The State of Smartphone Innovation: Are We Hitting a Plateau?

For years, the smartphone industry has been on an incredible trajectory, pushing the boundaries of hardware and software. Between 2016 and 2021, each new generation brought substantial improvements, making yearly upgrades feel worthwhile. However, it seems we’ve reached an inflection point. The once-rapid pace of innovation has slowed, and now, new releases feel more like incremental updates rather than groundbreaking advancements.

A prime example of past innovation was the Huawei P30 Pro. This phone stood out with its exceptional battery life, advanced charging technology, and a rear panel design that still looks premium even half a decade later. More importantly, its camera system was revolutionary at the time, setting a new standard for mobile photography. Fast forward to today, and the latest flagships—the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Galaxy S25 Ultra—offer only marginal improvements over their predecessors. While software enhancements play a role in these new devices, the core hardware remains strikingly similar to last year’s models.

Are Software Updates Masking Hardware Stagnation?

Google introduced features like Pixel Studio and Pixel Screenshots with the Pixel 9 Pro XL, but these additions feel more like attempts to compensate for aging hardware rather than true innovations. Apple continues rolling out AI-powered features months after the iPhone 16 Pro Max launched, and Samsung’s S25 Ultra—while still an impressive device—relies on software tweaks within One UI 7 rather than significant hardware changes. The core camera hardware in the S25 Ultra remains nearly identical to its predecessor, yet new software features are positioned as selling points.

This shift raises an important question: Are manufacturers using software updates to justify new models instead of offering meaningful hardware improvements? Many of these features could have been delivered via software updates to previous generations. Consumers are now left wondering whether they truly need to spend over $1,000 on a new phone when last year’s model is nearly as capable.

The Case for Holding onto Older Flagships

Take the Galaxy S23 Ultra versus the S25 Ultra. The differences between these two models are minor. The S23 Ultra remains an incredibly powerful device, featuring the same primary camera sensor, identical battery size, and S Pen functionality—with Bluetooth support that the newer model lacks. It still supports Samsung DeX, boasts a stunning display, shoots 8K video, and includes a 10x optical periscope zoom. Even wired charging speeds remain unchanged.

At nearly half the price on the second-hand market, the S23 Ultra offers 90% of what the S25 Ultra delivers. The same argument applies across the board—many of last year’s flagship models remain competitive, making it harder to justify upgrading to the latest devices. In some cases, older designs even feel better in hand, as seen with the S23 Ultra’s more comfortable ergonomics compared to the boxier S25 Ultra.

Do Consumers Even Care About Cutting-Edge Hardware?

While tech enthusiasts appreciate high-end specs like ultra-fast charging and advanced camera sensors, the general public appears indifferent. Most people aren’t clamoring for larger camera sensors or bigger batteries. Instead, they seem content with features that enhance everyday convenience, such as AI-powered image editing tools or creative sketching applications. Smartphone manufacturers recognize this and are shifting their focus towards software-based improvements rather than pouring billions into hardware innovation.

After spending significant time with the latest flagship devices, two key takeaways emerge. First, these phones are undeniably excellent—they handle daily tasks effortlessly and are widely available in carrier stores for easy access and testing. Second, they lack the “wow” factor that once made upgrading an exciting event. If you already own a flagship from the past two years, there’s little incentive to rush out and buy a new one.

What’s the Minimum Smartphone an Average User Needs?

This realization prompts an interesting question: What’s the oldest smartphone that still holds up for everyday use? Could an average person get by with a five-year-old device without missing out on anything substantial? While top-tier flagships continue to refine their software experience, they no longer introduce hardware leaps that fundamentally change how we use our phones. The gap between new and slightly older models is shrinking, making the idea of skipping multiple upgrade cycles more appealing than ever.

The Future of Smartphone Innovation

Today’s flagship phones are among the best ever made, but they owe much of their excellence to software rather than groundbreaking hardware advancements. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Galaxy S25 Ultra are all fantastic devices, but they don’t bring the kind of revolutionary changes that defined past generations. Instead, they refine what already exists, offering smoother experiences without dramatically altering the core user experience.

Looking ahead, true hardware innovation may need to come from outside the Western market. Chinese manufacturers continue to push boundaries with cutting-edge cameras, ultra-fast charging, and new battery technologies. However, these advancements have yet to make their way into mainstream flagship devices like iPhones, Pixels, and Galaxies. Until they do, the smartphone industry may remain in its current cycle—one of minor refinements rather than major leaps forward.

For now, if you’re holding onto a previous-generation flagship, there’s little reason to rush into an upgrade. The best phone you can buy might just be the one you already own.