AI big smartphone pitch, but basics remain prime
The smartphone’s upgrade pitch may now be AI, but consumers are still starting with the processor, with 29% of buyers ranking the chip as their top consideration when choosing their next smartphone in the first quarter of 2026, up from 24% a year earlier, according to Counterpoint Research.
The finding comes as smartphone makers are packing AI into devices across price segments, from flagship phones that can translate conversations and search files using natural language to more affordable models offering AI photo editing, transcription and generative tools.
