Since we all need smartphones to navigate this modern world of ours, any tips that will help you make the best purchase decisions should be welcome, right? I bought an iPhone 14 when it came out in 2022, and you can learn something from my experience.
See, Apple loves to tout its optimisation superiority and how that means they can get more done with less powerful hardware than the competition. This means that, apart from the processor, Apple usually has inferior hardware compared to its Android counterparts.
However, by being able to control everything from hardware to software and everything in between, they are able to optimise their devices better. This, for example, explains why the iPhone 16 Pro Max has better battery life than Android phones with much bigger physical batteries.
Almost every test you see has the 16 Pro Max, with its 4685mAh battery, beating out phones like the S24 Ultra with its 5000mAh battery. That’s impressive optimisation and efficiency.
This has meant that Apple has often gotten away with inferior hardware. iPhones—and Macs too—have had less RAM than their counterparts for years. In practice, Apple users were not getting inferior performance regardless of the hardware inferiority, and all was well with the world.
The problems came when technological advances in artificial intelligence led to a leap in hardware requirements.
Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence was announced a few months ago, but the announcement was annoying because it revealed that only the iPhone 16 series and the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max would be getting it. Last year’s iPhone 15 and 15 Plus would not be getting it, let alone my iPhone 14.
Was Apple trying to force users to upgrade? No, it was just a matter of those excluded iPhones having too little RAM to run Apple Intelligence.
So, for years, iPhone users got away with less RAM, but when running AI locally became a thing, they could not participate. This left Apple in a position of dropping support for phones that were not even one year old when first announcing Apple Intelligence.
In contrast, Samsung introduced Galaxy AI, and the Galaxy S22 series—which came out in the same year as my iPhone 14—is getting it. Even 2021’s S21 series gets some Galaxy AI features.
Future-proofing
The lesson here is on future-proofing. See, my iPhone 14 is still usable for me, and fortunately, none of what Apple Intelligence offers sounds revolutionary enough for me to want to upgrade to get it. Don’t get me wrong, I would have loved to get it, but I’m not losing sleep over it.
However, it is annoying to not get updates because Apple cheaped out and gave us inferior raw specs for years.
My experience with the iPhone 14 and the recent Apple Intelligence announcement highlights a crucial consideration when choosing a smartphone: future-proofing.
While Apple excels at optimisation, relying solely on this can have drawbacks. For years, iPhones have often boasted less RAM than Android competitors. This strategy worked well while software demands remained low. However, the rise of AI-powered features, like Apple Intelligence, has changed the game.
The iPhone 14, despite its age, is still a capable device. However, its limited RAM prevents it from accessing Apple Intelligence, however useful the feature may be in the future. This shows the importance of considering a device’s long-term capabilities beyond its initial performance.
Key Considerations for Future-proofing:
- RAM: Look for a phone with ample RAM. This is crucial for handling demanding tasks, running multiple apps simultaneously, and ensuring smooth performance as software and AI capabilities evolve.
- Processor Power: While optimisation plays a significant role, a powerful processor provides a strong foundation for future-proofing. It ensures the device can handle the increasing computational demands of future software updates and emerging technologies.
- Software Updates: Prioritise phones with strong software update support. Regular updates bring security patches, bug fixes, and new features, extending the device’s lifespan and ensuring it remains relevant.
- Manufacturer’s Track Record: Research the manufacturer’s history of software updates and support. Some companies offer longer update cycles, providing more value over time.
By carefully considering these factors, you can make a more informed purchase decision and increase the likelihood that your smartphone will remain a valuable asset for years to come. While the initial cost might be a factor, investing in a device with a strong foundation for the future can save you from costly upgrades and ensure a smoother, more enjoyable user experience over the long term.
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