Where Data Tells the Story
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Artificial intelligence has become a selling point for nearly every new smartphone. Samsung promotes Galaxy AI in its S25 line, Google integrates Gemini into the Pixel series, and Apple is rolling out Apple Intelligence across iPhones.
Yet, a survey of more than 2,200 U.S. adults shows that AI is not convincing most buyers to upgrade. Only 11 percent said they would purchase a new device for its AI features, a figure down seven points from last year. Nearly three in ten respondents went further, saying AI on phones is not useful and that they would prefer fewer additions.
Instead, as per CNet survey, buyers continue to value more traditional features. Price remains the top factor for 62 percent of respondents, while 54 percent named battery life, 39 percent cited storage, and three in ten pointed to camera performance. These same areas topped last year’s survey, suggesting consumer priorities have not shifted despite industry efforts to promote AI.
Usage data highlights the gap between promotion and adoption. Just 13 percent of smartphone owners said they rely on AI for writing or text summaries. Fewer still use image generation or photo editing tools. One in five admitted they do not know how to use the AI tools already built into their phones.
Privacy and cost present further barriers. More than 40 percent of respondents expressed concern about how AI handles their data, an increase from last year. Half said they would not pay extra for AI features, even as companies consider charging for premium services.
Younger consumers show somewhat greater interest. One in four Gen Z respondents said they find mobile AI features helpful, compared with 16 percent of millennials. But even among iPhone and Pixel owners, daily use of assistants such as Siri or Gemini remains limited.
The findings underline a clear reality: AI may be everywhere in marketing campaigns, but for consumers, smartphones are still judged on price, battery performance, storage, and camera quality. For now, practicality continues to outweigh the promise of artificial intelligence.