AI has become a staple for almost all new phones, but that doesn’t mean it is at the heart of most people’s lives.
A CNET survey found that only 11% of smartphone owners choose to upgrade their devices AI features7% from one person Similar surveys last year. Additionally, about three out of 10 people find mobile AI not helpful and don’t want to see more features.
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This is as tech giants continue to launch new AI capabilities. Google loads new Pixel 10 Series with fresh AI features, Samsung announces both Galaxy S25 Lineup and Z discount 7 and Flip 7. Apple also made its debut Apple Smart Updated as it can catch up with AI leaders Google’s Gemini and Openai’s Chatgpt. And next iPhone reveals September 9we may hear more about its upcoming AI efforts.
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These findings suggest a mismatch between phone manufacturers’ bullish approach to AI and consumer concerns about fast-moving technologies. Despite the company’s promotion apple,,,,, Samsung and Google To add an ever-increasing list of AI features to their mobile devices, most people continue to care about three core areas when buying new ones Telephone: Price (62%), longer battery life (54%) and more storage (39%). Another most important consideration is cameras, which 30% of respondents believe are the top priority.
Last year’s survey responded to these same major questions. In 2024, the biggest power of U.S. smartphone owners to upgrade their devices is longer battery life (61%), followed by more storage (46%) and better camera capabilities (38%). Only 18% say their main motivation is AI integration. This year, even as AI capabilities become more ubiquitous, the number seems to be even lower.
AI is not the only marketing strategy consumers don’t buy. Despite the recent release of phones like Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge And about The thin “iPhone 17 air”, Only 7% of respondents said a thinner call would inspire them to upgrade.
Still, companies may use fresh forms to try to make money with more dollars. In this year Mobile World Congressthin phones like the S25 Edge and Spark Slim by Tecno Telephone concept Stealed the spotlight. Oppo’s Found N5Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and honor Magic v5 A curved, thin, foldable design that may appeal to anyone who wants a non-bulk device. CNET’s survey shows that most consumers are not shocked by those eye-catching designs, but as more and more people bring their help and the implementation of thin iPhones, things may change.
a(i) Sell hard
Over the past few years, AI has become a buzzword for nearly every technology product release and keynote speech. AI-driven features such as writing tools, image editing and smarter voice assistants Upgrade mobile devices Enter a more powerful machine. This in turn exacerbates competition that major mobile players have already effectively. Google has knitted Gemini into Pixels Devices and other Android phones from other companies Samsung and Motorola. Apple introduces its Apple Intelligence-capable suite through iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, though it Greater AI ambitions have stalled It lags behind its competitors.
Not just advanced flagship devices, they all pile up on the generated AI capabilities. Medium term and Budget phone Also jump on the trend. For example, $600 iPhone 16e$500 Pixel 9a and $650 Galaxy S24 Fe Package their fair AI features that echo what you find in your higher priced siblings. All of this proves No matter how much you are willing to spendyou can’t escape the AI hype.
According to CNET’s survey, “hype” may actually be attributed to recent generative AI characteristics. Only 13% say they use AI on their phones to summarize or write text, 8% say they use AI Image to create tools, and 7% use AI for photo editing on their phones. Additionally, 20% admit that they don’t even know how to use AI features on their phones.
Mobile AI capabilities usually don’t cost users extra money, but this may change soon. Samsung says On its website The Galaxy AI feature “will be available for free until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices.” Apple is also expected to Finally start charging For some AI-powered iPhone feature. You also need to pay to unlock all the features of Gemini in the Google app. Too many Subscribe to fatiguewhich could be a tough sell. Half of those surveyed said they were reluctant to pay extra money to access AI features on their phones. It grew by 5% last year.
Privacy is an increasingly concerned issue as AI expands its reach in our devices. When using AI on its smartphones, only over 40% of smartphone users are worried about privacy, up 7% from last year. This is largely regardless of age; baby boomers are the most concerned (45%), but the concerns are also high for Gen Z (41%) and Gen X (41%).
This is not to say that everyone is disdainful on their phones. 14% said they found the AI features helpful and were happy to take advantage of more of them on their phones. Z Gen (25%) and millennials (16%) expressed their most interest in using AI on their smartphones.
Smart assistant gets AI assistant, but not enough
Smart assistants are the hope of tech companies Make your daily companion. Gemini Android phone From brainstorming to executing functions in applications, we are increasingly able to handle more tasks. Apple also plans to use AI to enhance Siri, but the launch has been Indefinite delay.
According to a CNET survey, 61% of iPhone owners use Siri, while 41% of pixel owners use Gemini Assistant. Only 10% and 9% of Siri and Gemini users say they are calling on smart assistants every day. As AI becomes more capable, it will be interesting to see if these interactions increase as companies further promote these capabilities.
Methodology
CNET entrusts YouGov plc. Conduct investigation. Unless otherwise stated, all numbers are from YouGov PLC. The total sample was 2,201 adults, of which 2,129 had smartphones. On-site work was carried out from May 13 to 15, 2025. The survey was conducted online. These numbers have been weighted and represent all U.S. adults (ages over 18 years old).
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