Survey Finds Consumers Still Value Basics Over AI in Smartphones

Artificial intelligence is a common feature in new smartphones, but most buyers continue to focus on practical needs. A survey of more than 2,200 adults in the United States found that only 11 percent of smartphone owners would upgrade their device because of AI features. That figure has fallen seven points from last year. Around three in ten people also said AI on phones is not useful and they would prefer fewer additions.

Companies Push AI, Buyers Look Elsewhere

The findings come as major manufacturers continue to expand AI across their product lines. Samsung included Galaxy AI in the S25 series and its latest foldable devices. Google built Gemini into the Pixel 10 range. Apple introduced Apple Intelligence on recent models and is expected to reveal further updates during the iPhone 17 launch. Despite these investments, the survey shows that AI is not driving most purchase decisions.

What Buyers Want in a Phone

When asked what matters most, 62 percent named price as the key factor. Battery life followed at 54 percent, and extra storage at 39 percent. Camera performance remains another concern, mentioned by three in ten respondents. The same areas topped the list in last year’s survey, which showed battery life, storage, and camera as the strongest reasons for an upgrade.

Thin Designs and Other Trends

Industry events this year placed emphasis on slimmer phones. Samsung presented the S25 Edge, while Oppo and Honor showed thinner foldable concepts. Only seven percent of survey participants said a thinner design would encourage them to upgrade. The results suggest the appeal of new form factors is limited outside trade shows and product launches.

Limited Use of AI Tools

Although most smartphones now include AI, few owners use it regularly. Only 13 percent said they rely on AI for text summaries or writing. Eight percent use image generation, and seven percent use AI for photo editing. Twenty percent admitted they are unsure how to use the AI tools built into their phones.

Privacy and Cost Concerns

Privacy is a growing worry. Just over 40 percent of respondents said they are concerned about how AI handles their data, up seven points from the previous year. Cost is another barrier. Half of the sample said they would not pay extra for AI features, even as companies consider charging for access.

Interest Varies by Age

Younger groups showed greater interest in mobile AI. One in four Gen Z respondents said they find the features helpful. Sixteen percent of millennials agreed. Among iPhone owners, 61 percent use Siri, though only one in ten rely on it daily. On Google’s Pixel devices, 41 percent use Gemini, but daily use is again limited.

Outlook

The survey results point to a clear trend. AI has become a standard feature across premium and mid-range devices, yet buyers continue to prioritize price, battery performance, storage, and camera quality when deciding whether to upgrade. For now, companies face the challenge of justifying their heavy investment in AI while most customers remain focused on the basics.

H/T: Cnet^[1].

Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools.

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