AI Features Lag Behind Consumer Priorities in Smartphone Upgrades, Survey Finds
Key Points
- Battery life, storage, and camera quality remain top reasons for smartphone upgrades.
- Only a minority consider AI features a primary motivator for buying a new phone.
- A sizable portion of users find AI tools unhelpful and are reluctant to pay extra for them.
- Privacy concerns about AI are expressed by more than one‑third of respondents.
- Apple, Google, and Samsung continue to add AI functions to flagship devices.
- Potential future fees for advanced AI features face consumer resistance.
- Interest in foldable smartphones is low, with over half of owners not considering them.
A recent survey of U.S. smartphone owners shows that artificial‑intelligence capabilities are no longer a primary driver for device upgrades. Most respondents prioritize longer battery life, more storage, and better cameras. While AI is now embedded in many flagship phones from Apple, Google, and the survey reveals that a significant share of users find AI features unhelpful, are reluctant to pay extra for them, and express privacy concerns. The findings highlight a mismatch between manufacturers’ AI‑focused roadmaps and actual consumer demand.
Consumer Priorities Remain Focused on Core Features
The survey indicates that the biggest motivators for U.S. adults to replace their smartphones are longer battery life, increased storage capacity, and improved camera performance. These three factors dominate purchasing decisions, with price also playing a major role.
AI Features Are Viewed as Low‑Value Add‑Ons
Only a small portion of respondents cited artificial‑intelligence integrations as a primary reason to upgrade. A notable share of owners say they do not find AI features helpful, and many are unwilling to pay a subscription fee for additional AI capabilities.
Privacy Concerns Remain Prominent
More than one‑third of participants expressed unease about privacy when using AI on their devices. This concern cuts across age groups, with older adults showing the highest level of worry.
Manufacturers Continue to Push AI Despite Tepid Reception
Apple, Google, and Samsung have each rolled out new AI‑driven tools in recent flagship models. Apple introduced a suite of “Apple Intelligence” features, Google highlighted Gemini‑based functions, and Samsung promoted its Galaxy AI capabilities. However, the survey suggests that these efforts have not translated into strong consumer demand.
Potential Cost Implications
Both Samsung and Google have signaled that advanced AI features may eventually require a paid subscription. Apple has hinted that some AI functionalities could also become chargeable. Given the existing subscription fatigue among consumers, the willingness to add another recurring fee appears limited.
Limited Interest in Foldable Devices
Beyond AI, the survey also explored attitudes toward foldable phones. More than half of owners indicated they have little interest in purchasing a foldable device, though a modest minority expressed curiosity about future models.
Implications for the Industry
The findings underscore a disconnect between the aggressive AI roadmaps of major smartphone makers and the practical preferences of everyday users. Companies may need to recalibrate their messaging and pricing strategies to align with consumer expectations that still prioritize battery life, storage, and camera quality above cutting‑edge AI capabilities.