5 options I would like in my subsequent cellphone ...

We’re at a crossroads within the smartphone trade, whether or not cellphone makers know it or not. Annual {hardware} upgrades have turn out to be more and more incremental, to the purpose that firms like Apple, Google, and Samsung are specializing in AI as a substitute — regardless of how helpful it could be, or even when it is prepared. Many Apple Intelligence features are nonetheless lacking in motion, months after the launch of the iPhone 16.

That stated, there’s nonetheless loads of room for real enchancment. I’ve received a laundry record of options I wish to see on my subsequent smartphone, whether or not I am shopping for it in 2025, 2026, and even later. Actually, I would have to suppose twice about upgrading from my present iPhone if one among this stuff does not seem.

1 A telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom

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It is likely to be slightly aggressive to demand 10x zoom — I discover the 5x zoom on my iPhone 16 Pro greater than sufficient, often — however I come from a professional images background, and one of many chief guidelines of composition is “fill the body.” There should not be any lifeless house in a photograph until it is intentional, and in that regard, even 5x zoom could be inadequate if you happen to’re making an attempt to shoot trip surroundings, or the lead singer at live performance. Heck, it typically falls brief if you’re making an attempt to snap somebody on the reverse finish of a giant room.

The optical a part of my demand is vital. The Galaxy S25 Ultra technically helps 10x zoom, however solely at “optical high quality” — which means it makes use of sensor and software program tips. That will not look the identical as true optical zoom, particularly in order for you the identical decision you had at 2x.

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2 Two-day battery life

A person can dream, cannot he?

For no matter motive, we have collectively accepted the concept smartphones ought to solely final a day on a cost, at the least with out turning on particular battery-saver modes. The implications are throughout us — you should buy quick-chargers at your native pharmacy, and emergency assist organizations typically provide charging stations. It is a bit ridiculous, contemplating that “dumb” cellphones can final a number of days.

What’s holding smartphones again? The price of batteries, most likely. The lithium-ion packs in trendy telephones are one among their most costly parts, and so doubling their dimension would result in larger finish prices, particularly given the additional design house concerned. For that motive, I am not anticipating a two-day battery life anytime quickly — it is only a objective cellphone makers ought to put (again) on their radar.

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3 An always-on show

That is readable in daylight, that’s

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In switching from an ordinary iPhone to a Professional mannequin, one of many issues I have been spoiled by is an always-on show (AOD). I do know the tech is old-hat for Android customers, however together with lockscreen widgets and iOS’s StandBy mode, AOD could be a recreation changer. It means with the ability to verify the climate or my notifications at a look in the course of the workday, and at evening, immediately figuring out whether or not I can return to sleep.

Having stated all that, it is essential that AOD tech be readable in daylight. My iPhone could be troublesome to learn with daylight pouring within the home windows, by no means thoughts standing outdoor.

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4 256GB of storage by default

Time to replace the usual

Many individuals are most likely getting alongside positive with 128GB on their telephones, myself included. Quickly, although, 128 goes to be the brand new 64 — too small to be sensible. It is unrealistic to shoot 4K HDR video on a 128GB gadget, and even images could be enormous as of late, given the existence of 100- and 200-megapixel sensors. Apps are rising as effectively, notably with regards to high-quality 3D video games like Resident Evil 8. These can occupy a number of gigabytes on their very own.

Making 256GB the brand new entry stage appears lifelike for 2026, or at the least 2027. Cellphone makers already cost us extra for reminiscence upgrades than they’re price in components, and it is arduous to promote clients on options like generative AI or 200-megapixel cameras if there’s barely any reminiscence to make use of them.

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5 45W wired charging (or higher)

No extra panicking once I’m in a rush

You may anticipate me to record Qi2 right here as a substitute, however that customary tops out at 15W, and I am already utilizing it on my iPhone. I am not notably involved with velocity once I’m doing wi-fi charging, anyway — I discover the very best use of it’s sitting my cellphone on a stand in a single day. Once I’m in a rush, I desire a wired reference to the absolute best efficiency.

It is about time each cellphone caught up with the velocity we see on flagship Chinese language gadgets. The OnePlus 13, for instance, can cost from zero to 100% in 43 minutes, and that is with the 80W North American variant — the unique 100W one does it in 36 minutes. The extra wattage the higher, since it’d imply the distinction between efficiently topping up on your journey to Austin, or your cellphone dying halfway by means of watching Aliens once more. I point out 45W right here solely as a result of that is what the Galaxy S25 Extremely helps — I do not need something much less.

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