2025 was a year of mixed feelings for tech enthusiasts, with some exciting personal purchases but a sense of stagnation in the tech industry. From the Nintendo Switch 2 to the iPad Pro M4, there were some underwhelming releases that failed to impress.
The smartphone market in particular seemed to be treading water, with Samsung and Google offering incremental updates to their 2024 line-ups. The Google Pixel 10 series saw some improvements but also some regressions, while the OnePlus 15 received mixed reviews due to its inferior camera and screen hardware.
One of the most disappointing aspects of the year was the lack of innovation in smartphone design. Most phones adopted a similar design to the iPhone, with flat rims and tightly curved corners. Even upcoming releases like the Xiaomi 17 didn’t offer anything groundbreaking in terms of design.
However, there were some glimmers of hope for the future in 2025. Battery life in smartphones took a significant leap forward, with devices like the OnePlus 15 offering improved stamina that could last into a third day of usage. This was a welcome change from the decreasing battery life seen in recent years.
Looking ahead to 2026, there are reasons to be optimistic. Foldable phones are becoming more viable, with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold showcasing new designs and features. The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, in particular, offered a unique foldable form factor that could revolutionize the industry.
With rumors of Apple launching a foldable iPhone in 2026, there is the potential for foldables to go mainstream and bring better hardware and lower prices. While 2025 may have been a lackluster year for tech, 2026 holds promise for more substantial innovations and advancements in the smartphone market.
