The mobile AI features Apple and Samsung users rely on most

The integration of artificial intelligence features into smartphones has received a mixed reception from users, with many questioning the practical value of these new capabilities according to a recent survey by phone reseller SellCell.

Current adoption patterns: A survey of over 2,000 U.S. smartphone users reveals distinctly different preferences between iPhone and Samsung Galaxy users when it comes to AI features.

• iPhone users gravitate most toward Writing Tools (72%), Notification Summaries (54%), and Priority Messages (45%)
• Samsung Galaxy users show strongest engagement with Circle to Search (82%), Photo Assist (55%), and Chat Assist (29%)
• The majority of users from both camps report limited perceived value from AI features, with 65% of iPhone users and 52% of Samsung users expressing skepticism

Usage barriers and concerns: Several key factors are hindering widespread adoption of mobile AI features.

• iPhone users primarily cite not updating to the latest software version as their main reason for non-adoption
• Samsung users mainly report that they don’t find the features particularly useful
• Privacy concerns and skepticism about AI accuracy emerge as common concerns across both platforms

Market implications: The lukewarm reception of current AI features suggests limited impact on brand loyalty.

• Only 17% of iPhone users would consider switching to Samsung for better AI features
• Similarly, just 10% of Samsung users would contemplate moving to iPhone for AI capabilities
• These statistics indicate that AI features are not yet a significant driver of smartphone purchasing decisions

Future outlook: The mobile AI landscape appears poised for continued evolution, though user enthusiasm remains tentative.

• Both Apple and Samsung are expected to roll out enhanced AI capabilities throughout 2025
• Current user skepticism suggests manufacturers need to focus on developing more practical, value-adding features
• The gap between technological capability and user adoption highlights the importance of addressing real-world user needs rather than simply adding features for their own sake

Reading between the lines: While smartphone manufacturers are heavily promoting AI capabilities, the survey results suggest a disconnect between marketing hype and actual user value, indicating that mobile AI features may need significant refinement before achieving widespread adoption and appreciation.