While cell phones keep getting better in different ways, not all new capabilities are as useful as you might think. Let’s take a closer look.
Smartphones have come a long way in terms of innovation. Many of the tasks that used to require separate computing devices can now be accomplished only with your smartphone, which corporations like to be proud of in their advertising and launch events.
But, as good as packing all these advanced hardware and functions into portable gadgets, do you really need them? Is it true that they make a difference?
Let’s take a look at the six over-hyped features to avoid when buying a new phone.
1. 8K video recording
For more than a decade, cell phones have been able to record 4K video (3840 x 2160 pixels). To put things in perspective, the Galaxy S5 was one of the first Samsung phones to feature in 2014 (do you feel old now?).
At the time, 4K video capture was largely useless due to poor image quality, and was used entirely as a marketing ploy. 4K video is now available on all flagship phones, the majority of mid-range phones, and even some cheap phones.
It makes sense how often we watch videos on our phones, tablets, laptops and other similar devices. Their screens are so large that the difference between 1080p and 4K footage can be seen.
However, when it comes to 8K (7680 x 4320 pixels), the difference is not small. Professional gaming is one of the few situations where 8K resolution makes sense, but it’s a definite limit for mobile filmmaking.
2. 108MP camera
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: more megapixels doesn’t necessarily mean better image quality. Smartphone manufacturers like to boast about the megapixel count of their cameras, but that doesn’t guarantee that their images are better.
The more megapixels you have, the higher the resolution of your image. As a result, you can easily zoom in and out of your photos without sacrificing any detail. However, due to the increase in resolution, the larger the file size, the more storage it uses.
There are two main reasons why 108MP cameras are not needed. One, today’s smartphones are equipped with zoom lenses for capturing images of distant objects. Two, you don’t need high resolution for regular shots to be clear in your photos.
3. QHD display
Quad HD (QHD), often referred to as 1440p resolution screens (2560 x 1440 pixels), is widely used in flagship phones, and we have had them since 2014. To be fair, QHD displays are much faster than Full HD (FHD). Also known as 1080p resolution display (1920 x 1080 pixels).
The problem is that QHD screens use more energy to work. Throughout the day of use, you can lose about 10% more battery life than FHD screens. Additionally, the former is a feature found exclusively in flagship phones, so if you want this resolution, you’ll have to spend over $ 700.
4. 144Hz refresh rate
Until recently, virtually all smartphones were limited to a 60Hz refresh rate (with a few exceptions). On the other hand, the tech sector has not looked back since the debut of OnePlus 7 Pro in 2019. What seemed like a moment, we went from 60Hz to 90Hz to 120Hz. The Razer Phone was the first phone to run on 120Hz, and it was released in 2017!
Until 2022, 120Hz displays were only available on flagship and mid-range phones. Today, we are seeing cheap phones with the same capability. High refresh rate displays have become commonplace in just two years.
While we are grateful for this innovation, every 120Hz frequency generates a reduced return. The first gaming phone with a refresh rate of 165Hz has already been released, which is too much. When put together, it is impossible to tell the difference between 120Hz and 144Hz. Many people will struggle to differentiate 90Hz from 120Hz in blind tests.
The problem is that it is unforgivable to waste so much battery life for these minor changes that do not add much to the overall user experience. Furthermore, most mobile games do not support 120Hz, which makes this feature obsolete.
5. 16 GB RAM
16GB RAM is another plus. The amount of RAM in a smartphone is determined by your needs. For most people, 6 GB of RAM is enough for everyday activities such as web browsing, light gaming, music and video streaming, social media, and so on. Your phone with 6GB RAM will be safe for the next three to five years.
8 GB of RAM is enough for users and gamers to run all mobile apps and games, while 12 GB of RAM ensures that even the most demanding games run smoothly. Anything more is pointless because you won’t run so many apps in the background at the same time anyway.
6. Wireless charging
Wireless charging stinks and if you’re in the market for a new phone, despite the fact that technology is slowly improving it shouldn’t be a priority. It is inefficient and produces too much heat.
Needless to say, wireless charging is not really wireless as you need to charge your phone in one place. On the other hand, real wireless charging will take at least three years to become remotely usable.
Wired charging, on the other hand, is faster, cheaper, more efficient, more durable, does not overheat, and produces less waste in the manufacturing process, making it less environmentally friendly. A USB-C cable is also very useful because it is a world-class cable that can be fitted to virtually any modern electronic device.
Find values instead of overrated features.
As technology experts, it’s always interesting for us to see companies push the boundaries with their advanced technology. However, appreciating new technologies and deciding to buy is not the same thing. Just because your phone has advanced features doesn’t mean you need it.
Most of the features mentioned in this list are likely to become popular in the coming years. But until then, it is pointless to pay a premium for a device that you do not use often.
The following features are best suited for a passionate, dedicated gamer, or person working closely with technology on a daily basis. These features should not be considered when buying a new phone unless you are one of them.
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