re taking a selfie or panorama, and then adjust the settings accordingly.
Google is using AI to learn the user’s preferences and phone habits, which can help it optimize the phone’s battery life and processor resources. Further, Google Pixel phones can even learn the difference between when a user is at home or work, and then adjust the phone’s settings accordingly.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are advancing at an incredible speed. Microprocessors dedicated to AI are being installed in modern mobile phones. Most of this AI technology will be running in the background and make the user experience more seamless and pleasant.
Devices to make homes “smart” are flooding the market and everything from house lights to your heating and air conditioning can be controlled from your phone. But the trends are getting even more sophisticated. Nowadays, doors can be unlocked, appliances can be run, and keeping your home secure are things you can do from your phone. And the list gets longer every day. As smartphone makers are integrating this smart home functionality into the phone’s OS, making it easy to connect the two.
One of the biggest trends that will continue to dominate the smartphone market will be apps. Apps are becoming more specialized and localized to provide a unique user experience. Mobile payments will also become more common as more smartphones include NFC technology and more retailers accept mobile payments. Finally, biometrics will also continue to advance. Biometrics uses fingerprints, facial recognition technology, and so forth to unlock your phone or access certain features.
As new smartphones are released, more trends in technology and user applications will become more apparent.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.