Smartphone Features You Should Watch This Year

Smartphones are more powerful than ever—and this year’s wave of innovative features is about to make them even more central to daily life. From enhanced camera tech and life-saving health sensors to AI-powered assistance and ultra-efficient battery systems, these new developments are changing what we expect from our pocket gadgets.

If you’re planning to upgrade or just want to know what’s next, here are the standout smartphone features to keep an eye on—and why they matter.

Next-Gen Cameras and Computational Photography

Camera features continue to lead smartphone innovation, pushing limits in every lighting condition and scenario.

Look for:

Periscope-style telephoto lenses with 5×–10× optical zoom
Multi-sensor setups combining wide, ultra-wide, and depth sensors
AI image processing for real-time HDR, noise reduction, and subject separation
Pro-grade video tools like 10-bit color, variable frame-rate, and uncompressed capture

These camera tools let you shoot like a pro and produce content worthy of social media or even print.

Under-Display Cameras and Fingerprint Readers

To eliminate notches and punch-holes, phone makers are refining under-display features.

Expect improvements in:

Under-panel selfie cameras that hide via pixel-shifting tech
Improved in-display fingerprint sensors with faster response and larger area
Clearer front display without sacrificing biometric functionality

These refinements will give future phones a sleek, uninterrupted look—without losing functionality.

Battery Tech: Fast Charging and New Chemistries

Keeping your phone powered is always a concern—and this year innovations are making real strides.

Key developments:

1,000+ mAh/minute fast charging—that’s 50% in under 15 minutes
Gallium nitride (GaN) chargers that are compact, cooler, and safer
Early phones using solid-state batteries for better density and longevity
Smart battery management using AI to optimize charge cycles and lifespan

These improvements mean less time tethered to the outlet and longer battery lives in small packages.

Foldables, Rollables & Dual-Screen Devices

Flexible-screen technology is evolving fast, and the next act is set to impress.

What to watch:

More durable foldable displays with better hinge systems
Rollable phones that expand the screen when needed
Dual-screen clamshells that combine external info displays with inner foldables
More affordable models making flexible displays mainstream

These formats reshape how and where you use your device—more multitasking, more screen space, more options.

AI-Powered On-Device Features

Slowly and steadily, smartphones are becoming smarter—all without the cloud.

New AI features:

Live transcription and translation for calls, video, and text
Smart photo organization, automatic edits, and subject isolation
Routine and context-aware assistants for reminders, app suggestions, and settings shortcuts
Privacy-safe AI inference—processing without sending data off-device

These features work faster and respect your privacy better than ever.

Satellite & Emergency Connectivity

Connectivity is stepping beyond cellular—and it’s critical for safety.

Look out for:

Satellite SOS messaging (e.g., via Direct-to-Satellite standards) for calls and alerts when there’s no signal
Emergency broadcast reception via advanced LTE/5G chipsets
Integrated weather alerts or SOS from remote areas

These features can be lifesavers in emergencies or adventure scenarios where every second counts.

High Refresh Rate Displays with Variable Sync

Smooth visuals have gone mainstream—and remain essential.

What’s new:

Displays with 120–144 Hz refresh rates across all price categories
Variable refresh rate (VRR) that conserves battery by adapting to what’s on screen
Panels that can downshift to 1 Hz for always-on displays and up to 144 Hz for gaming

These screens are sharper, smoother, and smarter than ever.

Wireless Audio: LE Audio & Multi-Stream Bluetooth

Audio tech is finally getting the upgrade it deserves.

Upcoming features:

Low Energy (LE) Audio for higher quality and longer battery life
Multi-stream Bluetooth to sync audio to two headphones or earbuds at once
Spatial audio support with headphones and phone-integrated processing

These features improve both personal listening and shared media experiences.

Robust Security & Privacy Tools

As phones do more, protecting data matters most.

Watch for:

Secure enclaves that manage biometrics and key data on-device
App-level privacy indicators—camera/mic use alerts like on desktop OS
Privacy dashboards that summarize sensor, location, and data usage
Hardware kill switches for camera, mic, or connectivity

These tools give you control over what—and who—can access your phone’s data.

Modular and Repairable Designs

Right-to-repair is gaining traction—and manufacturers are starting to listen.

Signs of change:

Modular phone parts like battery, screen, and camera modules
Official repair parts + software unlocks for end-user replacements
Eco-focused models designed for longevity, repairability, and component upgrades

Phones built to last are greener and cheaper to maintain long-term.

New Connectivity Standards: Wi-Fi 7 and 5G Advancements

Faster, more reliable connections are on the horizon.

What’s coming:

Wi‑Fi 7 (802.11 be) with multi-gigabit speeds and better network handling
Next-gen 5G mmWave & sub-6 GHz radios for more consistent high-speed access
New UWB (Ultra Wide Band) features for precise location like car unlocking or device tracking

These upgrades help your phone stay fast whether it’s home, office, or out in the world.