Recently, SellCell, a used phone marketplace, surveyed over 2,000 smartphone users. The results revealed that 73% of iPhone users and 87% of Samsung Galaxy users found Artificial Intelligence (AI) to have little to no value in their smartphone experience. This lukewarm consumer response is noteworthy, given the recent influx of AI features in both iPhone and Galaxy devices.
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SellCell's survey targeted users of phones with AI capabilities, including iPhone 15 Pro and later models, and Galaxy S22 and later models. The survey indicated a general lack of interest in AI features, with 86.5% of iPhone users and 94.5% of Galaxy users unwilling to pay extra for them. Despite all Galaxy S25 users receiving a six-month free trial of Gemini Advanced, few expressed interest in renewing the service. Apple, meanwhile, hasn't announced any plans to charge for Apple Intelligence.
The survey also found that AI features have minimal impact on phone upgrades. Only 16.8% of iPhone users said they would switch to Galaxy due to superior AI, and only 9.7% of Galaxy users would switch to iPhone for the same reason. While almost half of iPhone users (47.6%) considered AI features when buying a new phone, only 23.7% of Galaxy users said the same.
Approximately 40% of surveyed users reported trying AI features, with 41.6% of iPhone users and 46.9% of Galaxy users falling into this category. This suggests that most users aren't actively engaging with AI functionalities. The survey suggests many iPhone users may not have upgraded to iOS 18.1 to experience Apple Intelligence, while Galaxy users generally lack interest in existing AI features. Furthermore, nearly one-fifth of iPhone users and less than one-quarter of Galaxy users cited inaccurate AI functionality as a reason for non-use.
The survey results prompt reflection on the value of AI features. For many consumers, AI seems less appealing than advertised. While tech companies continue to roll out new features, actual user engagement reveals a rather indifferent response. Going forward, Apple and Samsung are expected to deliver higher-quality, more practical AI features to pique user interest.
Key Takeaways:
🟢 73% of iPhone users and 87% of Galaxy users perceive AI as having little to no value in their smartphone experience.
🔵 Over 86% of iPhone users and 94% of Galaxy users are unwilling to pay for AI features.
🟠 Only 16.8% of iPhone users would switch to a Galaxy phone due to better AI capabilities.