The "Boring" iPhone Debate

Interestingly, the iPhone is frequently labeled as dull or devoid of character. If being "boring" means it lacks the plethora of AI gimmicks that devices like the Pixel 8 Pro or Galaxy S24 Ultra offer, then it might be guilty as charged. However, when we assess what we actually use on our phones daily, that's where the true value lies.

In my case, my iPhone 15 Pro Max serves a rather secondary role in my daily life. Despite writing extensively about tech, my needs are relatively simple. Primarily, I use my iPhone as a secure gateway to various apps and websites. Since I enhanced my online security last year, many applications—like WordPress for publishing these articles—are now accessible through the Google Authenticator app on my phone. Adobe and Xero, the accounting software I use for my business, also rely on my iPhone for verification. Essentially, my device acts as a sophisticated password manager.

I rely on my phone for banking and, since last summer, for making online payments. I check social media platforms—Instagram, Twitter, Telegram, and occasionally WhatsApp—throughout my day.

I occasionally monitor my YouTube Studio statistics but prefer watching videos on my TV. I do check Apple News on it, but that’s about it; my phone functions as a phone occasionally, and I utilize it for Apple CarPlay and Maps while driving.

One of the most frequent uses of my iPhone is Apple Pay; I can hardly remember the last time I used my debit cards in public. Apple Pay is simply one of the best innovations out there. I use the camera nearly every day, but mostly for quick family photos and snapshots—that's the extent of it. These activities are all part of my routine.

Are We Overwhelmed with Features?

I watched the recent Samsung event partly out of professional interest but also because I’m a tech enthusiast. It made me reflect on the current trajectory of smartphones, whether they be iPhones or Android devices.

After attending last summer’s WWDC and the latest Samsung showcase, I was bombarded with innovations—a dazzling array—but how many of these features do we genuinely use or even need?

At WWDC, Apple introduced features like Live Voicemails, Stickers, and Reactions—sound familiar? Probably not. Then there was SharePlay for Apple CarPlay—how many of us have even tried it? As for Check-in, I used it once, and it alarmed the recipient so much they thought something was wrong!

There are numerous functions hidden within frequently used apps that I bet many of you have never utilized. When was the last time you took a long exposure photo on your iPhone or adjusted the depth of field post-capture?

Visual Look Up is another feature I forgot existed. The list goes on, and Apple isn't the only one guilty of feature overload.

Samsung has heavily integrated AI into their flagship model. During the Unpacked event, they discussed Note Assist (which could be useful), Chat Assist, Live Translate, and Transcript Assist. Perhaps I’m the odd one out, but life isn’t a scripted performance. I don’t often find myself needing to tidy handwritten notes or translate conversations in real-time, as impressive as that technology may be.

As for Message Assist—just when I thought it couldn’t get more ridiculous—this feature adds tone to your texts. AI can rephrase your messages to sound polite, catchy, or even Shakespearean! Really, enough is enough.

I’ve had the S24 Ultra in my cart for a week now, but I haven’t purchased it. While I’m curious about it, I realize I’m satisfied with my iPhone. Sure, I need content for my articles and videos, but I also want to remain true to myself.

All slab phones essentially look and operate similarly. They’re all fast and equipped with decent batteries, so it seems the only way companies like Apple, Samsung, or Google can entice us to spend money is by cramming them with endless, sometimes unnecessary features. The downside is that there are so many tricks that we often forget they exist or how to use them.

Consider Emergency SOS—would you know how to activate it on your iPhone in a crisis?

These devices—whether iPhone, Galaxy, or Pixel—are fantastic, but ultimately, it boils down to personal preference. I stick with the iPhone for various reasons, with familiarity being a significant factor. However, even after a decade of use, I’m sure there are countless features I still don’t know about, and many I know but don’t need.

Regardless of your choice, maximize your device’s potential and enjoy it. We tend to be creatures of habit, often using our phones in similar ways each day. Choose the device that best fits your lifestyle and get on with your life. There's no need to stress over app details you may never use.

These smartphones are designed to enhance our lives—not complicate them.