The SADDEST Smartphone Downgrades They Want You To Forget

Summary

This video highlights the ongoing trend of smartphone companies removing or downgrading key features, often under the guise of innovation or environmental reasons, but with a clear focus on maximizing profits. From Samsung's removal of the S Pen’s Bluetooth functionality to Apple's decision to remove chargers from iPhone boxes, the video takes a critical look at these 'upgrades' and their impact on the user experience. It also covers OnePlus's confusing product lineup and Google’s design missteps, illustrating the frustration felt by consumers as they watch beloved features disappear for corporate gain.

Takeaways

• 😀 Samsung removed Bluetooth functionality from the S Pen, reducing its usefulness and forcing users to buy other products to regain similar features.
• 😀 The Galaxy S24 Ultra downgraded from 10x optical zoom to 5x, relying on AI for similar image quality, which some users felt was a compromise.
• 😀 Samsung's return to using Exynos processors globally for some regions was seen as a step backward, given the previous preference for Snapdragon chips.
• 😀 Google faced criticism for the Pixel 3 XL’s design, particularly its large notch, and for removing the fingerprint sensor in the Pixel 4.
• 😀 The Pixel 4's face unlock feature was problematic during the COVID-19 pandemic when users wore masks, exposing its limitations.
• 😀 Apple’s decision to remove the charger from the iPhone 12 box in 2020 was framed as an environmental move but largely benefited Apple's profits.
• 😀 OnePlus removed wireless charging from the OnePlus 11, despite it being a feature in the OnePlus 10 Pro, and reintroduced it with the OnePlus 12.
• 😀 The OnePlus 10T’s removal of the Alert Slider, a key signature feature, was seen as a departure from OnePlus’s brand identity and alienated loyal users.
• 😀 The OnePlus 9 series removed optical image stabilization (OIS) from the base model, compromising camera performance in low light for a higher price tag on the Pro model.
• 😀 Xiaomi downgraded the charging speed in their Mi10 Ultra, reducing it from 120W to 67W, which was seen as a trade-off for battery longevity, despite the slower speed.

Q & A

What feature did Samsung remove from the S Pen in 2025, and why?

Samsung removed Bluetooth functionality from the S Pen in 2025, citing a lack of use as the reason. This decision also removed the ability to use the S Pen to control music or take pictures from a distance, which had been a popular feature.

How does the removal of Bluetooth from the S Pen affect the phone's design?

The removal of Bluetooth from the S Pen left an empty space in the phone. Despite the space being available, no alternative feature or a bigger battery was added, which the user criticizes as a missed opportunity for improving the device.

Why did Samsung downgrade its zoom capabilities in the S24 Ultra?

Samsung downgraded the optical zoom in the S24 Ultra from 10x to 5x, likely to reduce size, weight, and cost. The new 5x sensor has more megapixels and better low-light performance, but the user feels it is a step back compared to the previous model's capabilities.

What issue did Samsung face regarding the Exynos processors in their smartphones?

Samsung previously used Exynos processors in some regions, which were seen as inferior to Snapdragon versions in terms of battery life, performance, and camera quality. With the S23, Samsung switched to using Snapdragon globally, but the Exynos return with later models is viewed as a setback.

How did Google make questionable decisions with the design of the Pixel 3 XL?

The Pixel 3 XL featured a large, unattractive notch that was criticized for ruining the phone's design. The user also points out that the design was an awkward step backward compared to the previous year's Pixel 2.

What was the issue with the Pixel 4 in terms of security features?

The Pixel 4 removed the fingerprint scanner and relied solely on face unlock for security. This became problematic during the COVID-19 pandemic when users had to wear masks, making face unlock less reliable.

What controversial move did Apple make with the iPhone 12 regarding accessories?

Apple removed the charger from the iPhone 12 box, citing environmental reasons. However, the user argues that this move was more financially motivated, as Apple still sold chargers separately, making a profit while not truly helping the environment.

How did OnePlus make its flagship models less appealing over time?

OnePlus removed key features such as wireless charging and the alert slider in their later models like the OnePlus 11 and 10T. These decisions were seen as downgrades that hurt the brand's identity and alienated loyal customers.

What was the issue with the OnePlus 9's camera features?

The OnePlus 9 removed Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) from the base model, making it harder to capture steady photos, especially in low light. This contradicted their partnership with Hasselblad to improve the camera quality, which further confused and disappointed customers.

How did the OnePlus 10T differ from the OnePlus 10 Pro in terms of features?

The OnePlus 10T lacked wireless charging and the alert slider, two features that were standard in previous models. This was seen as a significant downgrade, particularly for a flagship model, which harmed OnePlus's reputation for providing premium value.