Phones nearly perfect

Both Apple and Samsung have recently released smartphones that are almost identical to the previous year’s models.

Samsung’s Galaxy S9 looks almost identical to last year’s S8, and the iPhone 8 is indistinguishable from the iPhone 7. Both added a few extra features but the changes are a lot less noticeable than updates to previous models.

The screens look amazing, the cameras take excellent photos and they’ve got plenty of processing power and storage.

Does that mean the smartphone has been perfected?

We’re close, but a new generation of technology may provide new features beyond what is achievable with current tech.

Taking this next step is important for phone manufacturers as people aren’t upgrading their phones as often as they don’t see new devices offering much more than what they

A new generation of technology may soon provide new features.

already have.

This has lead to ‘‘peak smartphone’’ where companies are selling fewer devices. Last year, was the first decline in global shipments (down 0.1 per cent), according to research firm IDC.

The two biggest next-generation improvements I’d want in a new phone is a longer lasting battery and faster data speeds.

However, that may take a while.

First, batteries. Smartphones use lithium-ion batteries and that technology is at its peak, so we’re unlikely to get a phone lasting three days unless there’s a breakthrough. That hope lies with ‘‘lithium-air’’ batteries which claim to have 10 times the capacity of today’s tech.

Faster data may be more achievable, in some places at least. Smartphones with 5G, which will offer data speeds up to 10 times that of 4G, are due to go on sale next year. However, it may take longer to roll out 5G cell towers though some city centres in New Zealand may have it in the next few years.

So while it may appear smartphones are nearly perfect, we’re actually in a bit of a tech plateau.

So enjoy not being tempted to upgrade in the next wee while but be prepared for a new, more enticing, generation of smartphones to go on sale in the coming years.