Phone makers have made artificial intelligence the centrepiece of their marketing, but do people actually value AI features on their phones? A survey by SellCell, a US used-phone marketplace, of more than 2,000 iPhone and Samsung Galaxy owners suggests most do not, at least not yet. Here is what the survey found, why so many users are unimpressed and what it could mean for your next phone purchase.
The survey was published in December 2024, shortly after Apple Intelligence and Galaxy AI began rolling out, so the numbers reflect that early period.
Contents
- Key findings at a glance
- Why are users unimpressed by smartphone AI?
- 1. Companies haven’t explained what AI is for
- 2. Many people haven’t tried the features
- 3. A slow rollout
- Which AI features do people actually use?
- Would people pay for AI?
- What this means for buyers
- Sources
- Frequently asked questions
- Do people like AI on their phones?
- What is the most used AI feature on Samsung phones?
- Would people pay for phone AI features?
- Related on Froshvibes
Key findings at a glance
| Finding | iPhone users | Samsung users |
|---|---|---|
| Say AI adds little or no value | 73% | 87% |
| Say AI is an important reason to buy a new phone | 47.6% | 23.7% |
| Would switch brands for better AI | 16.8% (to Samsung) | 9.7% (to Apple) |
| Haven’t tried the AI features | 58.4% | 53.1% |
| Would refuse to pay for AI features | 86.5% | 94.5% |
| Brand loyalty (vs 2021) | 78.9% (down from 92%) | 67.2% (down from 74%) |
Why are users unimpressed by smartphone AI?
1. Companies haven’t explained what AI is for
Analysts quoted in coverage of the survey argued that brands advertise phones as “now with AI” without showing people what to do with it. Without clear, everyday uses, AI feels like a buzzword rather than a reason to upgrade.
2. Many people haven’t tried the features
Over half of users in both groups had not explored the AI tools. iPhone owners often cited outdated software or phones that don’t support Apple Intelligence; Samsung owners questioned the usefulness and accuracy of Galaxy AI.
3. A slow rollout
Apple Intelligence arrived in stages, so many features people saw in adverts weren’t available yet. Analysts expected attitudes to change as more useful features became available.
Which AI features do people actually use?
- iPhone: Writing Tools (72%) and notification summaries (54%) were the most used.
- Samsung: Circle to Search dominated, used by 82.1% of people who tried Galaxy AI.
The pattern is clear: practical tools that save time in everyday tasks get used, while flashier features are ignored.
Would people pay for AI?
Overwhelmingly, no. 86.5% of iPhone users and 94.5% of Galaxy users said they would not pay to keep using AI features. That is a clear warning to any phone maker thinking about charging subscriptions for AI.
What this means for buyers
- Don’t pay extra just for AI. Battery life, camera quality, software updates and price still matter more for most people.
- Check update support. AI features often need the latest software; see which Galaxy phones get the One UI 9 update.
- Try the practical tools. Features like Circle to Search or writing assistance can genuinely save time.
Looking for a phone where the battery matters more than AI? See the TECNO SPARK 50 and the Honor 600 Pro.
Sources
Survey by SellCell, reported by TechNewsWorld and TechRadar.
Frequently asked questions
Do people like AI on their phones?
According to the SellCell survey, most don’t yet: 73% of iPhone users and 87% of Samsung users said AI adds little or no value.
What is the most used AI feature on Samsung phones?
Circle to Search, used by 82.1% of Samsung users who had tried Galaxy AI.
Would people pay for phone AI features?
No. Over 86% of iPhone users and 94% of Samsung users said they would not pay.
Related on Froshvibes
