Smartphones have replaced so many other devices. They are so versatile that you probably don't need any of the categories of devices they replace.
10. Travel camera
For many people, a point-and-shoot camera was their first taste of digital photography. Now, phones can do it all—and with computational photography and AI photo editing, they're arguably doing it better for the average user.
The real breakthrough was convenience. Smartphones gave you a camera that was always with you, without having to worry about memory cards or batteries. While early phone cameras were laughably poor compared to even a modest point-and-shoot, they eventually reached a point where image quality became “good enough” for Instagram, Facebook, or a quick family photo album.
9. Pocket calculator
You remember your old TI-35 calculator. It was small, scientific, and at the time, it made people feel like they could solve anything but nuclear equations. In school, it was a symbol of preparation, and its little green LED screen gave it a high-tech feel.
But today, the same functionality is available in smartphone calculator apps, along with a whole suite of scientific tools, graphing tools, and even symbolic problem solvers. The irony is that the calculator was once the disruptor, replacing the algebraic scale and ushering in a new wave of accessible mathematics.
8. GPS device
Dedicated GPS devices like Garmin and TomTom were groundbreaking at the time, offering a convenient alternative to folding paper maps. But smartphones have since redefined how we navigate.
Navigation apps like Google Maps and its alternatives do more than just provide turn-by-turn directions. They offer live traffic updates, intelligent rerouting, and even sync with contacts and calendars for seamless trip planning.
7. MP3 player
Remember the pride you felt when you picked up your first MP3 player? It was a bulky Creative Zen with a tiny screen and only room for a few dozen songs.
But as smartphones and streaming music apps like Spotify , Apple Music , and YouTube Music emerged, the idea of “owning” MP3s began to feel a little strange; perhaps even unnecessary. Access quickly replaced ownership.
6. Alarm clock
There’s something strangely comforting about the soft red glow of a digital alarm clock sitting on your bedside table. We grew up with a clock with a physical button and a snooze bar as a lifeline on school mornings.
But when smartphones entered the bedroom, alarm clocks were quietly pushed aside. Now, phones are alarm clocks, sleep trackers, white noise machines, and integrated entertainment systems. You can set multiple alarms, customize snooze times, and choose from hundreds of alarm sounds. It’s hard to deny the convenience.
5. Flashlight
For most people, the LED flash of their smartphones has quietly replaced the traditional flashlight. It’s hard to resist the convenience of having a light source in your pocket, ready to help you find your keys, deal with a sudden power outage, or look under the sofa without having to fumble for another device.
4. Voice recorder
Once upon a time, a pocket-sized digital voice recorder was a must-have for students, journalists, or anyone chasing a lyric or fleeting idea. It was simple: Just hit record, speak your mind.
But these days, when you need to record a podcast idea , record a random conversation, or capture a fleeting thought, you don’t have to think twice. Just open a voice recorder app. Thanks to better built-in microphones and AI-powered noise reduction, the audio is often clearer than any old voice recorder could handle. And you can edit, transcribe, or share the file without switching apps.
3. Scanner
Many people have had headaches at the thought of scanning something because it means having to pull out a bulky machine, boot up slow software, and pray that the printed image isn't warped or grainy - all just to digitize a receipt or save a signed form.
Now your smartphone can scan documents and make them look great. Scanning apps like Adobe Scan, Microsoft Lens, CamScanner , or even the built-in Notes app can scan, automatically crop, edit, and convert images to PDFs in seconds.
2. Personal digital assistant
Remember the Palm Pilot with its stylus and grayscale screen? It couldn't make calls or take pictures, but it could manage your calendar, take notes, store contacts, and even play the occasional game of pixel solitaire.
Those early PDAs may seem primitive by today's standards, but they laid the groundwork for the smartphones we use every day. Every swipe, tap, or "Hey Siri" comes from those early smartphone prototypes (in some way). They walked so the smartphones we have today could sprint—and we've been running marathons ever since.
1. E-book reader
This category needs a more nuanced look because dedicated e-readers, like the Kindle, aren’t going away. In fact, they’re still around. However, smartphones have replaced the basic e-reading function for many casual readers. The ability to read books, magazines, and articles on your phone, especially with the best e-reader apps and a variety of news apps, has made reading easier and more a part of everyday life.
The common point of most of these AI chatbot tools is that they need an Internet connection to use. But with the article below, you will learn more tips for using AI chatbots without the Internet on your phone.
Depending on your needs, you'll likely get a set of Pixel-exclusive features running on your existing Android device.
After years of using Android phones, many people have become familiar with a number of open source Android apps. These apps are better than their closed source counterparts.
Samsung's camera app works well out of the box, but Camera Assistant adds new features that you wish were built in from the start.
Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a powerful and versatile tool that allows you to do many things like find logs, install and uninstall apps, transfer files, root and flash custom ROMs, create device backups.
Chrome on Android is a great browser out of the box, but you can make it even better. These tips and features will help you browse the web faster.
When you compare smartphones from nearly two decades ago and today, you can't help but notice that they've gotten worse in a variety of ways.
Just like the .exe file on the Windows operating system is used to install software, the same is true on the Android operating system. APK files on the Android operating system are used to install software on the system. So how to download and install APK files on Android devices, please refer to the article below of WebTech360.
Are you bored with static wallpapers on your phone? Try this method of turning videos into beautiful wallpapers for Android.
The lock screen on your phone or tablet is a tool designed to prevent strangers from accessing your device. Because of this importance, setting up the lock screen in the safest and most reasonable way is something every user should do. The article below summarizes 4 things you should apply to the lock screen on Android and iOS to master the above feature and protect your device from unauthorized access.
Developer options on Android devices are hidden by default, to avoid changes that affect the system. The following article will guide readers on how to enable developer mode on Android, illustrated on the Samsung Galaxy S9, and how to disable this option if you no longer use it.
Smartphones and tablets can easily fill up with storage, especially if you've been using them for a while. Here are some ways to free up space on your Android device.
Deleting apps you know you won't use is a great way to save storage space and minimize background processes on your phone.
It's easy to think of screenshots as temporary, but many of us never delete them. The danger is that some of them can become gold mines for hackers, identity thieves, or even just curious friends.
Many people think that their Samsung phone battery can no longer meet the daily needs. But after turning off these overlooked settings, the battery can easily last all day.
The common point of most of these AI chatbot tools is that they need an Internet connection to use. But with the article below, you will learn more tips for using AI chatbots without the Internet on your phone.
Depending on your needs, you'll likely get a set of Pixel-exclusive features running on your existing Android device.
After years of using Android phones, many people have become familiar with a number of open source Android apps. These apps are better than their closed source counterparts.
Near Field Communication is a wireless technology that allows devices to exchange data when they are in close proximity to each other, typically within a few centimeters.
Apple introduced Adaptive Power, which works alongside Low Power Mode. Both extend iPhone battery life, but they work in very different ways.
Samsung's camera app works well out of the box, but Camera Assistant adds new features that you wish were built in from the start.
Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a powerful and versatile tool that allows you to do many things like find logs, install and uninstall apps, transfer files, root and flash custom ROMs, create device backups.
If you frequently need to contact someone, you can set up speed calling on your iPhone, with a few simple steps.
Rotating the screen horizontally on iPhone helps you watch movies or Netflix, view PDFs, play games,... more conveniently and have a better experience.
Reverse image search on iPhone is very simple when you can use the browser on the device, or use some 3rd party applications for more search options.
Chrome on Android is a great browser out of the box, but you can make it even better. These tips and features will help you browse the web faster.
When you compare smartphones from nearly two decades ago and today, you can't help but notice that they've gotten worse in a variety of ways.
Just like the .exe file on the Windows operating system is used to install software, the same is true on the Android operating system. APK files on the Android operating system are used to install software on the system. So how to download and install APK files on Android devices, please refer to the article below of WebTech360.
Are you bored with static wallpapers on your phone? Try this method of turning videos into beautiful wallpapers for Android.
The lock screen on your phone or tablet is a tool designed to prevent strangers from accessing your device. Because of this importance, setting up the lock screen in the safest and most reasonable way is something every user should do. The article below summarizes 4 things you should apply to the lock screen on Android and iOS to master the above feature and protect your device from unauthorized access.
