{"id":5803,"date":"2025-05-17T22:13:51","date_gmt":"2025-05-17T14:13:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/yes-many-flagship-phones-now-look-the-same-but-i-dont-think-its-a-bad-thing\/"},"modified":"2025-05-17T22:13:51","modified_gmt":"2025-05-17T14:13:51","slug":"yes-many-flagship-phones-now-look-the-same-but-i-dont-think-its-a-bad-thing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/yes-many-flagship-phones-now-look-the-same-but-i-dont-think-its-a-bad-thing\/","title":{"rendered":"Yes, many flagship phones now look the same \u2013 but I don&#8217;t think it&#8217;s a bad thing"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<p>Every year, like clockwork, major companies unveil new smartphones with slick presentations and big promises. And every year, someone inevitably sighs, \u201cThey all look the same\u201d (indeed, 915 TechRadar readers did just that in a <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/phones\/are-modern-smartphone-designs-boring-we-asked-1-500-people-and-the-results-are-damning\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/phones\/are-modern-smartphone-designs-boring-we-asked-1-500-people-and-the-results-are-damning\">recent poll<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>To be fair, it\u2019s hard to argue against that sentiment, especially having recently unboxed my new <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/phones\/iphone\/iphone-16-pro-max-review\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/phones\/iphone\/iphone-16-pro-max-review\">iPhone 16 Pro Max<\/a> and realising how closely it resembles my old <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/reviews\/iphone-13-pro-max-review\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/reviews\/iphone-13-pro-max-review\">iPhone 13 Pro Max<\/a>. The same flat edges, the same familiar feel in the hand, and aside from the addition of the Dynamic Island, not a huge visual difference.<\/p>\n<aside data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"hawk-base\"\/>\n<p>But here\u2019s the thing: I don\u2019t mind that at all.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<span class=\"bg-secondary-500 text-white text-lg font-bold uppercase py-1 px-2 leading-[1.625rem] sm:leading-[6px] sm:text-sm\"><br \/>\nYou may like<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p>In fact, I think it\u2019s part of why I like it so much. My new phone might look familiar, but it\u2019s lighter, sleeker, and more refined in ways that genuinely matter.<\/p>\n<p>And maybe \u2013 just maybe \u2013 we\u2019ve reached a point where this kind of \u201csameness\u201d isn\u2019t a sign of stagnation, but of maturity and a sector that is comfortable in its own skin, without needing to rely on gimmicks.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-era-of-smartphone-sameness-3\">The era of smartphone sameness <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:3481px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.28%;\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D5kEtkU28UgtNJj88TvuqF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D5kEtkU28UgtNJj88TvuqF-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D5kEtkU28UgtNJj88TvuqF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D5kEtkU28UgtNJj88TvuqF-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D5kEtkU28UgtNJj88TvuqF-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D5kEtkU28UgtNJj88TvuqF-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D5kEtkU28UgtNJj88TvuqF-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D5kEtkU28UgtNJj88TvuqF-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D5kEtkU28UgtNJj88TvuqF-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D5kEtkU28UgtNJj88TvuqF-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D5kEtkU28UgtNJj88TvuqF-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D5kEtkU28UgtNJj88TvuqF-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D5kEtkU28UgtNJj88TvuqF.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/D5kEtkU28UgtNJj88TvuqF.jpg\"\/><\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\"inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Future)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It\u2019s not just iPhones.<\/p>\n<p>Take a look at any of the top picks in our <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/news\/best-phone\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/uk\/news\/best-phone\">best phones<\/a> guide, and you\u2019ll notice a clear trend: from <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/tag\/apple\" data-auto-tag-linker=\"true\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/tag\/apple\">Apple<\/a> and <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/tag\/samsung\" data-auto-tag-linker=\"true\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/tag\/samsung\">Samsung<\/a> to Google and OnePlus, flagship smartphones are beginning to blur together.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-YB4xg3mc3LwHHFXK5fzJYj\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-YB4xg3mc3LwHHFXK5fzJYj slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\"\/>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Most have large, bright <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/tag\/oled\" data-auto-tag-linker=\"true\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/tag\/oled\">OLED<\/a> screens, multiple rear cameras arranged in neat clusters, sleek glass or metal finishes, and slim bezels. From a distance \u2013 and even up close \u2013 it\u2019s often hard to tell one from another.<\/p>\n<p>Design-wise, we\u2019ve entered an era of convergence. The iPhone 16 Pro Max looks like a polished evolution of the 13 Pro Max (or 14 or 15 Pro Max), just as the Galaxy S25 Ultra isn\u2019t a radical departure from its predecessor.<\/p>\n<p>And that\u2019s not necessarily due to a lack of creativity \u2013 it\u2019s because the basics are already nailed. Big screen? Tick. Excellent cameras? Tick. All-day battery life? Tick.<\/p>\n<p>Even the internal specs are starting to level out. The differences between top-end Android devices and iPhones are often more about software and ecosystem than raw hardware.<\/p>\n<p>At a glance, that might seem boring \u2013 but it\u2019s also a sign that smartphones are more refined, capable, and reliable than ever before.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"why-sameness-isn-t-a-bad-thing-3\">Why sameness isn&#8217;t a bad thing<\/h2>\n<div id=\"slice-container-imageGallery-YB4xg3mc3LwHHFXK5fzJYj-GEjwlqv55ZsYF6CihJJtnlDg2FQCjmmM\" class=\"slice-container imageGallery-wrapper imageGallery-YB4xg3mc3LwHHFXK5fzJYj-GEjwlqv55ZsYF6CihJJtnlDg2FQCjmmM slice-container-imageGallery\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"inline-gallery first-slide-only\">\n<p>Image <!-- -->1<!-- --> of <!-- -->2<\/p>\n<div style=\"overflow-x:hidden\" class=\"inline-gallery__items\">\n<div style=\"-webkit-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-transition:all 0s ease 0s;transition:all 0s ease 0s;-webkit-transform:translate(0%, 0);transform:translate(0%, 0);direction:ltr;display:flex;will-change:transform\" class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\">\n<div style=\"width:100%;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;flex-shrink:0;overflow:auto\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-swipeable=\"true\">\n<div class=\"items__item\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1920px\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\" style=\"padding-bottom:56.25%\">\n<div style=\"display:contents\"><picture data-hydrate=\"true\"><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max  REVIEW\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCU2oG7w57XwU3StKAQV4n.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">The iPhone 16 Pro Max<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Future \/ Lance Ulanoff)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"image-cont__expand\" data-testid=\"expandButton\" data-analytics-id=\"gallery-expand-image\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M31.557 12.067L31.773 0 19.791.213l.05 3.216 6.225-.115-7.347 7.39 2.422 2.434 7.34-7.382-.108 6.213 3.184.098zM.215 19.903L0 31.97l11.984-.213-.05-3.217-6.225.113 7.348-7.388-2.42-2.436-7.34 7.383L3.402 20l-3.187-.098zM20.004 31.704L32 32.001l-.293-12.059-3.195.03.154 6.263-7.396-7.44-2.407 2.42 7.389 7.43-6.174-.148-.074 3.207zM12.213.33L.22.034l.293 12.059 3.195-.032-.152-6.26 7.394 7.438 2.404-2.418L5.967 3.39l6.174.15.072-3.209z\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"width:100%;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;flex-shrink:0;overflow:auto\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\">\n<div class=\"items__item\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:1920px\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\" style=\"padding-bottom:58.64583333333333%\">\n<div style=\"display:contents\"><picture data-hydrate=\"true\"><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><source class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The iPhone 13 Pro Max in Sierra Blue in hand against a blurred nature background\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" class=\"image-wrapped__image image__image\" loading=\"lazy\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nFQwNQCsvz7Zc3HTuuVkfZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">The iPhone 13 Pro Max<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: TechRadar)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"image-cont__expand\" data-testid=\"expandButton\" data-analytics-id=\"gallery-expand-image\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M31.557 12.067L31.773 0 19.791.213l.05 3.216 6.225-.115-7.347 7.39 2.422 2.434 7.34-7.382-.108 6.213 3.184.098zM.215 19.903L0 31.97l11.984-.213-.05-3.217-6.225.113 7.348-7.388-2.42-2.436-7.34 7.383L3.402 20l-3.187-.098zM20.004 31.704L32 32.001l-.293-12.059-3.195.03.154 6.263-7.396-7.44-2.407 2.42 7.389 7.43-6.174-.148-.074 3.207zM12.213.33L.22.034l.293 12.059 3.195-.032-.152-6.26 7.394 7.438 2.404-2.418L5.967 3.39l6.174.15.072-3.209z\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Take the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which doesn\u2019t look drastically different from the 13 Pro Max, but the refinements are instantly noticeable: it\u2019s lighter thanks to the titanium frame, the screen is brighter and more efficient, and the battery life has seen meaningful gains.<\/p>\n<p>The same goes for Samsung\u2019s Galaxy S25 Ultra. Like the S24 Ultra of yesteryear, it sticks with the squared-off design, integrated S Pen, and enormous display. Yet beneath the familiar exterior, you get a faster chipset, better image processing, and longer battery life. Again \u2013 no dramatic shift, just smart evolution.<\/p>\n<p>This kind of quiet improvement is easy to overlook, especially in a market obsessed with flashy upgrades. But there\u2019s something to be said for consistency.<\/p>\n<p>When a design works, when it\u2019s comfortable, reliable, and familiar, sticking with it can be the smartest move. There\u2019s no need to relearn controls, replace accessories, or adjust to a completely new layout just for the sake of novelty.<\/p>\n<p>We see this elsewhere in tech. Laptops, cars, and even kitchen appliances rarely change their fundamental designs year to year. Instead, they improve gradually, getting faster, lighter, or more efficient without needing to rethink the basics.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"an-era-of-under-the-hood-innovations-3\">An era of under-the-hood innovations <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:4002px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/86RM73npj7WBmpYgv4z88E-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/86RM73npj7WBmpYgv4z88E-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/86RM73npj7WBmpYgv4z88E-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/86RM73npj7WBmpYgv4z88E-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/86RM73npj7WBmpYgv4z88E-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/86RM73npj7WBmpYgv4z88E-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Google Pixel 9 Pro\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/86RM73npj7WBmpYgv4z88E-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/86RM73npj7WBmpYgv4z88E-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/86RM73npj7WBmpYgv4z88E-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/86RM73npj7WBmpYgv4z88E-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/86RM73npj7WBmpYgv4z88E-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/86RM73npj7WBmpYgv4z88E-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/86RM73npj7WBmpYgv4z88E.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/86RM73npj7WBmpYgv4z88E.jpg\"\/><\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\"inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The Google Pixel 9 Pro <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Blue Pixl Media)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Just because flagship phones look similar doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re standing still.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, the most meaningful changes these days are happening beneath the surface. Performance, efficiency, and features have all taken big strides forward \u2013 they\u2019re just less immediately visible.<\/p>\n<p>Take the iPhone 16 Pro Max again. The handset runs on Apple\u2019s A18 Pro chip, which not only boosts processing power but also enables new machine learning features and improved energy efficiency.<\/p>\n<p>On the Android side, Google\u2019s Pixel 9 Pro leans into AI-driven tools like Magic Editor and Call Screening, while Samsung\u2019s Galaxy S25 Ultra introduces Galaxy AI for translation, note summarisation, and image editing.<\/p>\n<p>These aren\u2019t flashy changes to the outer shell \u2013 they\u2019re smart, software-led improvements that add real value over time.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"not-every-smartphone-needs-to-stand-out-3\">Not every smartphone needs to stand out <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\" style=\"max-width:3504px;\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNvoBNp5qY3oiPGyG4ur7W-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNvoBNp5qY3oiPGyG4ur7W-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNvoBNp5qY3oiPGyG4ur7W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNvoBNp5qY3oiPGyG4ur7W-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNvoBNp5qY3oiPGyG4ur7W-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNvoBNp5qY3oiPGyG4ur7W-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Motorola Razr Plus 2024 in green standing like a tent with a clock on its face\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNvoBNp5qY3oiPGyG4ur7W-320-80.jpg 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNvoBNp5qY3oiPGyG4ur7W-480-80.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNvoBNp5qY3oiPGyG4ur7W-650-80.jpg 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNvoBNp5qY3oiPGyG4ur7W-970-80.jpg 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNvoBNp5qY3oiPGyG4ur7W-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNvoBNp5qY3oiPGyG4ur7W-1200-80.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNvoBNp5qY3oiPGyG4ur7W.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNvoBNp5qY3oiPGyG4ur7W.jpg\"\/><\/picture><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption itemprop=\"caption description\" class=\"inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The Motorola Razr Plus 2024 <\/span><span class=\"credit\" itemprop=\"copyrightHolder\">(Image credit: Philip Berne \/ Future)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Of course, there are still phones that try to break the mould.<\/p>\n<p>Foldables like the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/phones\/samsung-galaxy-phones\/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-6-review-an-excellent-foldable-makes-another-leap-ahead\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/phones\/samsung-galaxy-phones\/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-6-review-an-excellent-foldable-makes-another-leap-ahead\">Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6<\/a> or the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/reviews\/motorola-razr-plus\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/reviews\/motorola-razr-plus\">Motorola Razr Plus<\/a> offer entirely different form factors. The <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/phones\/nothing-phones\/nothing-phone-2-review\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.techradar.com\/phones\/nothing-phones\/nothing-phone-2-review\">Nothing Phone (2)<\/a> goes out of its way to look distinct with its transparent design and LED glyphs.<\/p>\n<p>These devices matter \u2013 they push the envelope and keep things interesting.<\/p>\n<p>But they\u2019re also the exception, not the rule. Most people don\u2019t want to experiment with a phone that feels wildly different or untested. They want something that works, feels familiar, and gets better every year in subtle but meaningful ways. And that\u2019s exactly what today\u2019s flagship phones are delivering.<\/p>\n<p>Personally, I\u2019ve found some comfort in that familiarity.<\/p>\n<p>My upgrade didn\u2019t wow me with a radical redesign \u2013 and I\u2019m glad it didn\u2019t \u2013 but it gave me better battery life, a lighter body, and a brighter display without asking me to relearn anything. In 2025, that kind of refinement feels like progress.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-you-might-also-like\"><span>You might also like<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Every year, like clockwork, major companies unveil new smartphones with slick presentations and big promises. And every year, someone inevitably sighs, \u201cThey all look the same\u201d (indeed, 915 TechRadar readers did just that in a recent poll). To be fair, it\u2019s hard to argue against that sentiment, especially having recently unboxed my new iPhone 16 [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":5804,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-5803","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-blog"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5803","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5803"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5803\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5804"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5803"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5803"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cicserver.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5803"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}