As we are at the end of 2023, I would like to list down a few points I have noticed as a basic 15k-30k mobile phone buyer and as a consumer. Smartphone design and innovation are isolated and the era has fallen down! Almost everyone has spoke about it but here is to recap a few.
Fan boys no need to get triggered, every brand is taken into account before writing these down 1. Boxy body design which is tough to hold 2. It is 2023, and yes I still prefer to use 3.5mm jack, SD card slot 3. Not including the charger, screen protectors have become common now.
All these jokes are ignored and so called tech giants started looting long back if you recall removing the 3.5mm jack and justifying it to go for a slimmer profile (back in days 6mm thickness phones had 3.5mm jack). And fanboys started supporting their brands by buying their TWS.
Coming to the camera, the single camera became dual, trip, quadrant, Penta and now few have stuck with either 2 or 3 cameras. But the big joke here is that even a 40k upper midrange has a 2MP Macro! Again ignorance is not a BLISS but a huge income for corporate leeches!
At least if we have any improvement in the camera department we can feel a little relieved. But the entire credits go to the AI and image processing method used in it. So camera improvement space is still void in recent history. Believe me, not everyone wants to zoom 30X ~ 100X.
e-waste and non biodegradable waste are separate topics to discuss. If the OEMs are really considering the environment and recycling, then they must include chargers and accessories in the plastic free packaging box. Selling accessories separately is actually prone to more waste.
The consumers, as fan boys, defend their brands. But the brands in return, not being loyal to them. Considering the rest of Western world, there is no proper trade-in method or any other option to get the nominal value for my used device. e-comm exchange is a joke upon arrival.
AFTER SALES SUPPORT: This up to my knowledge I believe a thing which is not even present anywhere in our country. Green lines, green screen, excessive temperature and CPU throttling, battery replacement, universal cable, charging speed compatibility, etc are something to notice.
Last but not least - Gimmicks to remove or ignore in 2024 1. Ultra zoom capability, AI after effects and edits 2. Design lights or LEDs, secondary small display behind your phone 3. Blazing ultra fast charging like 200W, 300W 4. Considering pricing in 2023 performance is sub par